Back 2 Our Roots: Excluded No More

Back 2 Our Roots is a national, community-led report by The Enchanté Network, spotlighting the lived realities of Black queer, trans, and 2Spirit people across Canada. It unapologetically calls out the systemic anti-Black racism, queerphobia, transphobia, and structural neglect that Black 2SLGBTQI+ communities face daily, despite Canada’s claims of diversity and inclusion.

Through national surveys, consultations, and storytelling, this report reveals deep service gaps in healthcare, housing, mental health, education, and employment, especially for Black trans and non-binary people and those in rural areas. Black 2SLGBTQI+ folks are experiencing high rates of hate crimes, discrimination in schools and workplaces, and systemic barriers to safe, affirming spaces—making survival and joy an everyday act of resistance.

Back 2 Our Roots calls for the creation of a National Black 2SLGBTQI+ Organization, designed by and for Black queer, trans, and 2Spirit people, to address these inequities head-on. This organization would act as a central hub for resources, culturally relevant services, advocacy, and community building while amplifying Black queer voices nationally.

Key recommendations include:

• Establishing targeted, culturally competent healthcare and mental health programs.

• Building safe, affirming physical and digital spaces for connection and healing.

• Developing education and employment initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers.

• Investing in Black 2SLGBTQI+-led research and data collection to drive policy change.

At its heart, Back 2 Our Roots is a call to action for funders, governments, and community leaders to move beyond symbolic gestures and invest in meaningful, systemic change. It is a vision for a Canada where Black 2SLGBTQI+ people can thrive, not just survive, rooted in safety, dignity, and collective liberation.