New data from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) shed light on the characteristics of 2SLGBTQ+ persons with disabilities in Canada. For the first time in 2022, the CSD asked respondents their sex at birth, their gender and their sexual orientation. Together, these variables allow for analysis of the 2SLGBTQ+ population with disabilities.
In recognition of Pride Season, Statistics Canada has released a fact sheet titled A profile of 2SLGBTQ+ persons with disabilities, 2022 to provide a snapshot of the experiences of Canadians with disabilities who reported being a 2SLGBTQ+ person.
Key points from the information sheet
- 2SLGBTQ+ persons with disabilities are younger on average than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts. There were nearly 700,000 2SLGBTQ+ persons with disabilities aged 15 years and over, according to the 2022 CSD. Among persons with disabilities, the median age of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals was substantially younger (29 years) than their non-2SLGBTQ+ counterparts (56 years)
- Around 7 in 10 2SLGBTQ+ persons with disabilities have a mental health-related disability. 2SLGBTQ+ populations experience higher rates of harassment, violent victimization and unwanted sexual behaviours than their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts (i.e., non-2SLGBTQ+ persons). Minority stress, that is, chronic stress related to social stigma, discrimination and the internalization of negative societal attitudes, is a common explanation for poorer mental health outcomes among the 2SLGBTQ+ population.
- Over three-quarters of 2SLGBTQ+ persons with disabilities face barriers to accessibility. In 2022, 78.5% of of 2SLGBTQ+ persons with disabilities aged 15 years and over reported that they experienced one or more of 27 types of barriers to accessibility because of their condition in the past year. Among 2SLGBTQ+ persons with disabilities aged 15 years and over, barriers to communication17 were most commonly experienced
Read the entire post from Statistics Canada