The COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of mental health challenges for youth, and the negative impacts were even greater for 2S/LGBTQQIA+ youth who already face rejection, isolation, and fear. With some schools closed for in-person learning, many 2S/LGBTQQIA+ youth were stuck at home with unsupportive family members, with some feeling physically unsafe and afraid of getting kicked out of their homes. 2S/LGBTQQIA+ youth reported a loss of access to mental health and substance use-related services and 2S/LGBTQQIA+ community support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Losing in-person 2S/LGBTQQIA+ community support—which helps protect against anti-2S/LGBTQQIA+ stigma—was challenging. Some of these services were available virtually, but many youth found it unsafe to use them in unsupportive homes. The loss of these supports contributed to increased mental health challenges and suicidal ideation. Despite these challenges, gender diverse youth in Canada rebuilt communities by using online social networks.However, experiences of 2S/LGBTQQIA+ youth in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic are still not well understood. This report focuses on key COVID-19 related findings for 2S/LGBTQQIA+ youth communities.
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