Youth spoke about how physical activity offers valuable mental health benefits, including improving self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Endorphins released during exercise also offer mood-boosting benefits, which may be helpful for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.
I always feel better after [exercising], I’m like, ‘Oh, I should do this more’. Yeah, it just feels good.
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
However, sports and recreation spaces can be an intimidating space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, where spaces are often divided into a binary. The 2023 Canadian Non-Binary Youth in Sport Report showed that 66% of non-binary youth avoid joining organized team sports for many reasons, including having to play on a binary gendered team. The report also outlined that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth avoid organized sports and physical activity because of changeroom/locker room layouts, which are gendered.
Besides gendered facilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth often avoid participating in organized sports or other physical activity because of discriminatory comments or other behaviour from teammates and coaches that made them feel unsafe or excluded.
Youth who don’t participate in sport or recreation are less likely to be physically active as adults, which can impact their physical and mental health over the long term. The recommendations in this section highlight 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experiences and the opportunities for leaders to ensure sport, recreation and physical activity are inclusive and safe for youth of all backgrounds and identities.
We need forms that actually say what we are. They always have “male/female” or ask for a parent’s name like it’s a mom and a dad. Even the forms for sports teams. Just change the forms.
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
It’s not just about having one queer-friendly group. I want to feel safe anywhere I go. It shouldn’t be ‘special.’ It should feel normal.
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
- Update registration and team forms to reflect gender diversity. Replace binary gender fields with inclusive options, and programs should consider grouping by comfort level or skill rather than enforcing gender-based divisions.
- Provide flexible, hybrid participation models. Offer recorded, online, or hybrid options for programming.
- Foster safer, more inclusive environments across programs. Programs should actively address discrimination and bullying through staff training, peer leadership, and ongoing oversight.
- Provide free or accessible equipment to reduce cost barriers. 2SLGBTQIA+ youth shared that if equipment was offered for free for activities that require expensive equipment such as skiing and snowboarding, they would participate more often.
- Provide free or low-cost programs to ensure all youth can participate, regardless of income or geography. 2SLGBTQIA+ youth recommended removing financial barriers by offering free or sliding scale programs and ensuring access to equipment without cost.
- Implement gender-inclusive policies. Removing gendered dress expectations helps queer and trans youth feel safer and more included in physical activity spaces.
If it was an online thing, like a group or a class, I’d probably join more. It’s easier to try stuff if you’re not surrounded by people.
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
When and if [gender-diverse or trans people] choose to fit into one of the two teams, they’ll have to wear a specific uniform. Like, okay, on the women’s Rugby team, you wear short booty shorts.
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
The few times that I’ve felt comfortable at the gym were when I saw someone with like brightly dyed hair and a ton of piercings and a ton of tattoos. I’m like, I have a feeling you’re queer, and this is great. We’re here for each other.
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
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