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More and more disabled people now identify with a diverse sexual and/or gender identity. Caregivers and service providers see this as an area of increased need and support. Since FASD is complex, this together with the combination of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations increases the vulnerability of people with FASD.

Internationally, there has been an increase in people identifying other than men or women or with diverse sexual orientations. In 30 countries worldwide, an average of nine percent (9%) of adults identify as LGBTQIA2S+. This acronym refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit. The plus highlights that these identities continue to expand.

According to the 2021 Canadian Census of individuals over 15 years:
  • 100,815 identifies as transgender or non-binary (not just a man or women) or 1 in 300 people.
  • 0.19% identified as transgender
  • 0.14% identified as non-binary
  • 10% of Canadians identify as LBBTQIA2S+ (2023 IPSOS poll)

Despite this increased awareness, disabled people remain overlooked or unheard in the discussions, including persons with FASD. Currently there is very little evidence regarding the prevalence and experiences of people with FASD who identify as having diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expression. Based on recent data from CanFASD, 23 people or 0.6% presented with a diverse gender identity at the time of their FASD assessment.

Disabled people, including those with FASD, experience many inequalities in justice, housing, education and health care. Disabled people with diverse sexual and gender identities experience even higher rates of unmet health needs leading to harmful outcomes and barriers.

The Canadian Human Rights Act emphasizes the need to ensure that services are provided without discrimination based on disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. As society embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, it also must raise the recognition and representation of people with disabilities including FASD and LGBTQIA2S+.

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