2025 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care Conference champions health for all

Over 700 health leaders united online in March for Nova Scotia’s 2025 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care Conference, three transformative days of learning and action under the powerful theme of “no freedom for one without freedom for all”. 

Hosted by prideHealth in collaboration with Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health, this year’s theme set the tone for powerful learning, storytelling and reflection focused on improving care for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Nova Scotia and beyond.

More than 40 speakers took part in 31 different sessions at the conference. Keynote speakers Mykel Denny, Robert Wright and Rachele Manett helped set the tone for important conversations about equity, inclusion and safer care. People talked about how government rules affect 2SLGBTQIA+ health, how to make 2SLGBTQIA+ people feel welcome in health care and how to use respectful language. The speakers also shared real-life stories, tips and tools to help give better care and fight against wrong information.

One of the most well-attended presentations came from Dr. Catherine Bast and their partner Mixhi Marquis. A passionate advocate for trans and non-binary health care, Catherine (they/them) recently relocated from the United States to Cape Breton, where they now practice at three locations: North Sydney Primary Care Clinic, the Newcomer Health Clinic at Cape Breton University and the Ally Centre. Their work has focused on building inclusive, affirming environments for all patients. In Indiana, Catherine operated a clinic where the majority of patients identified as LGBTQIA+ and was a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging legislation that sought to restrict access to gender-affirming care for youth.

“My goal has been to normalize this care,” says Catherine. “I tell providers, you are probably serving LGBTQ people and you don’t know it. If you don’t know it, it’s because they don’t trust you enough to tell you. So, here’s how you make yourself more friendly so that they will trust you and you can do this work.”

Catherine brings extensive experience in gender-affirming and inclusive primary care and is helping shape a more responsive approach to 2SLGBTQIA+ health in Nova Scotia.

Conference participants included physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, health system leaders, researchers and community advocates all working to strengthen culturally safe, inclusive health care. Sessions explored a range of topics from queer youth health and gender-affirming care to respectful language in clinical settings and building allyship in healthcare.

The free event was open to all Nova Scotia Health and IWK staff. Many participants appreciated the welcoming environment, the wide range of speakers and opportunities to learn practical tools they can apply in their work. Feedback from the event will help guide planning to enhance the overall experience in years to come.

The conference continues to build momentum for affirming care across Nova Scotia’s health system. Organizers thanked everyone for joining the growing group of people supporting affirming care, saying that step by step and conversation by conversation, they’re helping to build safer and more welcoming spaces for all.