Honourable senators, every June communities across Canada come together to celebrate Pride Month. It’s a time to honour the diverse identities of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Despite our growing visibility — as Prime Minister Carney said yesterday at the Pride flag raising — the community is in a precarious position and is facing backlash around the world.

Recently, I was interviewed for a TV program, and during my introduction the host stumbled. She introduced me as a member of the “LGBTQ — argh! XYZ community!” She threw up her hands, in part exasperated and in part entertaining the audience, turned to me and said, ”What is it anyway?”

That didn’t feel great. She wasn’t just tongue-tied; she blew it off.

She dismissed the gay community for a cheap laugh. She didn’t do it with malice, but in that moment she just didn’t consider me.

What is the right thing to say when addressing the gay community? I don’t know. I’m gay. That doesn’t make me an expert in all things gay. I’m not even an expert at being a lesbian. I know myself. I know my story.

What I do know is that it’s not an alphabet soup of labels. Every letter in the acronym matters. I used to say simply LGBT. Now, I lead with the Indigenous 2S, for two-spirit, and I include the queer community: 2SLGBTQ. More fully, I say 2SLGBTQIA+.

What should you say? It depends a bit on the context, but the most important thing is to understand that each letter represents real people, real identities and real experiences.

As there are many people in the community, there are many explanations of each letter. As this is Pride Month, I encourage you to take it upon yourselves to dive in and do a bit of research.

Friends, how we lift each other up is important. Allyship isn’t about getting every word perfect every time; it’s about trying and showing up with respect.

Ah Ni Na. I first heard this Coast Salish word in a song during a ceremony where I was being gifted a drum for Team Canada. You hear it said when someone has fallen and needs to be lifted up. It means lifting up their spirit when you lift up their body. Ah Ni Na.

People are pushed down when others blow off the importance of using someone’s chosen pronouns or expressing care when talking about a community: any community, not just the gay one.

Colleagues, from the time I arrived here, I’ve gained the sense that, overwhelmingly, you are allies. In statements and conversations, I’ve heard that you have family and dear friends who are members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Sharing like that matters. Ah Ni Na.

Being part of a minority, feeling vulnerable and alone, is isolating. Getting up and feeling strong isn’t easy, but with the help of others it is easier.

If you’re ever unsure about what to say to be inclusive, that’s okay, and don’t worry if you’re just getting tongue-tied: No problem. Just be respectful. Take a moment to learn. Language matters, and everyone deserves to feel strong, safe and full of pride.

Thank you.