The history of gender-based violence (GBV) towards gender and sexual minorities in Canada is well documented. However, physical and sexual violence toward members of the 2SLGBTQI+ (Two- Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersexed) individuals and communities is widespread with incidents increasing in recent years. A 2024 EGALE Canada report indicated that hate crimes targeting gender diversity and sexual orientation increase by 69% since 2023 and by 388% over the course of 2016 to 2023. These crimes were extremely violent targeting individuals as young as 15 with many experiencing violence more than once. According to the Canadian Psychological association position paper, addressing the prevention of gender-based harm 78 TO 85 percent of two-spirited people experience physical and/or sexual assault. As well, older people who identify as a gender and/or sexual minority have experienced GBV more than three times in their lifetime with victimization reported on average 6.5 times across their lifetime. In Canada, GBV is a public health concern that disproportionately effects 2SLGBTQI+ people and their communities. This violence is pervasive and fueled by transphobia, biphobia, homophobia and lesbophobia. Moreover, when reviewing the literature on GBV toward 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and their communities the experiences of violence are further compounded when one takes into account intersecting identities (e.g. race, age, disability). Moreover, current anti-trans political rhetoric has resulted in an increase in violence against trans and gender diverse individuals. Thus in this presentations the speaker will provide an analysis of the past and current situation of GBV faced by 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and communities and offer insights on how to offer trauma informed gender affirming care.