Positive and healthy environments are essential to help LGBTQ+ folks thrive, and LGBTQ+ support groups can be beneficial. However, the needs of LGBTQ+ people are much different from their heterosexual peers. This article will provide resources about where you can find an LGBTQ+ support groups in your area in Canada.
Why is it important to find an LGBTQ+ support group?
Connecting with other people who also identify as LGBTQ+ can be an empowering experience. If you live in a bigger city, you may find a group easier. Even if there’s no support group for those in smaller regions, there may still be a general LGBTQ+ program.
Remember that you don’t have to be openly “out” to join a support group. A lot of people within the community may be questioning their sexual orientation or gender, or some people may want to support someone in their lives who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. If you aren’t out yet, support groups and community programs can be ideal spaces to meet people and get involved within your new community. That way, you can come out easier when you feel ready.
What are some resources for finding LGBTQ+ Support Groups in your area?
To find an LGBTQ+ support group in your region, consider the following:
- Call 211 or look up LGBTQ+ – 211Ontario (online)
- Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are student-run clubs providing a safe place for high school students and teachers to connect about Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) topics.
- You can connect with your local college or university to see if they have LGBTQ+ groups on campus. In smaller communities, these groups are usually available to non-students.
Here are various LGBTQ+ programs:
- 2SLGBTQ+ peer-led Drop-in groups – Kind Space (Ottawa)
- New to Canada – The519 (Toronto)
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Programs and Services – Centretown CHC (Ottawa)
- 2SLGBTQIA Friendly Services – Windsor Pride Community (Windsor-Essex)
- LGBTQ+ drop-in – CultureLink (Toronto)
- Queerspora – Max Ottawa – (Ottawa)
- LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs at Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (Toronto)
- LGBTQ+ Programs – Access Alliance (Toronto)
- Rainbow Resources – Fierté Sudbury Pride – (Sudbury)
- reachOUT 2SLGBTQ+ Youth – Lumenus (Greater Toronto Area)
- SOY’S Health and Well-Being Programs (Toronto)
- LGBTQ2S Health at NorWest Community Health Centre – (Thunder Bay)
Other areas in Ontario may already have LGBTQ+ groups that are not just for newcomers but where you can meet other LGBTQ+ people. In addition, these groups will have services and resources available.
What are some Intersectional Support Groups?
Intersectional support groups connect people with similar overlapping social identities. These social identities include gender, race, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, and faith group.
Here are some LGBTQ+ intersectional groups:
- Goodhead.ca
- International Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR)
- Latino Group Hola – The519
- LGBTQ+ positive church groups
- New to Canada – The519
- Planting the Seed – A support group for fertility and reproductive health
- Programs for the Asian Community – ACAS (in Greater Toronto Area)
- Rainbow Railroad
- Salaam: Queer Muslim Community
- SOY’s Black Queer Youth Initiative (BQY) – A group for Black, Caribbean, African, or Black-identified multiracial queer and transgender spectrum (youth ages 29 or under in Toronto)
What are some other resources?
Here are some helpful LGBTQ+ resources in Canada:
- PFLAG Ontario Chapters – An organization helping people across Canada cope with their sexual orientation and gender identity. It also supports and educates parents, families, friends, and coworkers with any questions or concerns.
- LGBT2SQ Parenting and Family Resources Program – Programs that offer information, resources, and referrals for LGBTQ+ people looking to grow their families, LGBTQ+ families, and gender-diverse kids and youth at Sherbourne Health Centre in Toronto.
- Children’s Mental Health Centres – This helpful portal can provide you or your child with resources about children and youth. It comes from Children’s Mental Health Ontario.
- EGALE Resources – A Canadian LGBTQ+ human rights group that seeks equality, diversity, education, and justice.
- You Are Among Friends [PDF] – This collection of stories, experiences, resources, and information is by and for LGBTQ+ newcomers communities in Ontario. It comes from Access Alliance Multicultural Health Centre.
- Trans Lifeline – This lifeline provides trans peer support for communities divested from police.
Takeaway
Now that you have a start on resources, you can find a support group near you in Canada. For more groups, mental health information, and other tools, navigate our website at LGBTQ and All. In addition, we have a database with contact information for various mental health professionals.