These organizations offer community programs that serve 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians and change lives for the better…
By Jumol Royes
“This resource is literally going to change my life.”
That was the response from one community member when they first heard about the launch of Canada’s national 2SLGBTQI+ community resource directory, the IN Directory.
While the IN Directory is new, people might be surprised to learn that programs, services and supports for 2SLGBTQI+ communities currently exist in rural communities and major cities right across the country. They’re just not always easy to find. Especially for individuals in vulnerable situations who are struggling and in search of community support and connections.
When asked which categories they would find most useful in a 2SLGBTQI+ community resource directory, 47 per cent of respondents to a recent IN survey said community programs.
A community or resource centre is often the first point of contact for folks seeking support and safer spaces. There are specialized centres whose mission is to serve and work with and in 2SLGBTQI+ communities by offering a diverse selection of community programs.
We’ve rounded up a list of six community centres to help you find queer support and connections year-round.
Quadrangle NL
Where: St. John’s, NL
What they do: Provides a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Offers services and programs designed to create social connections, provide resources and advance all aspects of health and quality of life for communities including Hi(gh) Tea, a bi-weekly social gathering; Visibility Resource Program; Wellness Wednesday for one-on-one peer support; Community OUT-ings; free counselling through the Community Counselling Line; free HIV self-testing kits; and a sexual health and reproductive health awareness initiative.
How to get in touch: Email quadranglenl@gmail.com.
Montreal LGBTQ+ Community Centre
Where: Montreal, QC
What they do: An anchor point for its members and a living space where recreational, socio-cultural and humanitarian services are offered, which promote well-being and improve the living conditions of people from gender and sexually diverse (GSD) communities. Programs and services include the Open Book Library, a 2SLGBTQI+ library; LGBTQ+ Compass, a program for newcomers and asylum seekers; and discussion groups.
How to get in touch: Call (514) 528-8424 or email info@ccglm.org.
Kind Space
Where:Ottawa, ON
What they do: Offers support for the health and wellness of 2SLGBTQI+ people in the Ottawa/Outaouais region by providing accessible resources, events and social and educational programming to celebrate people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. Programs and services include peer-led drop-in groups; “Be Kind to Your Mind” short-term, individual therapy; community resource referrals; the Dr. Kelly McGinnis Community Library, the oldest library of its kind in Canada; The Pantry, a supplemental food bank and snack bar targeting food insecurity in 2SLGBTQI+ communities; and the Trans ID Clinic.
How to get in touch: Call (613) 902-7537 or email programming@kindspace.ca.
The 519
Where: Toronto, ON
What they do: Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQI+ community centre responding to the evolving needs of diverse 2SLGBTQI+ communities, from counselling services and queer parenting resources to coming out groups, trans programming and support for older adults.
How to get in touch: Call (416) 392-6874 or email info@the519.org.
Pride Centre of Edmonton
Where: Edmonton, AB
What they do: Provides a non-judgmental, welcoming space where people of all attractions, identities and expressions can be themselves, find support, meet new people and be part of a caring community. Offers resources, volunteer opportunities, counselling, and sensitive and expert information and referrals for those seeking help. Also organizes programs to help improve the social, mental and physical health of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
How to get in touch: Call (780) 488-3234 or email hello@pridecentreofedmonton.ca.
QMUNITY
Where: Vancouver, BC
What they do: BC’s queer, trans and two-spirit resource centre provides a safer space for 2SLGBTQI+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included. Services include free counselling; information and referrals; access to gender-affirming chestwear; support for youth, seniors and older adults and employment; educational resources; and the Trans ID Clinic.
How to get in touch: Call 1-800-566-1170 or email reception@qmunity.ca.
JUMOL ROYES is IN Magazine’s director of communications and community engagement, a GTA-based poet and storyteller and glass-half-full kinda guy. He writes about compassion, community, identity and belonging. His guilty pleasure is watching the Real Housewives. Follow him on Instagram @jumolroyes.
POST A COMMENT