Looking to make friends or meet a group of like-minded people with similar passions and hobbies? Across Canada, 2SLGBTQI+ clubs and leagues are organizing activities to foster and help individuals find community…
It can be hard to make friends and find community – trust me I just moved. However, many Canadian cities have 2SLGBTQI+ social clubs and recreational leagues that are great avenues for finding community and a sense of belonging. They provide a safe space to express your identity and can play a positive role in your overall wellbeing whether mental or physical.
You can search for these organizations by downloading apps like MeetUp or Eventbrite to find local groups and events in your area. You can also follow local 2SLGBTQI+ spaces and Pride organizations on various social media platforms as they are likely to post about social clubs and recreational leagues or be tagged by them.
Some activities are free to join, while others have a fee or a pay-what-you-can model. They can happen weekly, monthly or have set times throughout the year. Across Canada and year-round there are a variety of groups with the goal of bringing 2SLGBTQI+ people together to foster a community and we’ve curated a few for consideration.
Odds & Ends Curling – St. John’s, Newfoundland
Curling came to Canada pre-confederation via Scottish newcomers and has become a popular sport nationwide. In 2016, Odds & Ends Curling organized a 2SLGBTQI+ curling association and league that welcomes those who identify as queer, questioning as well as allies to its annual bonspiel (curling tournament) and non-competitive events. They meet on Fridays hosting fall and winter seasons that include games followed by socializing. Follow at @oddsandendslgbt.
Queer Youth Writing Club – Charlottetown, PEI
Aimed at 2SLGBTQI+ youth aged 12-18, this club creates a safe space for participants to learn and grow in their writing. Meeting on the last Monday of every month, the club welcomes those writing in all genres (sci-fi, fantasy, romance, etc.) and forms (novels, screenplays, poetry, etc.). Sit with other aspiring writers to get words onto the page (physical paper or Word Doc) as well as brainstorm and copy edit your pieces. No sign-up required, just drop-in. Follow at @peersalliance.
Halifax Queer Ensemble – Halifax, Nova Scotia
Since 2018, minus a COVID-19 hiatus, Halifax Queer Ensemble has welcomed musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds to play, meaning you can be a relatively new or a seasoned instrumentalist. One of their biggest requirements is that you love music! The group welcomes traditional orchestral instruments, but also non-traditional ones to play classics by Tchaikovsky as well as modern tunes by Robyn and ABBA. The goal is to “reframe and queer what classical music can look like” as it is “deeply rooted in misogyny, homophobia and transphobia.” The group is part of a larger movement called Classical Queer. Follow at @halifaxqueerensemble.
Proud Pals – New Brunswick
Remember having a pen pal? Writing a letter, putting a stamp on an envelope, dropping it into a mailbox and eagerly waiting weeks for a response? You can still have that experience with Proud Pals, an intergenerational pen pal program matching older adults and seniors in the Maritimes to build friendships and share lived experiences and knowledge. It is run by ElderPride, which aims to hold free, accessible in-person events that connect generations. This summer they’ll host several social events like a garden party, foraging and mycology walk, pickleball, birding and more. They’re still building their website, but bookmark ElderPride.com regardless.
SPURS – Montreal, Quebec
This ain’t Texas…it’s Montreal! SPURS was started by Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent star Kathleen Munroe, who learned line dancing in Los Angeles and then toured American country bars to better understand the culture. Munroe then brought this culture home to Canada, basing SPURS on the history of LGBTQ+ country and western dancing combining traditional steps with a variety of music from honky-tonk to pop. Danse En Ligne Queer [Queer Line Dance] is also held in Toronto at the Owl Club on Sunday. So pull out your best cowboy apparel (we know you bought some for the Cowboy Carter release) and brush, scuff and heel strut! Follow at @spursnight.
Queer Bike Club TO – Toronto, Ontario
Queer Bike Club TO works towards facilitating a safe, fun and cute space for queers on bikes. The group is a “no shame zone,” committed to welcoming a wide variety of experience levels and backgrounds. Plus, you don’t need to worry about being the fastest biker because their mandate states that “all riders are no drop, meaning no one is left behind.” Ride themes include a Coffee Shop Hop, bikepacking (day and overnight experiences) as well as other rides along various city routes. They also host workshops like Fix-a-Flat 101 and one for bikepacking trips. Follow at @queerbikeclubto.
Out There Bowling – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Out There Bowling reestablished itself in early 2023, bringing 2SLGBTQI+ bowlers together to connect in an activity that is fun and relaxing. The bowling group is a non-competitive drop-in event that meets every other Monday for two hours at Uptown Alley Winnipeg. Out There Winnipeg also hosts a variety of other activities if you’re not into bowling. Follow at @outtherewpg.
Gender Queer Coffee Club – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Founder Charlie Stankewich struggled to find safe and supportive socializing opportunities and places in Saskatchewan and also noticed a lack of places for gender non-conforming people. In late 2023, they started the Gender Queer Coffee Club, a monthly social club for trans, non-binary and all gender diverse individuals. The group has no structured agendas or topics, meaning there is no pressure to come prepared with talking points. They have also begun expanding their social offerings with a Gender Queer Craft Night, which works with a second-hand supply shop in the area. Follow at @genderqueercoffeeclub.
Spectrum Volleyball – Calgary, Alberta
Spectrum Volleyball has created an environment for 2SLGBTQI+ Calgarians of all skill levels to enjoy the sport. It’s a queer run volunteer organization that offers recreation, intermediate and competitive drop-in volleyball sessions from September to May. In the summer they host weekly drop-in beach volleyball events. The group is working to form a league in the near future so stay tuned! Follow at @spectrumvolleyball_yyc.
Vancouver Queer Birders Club – Vancouver, British Columbia
Chirp! Chirp! The Vancouver Queer Birders Club is equal parts a relaxing walk/hike with the added bonus of seeing stunning birds. The goal is to host monthly bird walks to share knowledge and forge community, while giving queer folks a space to be themselves unapologetically. The club welcomes queer identifying individuals of any skill level with the intent of collective and communal learning. Bring snacks and binoculars if you have them (though others will share) and don’t worry if you don’t know the difference between an Orange Crowned Warbler or Cedar Waxwing because you’ll discover and learn about them together. Follow at @vanqueerbirders.
Stitch & Bitch – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Northern Mosaic is an outreach organization supporting 2SLGBTQI+ people and their families in the Northwest Territories. They host programs and events for people of all ages including Stitch & Bitch, a program where you bring or start stitch work projects and bitch over some tea (and maybe spill some). They also have a book club, art night, game night, playgroups for kids under 10 (a space for parents/caregivers and kids of all identities) as well as support groups. Follow at @northernmosaicnetwork.
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