A curated list of organizations and support services amplifying Indigenous queer and trans experiences across Canada, not only on September 30, but year-round…
Observed each year on September 30, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, and their families and communities. Established as a federal statutory holiday in 2021 following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the day invites Canadians to reflect on the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools. It’s also a call to action—encouraging learning, listening, and meaningful steps toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples across the country.
In communities across the country, Two-Spirit, Indigenous queer, and trans people are reclaiming, healing, and renewing cultural identity despite centuries of colonial erasure. In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, here’s a curated (but not exhaustive) list of organizations and support services amplifying Indigenous queer and trans experiences across Canada, not only on September 30, but year-round. (If these don’t fit what you’re looking for, you can search other resources and locations at the IN Directory, Canada’s national 2SLGBTQI+ community resource directory: inmagazine.ca/directory.)
Note: For emergency help – if you, or a loved one, are in immediate danger or planning to harm others – call 911 or go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, the fire department or an ambulance.
LGBT YouthLine
YouthLine offers peer support and shares media that highlights Indigenous Two-Spirit, queer, and trans voices through free online podcasts, films, and books.
TIHR
Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction (TIHR) is a queer Indigenous collective that provides support and resources for Indigenous people and aims to reduce harm around stigmatized experiences such as substance use, displacement, and other survival strategies resulting from racism and colonization.
Rainbow Health Ontario
Rainbow Health Ontario focuses on health equity for LGBT2S communities, including initiatives for Indigenous populations.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Hope for Wellness Helpline is accessible 24/7 via phone and online chat. This helpline offers culturally competent support for all Indigenous people across Canada.
Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT) offers dedicated Two-Spirit/Trans services to improve, support, and promote the health, well-being, and healing of Aboriginal people within a multi-disciplinary health care model. AHT also has a 24/7 mental health crisis line available at: (416) 891-8606.
Trans Care BC
Trans Care BC offers gender-affirming care resources and support for Indigenous people who are trans, non-binary, or gender diverse Two-Spirit.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline provides a peer support hotline run by trans people for trans and questioning people Monday through Friday from 1:00pm -9:00pm at 1 (877) 330-6366.
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations offers physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual advocacy and support for Two-Spirit people and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community members facing the effects of historic and ongoing colonial violence. They offer education, events, health care, harm reduction kits, and community development initiatives.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is a permanent archive of statements and documents from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which is the foundation for ongoing learning and research.
Across Boundaries
Across Boundaries provides equitable and holistic mental health and addictions services and supports for QTBIPOC (Queer & Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) within frameworks of anti-racism, combating anti-blackness and anti-oppression. This includes case management, counselling, support groups and gatherings.
Native Youth Sexual Health Network
Native Youth Sexual Health Network offers national campaigns and resources to fight homophobia and promote healthy sexuality for First Nations youth.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 2SLGBTQ+ Council
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has a 2SLGBTQ+ council that works to support Indigenous Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (2SLGBTQ+) people.
Egale Canada
Eagle Canada works broadly on 2SLGBTQI rights; some of their most important work is specific to Indigenous inclusion.
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line offers 24-hour crisis support for former students and their families. Call: 1-866-925-4419.
Orange Shirt Society Reconciliation Hub
While the focus of the Orange Shirt Society Reconciliation Hub is residential schools broadly, the Hub also intersects with culturally safe resources across Indigenous identities.
For more information about 2SLGBTQI+ crisis resources and helplines, and other 2SLGBTQI+ programs, services and supports, visit the IN Directory, Canada’s national 2SLGBTQI+ community resource directory: inmagazine.ca/directory.
POST A COMMENT