LGBTQ+ Resources
Online LGBTQ+ Canadian Resources
It was wasn’t that long ago that the American Psychiatric Association (1986), and The World Health Organization (1990), removed homosexuality as a mental disorder. Although many strides towards equality have been made, there is still significant stigma attached to same-sex attraction in many cultures.
LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination and this can have a variety of negative consequences through their life... as the accumulated prejudice to which they are marginalized becomes a constant source of "minority stress."
That’s why we’re sharing these resources that focus on breaking down the barriers of discrimination by learning and incorporating new inclusive language. Because... knowledge is the first step towards action.
Egale
Egale is a leading Canadian organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. They improve and save lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world.
Resources
The Get Real Movement
The Get Real Movement is a Canadian non-profit focused on combatting 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination, racism, and bullying in schools, summer camps, and workplaces. They accomplish this by offering a variety of different educational Workshops, and by providing leadership development and marginalized youth support through University Chapters, High School After-School Programs, and a 2SLGBTQ+ Virtual Counselling Program.
Resources
Unconditional Love Series is is an online educational resource to help families better navigate the coming out process through education, tips and stories. The webpage is a hub of videos featuring real stories and advice from five diverse families.
Bind Safe is an informational hub and educational video series promoting safe binding practices, education around the basics of gender dysphoria, and additional resources for youth, parents, medical professionals, and allies.
LGBTQr Codes is an educational microsite. The QR Code can be accessed via any smart phone camera, and the site brings you to an educational resource of terminology, GSA success stories, 2SLGBTQ+ historical figures, additional resources, and more.
Pflag Canada
Pflag Canada is proud to be Canada’s only national organization that offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. They support, educate and provide resources to anyone with questions or concerns, and promise to offer local, practical, and emotional peer-to-peer family support for individuals and their loved ones challenged by gender/sexual identity.
Resources
National Chapters Pflag Canada has a network of national chapters who are run by dedicated volunteers offering support in your own backyard.
Stories Pflag offers video stories where the underlying themes of seeking acceptance and finding happiness.
Spectrum
SPECTRUM is an organization that serves, affirms, and supports the well-being of LGBTQ2+ individuals in Waterloo Region and the broader community through peer support, community partnerships, education, training, resources, and events.
Resources
What does the ... in LGBTQ2+ mean? A guide the complete initialism with definitions and basic concepts.
SPECTRUM's 2021 LGBTQ2+ Terminology Reference Guide covers a range of LGBTQ2+ topics – from 101 terms to use and terms to avoid to 301 discussions of more complex topics.
Rainbow Health Ontario
Rainbow Health Ontario is a program of Sherbourne Health that creates opportunities for the healthcare system to better serve LGBT2SQ communities. RHO is primarily funded by Ontario Health and offers training for healthcare providers, supports system change, and contributes to public policy, research and hosting Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ health conference.
Resources
LGBT2SQ Health Connect, is an online learning platform whose trainings are easily accessible from anywhere across the province and offers on-demand and scheduled courses with a certificate of completion for each course taken.
Trans Health Knowledge Base is an informational hub for resources relevant to the process of transitioning both socially and medically.
LGBT2SQ Health Research As part of their mandate to improve LGBT2SQ health outcomes, RHO encourages LGBT2SQ research and partners with other organizations and research experts, shares knowledge and support research networks.
LGBTQ Mental Health An Evidence Brief
Discussing Trans and Gender-Diverse People A guide for those covering stories about trans and gender-diverse people.
We’re here if you need help
Therapy is a valuable tool that can help you to solve problems, set and achieve goals, or teach you new ways to track your emotions and keep negative thoughts, stress, and anxiety in check. It can help you to build the life, career, and relationship that you want. Does everybody need it? No. But if you are curious about working with a therapist, that curiosity is worth pursuing.
We know it takes a great amount of courage to examine your life and to decide that there are things you would like to change. And, it takes more courage to do something about it. We can help. We offer free consultations for anyone in Ontario considering individual or couples counselling, online at The Dot. We will go through any of your questions and concerns to help you decide whether online counselling is the right choice for you.