We provide 2SLGBTQI+ services and resources to our communities to support families and individuals. Our services include:

• Professional development training and education on 2SLGBTQI+ Inclusive Practices for service providers, schools and organizations,
• Rainbow families art and play drop-in for 2SLGBTQI+ families & families with gender creative children ages 0-6,
• Support groups for parents and caregivers of gender creative, non-binary, and transgender children of all ages,
• Arts-based social group for youth (11-17) who are trans, non-binary, gender diverse
• Special family events
• Information, referral and supports for 2SLGBTQI+ families and individuals
• Counselling services with 2SLGBTQI+ identified counsellors (sliding fee scale)

Canadian Parents of Trans & Gender Diverse Kids is a support group for parents and guardians of gender diverse children, youth, and adults, including those who are two-spirit, transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, agender, gender fluid, gender creative, or gender-questioning!

Parents canadiens d’enfants trans est d’un groupe d’entraide pour les parents/les tuteurs d’enfants, de jeunes, et d’adultes de divers genres: bispirituels, transgenres, non-binaires, créatifs dans le genre, ou qui se questionnent sur le genre.

This group is focused on non-judgemental support and information sharing. This is a ‘secret’ group, which means that membership is completely secret – only other members know who is part of this group, and only members can see what is posted. In order to maintain a safe place for everyone, members are asked to keep confidential any identifying details, including photos, shared in this group.

Il s’agit d’un group d’entraide et de l’échange d’ information. Il s’agit un groupe secret, ce qui veut dire que le droit de voir la liste des membres et les publications de ce groupe est limité aux membres. Les responsables de ce groupe vérifieront les identités des membres. Au but de garder la sécurité du groupe, on prie aux membres de maintenir la confidentialité des détails personnels, y compris les photos, partagées dans ce groupe.

LGBTQ Counselling Program — short term individual, couple and group counselling for individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer * broad range of issues including coming out, sexuality and identity, isolation, discrimination, relationship concerns, parenting, self esteem, violence, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, counselling for male survivors of sexual abuse, and other issues

HIV/AIDS Counselling Program — short and long term counselling for individuals, couples and families living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, particularly gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM) * issues include dealing with loss, relationships, self esteem, trauma, self care, planning for healthy living, changing health status and impact on sexuality

2STNB+ Connect Peer Support Group — virtual peer support group which welcomes youth (age 16-29) across the gender identity spectrum to meet and connect with others in their community, explore their identities, and create meaningful relationships. The group provides a friendly and non-judgemental space for 2STNB+ youth at all different stages on their gender journey to socialize and discuss a wide range of issues; from social and medical transition, to family, to school, as well as to share interests.

For up-to-date information about groups and workshops, visit: https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/workshops-groups-and-events/

2SLGBTQAI + Community and Education Centre. We have youth, adult and caregiver support programming and drop in services.

THIS RESOURCE IS NOT 2SLGBTQ SPECIFIC

Embrave – Agency to End Violence is an anti-violence organization providing shelter, counselling and advocacy supports for women, Two-Spirit, gender queer, trans and non-binary folks and their children experiencing any form of violence in the Region of Peel and beyond. We provide supports and services to survivors with or without children.

We understand that survivors’ experiences of violence are compounded by intersecting forms of racism and oppression. Embrave is a low barrier organization that is committed to ending gender-based violence by acknowledging and addressing the multitude of barriers facing folks who have experienced violence and by providing crisis intervention and a range of supports and services.

Embrave’s definition of gender-based violence includes intimate partner violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, cyber violence; physical, emotional and financial violence; stalking; structural and systemic violence, such as racism, colonialism, classism, transphobia, homophobia, sanism, islamophobia, nationalism and ableism.

Our programs include:

• 24-Hour Emergency Shelters
• 24-Hour Crisis Support Lines
• Community Support and Outreach Program supports survivors living in the community who have or are experiencing violence
• Central Intake Line provides coordinated access to Transitional Housing Supports in Peel Region
• Sexual Violence Counselling Support Program
• Public Education Program
• Lead Agency for the Peel Committee Against Women Abuse (PCAWA)

This space is for those underneath the trans umbrella – transfeminine, transmasculine, genderqueer, nonbinary, agender, bigender, two-spirit, gender fluid, gender flux, gender questioning – anyone who is not cisgender.

Please note: this is not a space to discuss issues around mental health or trauma. If you are experiencing these challenges, we certainly encourage you to connect with one of our social workers who can individually work with you to address these challenges.

The Gender Care IPC team aims to create a safe, confidential, inclusive, and affirming space for trans, gender expansive, gender non-conforming, non-binary and questioning youth and adults in the Durham Region.

The Team includes a Nurse Practitioner and Systems Navigator who provide gender transition related care and services within a holistic framework for a time-limited length of service.

Specific services include social, legal and medical transition support, hormone related therapy, surgery referral support, advocacy, and health system navigation. We also offer support, education, and resources for families and caregivers of our clients.

We tailor our services to the needs and transition goals of our clients. Clients may retain their primary care providers while seeking gender transition related care from the team and upon completion of goals will be transferred back to their providers. Medical issues not related to gender transition will be directed back to primary care providers.

If you are interested in our services or would like to refer someone, please complete a Referral Form located on our website.

DCHC also offers two peer support programs for folks thinking about gender:
Gender Journeys (ages 10-14, and 15+): https://www.careachc.ca/Global-Assets/Programs/Gender-Journeys
Gender Affirming Chats: https://www.careachc.ca/Global-Assets/Programs/Gender-Affirming-Chats

A free 8 week virtual group for youth 12 to 15 exploring their gender identity and gender expression. Learn about and discuss topics such as: self-care, self-advocacy, media, dysphoria, body image, coming out, gender affirming care and intersectionality.

The Gender Journeys group is ideal for those in the early stages of gender transition ages 17+. In this group, you will learn about and discuss gender, transition, and well-being. It is also a place to meet others who are going through similar experiences. You do not have to be on hormones to take part; it is open for those who are on hormones, pre-hormones, or don’t want them at all.

We have groups starting several times during the year. Each group meets once a week for a total of 8 weeks. The groups are currently offered virtually using Zoom.

The GVWG is a grassroots community of trans and gender non-conforming individuals. We create an environment where we can strengthen our capacities as individuals and as a group through skill development and networking. We take on community-based projects to improve the lives of trans people in the Waterloo Region.
Our main project is The GAP (Gender Affirming Project) which involves monthly events where folks can try on sample chest binders to make informed sizing decisions before ordering garments of their own. These events also offer attendees the opportunity to connect with GVWG members, ask questions, and get info about other services in our community.