Windsor-Essex Pride Fest strives to strengthen the sense of community and contribute to the vibrancy, health and overall well-being of LGBTQ2S+ persons in Windsor-Essex. Raising awareness of ongoing issues facing the LGBTQ2S+ community including youth suicide, discrimination & bullying. Windsor-Essex Pride Fest as an organization is more than just a festival, it empowers individuals to reach out to each other and facilitates opportunities for connection and belonging through age-specific activities or initiatives, peer-facilitated groups and special events and will address social isolation and create a social environment that is more accommodating, resilient and connected to the broader LGBTQ2S+ community in Windsor-Essex.

We are dedicated to providing free, non-judgemental, confidential services for anyone who has experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

A safe place for youth 12-18 years of age to come have fun and find support! We have activities, games, prizes, snacks, and if you need to chat about mental health, we offer drop-in counselling too!

NOT A 2SLGBTQ+ SPECIFIC RESOURCE

The Xperience Annex supports youth ages 18-29 in the areas of employment, housing, education, training, mental health, addictions, leadership and community engagement. Choose your path. Chart your future. Achieve your goals. Drop or make an appointment with the Youth Navigator at:

Central Library – 4th Floor (55 York Blvd., Hamilton)
Tuesday, 9am-5pm*
Wednesday, 1-5pm*
Thursday, 9am-5pm*
*Hours are subject to change without notice. 

YMCA Sprott House first opened its doors in September 2007 and is one of the first 2SLGBTQ+ transitional housing programs for youth in Canada. YMCA Sprott House provides one year of supported residential living for up to 25 young people between the ages of 16 to 24.

York Pride organizes year-round events as well as one of Canada’s fastest growing regional Pride Week Festivals, staged each June to celebrate Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (2SLGBTQ+) residents throughout York Region, Ontario. York Pride is run exclusively by a team of dedicated volunteers and representatives from local community organizations.
Our mission is: to organize festivals, events, entertainments and other initiatives which, in the context of sexuality and gender identity, across York Region and beyond, illuminate and celebrate human diversity, captivate the general public, inspire inclusivity and foster harmony and acceptance.

York Rainbow Support: provides Individual, Couple and Family Counselling Services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two Spirit, Queer & Questioning.

FSYR is proud host and lead agency for the York Rainbow Network and York Rainbow Information, Referral and Support Line 1-888-York-LGBT (1-888-967-5542). The York Rainbow Network was established through a Trillium Grant to reduce barriers and build capacity to serve the LGBTTQ Community. To book an appointment or for more information simply call one of our Intake Workers.

FSYR is also offering the following 2SLGBTQ+ Groups:

• Transgender Support Group (Adults 18+)
• Free To Be (Parents/Caregivers)

For more information contact Andrew (they/them) at (905) 883-6572 ext. 151 or email araya@fsyr.ca

Our youth groups are safe and affirming support spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, queer, questioning, intersex, 2-spirit, pansexual, asexual (2SLGBTQ+) and allied youth. The groups focus on promoting the health, wellbeing, and empowerment of 2SLGBTQ+ youth through social engagement such as games, arts and crafts, and other fun activities. Group activities are hosted in-person. Online Discord groups are available for updates and resources. To attend in-person groups or to join and participate in the Discord groups, see our website!

YAAHA was created by LGBTQ2S youth for LGBTQ2S youth in Scarborough who identify along gender or sexual diversity spectrums and are seeking an inclusive, affirming drop-in group to connect with others and receive referrals to other supports.

Eligible youth must identify with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, and Two-Spirit, LGBTQ2S+. We provide group activities including group chats and hanging out with like-minded young people for friendship and support. We can also refer youth to counselling services through Youthlink.

The Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB) Program provides confidential services for youth aged 12-17 who identify within 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The YBB Program provides group support, individual counselling, and consultations and trainings to the larger community.

Groups: The YBB group brings together 2SLGBTQ+ youth to share their experiences and talk about issues that matter to them. The group offers support and education on a range of relevant issues and topics. Topics covered include current events related to queer and trans communities, relationships, and embodiment of sexualities and genders. It is an open group that operates year round. There are currently 2 active groups running: one in Mississauga and one in Brampton.

Counselling: Individual counselling allows youth to explore their identities and lived experiences, and uncover ways of moving, operating, and thinking that are helpful in their lives. The counselling component is community-based and utilizes a strengths-based, client centred approach. Additionally, support can be provided for parents/caregivers of youth involved in the program

Trainings/Workshops: The Youth Beyond Barriers Program provides a series of educational trainings and helps organize and support community events that raise awareness around queer and trans issues. Through the workshops, participants can expect to start thinking about how sexual orientation and gender identity interact with other parts of identity, to explore their own roles in oppressive systems, and think about how to create Anti-Racist, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming spaces. These workshops are designed as interactive, youth-focused, and are developed from a strength-based perspective.