Downloads
| Rainbow Resources | The entire contents of this page as a Google Doc. |
| Gender, Sex and the Rainbow | An accessible 2 page pdf with information about different aspects of gender transitioning as well as definitions of LGBTQ2S+ terms. |
Local
Inclusive Services
| Camrose Public Library | “We are innovative. We protect intellectual freedom. We are inclusive. We are lit.” Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) meetings. Story Time with Local Drag Royalty. |
| The Open Doors | Trauma-informed programs to meet clients where they are at. Offers a safe place to meet the basic needs. |
Affirming Churches
| Camrose United Church | Proclaims an inclusive welcome to all people in the full spectrum of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic identity, age, ability, and social class. |
| Bethel Lutheran Church | A congregation that believes in full participation through the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) program, meaning they openly support the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. |
Provincial
Healthcare
| AHS Transition Fund | Specific information on what transition procedures are funded by Alberta Health. |
| CMHA Alberta | A list of mental health resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. |
| Gender Surgery Program – B.C. | A clinic specialized in providing gender-affirming care. |
| GrS Montreal | AHS funded surgeries for Phalloplasty, metoidioplasty or vaginoplasty are provided at the Centre Metropolitain de Chirurgie in Montreal. |
Organizations
| The altView Foundation | A nonprofit that aims to provide support to 2SLGBTQIA+ people in rural communities. Check their Facebook for more program details. |
| The Fyrefly Institute (University of Alberta) | Provides programs and services to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies, with a focus on education. Programs Resources |
| The Pride Centre of Edmonton | Provides a non-judgmental, welcoming space where people of all attractions, identities, and expressions can be themselves, find support, meet new people, and be part of a caring community. Programs Resources |
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
| Trans Parent Alberta 101 | A compilation of resources for supportive parents, transgender parents, family and allies of transgender, non-binary and gender diverse children (minor or adult) in Alberta. The aim is to primarily help parents learn, navigate and support their loved one and the trans community. |
| Skipping Stone | Provides one on one support, system navigation, mental health resources, community programs including voice training and games nights, lending library and more. |
| Strong Family Alliance | Provides guides for children coming out to parents and parents supporting LGBTQIA+ and trans youth. Provides life experience stories of families. Blogs and articles also included. |
| Human Rights Campaign | HRC supports Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender-Expansive Children and is a groundbreaking resource that explains how families and healthcare professionals are helping transgender children thrive. Links to decades of research regarding gender affirming care. |
| My Kid Is Gay | A first-of-its-kind digital presence, inclusive of videos, advice, and resources, dedicated exclusively toward helping parents understand their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual children. My Kid Is Gay sources voices from across the world to help answer the many questions that parents (and family members, and even teachers!) have about the LGBTQIA young people in their life, including advice from parents, youth, and experts on a variety of topics related to sexuality and gender identity. |
| PFLAG | pflag Canada works with 2SLGBTQ+ communities including families, friends, allies and loved ones, to provide peer support, education, and advocacy. Parent and support circles available throughout Canada. |
LGBTQIA+ Resources
| Trans Student Educational Resources | Trans Student Educational Resources is a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender non-conforming students through advocacy and empowerment. |
| Practice with Pronouns | A website for practicing names and pronouns. |
| GLAAD | Aiming to promote representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in media. Provides consultation/training regarding sexual and gender minorities and further intersectional identities. Maintains accountability of public figures (including a “Trump tracker”). Provides fact checking briefs around LGBTQIA+ topics. |
| GLSEN | Resource to support LGBTQIA+ students (K-12) in education settings. Their research suggests 4 main ways of promoting acceptance and success in schools: Supportive educators, comprehensive policies, inclusive curriculums, support for GSAs. GLSEN provides resources to actualize these aspects of education. |
| LGBTQ Wellness Centre (Edmonton) | The Centre aims to provide quality and timely care to the transgender, non-binary and gender diverse persons in northern Alberta. The Centre focuses on crisis support, outreach to individuals seeking healthcare, education opportunities for family doctors and other healthcare providers, as well as engagement with grassroots organization and other professionals who are interested in or are currently providing care. |
| Transgender 101 | Videos promoting beginner understanding of gender diverse identities for individuals, friends, family, and community. |
| Justice Trans | Province specific guide to change gender marker and name when transitioning. |
| Transparent | Alberta resources (both online and in person) to assist trans individuals and their families change identity documents. |
| The Rainbow Pages (Edmonton) | Like the yellow pages for LGBTQIA+ specific resources in the Edmonton and surrounding area. Include support, events, affirming churches, etc. |
| Edmonton 2 Spirit Society | Resources for 2 spirit individuals (located in Edmonton). Provides support over telephone, video and written resources, potential for a housing project. |
| 2 Spirit Videos and interviews | -Being 2 spirit- a brief explainer -Rainbow Resource Centre Two-spirit fact sheet -Interview with James Makokis-Safe and Caring schools to two spirit youth |
Rural Alberta 2SLGBTQIA+ Supports
| Outreach Southern Alberta | Supports and advocates for the local and broader two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) communities of Lethbridge and surrounding areas. They do this through gender and sexuality education, peer supports, and community building through an anti-oppressive and social justice framework. |
| Banff Pride | Community events offered year round (drag shows, socials, live entertainment, outdoor fun). |
| Central Alberta Pride Society | Offering events and resources in the Red Deer and surrounding community. |
| Jasper Pride | LGBTQIA+ events in the Jasper area. |
| Grand Prairie Pride Society | Offers resources and events to individuals in the Grand Prairie and surrounding areas. |
| Wood Buffalo Pride | Provides resources and events to individuals in the Wood Buffalo area. |
Mental Health Supports (counselling services-low or no cost)
| Name | Contact Info | Notes |
| The Family Centre | https://www.familycentre.org/ | For folks 18+ (parental). First session free; sliding scale. Unlimited drop-in. |
| Centre for Sexuality | https://www.centreforsexuality.ca/ | Free short-term counselling & referrals. |
| Skipping Stone Foundation | https://www.skippingstone.ca/ | Community coaching and peer mentors. |
| Calgary Outlink | https://www.calgaryoutlink.ca/ | Groups, peer support, mentorship. |
| Momentum Walk-In Counselling | https://momentumcounselling.org/ (780) 797-0900 info@walkinedmonton.org | 1-on-1 single session and online groups. |
| Drop-in YEG | https://www.dropinyeg.ca/faq/ | Free. Services for individuals, couples/partners, and families (parental consent to see underage (16) children/youth alone). |
Youth Spaces
Edmonton
| Name | Contact Info | Notes |
| Youth Empowerment and Support Services | https://yess.org/ | Youth ages 15-24; shelter / drop in; wrap around support. |
| Old Strathcona Youth Society | https://www.osys.ca/ | Resources, referrals, information. |
| CHEW OUTpost | https://chewprojectyeg.org/ | Frontline support 2SLGBTQ+ folks ages 14-29 facing barriers. |
| iHuman Youth Society | https://ihuman.org/ | Youth ages 12-24 facing barriers. |
Helplines
| Name | Contact Info | Notes |
| Briteline | https://edmonton.cmha.ca/programs-services/briteline/ 1-844-702-7483 | 24/7 operation; specifically for folks in the community. |
| Distress Line | https://edmonton.cmha.ca/programs-services/distress-line/ 780-482-4357 (HELP) | 24/7; non judgemental and short term crisis intervention. |
| Trans Lifeline | https://translifeline.org/ 1-877-330-6366 | 24/7 trans peer support. |
| Kids Help Phone | https://kidshelpphone.ca/ Call 1-800-668-6868 Text 686868 | Connect with a crisis responder or to talk to someone. |
| Canada Suicide Prevention Services | https://talksuicide.ca/ Call 1-833-456-4566 Text: 45645 | 24/7; connect with a crisis responder. |
| Hope for Wellness Crisis Support | https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ 1-855-242-3310 | Support line for Indigenous people across Canada. “Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” Telephone support available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut on request. |