Searching for LGBTQ+

Support to refugee claimants in Canada and abroad

• legal, crisis intervention and emotional support
• weekly support group
• Network of Iranian Queer HIV/AIDS Program, info@niqha.net -- education and support to people with HIV/AIDS and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
• SHER Fund, Safe House and Emergency Relief for LGBT refugees residing in Turkey to pay living expenses
• Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Iran Program -- support to parents and families of LGBT individuals
• information and referral
• newsletter, magazine

COVID19 Peer support by chat and text Mon-Fri, Sun 4 pm-9:30 pm EST, visit YouthLine website for details; not a crisis service

Anonymous, confidential peer support by email, text and chat, on issues of concern to 2SLGBTQ+ youth such as anti-oppression, anti-racism, sex and consent, STIs, HIV, self-care, mental health

• information and referral
• referral database of 2SLGBTQ+ youth services

COVID19 Drop-in services suspended until further notice; for updates on available supports email transpridetorontott@gmail.com, or call 647-762-0257 to leave a message (returned within 12 hours)

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Low barrier and equitable access to individual counselling, support and advocacy, accompaniment and referrals (such as doctors, lawyers, housing), harm reduction and safe sex supplies, housing and employment supports, and drop-in services

• 2Spirit/Trans Indigenous bi-weekly drop-in
• Black/African/Caribbean monthly drop-in
• 2Spirit/Trans 101 workshops for community groups and agencies on issues affecting health and wellbeing, including transphobia, poverty, homelessness and marginalization

Systemic advocacy; participates in annual Trans Day of Remembrance (November 20)

Sexual health counselling and related medical services, including birth control, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and anonymous HIV testing and counselling * partners welcome * confidential * no Ontario Health Insurance required * schedules for women/trans and men/trans clinics differ -- see Hours above * clinic space limited

Men/Trans-Identified clients -- drop-in for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment * free condoms available * by appointment -- anonymous HIV testing, counselling and treatment information * sexuality and safe sex counselling * sexual assault counselling, testing and follow-up * outreach to bathhouses

Women/Trans-Identified clients -- drop-in for sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment * free condoms available * emergency contraception/Plan B * by appointment -- counselling on safer sex, sexually transmitted infections (STI), birth control, sexuality and healthy relationships * pregnancy testing and counselling * abortion counselling, referral and follow-up * fertility awareness * anonymous HIV testing, counselling and treatment information * support for HIV positive women and trans people * sexual assault counselling, testing and follow-up

In-person pre-booked appointments and some group programs resumed, mandatory masking in effect and double vaccination required prior to first appointment; contact for information or visit website

Virtual mental health support available for women experiencing violence

Options adult and children's case management services available by phone and email Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm

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Individual and group counselling, walk-in counselling, information and referral services to individuals and families; specialized services for LGBTQ community, individuals with HIV/AIDS, individuals with developmental disabilities, seniors (including seniors experiencing abuse), sexual abuse survivors, women experiencing abuse, male perpetrators of abuse, separating and divorcing families; advocacy, education, research and community development

Counselling and Support for Individuals, Couples and Families
Counselling and educational programs for those seeking support in dealing with relationships and family problems, parenting, depression, anxiety, job loss, separation, divorce and new relationships, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, life transitions and other issues

• Violence Against Women Program
• counselling for male survivors of sexual abuse, member agency for Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (central region)
• social reform, public education and advocacy

Families in Transition
Planned brief interventions with focus on supporting child adjustment to parental separation, divorce and remarriage , includes individual and family counselling, educational programs, support groups, mediation of parenting plans, and training and consultation for professionals working with changing families

Growing Up Healthy Downtown for children birth-6 years (see separate listing)

Individual and Group Counselling for Women in Abusive Relationships
Individual and group counselling for women who have experienced partner abuse, multilingual services available, including crisis intervention, and programs for children who have witnessed partner abuse

Next Steps Program for Men
Group counselling for men who are or have been abusive to their partners, including alternatives to abusive behaviour, and communication skills

Partner Assault Response (PAR)
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict; victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

Seniors and Caregivers Support (see separate listing)

Call for information on FST services available at partner agencies, including Unison Health and Community Services, Bathurst-Finch Hub (540 Finch Ave), Working Women Community Centre, Victoria Park Hub (1527 Victoria Park Ave), Rexdale Community Health Centre (8 Taber Rd), and LAMP Community Health Centre (185 Fifth St) - see separate listings

In-person pre-booked appointments and some group programs resumed, mandatory masking in effect and double vaccination required prior to first appointment;
contact for information or visit website

David Kelley 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

David Kelley 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

Crisis management program and specialized mental health services * walk-in counselling * youth outreach program * physiotherapist * community health worker training program * two spirit trans peer support and counselling * housing support program * traditional program

Services and Programs:

• Mental Health Services
• Walk-In Counselling

Support, referrals, advocacy

• primary care
• family support
• HIV/AIDS education and prevention including distribution of male and female condoms, lubricant and Aboriginal resource material
• needle exchange and harm reduction materials
• same sex domestic violence information and referral
• care teams and caregiver training
• counselling for all ages
• social events
• free Internet access
• volunteer opportunities
• cultural programming

Part of the Indigenous led Crisis Response Pilot -- responds to mental health related crisis and wellness checks for individuals, in partnership with ENAGB and PQWCHC

COVID19 -- full-time in-person services have resumed; call 416-533-8545 or email info@spanishservices.org to connect to program required

HIV/AIDS Prevention

• pre-test and post-test counselling, prevention education, workshops, publications
• individual or support group counselling
• information and referrals for persons living with HIV and AIDS
• counselling on sexual orientation and gender identity
• harm reduction assistance

COVID19 -- agency prefers that people call or email ahead for appointment; for service updates call or visit website

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HIV/AIDS Education and Support Programs

• buddy and practical assistance
• HIV/STI testing and treatment information
• confidential individual counselling, referrals, case management, peer support groups
• health promotion; women's program
• settlement services and supports for international students and people on work permits

LGBTQ+ Outreach

• For youth, gay men, women, non-binary individuals at-risk
• SLAM (Sex Love Asian Men)
• SHIMMER trans women's program
• Women's (and non-binary) Education and Outreach Program
• Queer Asian Youth (QAY) outreach, recreation and workshops including When You're Ready

Resource centre and culturally specific materials, research projects, volunteer program

Support services including anonymous, confidential counselling, information and referrals for individuals, couples, and partners of individuals with HIV. Counselling for cis and trans, gay, bi, queer men regardless of HIV status

• HIV gay men's coffee night for HIV-positive gay men over 40
• women's coffee night for HIV-positive cis and trans women
• support, health and wellness groups
• income tax clinic for people with HIV
• weekly hot lunch programs for people with HIV (registration required)
• social support events for people with HIV
• workshops and community health forums for those living with or at risk of HIV

HIV/STI Prevention Education and Outreach
Information on HIV/STIs (sexually transmitted infections), safer sex and safer substance use

• outreach to at-risk youth and gay and bisexual men
• free condoms and lubricant - available at the offices or in queer community venues
• harm reduction kits for cis and trans gay, bi, queer men
• online outreach on social and sexual dating apps used by cis and trans gay, bi, queer men
• discussion groups, workshops
• service provider training for agencies serving women

Employment ACTion, www.employmentaction.org
For people with HIV and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities on ODSP Income Supports considering entering or re-entering the workforce

• career assessments
• skills development
• self-employment development
• job placement
• information sessions

Positive Youth Outreach (PYO)
Peer-based support and education for youth 16-29 years living with HIV

• social support
• workshops
• weekly evening drop-in

Gay Men's Health Programs:
Group-based programs for HIV-negative and HIV-positive ci and trans gay, bi queer men addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, substance use and body image

• Wellness Group
• Meth and Sex Group
• Magnetic Couples' Group
• Substance use support group for cis & trans gay/bi/queer men

Community Counselling Program

• free confidential counselling about issues concerning HIV, sexual health, mental health and substance use for HIV negative and HIV-positive cis and trans gay, bi, queer men; intake required
• onsite bathhouse counselling program for gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM)

Women's Programs:
Social support programs for cis and trans women with HIV

• WomenZone social spaces and learning support
• Women's Coffee Night informal social support

Some programs and services in collaboration with other community agencies; for more information, visit www.actoronto.org

Carrefour des Immigrants FrancoQueer (CIF)

• settlement and integration services
• information, orientation and reference
• information and orientation workshops
• help with refugee application process and follow up
• discussion groups and peer support, including matching with someone already settled
• social integration activities to adapt to Canadian life
• psychosocial support and crisis counselling

COVID19 -- appointments with SOY youth resource workers via telephone or virtual where possible; no on-site programming

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Health promotion services and programming to support LGBT2SQ youth and young adults, many of whom are homeless, racialized and/or newcomers to Canada

Connects to affirming mental health and primary care service providers, peers, mentors, housing, dieticians, urban and newcomer health services, income or employment supports, transitioning supports, immigration supports, and more

Goal Planning Service (GPS)

• meet regularly with youth resource workers to help identify and achieve personal goals
• help to arrange appointments such as those with a landlord, addictions or mental health counsellor, medical practitioner, school counsellor, Ontario Works representative, immigration lawyer, CAS worker, and others
• accompaniment to family or chosen family meetings

Weekly Health and Wellbeing Groups

• explore personal goals
• dinner
• various youth and young adults groups for all LGBT2SQ; for those who identify as Black, African, Caribbean or Black identified multiracial; for newcomers and refugees; for those who identify as trans, non-binary or gender-questioning

SOY CONNECT's Mentorship and Peer Leadership Programs

• group and personal mentorship
• Melanin Linx Project connects Black LGBTQ+ youth with a mentor

SOY Lead

• paid peer leadership program
• advanced training in peer education

Internal Housing Program - rent-geared-to-income housing and supports to live independently

Health promotion and systems work

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

COVID19

• Primary Care and Clinical Services: Mon: 9 am- 8 pm; Tue-Wed, Fri: 9 am-5 pm, Thu 9 am-1 pm, 4 pm-8 pm; virtual appointments where possible
• appointments with mental health counsellors, dietitians and SOY youth resource workers virtual where possible
• some community groups and drop-ins operating, visit website or call for details
• to connect with the Hep C program, call 647-327-2839; group members can access food, honorariums and support group Wed 10 am-12 noon
• harm reduction supplies available 24 hours, outside main entrance
• Mental Health Services accepting referrals from existing clients only
• Acute Respite Care (ARC) accepting referrals from community and hospital providers, as well as self-referrals

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Family Health Team and Community Programs

• primary health care services
• community Diabetes and Hepatitis C education, support and treatment
• no Ontario Health Insurance required for general services
• not currently accepting new clients for Family Health Team; most community programs are accessible to non-clients - contact organization for details

Mental Health Services

• counselling for persons who have experienced trauma
• specialized counselling for target populations
• Brief Therapy Services
• currently accepting referrals for existing clients only

HIV Services

• primary care
• drop-in clinic for registered clients
• naturopathic clinic for persons with HIV/AIDS

Trans Health Care

• transition related surgery information and referrals
• support groups
• training for health care providers, guidelines and protocols

WINK (Women In Need Klinik)

• drop-in clinic and support for women who are street-involved and/or are experiencing homelessness
• light breakfast, mental health and primary care support

Acute Respite Care (ARC) -- short term inpatient infirmary for individuals who are under-housed, experiencing homelessness or who are socially-isolated recuperating from an acute medical condition, illness, injury or surgery

Supporting Our Youth (SOY), see separate listing

Sherbourne Health Bus, Interprofessional Primary Care Program and Specialized Community Program, see separate listing

COVID19 Face to face client services suspended, except for in-person emergency mental health support (facemasks, social distancing, and completed Covid19 Health Screening Tool required pre-session); virtual services continue for intake, youth and parent groups, and workshops; new referrals accepted; CTYS clients contact worker by cell phone, or call main office at 416-924-2100

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Youth mental health centre, including treatment, advocacy, research, education, community development projects

Community Counselling
Individual and group counselling for high-risk, hard-to-serve youth, provided in the home, neighbourhood or school; for assistance in accessing program contact intake worker

• programs for Black youth
• group programs
• community and school outreach

New Outlook
For youth and young adults 14-24 years with serious mental illness (primarily psychotic disorders)

• day program
• early intervention and treatment
• long-term case management
• support and crisis intervention for youth involved with criminal justice system
• youth hostel outreach
• intake form available online

Pride & Prejudice
For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth and young adults experiencing depression or anxiety

• individual and group counselling on a variety of issues including gender identity, sexual orientation, traumatic experiences such as childhood abuse or family violence, homophobia, relationship concerns with family and friends
• transition support
• group programs

Youth Justice
For moderate to high-risk youth serving a youth order and/or with matters before youth court

• guidance, counselling and comprehensive support
• court diversion and open custody programs
• early release and transition support
• probation outreach program
• referral from probation officer

Community meals
Sundays drop-in, meal trans programs

Community Support

• trauma informed counselling services providing access to professionally trained and supervised volunteer counsellors -- by appointment 416-392-4878 ext 4000
• Crystal Meth Anonymous
• Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLA)

Wills clinic

• legal services to draft wills, power of attorney and reported letters for Pro Bono lawyers -- by appointment 416-392-6878 ext 4001
• income tax clinic (March-April)

Community-led -- Hassle Free Clinic -- (see separate entry)

Education and Training

• customized training to help organizations create a LGBTQ inclusive environment
• English as a second language (ESL) classes

Older 2SLGBTQ drop-in

• information, referrals, book clubs, service provides training and arts based programs for people 50 years and older
• the Youth/Elders project
• Older 2SLGBTQ Resource Centre

Family and Children Programs -- family support programming and resources for families of diverse identities and structures

EarlyON Child and Family Centre -- programs for children birth-6 years

• early learning and literacy activities
• nutritious snacks
• music, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor play
• information and referral
• special events and workshops

​Kids Action and Art Space (KAAS) -- art programs for children 6-9 years

LGBTQ2S Family Events 0-6

• play-based programing with music arts and crafts indoor and outdoor play
• performances
• lunch and snacks
• family support

Glitterbug 0-6-- mobile program in partnership with EarlyON centres, across Toronto to promote inclusion and affirmation of gender and sexual diversity in children and extended families

Youth programs

• for newcomer youth 14-19 years
• Youth Engagement program -- focus on English practice and skills building
• workshops
• Newcomer Youth Mentorship -- monthly program delivered by peer mentors * hands-on activities which explore issues that matter to youth

Trans Youth Mentorship program (TYMP) -- monthly program delivered by peer mentors

• hands-on activities which explore issues that matter to youth
• community engagement, individualized support, group sessions and workshops

Canada's organization of Roman Catholics who are concerned about the church's sexual theology, particularly as it pertains to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons

• collaborates with other Catholic organizations seeking reform in our church's leadership and teachings, and works within and without the Church to promote the full personhood of those who belong to sexual minorities
• believes our loving relationships are intrinsically good, and worthy of recognition as marriage in civil law as well as in the eyes of God

Participates in the activities of Call to Action, Catholic Organizations for Renewal, and the Coalition of Concerned Canadian Catholics, and publicly challenges bishops, and even the Holy Father, whenever these leaders preach hatred and discrimination of gay and lesbian people, or oppose their quest for full citizenship

Operates local chapters in several Canadian cities where members come together for worship and social activities; our newsletter brings members news and editorials of interest to gay and lesbian Catholics

250-bed long-term care home * residential care for private rooms, semi-private rooms and basic rooms * 24-hour nursing and personal care * access to a doctor and other health professionals * secure dementia unit * 2SLGBTQI+ positive environment * specific unit for Chinese residents

• bedding and furniture
• laundry and housekeeping
• meals
• personal hygiene supplies
• medical supplies and equipment (such as catheters, ostomy bags, or wound care supplies)
• assistance with medication and activities of daily living
• recreation and social programs

Short-Stay Care - Short-stay beds (respite care for people who have caregivers in need of temporary relief) * publicly funded * offered up to 90 days per year - each stay is no longer than 60 days, as available * residents have access to the same services as long-stay residents

Services and Programs:

• Convalescent Care Program

150-bed long-term care home * residential care for private rooms and basic rooms * 24-hour nursing and personal care * access to a doctor and other health professionals * multicultural and LGBTQ+ positive environment * secure dementia unit

• bedding and furniture
• laundry and housekeeping
• meals
• personal hygiene supplies
• medical supplies and equipment (such as catheters, ostomy bags, or wound care supplies)
• assistance with medication and activities of daily living
• recreation and social programs

Additional services and facilities:

• physiotherapist
• clinical nurse specialist
• palliative care
• restorative care services

Additional unfunded services:

• chiropodist
• optometrist
• audiologist
• dentist
• hair salon
• outings

Short-Stay Care (Public) - Short-stay beds (respite care for people who have caregivers in need of temporary relief) * publicly funded * offered up to 90 days per year, as available * residents have access to the same services as long-stay residents

Focus on newcomers, women, families with children birth-6 years * peer outreach and support * parenting and parent-child groups * food skills groups * health education * prenatal nutrition and support * lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) services * expressive arts * research and advocacy on newcomer, immigrant and refugee issues

Orientation to community * needs and eligibility assessments *
settlement related information * support navigating health and government
systems * LGBTQ+ settlement * referral to housing, legal and employment
services * one-on-one settlement support * group information sessions

Drop-in centre, counselling services and support for LGBTIQ2S youth, including case management, newcomer support, and access to community resources, books, and workshops

Drop-in centre
Includes intake, assessment and individualized support plan; information and referral to emergency shelter, housing options; assistance in applying for government health (OHIP) and social assistance programs (OW, ODSP); assistance in obtaining identification and/or legal support in amending sex markers on official documentation

• light groceries, TTC fare, harm reduction kits, personal hygiene kits
• meals available with snacks throughout opening hours
• employment assistance including resume and job search coaching, and referrals
• computer lab with WiFi
• access to printer, fax, phone

Counselling Centre
Includes immediate crisis response and counselling, suicide prevention, intervention and follow-up care

• individual, group and family counselling
• addiction and mental health supports
• medical, dental and legal aid referrals
• exploration of education opportunities, including high school, postsecondary and trades programs
• gender affirmation, community acceptance support and counselling, including transition planning and trans literacy seminars
• group discussion and learning activities

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)