A row of hands holding rainbow and Canadian flags.

I’m an LGBTQ+ newcomer. What resources are available?

ByAds Up Canada Updated on

LGBTQ+ newcomers may face additional challenges as they negotiate the effects of long-term detention but also issues around sexual and gender identity or gender expression. For a good general website that answers some basic questions about being LGBTQ2+ in Canada, see this website where they answer questions around safety and human rights for LGBTQ2+ persons in Canada and also talk about the history of LGBTQ2+ rights in Canada. Another good website with information on policy, advocacy and human rights of LGBTQ2+ persons in Canada is Egale, which is Canada’s leading organisation for LGBTQ2+ people and issues.

Resources in Ontario

In Ontario, OCASI’s (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants) “Positive Spaces Initiative” has links to counsellors across Ontario who serve LGBTQ+ newcomers, and Access Alliance has a wonderful list of resources for LGBTQ+ newcomers in Toronto, Ontario, including healthcare providers, queer-friendly religious organisations and resources for trans persons.

Resources in British Columbia

In Vancouver, British Columbia, MOSAIC hosts “I Belong”, a space to support and LGBTQ+ newcomers, including support groups and counselling. They also run the Trans Newcomer Online Resource Hub, which provides information and support to folks who identify as transgender, transsexual, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, two-spirited, agender, polygender, bigender, and many more gender identities and expressions that are different from expectations based on their sex assigned at birth. 

Resources in Alberta

In Calgary, Alberta, the Centre for Newcomers offers one-on-one support services, group supports, information, referrals, settlement advice, and mental health supports to LGBTQ+ newcomers.

Similar Posts

Two hands hold aa cardboard sign with the words "Families belong together" written on it in black.

What is Family Reunification and the One Year Window (OYW) program?

If family members are not able to accompany the refugee when they come to Canada there may be the possibility for eligible family members to apply to Canada through the “One Year Window” provision. Eligible family members include a spouse or common-law partner (including same-sex partners) and any dependent children aged 22 or under at the time the application is submitted.

Illustration of a person in a white shirt and black pants with their leg and arm raised.

Self-Determination and Power Dynamics

Self-determination is important for those arriving from Manus and Nauru, who have not been able to make their own decisions and control their own lives for over 8 years. Even though settlement teams will give them the best information possible to make decisions, ultimately it is their right to make their own choices regarding their bodies, their healthcare, their education, their work and every facet of their lives.

A set of four feet standing in front of a red and white Canadian flag painted on black pavement.

Where can I find help when I arrive in Canada?

Newcomers to Canada are assisted in the process of settling into their new home by a large number of individuals and organizations, including your settlement team/sponsors, new friends, Canadians who may be from the same ethnic or religious background, or family. In addition to these, the Canadian government also funds organisations, called “Service Provider Organizations (SPOs)” or “Settlement Services”, which help newcomers adjust to life in Canada.