Support Groups &
Supportive Organisations
- Alberta & Canada -
There are organisations and Facebook sites offering in-person or online support groups, or one-on-one supports.
Contact each organisation to confirm details of their support group meetings, as many have been moved online or suspended during the pandemic.
See Resources for Youth (under "In the Trans Community") for LGBTQ2S+ children, including youth camps.
PHOTO CREDITS: Free Wix images, except for Pflag Vancouver photo.
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ALBERTA
AIRDRIE
Airdrie Pride Society
Events page lists support groups and social events.
Parenting with Pride support group is for parents and caregivers. "All parents and caregivers are welcome to come to learn more about raising children, teens, or young adults who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-binary, pansexual or are questioning their identity or orientation.”
"Email tammy@airdriepride.ca for the private Zoom link to attend." Upcoming 2022 meetings:
Monday, October 17th at 7 p.m.
Monday, November 21st at 7 p.m.
Monday, December 19th at 7 p.m.
CALGARY AND AREA
Calgary Outlink: Peer Support
“Calgary Outlink is a community-based, not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing support, education, outreach, and referrals for the LGBTQ2IA+ and allied community in Calgary, Alberta.”
Main WEBSITE.
Calgary Pride
“Mission: Calgary Pride is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote equality and celebrate Calgary’s diversity. Vision: Our city, free from discrimination against gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.” Calgary and area.
Centre for Sexuality. Calgary.
"Centre for Sexuality is launching From Me to We, a program which creates a safe and welcoming space just for transgender, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender non-conforming youth to build knowledge, skills, confidence, and social connection.
What is this program all about?
Program participants will explore their identities; experience a sense of belonging and acceptance; and build their knowledge, skills, and confidence to develop, participate, and maintain healthy relationships with themselves, others, and their communities.
The program includes 3 Modules: Relationship with Self, Relationships with Others and Relationships with Community over 13 weeks. Sessions will be one weeknight per week, plus four Social Saturdays over the course of the program. Sessions will be a mix of online and in-person at the Central Library.
We will be running programs for two cohorts: 14-17 and 18-20 years of age.
Join us! If you are gender diverse and between the ages of 14 and 20 (trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary, gender non-conforming, etc), please sign up!"
Questions? Reach out to Melia at mwylie@centreforsexuality.ca
Gender creative families night
Joint partnership of The Centre for Sexuality and Families Matter. Calgary.
First Tuesday of the month from 6:00-7:30.
"This program is for parents and caregivers of gender creative children.
Learning how to best support the gender creative children in your lives.
The Centre For Sexuality, in partnership with Families Matter, welcomes parents, families and caregivers of gender creative (Trans*, non-binary, gender independent, gender fluid, gender-queer, gender non-conforming) children, aged 4-14, to a monthly gathering.
This support group is an opportunity for caregivers to share stories and experiences, support each other in a non-judgmental and safe atmosphere, and to learn more about gender creativity.
The group is facilitated by the 2SLGBTQ+ Natural Supports Worker from Centre for Sexuality (formerly Calgary Sexual Health Centre) and includes resource sharing as well as discussion time."
Centre for Sexuality. Calgary.
"It’s never too early or too late to start talking to your kids about sexuality and relationships. Our parent workshops help caregivers navigate these conversations and provide practical tips and strategies to help."
"Easier Than You Think Workshops". We provide workshops designed to increase parents’ confidence and comfort in talking with their children about sexuality and relationships. Interactive activities and discussion help parents identify their family’s values about sexuality and clarify how to communicate these to their children. Issues addressed include why you should talk with your child about sexuality; your child’s physical, mental, emotional, and social development; how to give easy answers to tough questions; and where to find more information and support. You’ll leave feeling better prepared to respond to your children’s questions, and more comfortable and confident talking with their children about sexuality.
"Talking to Children 0-12 Years Workshop goal": To increase parents’ confidence and comfort in talking with their children 0-12 years old about sexuality."
PFLAG Canada, Calgary Chapter
Contact: Sean Alley
PHONE: 403-234-8973
EMAIL: calgaryab@pflagcanada.ca
FACEBOOK: PFLAG Canada - Calgary Chapter (all Welcome)
Skipping Stone currently offers online Zoom support group meetings due to COVID-19. Check their Groups page to inquire about their groups and what is running online, or on-site in Calgary.
Click to see "Groups for Family & Friends; Groups for Trans Folks; and Groups for Youth & Children."
CAMROSE
Contact to see if meetings are currently on. "Friends and family meetings first Monday of every Month 6-8 pm at the Camrose Library, Bunker"
EDMONTON AND AREA
Pflag Canada, Edmonton Chapter
The Edmonton Chapter is an 18+ support group that welcomes parents, family, spouses, allies and LGBTQ2S+ people to their meetings. Meetings are currently online on the second Saturday afternoon of the month, and the last Wednesday evening of the month.
CONTACT:
Edmonton Pflag Chapter Leader
1 888 530 6777 Ext 581
EMAIL edmontonab@pflagcanada.ca
PUBLIC Facebook page: "PFLAG Canada , Edmonton AB" Community Organisation
https://www.facebook.com/edmontonpflag
PRIVATE Facebook group: "PFLAG Canada , Edmonton AB Group"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/411527066273020
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/pflagedmonton/
PFLAG Canada, Seahorse Chapter (Edmonton)
NOTE: Call or email first regarding as to when the meetings will resume as they have been postponed.
“Seahorse Circle is a play date liberated from gender norms and expectations facilitated by a mentor for children under the age of 12 and their friends and family. Families can meet one another, talk, socialize and find a supportive space that normalizes and embraces their children’s exploration and expression of gender. This program is funded by Alberta Health Services."
Contact: Shaunna Doronski
Phone: 1-888-530-6777 ext 571
Email: seahorseab@pflagcanada.ca
(Seahorse Circle met at the Pride Centre of Edmonton on the second Saturday of each month, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm)”
Pride Centre of Edmonton
Phone or email the Centre for assistance or to inquire about their services and groups.
“Information & Referral: We provide information and referrals to individuals, families and professionals seeking assistance. We maintain extensive resource lists of service providers that have been confirmed to be 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly and/or gender affirming.
Please let us know how we can support you in systems navigation and resource finding by emailing us at hello@pridecentreofedmonton.ca .
You can book a day-off appointment for information and referral services at the Centre by calling us at 780-488-3234 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 – 7 pm."
Supportive Parents (Alberta / Edmonton)
The altView Foundation.
"The altView Foundation works with LGBTQ2S+ youth in schools, facilitates staff training and PD days, conducts health class presentations, and supports the great work of Gay Straight Alliances in those schools. Through that work, we realized a very important group of people who were lacking for supports: parents and families. Youth supports are growing across the province but parents and families have often been overlooked.
The altView Foundation believes that parents and families are crucial to the support of LGBTQ2S+ youth. The support of loved ones can often mean the difference between life and death for many youth LGBTQ2S+ people. But there is a journey toward that acceptance and support, and many families don’t know how or where to start. If you are in this position, know that you’re not alone. There is a collective wisdom when it comes to raising children, a wealth of knowledge and experiences out there for any number of struggles that parents and families can face. But when it comes to raising an LGBTQ2S+ child and navigating those unique challenges, there are gaps in that collective wisdom.
Supportive Parents is envisioned to be a resource to help fill those gaps. It will host peer-to-peer articles, surveys, blogs, resources, and so much more. If you have specific concerns or feedback on our page, please reach out via our contact page."
Institute for Sexual Minority Studies & Services (iSMSS)
University of Alberta Faculty of Education, Edmonton.
“The Institute for Sexual Minority Studies & Services (iSMSS) is a non-profit organization and research institute housed in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. iSMSS provides educational programs and services to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies. Through our partnerships with various local Edmonton organizations such as the Pride Centre, LGBTQ+ Wellness Centre, and Altview we provide direct services from mental health support to 2SLGBTQ+ education to the community.
Family Resiliency Project: Through a partnership with the LGBTQ Wellness Centre, the Family Resilience Project offers free short-term counselling to sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ) children, youth, and families" Email: iSMSS@ualberta.ca Tel: 780.492.0772
Trans and Nonbinary Pals of YEG
"Hello and welcome to Trans and Nonbinary Pals of Edmonton and area!! We are an inclusive group that is cis-free. The group was created because we felt there wasn't a place for trans and nonbinary people to huddle together to survive living in Alberta. This group is for socializing and sharing advice. (please check the announcements after you join!)"
Pride Corner on Whyte
* NOTE: Private Facebook page. the Pride Corner space on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton
is monitored by adults. However, use caution when attending as there may be
interactions with the public.*
In May 2022 the City of Edmonton officially proclaimed the corner of 104 Street and Whyte Ave "Pride Corner" after support from the Strathcona Business Association, and 10,000+ signatures received in support.
Click to read the ARTICLE by Pamela Young, an Edmonton freelance writer, about Pride Corner, published April 2022 in Xtra e-magazine.
" 'Pride Corner on Whyte' envisions an Edmonton where every member of the LGBTQ family (plus local businesses) can safely be on Whyte Avenue without fear and without subjection to homophobic street preachers. For over 10 years, street preachers have stood on their milk crate with their microphone and 'preached' their messages. It is homophobia disguised as bible quotes. It is long past time to reclaim the space on the corner of 104th street and Whyte and have it be known as 'Pride Corner'. A growing group of counter protestors have made it their calling to stand on 104th and Whyte to fight the good fight."
"Xtra is an online magazine and community platform covering LGBTQ2S+ culture, politics and health. We aim to break boundaries, think outside of binaries and build bridges within our communities and beyond."
Other news items about Pride Corner:
'We wanted this intersection to be safe': Pride Corner on Whyte Ave a big win for local queer community. CTV News Edmonton. June 9, 2022.
The Family Centre
#20, 9912-106 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.
The Family Centre in Edmonton publishes The Rainbow Pages among their other services.
"Transitioning into adulthood can be tough. You are figuring out who you are, including your sexual orientation and gender identity. Whether you are unsure or very clear, there are tons of supports available in our city.
The Family Centre is a safe space for everyone. People of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, experiences, gender expressions, gender identities, religions, and sexual orientations are welcome to access our services
We can support you to navigate through change, raise healthy children, develop strong and healthy relationships, and heal from trauma. Whether embarking on one of life’s most exciting adventures—like getting married or having children—or going through a challenging, traumatic situation, The Family Centre will help you move forward positively. We can support you to navigate through change, raise healthy children, develop strong and healthy relationships, and heal from trauma."
Click to download: PDF of The Rainbow Pages
FORT MCMURRAY & WOOD BUFFALO REGION
"Pride YMM is a group of community members committed to raising awareness and promoting inclusion of LGBTQ2S+ people in Wood Buffalo.
Pride YMM coordinates LGBTQ2S+ affirming events, support programs, advocates for LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, and provides training and resources. Our goal is to unite and empower gender diverse people and people of diverse sexual orientations. We aim to foster belonging and create safer spaces and communities for all. "
Check Programs page to get more information on support groups, including:
---- Supporting Hearts
A support group for parents, caregivers, family members and partners of transgender and gender diverse children and adults. A space to share experiences and stories as they work to understand and support their loved ones.
First Monday of the Month. Contact us for more information.
--- Trans Support Group
A support group for trans and gender diverse folks. Contact us for more details and for the date and location of the next meet up! Takes place virtually the last Monday of the month, contact us to get the meeting link!
EMAIL: infoprideymm@gmail.com
PROGRAMS: https://prideymm.ca/programs
FORT SASKATCHEWAN
"Rainbow Alliance Is a peer led group offered in partnership with the City of Fort Saskatchewan that engages in activities picked by youth in attendance. Activities might include board game nights, movies nights, discussion nights, and craft nights. It meets every second Thursday at the Families First Society of Fort Saskatchewan at 9901 90 St, Fort Saskatchewan. The group is open to youth up to the age 20. For more information,
contact kwahl@fortsask.ca "
Click for EMAIL
LACOMBE AREA
PFLAG Canada, Lacombe Chapter
Contact: Monica Loewen
403 - 782 - 5513
Email: myloewen@cciwireless.ca
LETHBRIDGE AND SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Serves Lethbridge & southern Alberta. Numerous supports and resources.
----- Trans Health Resources
“This guide is to help folks who are transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender questioning find health care resources for gender-affirming and gender-inclusive care. This guide also contains information covering a broad range of topics around gender identity including coming out, concepts and terminology, and much more!
This information is adapted from the website previously managed by Arches Queer Health. OUTreach extends its gratitude to the individuals who developed this guide and collected this vast quantity of information for the benefit of queer and trans individuals in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. We do not own the information presented within this guide, we are only working to maintain the information and ensure it is up-to-date and current, as well as expanding on resources and topics and new information becomes available. With the defunding of the Arches Queer Health Program, OUTreach has taken on the project of ensuring these resources continue to be accessible and available to our community."
A support group for transgender individuals 18+ only. “The Trans Support Group is a peer-led social network that seeks primarily to combat the loneliness and isolation often felt by trans people and those journeying with them. This is not a professionally-run support group. Collectively, the Group can provide support, referrals to resources, and a place of ‘community,’ for individuals who are transgender, including gender non-conforming, non-binary, and other gender minorities. The group aims to provide a supportive environment for people to convey their gender expression in a safe, closed space. In order to do so we require, confidentiality and respect for individuals, their choices, pronouns, names, and personal expression. The group gathers on the 3rd Monday of each month via Zoom.
Click for info on meetings: OUTreach Southern Alberta Society Facebook page.
MEDICINE HAT
Pride Association of Southeast Alberta
"Pride Association of Southeast Alberta envisions an open and safe community for all to live. We strive to provide opportunities to celebrate diversity, love, and fellowship within our community. We provide cultural, artistic, social and educational events which affirm the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirited and queer people and our allies and supporters throughout Southeast Alberta.
We promote unity, inclusion, and awareness of sexual and gender diversity and aim to create a sense of community and safe spaces for LGBTQ2+ individuals, their families and their allies."
NORTH PEACE
Pflag Canada, North Peace Chapter
Contact: Kari-Lyn Rakestraw
Phone: 1-888-530-6777 ext 597
Email: northpeacepflag@pflagcanada.ca
RED DEER AND AREA
Central Alberta Pride Society (CAPS)
Alberta / Red Deer and area
“Central Alberta Pride Society was founded in 2012 to bring LGBTQ+ awareness and community to Red Deer and surrounding areas. The name was intentionally chosen to be inclusive of urban and rural areas surrounding Red Deer, recognizing that LGBTQIA2S+ people exist beyond city limits.
PFLAG Canada, Red Deer Chapter
Contact: Tania Kim Diletzoy
1 - 888 - 530 - 6777 ext 562
Email: reddeerab@pflagcanada.ca
Transgender and Non-Binary Aid Society (TANAS)
Box 213 4819C 48 Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 3T2
“T.A.N.A.S. is devoted to enriching the transgender and non-binary communities. We strive to inspire the generation of tomorrow, and empower our peers through advocacy, education, and by aiding trans and non-binary individuals in accessing the necessities
to become their authentic selves.”
ST ALBERT (and area)
For St Albert, Edmonton and surrounding area.
“Supporting non-heterosexual children, youth and adults age 13-24.
Click for PROGRAMS.
* Outloud Junior: "Outloud Juniors is a place for kids 12 and under to meet with others their age to build friendships, have conversations, ask questions, and receive support from Outloud Staff. During group, the Juniors play games, do crafts, read books, socialize, and are welcome to contribute to Outloud culture by painting murals in the space, planning parade floats, volunteering, and helping out with events.
This group is facilitated by Outloud staff and runs the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Outloud Space (#10, 215 Carnegie Drive) from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM."
* Outloud Youth: "Outloud Youth runs on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Outloud space. The meetings are from 7-9 pm and are a chance for teens to hangout with their peers, build friendships, and receive support from staff. A typical meeting starts with introductions, including everyone’s preferred name and pronouns. For safety reasons, parents and guardians are asked not to stay in the space during group."
* Outloud Talks St Albert (18+): "Outloud Talks is a discussion group for adult members of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community aged 18+. This is a safe space to discuss more mature topics such as jobs and relationships, as well as to receive advice from other members of the community who have similar experiences. Talks runs the fourth Friday of the month from 6-8pm at the Outloud space."
* Outloud Book Club. "Do you like reading and want to do more of it? Join our queer youth book club. Each month you'll be given a theme that your book pick should fit and then we'll get together and talk about it. Sound fun? Message us or email bekah@outloudstalbert.ca for more info"
* Outloud Siblings (6+). On the same evening as adult St Albert Pflag meetings, but in a separate space. "Siblings will learn about the acronyms, pronouns, being supportive to a sibling that is LGBTQ+ and will be able to ask questions in an age-appropriate way. Group will allow for confidential and safe discussions."
* Queer Halftime by Bekah and Kelsey. Podcast. Some topics are adult-themed.
"Join Bekah and Kelsey as they don't talk about sports but do talk about all things queer! And maybe one day talk about sports, never say never."
* News & Events including Outloud Pride (events). Yearly.
* Resource materials. "Posters, handouts, and more Outloud and LGBTQ resource materials"
Pflag Canada, St Albert Chapter
“Support group for families, friends, and allies of lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer LGBTQ people. We are a group for any adult that has any affiliation to LGBTQ people. If you have a child, friend, relative, co-worker, student, or anyone in your life who needs support, come check it out. Some people come to share stories, some come to ask questions, some come to just sit, listen and learn from others. Wherever you are or whoever you care about, we can help show you how to best care for the ones you love. Come and support or be supported. We are here for you.”
Contact: Terry & Natalie Soetaert
Phone: 780 990 6518
Facebook: Outloud St. Albert (https://www.facebook.com/OutloudStAlbert)
SHERWOOD PARK
Sherwood Park and area.
Click for Facebook page.
"Since 2007, the altView Foundation has served the queer community in Strathcona County and surrounding areas with several programs. They are the HangOUT, a youth space/activity group, Thought Out, an all-ages discussion group, altView Writes, a course basesd program to assist queer and trans authors in getting their words out, and the altView Presents program, a series of presentations to various public and private groups regarding a variety of LGBTQ-themed topics. In addition to the wide range of programs it offers, altView also provides in- and out-of-school support to Elk Island Public Schools’ Gay/Straight Alliances, providing resources and support to students and staff who wish to work to make their schools safer spaces for LGBTQ students. The foundation has grown considerably since it began as a small youth group in 2007; altView now has an office in Sherwood Park and employs three part-time staff members."
Families of LGBTQS+ youth education and support
altView partnership with Family & Social Services in Sherwood Park.
"In partnership with Family and Community Services, we are proud to be offering two new free & facilitated support groups. The first is a support group for the families and caregivers of LGBTQ2S+ youth. We recognize and affirm that raising a youth is always challenging, the additional facets of raising a youth who is LGBTQ2S+ makes that challenge often more difficult to navigate. This group brings together families of all types and configurations to speak honestly about their experiences, support one another with the guidance of professional facilitation, and become connected to supports and resources out there for families like theirs."
See website for details on meeting times and dates. Counselling support group.
SPRUCE GROVE
"Where 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies, have a safe and inclusive environment. They can feel included, protected, and respected. This is our youth's space to be who they want to be!"
The SAFE (Support and Advocacy For Everyone) group is for adults 18+ and 2SLGBTQ+ adults and allies are welcome. They meet the 3rd Thursday of the month from 7-9 pm.
Facebook: Spruce Grove GSA Society
Email: sprucegrovegsa@gmail.com
TABER
Taber Equality Alliance
“This page is for the TEA (Taber Equality Alliance) group to allow for more accessibility between us and the public.”
Phone (403) 393-2201
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ALBERTA-WIDE
SKIPPING STONE
Skipping Stone: Caring Hearts (support group)
Skipping Stone. Calgary-based but Alberta-wide.
"CARING HEARTS, our group for parents and caregivers of trans and gender diverse youth, is open to all across Alberta and meets via Zoom at 6:30pm."
Contact to join the support group which runs the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Skipping Stone runs various support groups for trans and gender-diverse individuals as well. See "Community Group Programs" below.
Skipping Stone: Community Group Programs
Skipping Stone. Calgary-based but Alberta-wide.
"We run all sorts of groups where trans and gender diverse folks of all ages, as well as partners, parents and others can share and care while building a sense of community.
Check calendar for upcoming dates."
Skipping Stone Foundation
Extensive supports for transgender and gender diverse people and families in Alberta. Skipping Stone has numerous support groups for trans and gender diverse individuals, parents, ....
“We envision a province where trans and gender diverse individuals are surrounded by positivity, affirmation, and support free from barriers, stigma, and discrimination. To that end, our mission is to connect trans and gender diverse youth, adults, and families with comprehensive and low barrier access to the support they need and deserve.”
Click to go to:
-- Groups for Family & Friends
-- Groups for Youth & Children
__________
The altView Foundation
They have GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) groups in Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan and
“Vision Statement: Queer and trans people, and those who have relationships with them, live without fear in a society where they are included, recognized, and celebrated.
Mission Statement: To build diverse pro-queer and pro-trans communities in Alberta through advocacy, education, empowerment, collaboration, and the arts.”
Click for Facebook page.
__________
Supportive Parents (Alberta / Edmonton)
“The altView Foundation believes that parents and families are crucial to the support of LGBTQ2S+ youth. The support of loved ones can often mean the difference between life and death for many youth LGBTQ2S+ people. But there is a journey toward that acceptance and support, and many families don’t know how or where to start. If you are in this position, know that you’re not alone. There is a collective wisdom when it comes to raising children, a wealth of knowledge and experiences out there for any number of struggles that parents and families can face. But when it comes to raising an LGBTQ2S+ child and navigating those unique challenges, there are gaps in that collective wisdom. Supportive Parents is envisioned to be a resource to help fill those gaps. It will host peer-to-peer articles, surveys, blogs, resources, and so much more. If you have specific concerns or feedback on our page, please reach out via our contact page.”
__________
Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA)
“TESA’s mission is to be a witness to and a voice for matters concerning trans Albertans. TESA was formed in the hopes that building a traditional non-profit advocacy group would open opportunities for formal engagement with authorities who otherwise overlook the unique needs of the larger trans community. TESA engages in advocacy and education in three primary areas: government, outreach, and community development.”
Have numerous resources of interest and an information page on changing identity documents.
__________
"The Alberta Trans Health Network is a collaborative group of healthcare providers, researchers, and community-based organizations interested and actively working in trans, nonbinary, and Two-Spirit health in Alberta. This network was created jointly by several organizations including the Community Based Research Centre (CBRC), Edmonton Men’s Health Centre, and Pride Centre of Edmonton after community consultations identified a lack of connection between the many excellent trans health initiatives in the province.
The Alberta Trans Health Network meets online every month to share resources and research, provide updates on initiatives, make connections with others involved in similar work, and discuss current events in the world of trans health.
The goals of the Network include:
-
facilitating connection
-
increasing capacity
-
supporting awareness of initiatives
-
fostering collaboration
The Alberta Trans Health Network is open to anyone working in trans health in Alberta, or who has an interest in doing so. Please consider joining!"
Click for EMAIL.
__________
Trans Wellness Initiative
An Alberta-based website of supports for transgender people. (ALBERTA)
“The Trans Wellness Initiative brings community members, community-based organizations, and healthcare providers together to improve the health and well-being for trans and non-binary communities. The Trans Wellness Initiative website provides access to:
* Community education and system navigation resources
* Healthcare provider education, and continuing professional development opportunities
* Connections between community members and inclusive, knowledgeable providers and services
The Trans Wellness Initiative was coordinated by the Community-Based Research Center (CBRC), and made possible due to the work and support of multiple partners and stakeholders.”
For any questions, comments, or support, contact:
Alec Moorji (he/him): Trans Wellness Initiative Co-Lead OR
Thomas Trombetta (he/him and they/them): Prairies Regional Manager for the Community-Based Research Centre
__________
Private Facebook page.
"This is a secret, private, moderated group designed as a safe place for support, sharing of successes and challenges, and information exchange for transgender souls and their immediate loved ones in Alberta.
Where do I go for this? How does she DO that? What form do I need for this? I felt so great today, but didn't have anyone who would understand... "
__________
AlbertaTransorg
“An information resource for and about trans people in the province of Alberta"
NOTE: website does not appear to be updated
_______________
_______________
PRAIRIE PROVINCES
Sub-group of the Mama Bears. Canadian prairie moms who are members of one or more of the US-based Mama Bears private Facebook pages.
"This is a regional group designed to encourage get-togethers for Mama Bears who live in the Prairie Provinces of Canada (Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan). This group was created to make it easier to plan local get-togethers. Our online interactions will continue to happen primarily in the larger national group. The group is private."
__________
OTHER PROVINCES
Gender Creative Kids
Montreal, QC.
Quebec-based but has excellent information for parents and kids across Canada. LOTS of resources!
“Gender Creative Kids is a reference community organization that has supported trans, non-binary, and gender-fluid youth’s affirmation within their families, schools, and communities since 2013.”
Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO)
Ontario-based but their website includes a lot of good information applicable to any trans, non-binary or gender diverse individual.
See RHO Publication page. "RHO works to improve LGBT2SQ health outcomes in part by sharing information and resources. The RHO Shop has a variety of resources available for purchase, including brochures, posters and clinical guidelines—many of which are also available free of charge in the RHO Resource Library."
See also their Trans Health Knowledge Base page.
Yellowknife Rainbow Coalition
“Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife (formerly It Gets Better Yellowknife) is an outreach organization to support queer youth and their allies in Yellowknife. As an organization, we strive to make Yellowknife a safer, more open, more knowledgeable place for all LGBTQ2S+ youth, their families and their allies.”
"Queer Yukon Society is a community-led initiative with community centres across the Yukon that offer safer spaces, resources, supports, online and in-person programming, and community connection to 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners and their loved ones. We advocate for the health, well-being, and human rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners, offer education and training to the broader community, and organize Pride celebrations across the territory."
Click for Resources page.
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CANADA-WIDE
Pflag Canada. Family For All.
Parent support groups with chapters across Canada. Check with each Chapter Leader for up-to-date information on meetings, as most were moved online under COVID-19 restrictions.
"Pflag Canada is proud to be Canada’s only national organization that offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We support, educate and provide resources to anyone with questions or concerns. We promise to offer local, practical, and emotional peer-to-peer family support for individuals and their loved ones challenged by gender/sexual identity.
Pflag Canada is a national charitable organization, founded by parents who wished to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their LGBTQ2S children. The 'coming-out' process can be a critical time for families. When the adjustment period is particularly long or painful, relationships can become permanently damaged, resulting in a lifetime of emotional scars. People cannot always rise above the challenge of accepting themselves or their family member, and the results can be devastating, even fatal. We support these families through today, and give them hope for a better tomorrow."
Click to search "Chapter Locator" for Alberta.
Click to search Chapters by province.
Toll Free phone #: 1-888-530-6777
Click to go to general EMAIL.
Canadian Parents of Trans, Two-Spirit & Gender Diverse Kids
Public Facebook group. In English and French.
"Canadian Parents of Trans, Two-Spirit & Gender Diverse Kids is a support group for parents of gender diverse kids of all ages.
This is a PUBLIC page to provide information on Canadian Parents of Trans & Gender Diverse Kids, a confidential peer support group for parents and guardians of gender diverse children, youth, and adults, including those who are two-spirit, transgender, non-binary, agender, genderqueer, gender fluid, gender creative, or gender-questioning. We now have nearly 1,200 members, from every province and territory.
En francais:
Parents canadiens d'enfants trans et bispirituels est un groupe d'entraide pour les parents d'enfants de divers genres.
Il s'agit une page PUBLIQUE pour les renseignements au sujet du groupe secret de Parents canadiens d'enfants trans, un groupe d'entraide pour les parents/les gardiens 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."
Canadians Parenting Transgender Children
Private Facebook support group.
“A loving and honest support group for parents of transgender children of any age, any persuasion, anywhere in Canada. We have started this group out fresh because it is very important to have tight security and total confidentiality in an environment safe from in-fighting. We require all members to be kind and considerate, realising that we are all at different places on our children’s road to gender affirmation. We are a sister group to the International secret group ‘Parenting Transgender Children’.”
Egale Canada
“Egale is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. We improve and save lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. Our work helps create societies and systems that reflect the universal truth that all persons are equal and none is other.
Egale’s vision is a Canada, and ultimately a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias.” National organisation in Canada.
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