On this page, you’ll find a curated list of local and virtual resources, as well as some information on a local network for professionals and other interested parties.
Human sexuality is diverse, and all sexual orientations and gender identities are normal. It is your right to identify your own sexual orientation and gender, just as it’s your right to identify your religion and beliefs.
Understanding personal sexuality and gender can be difficult. Aside from the personal challenges, there can be pressure from family, friends and society to act and feel a certain way. This can lead to other difficulties. For example, those trying to identify their gender and sexual orientation are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and other mental health challenges. TBDHU has curated a list of resources to help individuals find support for themselves, family members, or clients.
This list of links below was updated on March 31, 2022. All attempts have been made to be as inclusive as possible. If you have a suggestion for new links, please contact TBDHU by emailing SAGE@tbdhu.com.
Resources
Support
Peer Support for LGBTQ2s+
Resources specific to youth can be found below!
Local
- Thunder Pride Association
- Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay
- Trans Support Group - NorWest Community Health Centres – contact Kaye Leatherdale or call (807) 626-7879.
- The Other 10% - group for self-identified LGBTTIQA+Questioning young people 12-25 years old run by Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. Check out their Facebook or Instagram.
- Gender Journeys – NorWest Community Health Centres offers an 8-session adult group for adult transgender and questioning people (18+).
- Gender Adventures – NorWest Community Health Centres offers a FREE youth summer day camp for gender creative youth 14-17.
- Lakehead University Pride Central
- Gender Issues Centre – Lakehead University
- Two-Spirit & LGBTQ+ Mentor – Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre provides resources, programming, and support such as sharing circles or one on ones to those who identify as Two-Spirit or LGBTQIA+. The 2S/LGBTQ+ Mentor is available to children, youth, and adults who need help or support. The Mentor can provide information sessions for parents/guardians/relations or to those who want to learn more, as well as education and resources for non-indigenous/non-LGBTQIA+ individuals to help create a safer environment and community. To contact, email info@tbifc.ca or call 807-345-5840 ext 9071.
- Umbrella Clinic
Online/National
- PFLAG Canada | Peer-to-peer support for Canadians navigating sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and their families.
- Egale
- Trans Lifeline – (877) 330-6366. Peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers. Calls are accepted regardless of whether or not you are in crisis or sure if you’re trans.
- The Recovery Village - Personalized Addiction Treatment
- The Lifeline Canada Foundation
- Canada Pride/Fierte Canada
- It Gets Better Canada | Campaign and charity providing hope, encouragement and connection to young 2sLGBTQ+ people.
- Native Youth Sexual Health Network | An organization by and for Indigenous youth that works across issues of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice throughout the United States and Canada.
- Trans Wellness Ontario | Provides education, resources, individual services, and community programs to enhance and sustain the health and wellness of transgender, genderqueer, 2S, non-binary, queer and questioning communities and their families.
Support for Families
- Communities Together for Children (EarlyON) – Contact for information on current program availability.
- PFLAG – Families
- Supporting your Gender Diverse Child - Egale
- NorWest Community Health Centres
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care – Mental Health Services - Call the Access Network at 1-855-486-5037.
Adult Counselling Services
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Counselling and Crisis Response
- North of Superior Counselling Programs (District Communities)
- Thunder Bay Counselling Centre
Child and Youth Counselling Services
Local
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care – Children and Youth Outreach – Call a Youth Outreach Worker at 807-629-3358.
- Children’s Centre Thunder Bay
- Canadian Mental Health Association – Child and Youth Crisis Response
- Call (807) 346-8282 (Thunder Bay) or toll free 1-888-269-3100 (District)
Online/National
- My GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance – Egale Canada)
- Youthline - 1-800-268-9688
- Kids’ Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868
- TrevorSpace LGBTQ – International online community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24.
Legal Support
- HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario
- Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic
- Legal Aid Ontario
- Human Rights Legal Support Centre
Faith Communities
- Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship (Thunder Bay)
- St. Paul's United Church (Thunder Bay)
- St. John’s United Church (Marathon)
- Affirm United (Canada) – Faith Based Support Groups
Health Care
- TBDHU Sexual Health Clinic
- Confederation College Health Centre
- Lakehead University – Student Health and Wellness
- NorWest Community Health Centres – Urgent Care
- Elevate NWO
- Umbrella Clinic
HIV/AIDS
- Anonymous Testing – TBDHU
- HIV Self Tests – I’m Ready To Know
- Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy
- Elevate NWO
- Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative (WHAI)
- Hello Ontario | An HIV directory for newcomers to Ontario
Resources for Professionals
Sexuality and Gender Equity Network (SAGE): Co-facilitated by TBDHU and Norwest Community Health Centres, SAGE is intended to be a support network for community members including health care providers, social service providers, educators, activists, and more. SAGE intends to connect agencies and individuals and share resources and educational opportunities. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the structure of the SAGE Network is currently being re-assessed with plans to re-launch in Fall 2022. For help finding specific resources, updates on SAGE activities, or inquiries about membership, please email SAGE@tbdhu.com.
General
- Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre
- Rainbow Health Ontario
- Gender Issues Centre – Lakehead University
- The Canadian Centre for Gender + Sexual Diversity
- Rainbow Resource Centre Education | Provides 2SLGBTQ+ and ally education, awareness, and outreach that assists healthcare providers, educators, students, social service, and commercial service providers
Healthcare Professionals
- Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health
- World Professional Association for Transgender Health
- LGBTQIA Health Education Center
- Rainbow Nursing Interest Group
- Rainbow Health Ontario
- Community Based Research Centre
- Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance
Educators
- Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario – Resources and Professional Development
- Ontario Secondary Schools Teachers’ Federation – Workshops and Support Materials – call (807) 623-7562
- EGALE Building Inclusive Schools
Social Service Providers
Workplaces
- Pride at Work Canada
- EGALE Workplace Inclusion for Gender and Sexual Diversity
- LGBTQ+ Workplace Education Center
Unions
For Further Information
Call the Sexual Health Clinic: 625-5900 or email SAGE@tbdhu.com.
or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630