We are all part of a diverse world with many cultures, religions, races and beliefs. Human sexuality is also 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.
However for some people, understanding personal sexual orientation 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.
The Sexuality and Gender Equity (SAGE) Working Group was formed to help raise awareness and make it easier for those who are in the process of understanding their own sexuality. The committee is made up of members from various organizations in Thunder Bay including the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Its role is to:
- Support initiatives which promote safety and equity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and Two-Spirited community
- Provide support to individuals, school boards and other agencies
- Offer feedback and advice with respect to the implementation of LGBTQ initiatives, including research projects, policies or new programs
- Act as advocates and information brokers
- Establish Task Groups when needed to deal with specific issues
Below are a categorized list of links for LGBTQ support and education. All attempts have been made to be as inclusive as possible. If you have a suggestion for new links, please contact the TBDHU's Sexual Health Program at (807) 625-5900 or toll free at 1-888-294-6630.
Resources
General
- Information
- Counselling
- Health care
- HIV/AIDS
- Support
Egale – Canada Human Rights Trust
Gender Issues Centre – Lakehead University
- Information
- May provide teachers’ resources
- Support
Pride Central – Lakehead University
- Information
- Support
Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre
- Information
- Support
- Information
- May provide teachers’ resources
Umbrella Medical Clinic (currently closed as of November 2021)
- Birth control options
- Emergency contraceptives
- HIV Testing & Prevention
- IUD Insertions & Removals
- Pregnancy Testing & Options
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
Adult Counselling Services
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Counselling and Crisis Response
North of Superior Counselling Programs
- Adult and Youth Counselling
Thunder Bay Counselling Centre
Child and Youth Counselling Services
Canadian Mental Health Association – Child and Youth Crisis Response
- Call (807) 346-8282 (Thunder Bay) or toll free 1-888-269-3100 (District)
My GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance – Egale Canada)
- 1-800-268-9688
- 1-800-668-6868
Dilico – Youth Outreach - (807) 629-0224
For Teachers
Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario – Welcoming LGBTQ Families
Ontario Secondary Schools Teachers’ Federation – Workshops and Support Materials
- (807) 623-7562
Faith Communities
Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship (Thunder Bay)
St. Paul's United Church (Thunder Bay)
St. John’s United Church (Marathon)
Health Care
Confederation College Health Centre
Lakehead University – Student Health and Counselling
NorWest Community Health Centres – Urgent Care
HIV/AIDS
Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy
Legal Resources
HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario
Human Rights Legal Support Centre
Support
Trans* Support Collective
Trans Support Group - NorWest Community Health Centre
- Call Rolande: (807) 626-8487
Parent Support Group – Catholic Family Development Centre
- (807) 345-7323
- Email Carol Cline
Integrity – a support group for Anglican LGBTQ people and their friends (St. John the Evangelist Church)
The Recovery Village - Personalized Addiction Treatment
Unions
For Further Information
Call the Sexual Health Clinic: 625-5900
or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630