Resources for LGBTQ+ Newcomers
Support for Service Providers
LGBTQ+ Settlement Network: A network made of up community organizations and community members in Toronto and surrounding areas that provide services to and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) newcomers. Join today!
Settlement.org: Information and resources to help you provide effective service, information and referral and interventions to newcomer LGBTQ+ communities.
Positive Spaces Programs
OCASI’s Positive Space Initiative: Supports the immigrant and refugee serving sector to more effectively serve LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning) newcomers.
Trans/Intersex Resources
The 519 Church Street Community Centre’s Trans Access Program is a multi-service program that serves the transgender, transsexual and two-spirit community, with a focus on lower-income, street-involved, homeless, sex-working and marginalized members of the trans communities. They also provide trainings and support to organizations.
The Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) is devoted to systemic change to end shame, secrecy, and unwanted genital surgeries for people born with an anatomy that someone decided is not standard for male or female .
Religious and Cultural Resources
Kulanu Toronto is a Jewish LGBTQ+ social group designed for (but not exclusive to) the student community. We are inclusive of bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgendered, transexual, intersexed, and queer people regardless of age, profession and ethnic, cultural or religious background.
LGBTQ friendly churches in Ontario
Advocacy
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association campaigns for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights.
Health/Settlement
Access Alliance provides health and settlement services to newcomers in over 175 languages.
The Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAAP) is a community-based, non-profit, charitable organization committed to providing health promotion, support, education and advocacy in a non-discriminatory manner for those who identify as South Asian living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) provides HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and support services to the East and South East Asian communities.
Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples provides resources, services and support to Spanish speaking newcomer communities.
Griffin Centre’s ReachOUT Newcomer Network provides settlement and social support services for LGBTQ youth and their families.
Refugee Support Group meets at The 519 Church Street Community Centre.
Language/Arts
List on Wikipedia on LGBTQ related films
College Guide for LGBTQ Students
Map of LGBTQ+ and Newcomer Friendly Resources in the City of Toronto
This map includes an even more exhaustive list of LGBTQ+ and newcomer friendly organizations/services/institutions across the City of Toronto, along with those that LGBTQ+ newcomers may find useful.
To enlarge the map, click on the square icon in the upper right corner. When the map is enlarged, you’ll be able to view and browse through a list of organizations mapped here. Click on any icon on the map, and the address, contact info and website for that organization will pop up.