Resources
If you have suggestions on new resources to add or updates on existing resources, please reach out saeftyottawa@gmail.com. Also visit our Instagram and view Story Highlights (in the circles above our posts) for current news on resources and programs.
For an even more extensive list of services for trans and gender diverse people, check out this guide created by the Champlain Regional Planning Table for Trans, Two Spirit, Intersex, and Gender Diverse Health. **Please note that there is no guarantee of the degree of trans-friendliness of these providers. Some information may be out of date, if in doubt please visit the website or contact to check.**
Table of Contents
Youth Programs
Kind Space
Kind Space is committed to providing Ottawa – located on unceded Algonquin territory —accessible resources, events, social, and educational programming to celebrate and support people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Kind space hosts many peer groups such as Queer Trans Youth & Cafe Q (weekly peer-led drop-in discussion groups for youth), as well as hosting other queer organizations and events in their space.
Ottawa Carleton District School Board
The OCDSB offers various resources, including a FAQ page for parents and students on topics such as navigating gender and the rights of trans students. They also host virtual 2SLGBTQ+ drop-ins, have identity-specific guidance counsellors, and more.
Gender Identity Guide (incl. student rights)
Orleans Cumberland Community Resource Center - Youth Space
Safe and inclusive environment with various activities. Access to a range of resources including referrals to other services. Inclusive Youth and Kids spaces of various themes are hosted regularly.
Queerios LGBTQ+* Youth Drop-In
Social group for LGBTQ+* youth, 12-18 years old. Safe(r) space to hang out and meet new people. Access resources and gain support from staff. Youth and their families can get connected to community resources and services. Inclusion, belonging, respect
When: Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Spectrum Youth Group
LGBTQ2S+ youth group in Ottawa, Ontario. Run by the Youth Services Bureau.
Adult and Young Adult Programs
Capital Rainbow Refuge
Capital Rainbow Refuge is committed to providing safe haven to sexual and Gender minority refugees fleeing dangerous situations. We also want to provide a compassionate and welcoming environment where they can build a better life, free of persecution. We are privileged to be in Canada, not only because of this country’s commitment to humanitarian action, but because of the freedoms we are able to enjoy on a day to day basis. We believe through our actions that we will demonstrate the humanity, and the value of the lives of people who are LGBTQ.
Rainbow Peers
A group where 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all ages (16+) gather as a community. Together we create a safe space to share about sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health, and experiences accessing services. All identities are valued, celebrated, and welcome! Free. Open to the community.
When: Wednesdays 4:30-5:45 PM
LGBTQ+ Newcomers Drop-In
Social support group to make connections in a positive, inclusive space, through community engaging and arts based programming. Drop in on Zoom every Monday, 6pm to 7pm.
The drop-in welcomes newcomers to Canada who identify with being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Facilitators refer participants to resources and the group discusses the intersectionality of being LGBTQ+ and a newcomer; shares knowledge and best practices about how to navigate systems as well as support; actively listens and respects each other’s stories and journeys.
Health Information
Centretown Community Health Centre
The Trans Health Program at Centretown Community Health Centre supports trans and gender diverse individuals ages 17 and up in Ottawa and the surrounding region. We offer hormone initiation, surgical referrals, counseling, and health system navigation. We know our clients may have questions about our services before coming to the clinic.
MAX Ottawa
MAX provides health and wellness services and programs for guys into guys in Ottawa.
Planned Parenthood Ottawa
Planned Parenthood Ottawa (PPO) is a not-for-profit organization that provides a range of services and information for people in the Ottawa area to make healthy decisions about their health, bodies and relationships. Education, counselling, information, and referral services are provided in a safe environment, free of judgment, with a full understanding of options and choices that best suit you.
Rainbow Health Ontario
Rainbow Health Ontario creates opportunities for the healthcare system to better serve LGBT2SQ communities Check out their website for information about hormone replacement therapy.
Champlain Regional Planning Table for Gender Diverse Health
The RPT is a coalition of community members and service providers working to improve trans, two spirit, non-binary, intersex, and gender diverse health in Ottawa and the surrounding areas, funded by Ontario Health East. The RPT operates on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin territory, colonially known as Ottawa.
Mental Health and Support
LGBT Youthline
Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM.
Body Brave
Body Brave is a charity providing accessible eating disorder treatment and support, as well as advancing community training and education.
We welcome all bodies and are weight inclusive and proudly 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly. Our services are available for people aged 17+, free of charge or covered by OHIP.
The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC)
We support all womyn: immigrant, indigenous, LGBTQ+, diversely abled, womyn of colour, trans womyn, survivors of war & torture.
Art and Film
Inside Out
Inside Out is a not-for-profit registered charity that exists to challenge attitudes and change lives through the promotion, production and exhibition of film made by and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people of all ages, races and abilities.
Ottawa Trans Library
The Ottawa Trans Library is a library and community space for trans and gender non-conforming folks. It consists of a lending library of trans and gender books and a free library of non-trans books. Visit us at 1104 Somerset St. West in Hintonburg.
The Library
The Library is a resource provided by Inside Out, Canada's largest presenter of LGBTQ films. It's a place for youth, educators, and community organizations across Canada to access LGBTQ short films and customized, accompanying educational materials.
Qu’ART
Qu’ART is an arts collective of Ottawa-based arts professionals. Our goal is to heighten LGBTQ2S+/queer artistic activity and broaden intersectional discourse in Ottawa throughout 2019, through increased visibility and programming opportunities for under-represented queer-identified artists, within allied arts organizations and festivals.
Social Transition Resources
Trans* Toolkits Collective
During these times, it is more difficult than ever for marginalized people to access gender essential items. This Initiative is creating an opportunity for our trans* and queer community to support those among us most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Venus Envy
Not your typical sex shop...
We're a welcoming and informative place to get cool and sexy stuff. We think our customers deserve quality products and good information. Because sex should be dirty in a good way, not a shameful one. Venus Envy sells binders, gaffs, packers, breastforms, and other gender affirming gear.
Resources for Community Organizations
CCGSD Training & Workshops
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) is committed to building a world without discrimination, built on three pillars: education, research, and advocacy.
Fae Johnstone
Fae Johnstone (she/they) is a public speaker, consultant, educator and community organizer on unceded, unsurrendered Algonquin territory (Ottawa, ON). As an activist and educator, her areas of expertise include LGBTQ+ and trans inclusion, social policy, child and youth mental health, sex education and anti-oppression.
Kaeden Seburn
Kaeden Seburn (They/He) is a nonbinary, transmasculine, white settler, a bachelor of social work student at Carleton University and a trans community organizer, activist and educator from unceded Algonquin territory. Kaeden is an independent educator and consultant, who is available for workshops and consultations on gender identity, gender expression, and supporting trans and gender diverse youth.
Positive Spaces Initiative
We connect you to resources and increase organizational capacity across the sector to more effectively serve LGBTQIA+ immigrants, refugees, and newcomers.
The Enchanté Network
The Enchanté Network is an organization connecting and supporting 2Spirit and LGBTQ+ communities across Canada.
Wisdom2Action
Wisdom2Action is a national social enterprise and consulting firm specializing in community engagement, creative facilitation, research and evaluation, knowledge mobilization, and EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion).