2SLGBTQIA+ Resources and Supports

Superior Country is proud to celebrate and support the diversity that makes our region vibrant and strong. Whether you’re a resident, a traveler, or someone considering visiting Northwestern Ontario, we want you to feel welcomed, seen, and supported. This page is dedicated to highlighting 2SLGBTQIA+ resources across Superior Country—from community organizations and health services to youth support lines and inclusive events. Our region is home to passionate advocates, affirming healthcare providers, and inclusive spaces that uplift Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities. We recognize the unique experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in rural and Northern communities and are committed to amplifying the services and supports available throughout our towns, cities, and Indigenous territories. Whether you’re looking for a safe space, seeking support, or simply want to connect, the resources below are here for you.

 

Thunder Pride Parade – credit Felicia 2

Community Organizations & Pride Initiatives

  • Thunder Pride Association: Hosts annual Pride events, year-round programming, and advocacy efforts across Northwestern Ontario.

  • Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay: An inclusive, supportive, and empowering home for the Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD) communities, including those in the Two-Spirit & Intersex community and with various forms of attractions or other intersecting identities of Thunder Bay & Northwestern Ontario.

EDIT_WILDERNESSNORTH_SEPTEMBER_ 2024_2SLGBTQ_DRONE_9294

Health & Wellness Services

  • NorWest Community Health Centres: Provides inclusive healthcare, counseling, sexual health services, and transition-related support for 2SLGBTQIA+ clients.

  • Anishnawbe Mushkiki: Offers culturally safe primary care, hormone therapy, and referrals for gender-affirming care, with a focus on Indigenous and Two-Spirit clients.

  • Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU): Maintains a comprehensive list of local and provincial 2SLGBTQI+ resources, including drop-in programs and health services.

  • Rainbow Health Ontario: Features a province-wide directory of 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming healthcare providers and educational resources.

Chippewa Park LGBT (51)

Campus & Youth Supports

  • Confederation College: Offers inclusive facilities, mental health counseling, gender-affirming care referrals, and Pride events for students.

  • Lakehead University: Supports 2SLGBTQIA+ students through inclusive student centres, gender-affirming health and wellness services, peer support, and advocacy initiatives that foster a welcoming campus community.

  • Youth Resources via Thunder Pride: Connects youth to services like LGBT YouthLine, Trans Lifeline, and ROCQY, offering peer support and community engagement.

Mount McKay – Fort William LGBT (14)

Provincial & National Support Networks

  • Egale Canada: A national organization offering research, education, and advocacy to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada.

  • 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations: Provides a resource guide supporting the Two-Spirit community with programming and educational materials across Ontario.

  • Ontario Caregiver Organization: Offers resources tailored for caregivers within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including healthcare provider training.

Chippewa Park LGBT (175)

Support Lines

LGBT YouthLine (Ontario-wide)

LGBT YouthLine is a peer support service run by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth (ages 29 and under) across Ontario. It provides free, confidential, and non-judgmental support via text and online chat.

  • Text: 647-694-4275

  • Chat: youthline.ca

  • Hours: Sunday to Friday, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST

Kids Help Phone (Canada-wide)

Kids Help Phone offers 24/7 confidential support for youth across Canada, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Services include phone counseling, text support, and online resources.

  • Call: 1-800-668-6868

  • Text: Text CONNECT to 686868

  • Website: kidshelpphone.ca

Interligne (Quebec-based, Canada-wide)

Interligne provides 24/7 support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their loved ones, offering services in both English and French.

Trans Lifeline (Canada & U.S.)

Trans Lifeline is a peer support service run by and for transgender people, offering confidential support without mandatory law enforcement involvement.