Welcome BC queers!
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The information below was provided by University of Victorias Vancouver Island Trans Resources
- Greater Victoria Area (link here)
- Mid Island (link here)
- North Island (link here)
Greater Victoria Area
Ambit Gender Diversity Consulting
- Ambit offers training and policy support on a variety of topics, including “Gender Diversity in the Workplace: Positive approaches to supporting trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit colleagues and clients” and “The Major Problem of Microaggressions: Active Allyship in Challenging Moments.” These offerings are open to all organizations who are committed to creating accessible and affirming work environments for diverse teams.
- Aims to strengthen community, prevent infection, provide support, and combat stigma. Services include Positive Wellness Programs, Street Outreach, Health Promotion and Community Awareness, Men’s Wellness Programs and Volunteer Programs.
- Aims to strengthen community, prevent infection, provide support, and combat stigma. Services include Positive Wellness Programs, Street Outreach, Health Promotion and Community Awareness, Men’s Wellness Programs and Volunteer Programs.
- Antidote works with youth, families, schools, community groups, service providers, policy makers and researchers to promote the visibility and needs of racialized minority and Indigenous girls and women.
- A not-for-profit and collectively-run infoshop, bookstore and autonomous space located on Lekwungen Territory. Camas first opened its doors in September 2007, with the intention of providing a voice for anti-authoritarian and anti-colonial perspectives and local struggles
- The Pride Collective is dedicated to providing and creating a safe and supportive environment for students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirited, Intersex, Agender/Asexual, or any of the other diverse members of the Pride community (LGBTQ2IA+) and their allies. Our lounge is open to all students regardless of gender or sexual identity or expression, the only requirement is to be respectful and considerate of the other users of the lounge.
- A social justice summer camp for queer, trans, Two-Spirit, questioning, and allied youth ages 14-21 from across BC or the Yukon. CampOUT! provides a supportive space for LGBTQ2S+ youth to celebrate and be celebrated for who they are.
Chair in Transgender Studies, University of Victoria
- The world’s only research and community-outreach Chair dedicated to the development and communication of research and building community support of Trans+ people.
Creating Connections Discussion Group
- Creating Connections is a common posting Facebook page for events (mainly queer) of interest to the IslandZ community.
DAISSI (Diverse and Inclusive Salt Spring Island)
- Formerly known as Gays and Lesbians of Salt Spring Island or GLOSSI). DAISSI is a non-profit society for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning people with Allies on Salt Spring Island.
- Meets third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. at #107-1208 Wharf Street, Victoria (Courtyard Level – Hartwig Court). Sponsored by Rainbow Health Co-operative. Facilitated by Janis Zroback, Zameen Sabet, ChrYs Tei.
Gender Spectacular - Parent and Caregivers Support Group
- This group is open to parents, caregivers, and adult family members of trans, gender creative, non-binary, Two-Spirit and/or questioning children, youth, and young adults. This group is free. Snacks provided, bus tickets and childcare subsidies ($20) available. Check the website for time and location.
- A facebook group for any jobs or volunteer opportunities for queers in the Greater Victoria Area! Also, feel free to add people to the group.
- Weekly youth drop-in on Fridays at 3-4:30pm for 13-18 year old LGBTQ2S youth (if interested, but older/younger, please call).
- A fun and supportive drop-in for LGBTQ2+ youth (and allies!) from 13-18 years old. We hang out, make crafts, play board games, watch movies and listen to music! 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at the Backdoor Teen Centre in Gordon Head Recreation Centre.
Nachos Night (UVic’s Chair in Transgender Studies)
- The Chair in Transgender Studies invites all self-identified Trans+ folks to a casual monthly drop-in gathering. You don’t have to be a student! While it is not exactly a free lunch, beer or pop and nachos are on the Chair! Check our website for dates and location.
- Onmyplanet.ca is a queer and trans positive website that houses The Queer Story Archive. The Archive is an ever-expanding collection of life experience stories, on video and in text, from everyone under the rainbow and the people who love us. Onmyplanet.ca also has a support and referral network. New in 2018; GenderAlly.ca - a series of workshops developed out of the stories at onmyplanet.ca on trans, Two-Spirit and gender non-conforming inclusion. All workshop videos are accessible online 24/7 and all print materials are free downloads. Donate to onmyplanet.ca or join our mailing list.
Partners of FTM Transgender Individuals
- Victoria-based closed Facebook group.
- PFLAG Canada is a national charitable organization, founded by parents who wished to help themselves and family members understand and accept their non-heterosexual children.
- This is a group for LGBTTQQI2SA+ (LGBTQ+) self-identified people seeking or offering shared accommodation in Victoria. This group exists due to the specific barriers that LGBTQ+ folks face in regards to accommodation.
- “We put on and promote events that celebrate Victoria’s diverse and dynamic queer and trans arts and culture scene.”
Rainbow Health Co-operative 107 -1208 Wharf Street, Victoria
- The Rainbow Health Co-operative hosts various queer and trans*-oriented community gatherings and meetings in Victoria. Consult the Event Calendar for meeting announcements.
- Other rainbow health groups:
- Hans Kai 4 Trans
- Group wellness program offering exchange on medical and social transition experiences and well-being.
- Monthly meeting: Meets first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Open to all.
- Check-in: Meets Tuesdays from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. to check in on trans health indicators.
- Queer Outdoors
- Meets third Saturday of every month at 10 a.m., Victoria. Check Rainbow Health Cooperative website for location.
- Hans Kai 4 Trans
Saanich 2-Spirit, Queer, Trans & Allied Youth Dinner & Drop-In
- A drop-in for self-identified 2-Spirit, Queer, Trans & Allied youth between 13-18. This is a fun hang-out space for you to create what you need, meet new folks, make new friends, socialize, or just be you! A safer, supportive space with Queer/Trans mentors. Meets Fridays at 5:30 p.m. at the Upside Teen Centre at Saanich Commonwealth Place.
Salt Spring Island peer support for trans people and their partners
- Peer support on Salt Spring Island.
South Island Gender Variant Support Group
- A monthly drop-in space covering different topics and activities for the diverse array of trans, non-binary, genderqueer, Two Spirit, and otherwise gender variant individuals in the Southern Vancouver Island area.
Support Group for Parents and Families of Gender Diverse and Transgender Children and Youth
- This group is open to parents, caregivers, and adult family members of trans children, youth, and young adults of all gender identities, expressions, and even those questioning their gender. Free, bus tickets available, free parking. Childcare available on request. Third Wednesday of the month, 7-9pm and fourth Sunday of the month, 1:30-3:30pm.
Trans Newcomers Resource Hub (MOSAIC)
- This hub is an online community that provides information and support to newcomer transgender folks, including information and resources, peer and mentor support, and a platform to build a network of support.
TransVictoria Peer Support Group
- Facebook group for Vancouver Island Transgender support. We all need support in life. Going through life as a transgender person can sometimes mean we need even more support. This is a group for folks to give that support.
The Transgender Archives, University of Victoria
- The Transgender Archives at the University of Victoria holds the world’s largest collection of archival material related to trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit activism and research. The records span over 160 meters or 530 linear feet (1.5 football fields long), go back over 120 years, and are in 15 languages from 23 countries on six continents. The Archives are accessible to everyone, free of charge.
- Legally reviewed human rights information on Public Spaces/Services, Education, Housing, Employment, Healthcare, Harassment & Violence, Parenting, Police & Prison System, Immigration & Refugee Issues, and Sex Work.
Vancouver Island Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Society (VPWAS)
- VPWAS is the only peer run HIV/AIDS organization on Vancouver Island and provides practical and therapeutic support services (Peer Navigation, peer support, treatment information, education, complementary health services and advocacy) to persons living with HIV/AIDS and/or HepC.
- The Victoria Pink Pages is a way for LGBTQ communities in Victoria to connect with organizations that are openly safe and welcoming, find products and services that meet our communities’ needs and interests, support businesses and community organization that are owned or run by LGBTQ folks.
- Victoria Pride is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to supporting Greater Victoria’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
- Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) provided services to women, Trans, Two-Spirit and Gender Diverse survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. VSAC offers medical support to recent survivors of sexual assault, as well as justice support, group and individual counselling. For more information please contact our Access Line by phone or email.
Westshore LGBTQ2+ Drop-In
- Youth-led drop-in group for ages 11-18 that resumed meeting October 10, 2018. Supported by Westshore Parks and Recreation. Meets Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Centennial Center across the street from Spencer Middle School.
- Offers programs for male, female and transgender youth aged 15- 21 needing supportive recovery from problematic substance misuse. The Turning Point Program supports youth experiencing issues of Sexual Exploitation.