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If you experience any discrimination from the community resources listed, please contact the Centre for Sexuality’s Director of Programs, Roseline Carter: rcarter@centreforsexuality.ca.
Community Resources
Centre for Sexuality
- One-to-one support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth needing support with coming out, family acceptance, social connection, transitioning or any other issues they may be facing. (No cost).
- Counselling for families needing more information and resources in supporting their 2SLGBTQ+ children. (No cost).
Phone: 403-283-3054
Email: intake@centreforsexuality.ca
Website: www.centreforsexuality.ca
Calgary Outlink: Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity
- Peer support groups and resources for the 2SLGBTQ+ community
Website: www.calgaryoutlink.ca
Skipping Stone Foundation
- Events, peer groups, resources for transgender individuals and connections to the 2SLGBTQ+ community
Website: www.skippingstone.ca
The Alex Youth Health Centre
- 2SLGBTQ+-friendly youth health services for ages 12-24 (including psychology) and drop-in centre.
Phone: 403-520-2260
Website: www.thealex.ca
BGC Calgary – Aura Host Homes
- 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Housing Program
- Ages 14 to 24
- For youth who do not have CFS status
Phone or text: 403-828-4673
Email: aura@bgcc.ab.ca
Queermunity
- 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Group (ages 12-24)
- Runs on Monday evenings at the Alex Youth Health Centre
Email: youthinfo@thealex.ca
InsideOut Youth Group
- 2SLGBTQ+ youth group (ages 13 to 17)
- Every Thursday night from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Website: www.calgaryoutlink.ca/insideout
Mosaic Youth Group
- Peer-facilitated group for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies, ages 10 – 25
Drop-in: Wednesdays – 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Address: Room #106, CommunityWise Resource Centre 223 12 Ave SW, Calgary
Website: Find them on Facebook
Queer Youth of Colour – Calgary (QYOC)
- A collective dedicated to providing a safe space for queer youth of colour and spreading awareness on intersectionality
Website: Find them on Facebook
Calgary Outlink
- Tea Time with Dorothy – “a group for older adults 50+ who identify as an LGBTQ2IA+ community member or ally,” second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
- Between Men – “a group for men who are gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning their sexuality, and/or are into other guys.” Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
- Lavender Teatime – “a group for those whose identities are informed and understood in relation to experiences of queer womanhood, including trans, non binary, and cis folks as they feel comfortable in this space.” First and third Wednesday of the month, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
- Grabba Java – “Grab a cup of tea and join us from wherever you are as we share in each other’s company! This is a safe space for anyone who identifies as an LGBTQ2IA+ community member or ally.” Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
Website: www.calgaryoutlink.ca/
Skipping Stone Foundation
- Skipping Stone connects trans and gender diverse youth, adults and families with the support they need and deserve. Support groups are facilitated by community members who share lived experiences with participants and are also professionally supported by our counseling team.
Address: Suite 201, 108 13th Ave NE
Website: www.skippingstone.ca/groups
Transformers
Peer support for trans guys, those questioning their gender, trans-masculine folks, allies and partners.
- Meet on the first Friday of the month.
Contact: transformerscalgary@gmail.com
TransJourneys (formerly NewDirections)
Drop-in group that offers peer support in and around Calgary. The group is open to those who identify as transgender, non-binary, intersex or those questioning their gender identity. This group is 18+.
- Meet on the first Sunday of every month from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
- Meet on the third Friday of every month from 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Contact: endoftherainbow.ca/transjourneys
Trans Families
Group that offers support, discussion and news for parents and families of transgender and intersex children/family members. This group is facilitated by parents.
- Meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm (If you would like to check-in with a facilitator prior to attending a meeting please send an email to the link below)
Email: acswan@gmail.com or transfamilies@endoftherainbow.ca
PFLAG Calgary
Peer support group for friends and families of 2SLGBTQ+ people.
- Meets the last Wednesday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Website: endoftherainbow.ca/pflag-calgary/
Gender Creative Families
Peer support group for parents and guardians of gender creative children, ages 4 to 14
- Meets the first Tuesday of each month, 6:00 to 7:30pm
- Child care available on site
Website: Gender Creative Families
Skipping Stone Foundation
- Loving Hearts (for partners of transgender and gender-diverse individuals), Second Wednesday of every month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
- Caring Hearts (for family of transgender or gender diverse children and youth), Second and Fourth Thursday of the Month, 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
Website: www.skippingstone.ca
Camp fYrefly
Camp fYrefly is a leadership retreat for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ youth ages 14 to 24. The camp provides a space for youth to explore their identity, build resilience and enhance self-esteem, all while having an incredible camp experience. Participants return home with a support network of positive friendships, trusted adult mentors, and an empowered sense of self. Click here to learn more.
Totally Outright
Totally Outright is a free, four day leadership program for young gay, bisexual, trans, Two Spirit, and queer (GBT2Q) guys into guys between 18-30 years of age. The program is an opportunity to meet other cool guys, get involved in your community, and learn about things such as GBT2Q health, relationships, sex, drugs and much more!
Website: Totally Outright
Email: nhill@centreforsexuality.ca
Calgary Queer Church
Calgary Queer Church is a community of open-minded people that are passionate about living a spiritual life. We are an inclusive safe space for the 2SLGBTQ+ community where faith and identity can be reconciled. Everyone, yes, EVERYONE, is radically accepted at CQC.
Address: CommunityWise Resource Centre @ 204-223 12 Avenue SW
Doors open at 6 pm for snacks and fellowship.
Worship starts at 7 pm.
Website: www.calgaryqueerchurch.com
Skipping Stone Foundation
- Provides one on one peer support for both youth and parents where they can connect in a safe and comfortable environment and share lived experiences, concerns or questions.
Website: www.skippingstone.ca
Calgary Pride
Website: www.calgarypride.ca
Calgary Outlink
Website: www.calgaryoutlink.ca
Coming Out Monologues
Website: www.calgaryqueerartssociety.com/coming-out-monologues
Fairytales Film Festival
Website: www.fairytalesfilmfest.com
Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Network
- The GSA Network in a program from Centre for Sexuality that provides consultation, training, event funding, school visits, networking and more to people involved in a GSA, or those who want to start one. Click here to find out more.
MyGSA
A national resource for Gay Straight Alliances.
Website: www.mygsa.ca
Canadian Teachers’ Federation
Website: www.ctf-fce.ca
Alberta Teachers Association
- Look under: For members – Professional Development – Diversity, Equity & Human Rights – Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Website: www.teachers.ab.ca
Calgary Queer Church
Calgary Queer Church is a community of open-minded people that are passionate about living a spiritual life. We are an inclusive safe space for the 2SLGBTQ+ community where faith and identity can be reconciled. Everyone, yes, EVERYONE, is radically accepted at CQC.
Services are hosted at CommunityWise Resource Centre @ 204-223 12 Avenue SW
Doors open at 6:00 pm for snacks and fellowship.
Worship starts at 7:00 pm.
Website: www.calgaryqueerchurch.com
Affirming Connections
Affirming Connections was created to strengthen and amplify the affirming voice and actions of fully inclusive faith and spiritual communities in Calgary.
Email: pam@affirmingconnections.com
Website: www.affirmingconnections.com
Hillhurst United Church
Hillhurst United is an affirming church with a few different programs for 2SLGBTQ+ folks and their families.
Website: hillhurstunited.com/affirming
Calgary Inter-Mennonite Church
Website: cimchurch.org/about-us/affirming-congregation
El-Tawhid Juma Circle Mosque
Website: jumacircle.blogspot.ca
Temple B’nai Tikvah
Website: templebnaitikvah.org
Unitarian Church Calgary
Website: www.unitarianscalgary.org
Janelle Boisvert, Registered Psychologist
Offers counselling sessions in English or French with a focus on healing from trauma and PTSD, including experiences of sexual violence. Gender identity and sexual orientation affirming. Based in Edmonton but offers online counselling sessions to residents of Alberta.
Phone: (587) 355-2014
Email: janelle@tamarackpsychology.com
Website: www.tamarackpsychology.com/
Joanna Card, Registered Psychologist
Works with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. Some specialties include body image, self-harm, sexuality, and trauma. Based in Calgary.
Phone: 403-554-6305
Email: joannacard@shaw.ca
Website: www.joannacardcounselling.com
Carolyn Claire, Registered Psychologist
Works with youth 13 and up as well as adults. Based in Calgary. Specialties include gender identity, sexual orientation, sexuality, sex/porn addiction, and healing from negative experiences in the past.
Phone: 403-861-0164
Email: carolynclaire@protonmail.com
Website: www.carolynclaire.ca/about/
Sander Deeth, Registered Psychologist
Specializes in working with young folks aged 8-29 to address mental health issues, gender dysphoria, porn/internet/gaming addictions, and parent-child relationships. Based in Calgary.
Phone: (403) 999-4752
Email: deethpsychology@tutanota.com
Website: www.sanderdeeth.com/
Tami-lee Duncan, Registered Psychologist
Specializes in treating sexual health issues including low desire, infidelity, addictions, and sexual pain.
Phone: (780) 907-7757
Email: tami@transcendpsychological.com
Website: www.transcendpsychological.com/about_us
Kate Emery, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Kink- and poly-affirming practitioner based in NW Calgary. Focuses on body-based trauma work, gender identity, and sexuality issues from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework.
Email: kateepsych@gmail.com
Website: kateemery.ca/
Gary Gerber, Registered Social Worker & Certified Sex Addiction Therapist
Mostly focused on conflict resolution and supporting folks to work through sexual difficulties, including addiction. Based in NE Calgary.
Phone: (403) 270-8824
Email: garygerber@telus.net
Website: gary-gerber.com/
Patrick Griffin, Registered Clinical Social Worker
LGBTQ+ affirming practitioner who offers trauma resolution services, couples counselling, and services related to ADHD and adult depression or anxiety. Based in SW Calgary.
Phone: (403) 455-1650
Email: pgriffin@restorativeconversations.ca
Website: www.restorativeconversations.ca
Katrina Hewton, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Identifies as Indigenous and works from a holistic, intersectional, and trauma-informed perspective. 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive. Sliding scale services are offered to reduce barriers. Based in Calgary.
Email: bearrootspsychology@gmail.com
Website: www.bearrootspsychology.com/
Cory Hrushka, Registered Psychologist and Certified Clinical Sexologist
Certified sex therapist based out of Edmonton but offers online sessions to anyone living in Alberta. Offers services to children, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and families. Specializes in many gender and sexuality issues and is one of the counsellors who runs the trans-affirming counselling program, Transformations, through Insight Psychological.
Website: www.insightpsychological.ca/staff/cory-hrushka/
Navpreet Johal, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Based out of Edmonton but offers virtual sessions to anyone residing in Alberta. Specialties include adolescent and teen issues, stress management, self esteem, sexuality and intimacy issues, female genital pain disorders, and pornography issues.
Website: www.insightpsychological.ca/staff/navpreet-johal/
Johnathan Kuipers, Registered Social Worker
Focuses on (among other things) issues related to sex, gender, and sexuality. Client-centered approach includes awareness of intersectionality, stress management, and grief and loss. Based in SW Calgary.
Phone: (403) 909-0639, ext 1001
Email: johnathan@connectionpoint.online
Website: www.johnathankuipers.com
Jennifer Kuntz, Registered Clinical Social Worker
Works with youth and adults around issues related to sex, sexual health, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Supports folks to navigate complex health, social welfare, and education systems. Based in Calgary and Cochrane.
Photo: (403) 390-4611
Email: info@karunacounsellinggroup.com
Website: www.karunacounsellinggroup.com
Mary-Jean Malyszka, Registered Psychologist and Certified Clinical Sex Therapist
Works with individuals, couples, and families around relationship and sexuality issues. Specialties include sexual dysfunctions, sex addiction, sexual orientation, as well as gender identity and transitioning. Kink- and poly- affirming. Based in SW Calgary.
Phone: (403) 305-9083
Email: Embedded online contact form available at mjmalyszka.com/contact
Website: mjmalyszka.com/
Jane Oxenbury, Registered Psychologist
Strong advocate for folks in the 2SLGBTQ+ communities (professionally since 1992). Works with individuals, couples, and families around sexuality, gender identity, and identity discrimination issues. Based in SW Calgary.
Phone: (403) 255-7004
Website: www.janeoxenbury.com/
Nicole Perry, Registered Psychologist
Specializes in Somatic Experiencing, a non-touch, body-based modality to help clients heal from trauma and sexual violence. 2SLGBTQ+ and poly clients welcome! Based out of Edmonton but offers virtual sessions to any resident of Alberta.
Email: nicole@feministcounselloredmonton.com
Website: www.feministcounselloredmonton.com
Cathy Pittman, Registered Psychologist
Specializes in sex therapy and gender identity/sexuality minorities issues (internalized homo/bi/trans phobia, coming out, questioning, cross-dressing, transitioning, etc.). Also offers body-based and experiential therapeutic modalities. Based in Calgary.
Phone: (403) 874-0430
Email: equusdr@shaw.ca
Website: www.cathypittman.ca/services/sex-therapy/
Laura Pope, Registered Social Worker
Specializes in supporting children and adolescent mental health. Particular focuses of therapy include gender identity, trauma, self-esteem, self-harm, and parent-child relationships. Based in NW Calgary.
Phone: (403) 473-6836
Email: laura@laurapopetherapy.com
Website: laurapopetherapy.com/
Robert Roughley, Registered Provisional Psychologist and Sex Therapist
Works with individuals, couples, and families around sexuality and wellness. Specialties include 2SLGBTQ+ issues, transitioning, porn addiction, dealing with infidelity, self-esteem issues, and intimacy issues. Based out of Edmonton but offers remote sessions to folks in Alberta.
Website: www.insightpsychological.ca/staff/robert-roughley/
Melodie Sanford, Registered Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist
Works with individuals, couples, and families. Offers counselling or sex therapy with specialties in attachment issues, conflict resolution, domestic violence, gender identity/expression, 2SLGBTQ+ issues, sexual abuse/assault, and sexual difficulties. Based in NW Calgary.
Phone: (403) 830-0165
Email: info@sanfordpsychological.com
Website: www.sanfordpsychological.com/
Nina Sangra, Registered Psychologist
Specializes in supporting folks through trauma and experiences of sexual assault or abuse. Also works with people who are navigating sexual health issues, including a diagnosis of an STI or an unplanned pregnancy. Based in Calgary.
Phone: (587) 355-5759
Email: nina@transcendpsychological.com
Website: www.transcendpsychological.com/about_us
Jill Thompson, Registered Psychologist
Specializes in 2SLGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, and transitioning for individuals, couples, and families aged 12 and up. Other focuses include body image, coming out, grief and loss, diversity, and guilt and shame. Can support and affirm folks who are navigating sexual/gender issues who come from a strong faith background. Kink- and poly- affirming. Based in SW Calgary.
Phone: 403-969-1376
Email: Jillian@tharseo.ca
Website: www.tharseo.ca
Mallory Trepanier, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Offers sensorimotor modalities to healing from trauma and sexual violence. Operates from a trauma-informed perspective. 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive. Sliding scale services are offered to reduce barriers. Based in Calgary.
Email: bearrootspsychology@gmail.com
Website: www.bearrootspsychology.com/
Amy Van Deurzen, Registered Psychologist
Specializes in supporting folks through trauma, with a focus on survivors of sexual assault and abuse. 2SLGBTQ+ affirming. Works at CCASA but also runs a small private practice. Based in SW Calgary.
Email: amy.vandeurzen@gmail.com
Website: Does not have a personal website, but more info about Amy can be found here: www.healthybynaturecalgary.ca/amy-van-deurzen-registered-psychologist
Ashleigh Yule, Registered Child Psychologist
Works specifically with children and youth with specialties in gender creativity and 2SLGBTQ+ issues. Also welcomes folks on the autism spectrum or young people who are experiencing depression and anxiety. Based in Calgary.
Email: info@aycp.ca
Website: www.aycp.ca/
Distress Centre
- 24-hour Crisis Line
Phone: 403-266-HELP (4357)
ConnecTeen
Phone: 403-264-8336
Website: www.calgaryconnecteen.com
Trans Life Line
Phone: 1-877-330-6366
Literature
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Recommended Fiction and Nonfiction Resources for K-12 Schools – 2nd Edition
The Trevor Project
Amaze
Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens, Zest Books
Belge, Kathy (2011).
My New Gender Workbook
Bornstein, Kate, Routledge (2013).
A Queer and Pleasant Danger: The True Story of a Nice Jewish Boy who joins the Church of Scientology, and leaves twelve years later to become the lovely lady she is today
Bornstein, Kate, Beacon Press (2013).
Gender Failure
Coyote, Ivan E., Spoon, Rae, Arsenal Pulp Press (2014).
GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens
Hugel, Kelly, Free Spirit Publishing (2011).
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out
Kuklin, Susan, Candlewick (2014).
Luna
Peters, Julie, A., Time Warner Book Group (2004).
Feeling Wrong in Your Own Body: understanding What It Means to Be Transgender
Seba, Jaime A., Mason Crest Publishers (2010).
Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue
Teich, Nicholas, M., Columbia University Press (2012).
The Gender Quest Workbook: A Guide for Teens and Young Adults Exploring Gender Identity
Testa, Rylan, J., Coolhart, Deborah, Peta, Jayme, Instant Help Books, New Harbinger Publications, Inc. (2015).
Parrotfish
Wittlinger, Ellen, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2007).
Welcome Schools
Available Online
Flamingo Rampant
Available Online
Affirming Gender: Caring for Gender-Atypical Children and Adolescents
Contemporary Pediatrics.com, Sherer, I., MD., Baum, J., MS., Ehrensaft, D., PHD., M Rosenthal, S., MD., 2015.
A Practitioner’s Resource Guide: Helping Families to Support Their LGBTQ Children
HHS Publication No. PEP14-LGBTKIDS. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014.
Bending Gender, Ending Gender: Theoretical Foundations for Social Work Practice with the Transgender Community
Burdge, Barb J., 2007.
Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 2010.
Family Rejection as a Predictor of Negative Health Outcomes in White and Latino Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009.
Helping Families Support Their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Children
Ryan, C., Family Acceptance Project – San Francisco State University, 2009.
Mental Health of Transgender Children Who Are Supported in Their Identities
Olson, K., R., Durwood, L., DeMeules, M., McLaughlin, K., A., Pediatrics, 2016.
Supporting & Caring for Transgender Children
Murchison, G., M.P.H., Human Rights Campaign and American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016.
Supportive Families, Healthy Children: Helping Families with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Children
San Francisco State University – Family Acceptance Project, 2009.
Impacts of Strong Parental Support for Trans Youth
Trans Pulse, 2012
Families in Transition: A Resource Guide for Families of Transgender Youth, 2nd Edition
Central Toronto Youth Services, 2020
Our Trans Children
PFLAG Transgender Network, Sixth Edition
Supporting and Caring for Transgender Children
Human Rights Campaign, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, 2016
Supportive Families, Healthy Children: Helping Families with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Children
San Francisco State University – Family Acceptance Project, 2009
Welcoming our Trans Family and Friends: A Support Guide for Parents, Families and Friends of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People
PFLAG National
Challenging Silence, Challenging Censorship: Inclusive resources, Strategies and Policy Directives for Addressing Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans-Identified and Two-Spirited Realities in School and Public Libraries
Canadian Teachers’ Federation, 2007.
Every class in every school: The first national climate survey on homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in Canadian schools
Final report. Taylor, C. & Peter, T., with McMinn, T.L., Elliott, T., Beldom, S., Ferry, A., Gross, Z., Paquin, S., & Schachter, K. Toronto, ON: Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, 2011.
Gay-Straight Alliances in Alberta Schools: A Guide for Teachers
Kristopher Wells, The Alberta Teacher’s Association, 2006.
Guidelines for Attending to Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sexual Orientation in our Schools
Calgary Board of Education, 2016.
Guidelines for Best Practice: Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Gender Expressions
The Crown in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Education, 2016.
Lessons Learned: A Collection of Stories and Articles about Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Issues
Canadian Teachers’ Federation, 2005.
Seeing the Rainbow: Teachers Talk about Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Two-Spirited Realities
Canadian Teachers’ Federation, 2002.
Schools in Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools
Asaf Orr, Joel Baum, Gender Spectrum, 2015.
Supporting Transgender and Transsexual Students in K-12 Schools
Canadian Teachers’ Federation, 2012.
Films & Videos
Beautiful Boxer
(2003); Fiction; 118 min
Ma Vie en Rose
(English title: My Life in Pink) (1997); Fiction; Columbia TriStar Home Video; 88 min
Red Without Blue
(2007); Fiction; Cinema Libre; 77 min.
TransAmerica
(2005); Fiction; Genius Products; 104 min.
Girl Inside
(2007); Documentary; Women Make Movies; 70 min.
Growing Up Trans
(2015); Documentary; PBS; 84 min.
No Dumb Questions
(2001); Documentary; Epiphany Producations; 24 min.
She’s a Boy I Knew
(2007); Documentary; Media Education Foundation; 70 min.
Straightlaced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up
(2009); Documentary; New Day Films; 67 min
Trans, The Movie
(2012); Documentary; Roseworks and Sex Smart Films; 93 min.
Three to Infinity: Beyond Two Genders
(2015); Documentary; Lonny Shavelson; 85 min.