Supports
ALBERTA GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE NETWORK
Alberta GSA is the Alberta chapter of the GSA network of student-run groups that provides a safe place for any and all students to meet and learn about all different orientations, to support each other while working together to end homophobia, and to raise awareness and promote equality for all human beings.
Websites: http://albertagsanetwork.ca and www.facebook.com/groups/AlbertaGSANetwork
ALBERTA SEX POSITIVE EDUCATION COMMUNITY CENTRE
ASPECC is a nonprofit organization based in Edmonton that strives to promote healthy views of sex, gender, sexuality and sexual diversity with a strong focus on empowerment and consent. Online programming includes ND Empower (social skills friendship groups for neurodivergent youth); YEG QYC our youth resources and events pages for queer youth, LGBTQIA2S++ socials, supports and presentations, and our inclusive sexual health and wellness programming. Please check the website for the current calendar of events and programming.
Phone: 825-480-4084
Email: admin@aspecc.ca
Website: www.aspecc.ca
BELOW THE BELT MEN'S PROJECT
Below the Belt is part of the CHEW Project. It offers support and resources for male identified individuals engaging in survival sex or sex work. Together, we find hope, chosen family, community, and lots of resources to survive and thrive.
Address: 11745 Jasper Ave
Phone: 780-263-2221
Email: chewproject@ualberta.ca
Website: www.chewprojectyeg.org
BRYNA ANDRESSEN COUNSELLING
Bryna (they/them) meets with people ages 14 and up, in one-to-one sessions. They welcome each client’s whole self, including intersectional identities, contradictions, uncertainty, and tender feelings. They’re also open to working with people who are hesitant about seeing a counsellor, or who’ve had difficult experiences seeking mental health support in the past. Bryna’s aim is to offer counselling sessions that are a collaborative and empowering experience for 2SLGBTQ+ clients. Please see their website for more information about areas of specialization.
Bryna currently offers online sessions through secure video connection. As the pandemic restrictions shift, the option of in-person sessions in Edmonton will become available. In-person sessions will be held in a space that’s mobility accessible. Video sessions are available to anyone in Canada.
Phone: 587-787-3715
Email: hello@bandressen.ca
Website: bandressen.ca
BRIGHT LINE
Brite Line is a toll free, confidential, 24/7 mental health and wellness helpline for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community within the province of Alberta. This line is run in partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region (CMHA-ER) and the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (ISMSS). This line is answered by CMHA-ER by staff and volunteers trained in crisis intervention as well as information and referral, and ISMSS provides support with training for phone line workers and provides guidance from their expertise on needs within the community.
When you phone Brite Line, we ensure that you are able to speak to someone who has a more personal understanding of your experiences and can help get you connected to programs and services that will be affirming of queer identities.
Phone (Toll Free): 1-844-70-BRITE (1-844-702-7483)
Email: main@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca
Website: www.briteline.ca/
BULLY FREE ALBERTA
If you’re a victim of bullying or abuse, call trained staff at any time of day, or chat online from noon to 8pm. Online chats and calls to the helpline are anonymous.
Phone: 1-888-456-2323 (Toll Free)
Email: bullyfree.alberta@gov.ab.ca
Website: www.bullyfreealberta.ca
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) - EDMONTON REGION
One-on-one phone support is available 24 hours a day to discuss any crisis issues or concerns.
Address: #300, 10010 105 St
Phone: 780-414-6300
Distress line: 780-482-HELP (4357)
Email: main@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca
Website: www.edmonton.cmha.ca
THE CELLAR YOUTH CENTRE
The Cellar is an all-inclusive community youth centre that is open to youth ranging from grade six to grade 12, every Monday from 3:30-5 pm and every Friday from 3:30-6:30 pm. Every Friday we also provide a nutritious meal at 5pm.
We’re all about community at The Cellar, so we’ll likely invite you in the kitchen to lend a hand or challenge you to a game of pool! The Cellar offers a variety of free programming such as free mentoring, art projects, games and entertainment of all sorts, and so much more. The Cellar is considered a “Safe Space” and all youth are welcome, regardless of beliefs or backgrounds. We’re here to offer holistic care for your ever-changing lives and circumstances.
Address: 13407 97 St
Phone: 403-913-5562
Email: shaina@yfced.com
Website: www.yuedmonton.com/cellar
THE CHEW PROJECT
CHEW (Community, Health, Empowerment, and Wellness) Project OUTpost is a crisis/drop-in centre for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and emerging adults ages 14 to 29, who face barriers of mental health, poverty, houselessness, substance use, and oppression. Together, we find hope, chosen family, community, and lots of resources to survive and thrive.
Email: chewproject@ualberta.ca
Website: chewprojectyeg.org
Phone: 780-665-5220 (call only)
DROP-IN SINGLE SESSION COUNSELLING
FREE professional, private and confidential counselling to individuals, partners, and families. Our single session model takes about one hour and our qualified team can assist with a wide range of issues, such as:
-
Relationship/family issues
-
Stress, anxiety, and depression
-
Grief and loss
-
LGBTQ (including transgender-specific)
-
Addiction and mental health
-
Refugee and newcomer issues
Visit our website or call for locations, times, and dates:
Email: info@dropinyeg.ca
Website: www.dropinyeg.ca
Phone: 211
EDMONTON 2 SPIRIT SOCIETY (E2S)
We are a society dedicated to the acknowledgment and support of 2 Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ Indigenous people and their kinship circles. Our organization offers:
-
Cultural Ceremonies
-
Cultural Competency Training
-
Education Workshops
-
Land Acknowledgments
-
Resource Tabling
-
Sharing Circles
-
Outreach & Referrals
-
Socials & Events
Interim Executive Director, Quetzala Carson (pronouns: presh/cualquiera/any)
Email: executivedirector@edmonton2s.com
Cell: 7587-385-9673
Community Liaison, Cheyenne Mihko Kihêw (pronouns: they/them)
Email: communityliaison@edmonton2s.com
Cell: 587-385-9670
Email: hello@edmonton2s.com
Website: e2s.ca
Phone: 587-385-9673
Facebook: @edmonton2spiritsociety
Twitter: @e2s_s
Instagram: @edmonton_2_spirit_society
EDMONTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
EPSB is proud of its work to support our sexual and gender minority students, staff, and community members through our policies, regulations, and ongoing opportunities for meaningful engagement. This support includes: guidance in supporting Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), a Safe Contact program in every EPSB school; presentations to staff and parent councils; participation in events such as Pink Shirt Day, EPSB Pride Week, and the Provincial GSA Conference; connections to complementary agencies and outside networks; one-on-one consultations for emergent situations; and more. Students can access EPSB’s resources by contacting your school’s Safe Contact or GSA Advisors, or your school guidance counsellors.
Contact: Amanda Barrett, Diversity Consultant (amanda.barrett@epsb.ca)
or Rin Lawrence, Diversity Consultant (rin.lawrence@epsb.ca)
THE FAMILY CENTRE
The Family Centre supports families and individuals of all ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultures. Our services include classes, therapeutic groups, and counselling. Counselling services can help those struggling with anxiety, trauma and change, sexual orientation and gender identity, personal growth, relationship challenges, and much more. No matter what you are going through, help is available.
Address: #20, 9912 106 St
Phone number: 587-410-5757
Email: communications@familycentre.org
Website: www.familycentre.org
FYREFLY IN SCHOOLS
An educational initiative developed to help reduce discrimination against sexual and gender minority youth, increase awareness of the impacts of homo/bi/transphobia, and equip students with the tools they need to become effective allies for diversity, equity, and human rights within their schools and communities. This program is free, and trains teachers to deliver a lesson plan relating to 2SLGBTQ+ diversity. Teacher training is offered through a 45 minute booking, afterwards a teacher and fyrefly staff member co-present to one class.
For sessions in the Edmonton area: fyreflys@ualberta.ca
For sessions anywhere else in Alberta: jam20@ualberta.ca
INSIGHT PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Insight Psychological’s mission is to help people enhance psychological wellness and optimize life through the provision of effective, high quality psychological services. It is also to advance mental health by furthering public awareness, understanding, and actions to address mental health needs across communities. We offer counselling for individuals, couples, groups and families. Modern sex therapy and gender identity, and LGBTQ+ support is our primary area of expertise, provided by qualified psychologists and certified AASECT therapists. Transformations, Insight’s Gender Transition Program, offers initial assessment and consultation, medical referrals, and ongoing support to individuals who may be experiencing gender identity issues - including any degree of transgender expression, and/or considering SRS (sex reassignment surgery). The program also includes counselling and therapy.
Address: Edmonton south (2532 Ellwood Drive SW), Edmonton North (15379 Castledowns Road).
We also have offices in Edmonton West, Downtown Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary.
Phone: 780-461-1717 (south) 780-478-2582 (north)
Email: directors@insightpsychololgical.ca
Website: www.insightpsychological.ca
ISMSS (INSTITUTE FOR SEXUAL MINORITY STUDIES AND SERVICES)
Houses C.H.E.W. (Community Health Empowerment & Wellness) Project, offers Camp fYrefly, and organizes the Provincial AB GSA Conference each November.
Offers the Where the Rivers Meet Program, an iSMSS educational initiative through fYrefly in Schools. This program focuses on bringing culturally relevant teachings based on Indigenous ways of knowledge.
Email: wtrm@ualberta.ca
Offers GSA Roundtables, a student & teacher digital meet-up. On the first Thursday of the month (Sept - June) at 4:30 pm. Interested teachers & students can join our discord server by emailing fyreflys@ualberta.ca
Offers free GSA Workshops on the topic of Queer History (with Trivia!), Queer Music History (With Singalong!), Mental Health for GSAs, Coming Out & Self Acceptance. To book a workshop email fyreflys@ualberta.ca
KATHERINE RING COACHING
Katherine Ring Coaching combines a deep passion for helping people develop healthier relationships--whether that’s with yourself, another person, or within a community--with 17+ years of Enneagram experience. Our practice is embedded in diversity, equity, and justice values, and sees the Enneagram as a powerful tool for unlearning unconscious biases and limiting beliefs towards yourself and others. Services include one-on-one life coaching, relationship coaching sessions, group coaching courses, Enneagram workshops, and plant medicine integration sessions.
Areas of focus are: intimate relationship support, gender and sexuality, burnout management, exploring polyam/polysexuality, exploring non-religious spirituality, plant medicine integration. Services offered both virtually and in person.
Phone: 780-903-2426
Email: katherineringcoaching@gmail.com
Website: katherineringcoaching.com
Instagram: @theenneaactivist
KIDS HELP PHONE
Anonymous, confidential and on-judgmental phone/web counselling available 24/7. For ages 20 and under. They also have a free smart phone app called “Always There.”
Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (Toll Free)
Website: www.kidshelpphone.ca
THE LANDING SOCIETY FOR GENDER AND SEXUAL DIVERSITY
A service at the University of Alberta offering support for gender and sexual diversity, striving to promote gender equity on a broad scale, and advocating for the safety and acceptance of individuals of all genders and sexualities in campus life.
Services include weekly drop-in hours open from September through April (Mondays to Thursdays, 10 am to 4 pm), a resource/referral library and a variety of scheduled peer support programs. All services are free of charge and open to the public unless otherwise specified.
Address: 0-68A Lower Level, Students’ Union Building, University of Alberta
Phone: 780-492-4949
Email: thelanding@su.ualberta.ca
Website: www.thelandingualberta.ca
THE OLD STRATHCONA YOUTH SOCIETY
The Old Strathcona Youth Society is a street level, non-profit agency dedicated to providing flexible resources and creating a supportive environment to foster youth empowerment and development. We work with all youth aged 14 – 24.
Address: 10325 83 Avenue Edmonton, AB
Phone:780-496-5947
Email: edirector@osys.ca
Website: www.osys.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/127927870130/
Twitter: @Oldstrathconayo
Instagram: osysedmonton
OUTLOUD FOUNDATION FOR LGBTQ COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND SERVICES
Outloud Youth is a community group for LGBTQ or questioning youth aged 13 - 17 in St. Albert and area that meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. We look to support our youth and connect them to each other and to those who support them in and around this community. Our group meetings are 2 hours long, with interactive games, activities, and team-building skills to promote relationships and build self-esteem. 7-9 pm. No cost to the youth.
Outloud Junior is a group for Queer kids under 12 to come and find friendships through game, activities, and discussion. It happens on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7pm. No charge for this group.
Outloud Talks is made for youth 18 plus to connect and discuss whatever interests them with other queer youth. Join this group on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Outloud office 7 – 9pm. No charge.
Address: #10, 215 Carnegie Drive, St Albert T8N 5B1
Phone: 780-990-6518
Email: outloud@outloudstalbert.ca
Website: www.outloudstalbert.ca
PFLAG CANADA
Our PFLAG meetings offer peer-to-peer support for all people in the LGBTQ2S+ community. We support, educate and provide resources to anyone with questions or concerns about their gender identity or sexual orientation. We also provide resources and support for allies, families and loved ones. Current meetings are as follows, but are subject to change.
Pflag Edmonton Chapter
Last Wednesday of every month
6:30-8:30pm
16 years of age and up
Pflag Edmonton Chapter
Second Saturday of every month
2:30-4:30pm
16 years of age and up
For meeting details contact:
Phone: 1-888-530-6777 Ext 581 (Toll Free)
Email: edmontonab@pflagcanada.ca
Website: www.pflagcanada.ca
PFLAG ST.ALBERT
Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Outloud.
Address: #10, 215 Carnegie Drive, St Albert T8N 5B1
Phone: 780-990-6518
PRIDE CENTRE OF EDMONTON
The Pride Centre offers a drop-in centre, information/resources, programming, an LGBTQ library, free counselling, internet access, newcomer/refugee support in partnership with EMCN, binder exchange program, and youth programs.
Address: 10618 105 Ave
Phone: 780-488-3234
Email: youth@pridecentreofedmonton.ca
Website: www.pridecentreofedmonton.ca
SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTRE OF EDMONTON
For anyone who has experienced sexual assault, whether recently or a long time ago, these lines can help by providing supportive listening and important information about sexual violence. The conversation is led by the caller, and the caller will never have to talk about anything they don’t want to talk about. Supporters can learn more about how to be there for someone, and get support for themselves around any feelings that may come up. The SACE Support and Information Line is available daily from 9 am to 9 pm.
Support and Information Line: 780-423-4121
Phone: 780-423-4102
Email: info@sace.ca
Website: www.sace.ca
SEXUAL ORIENTATION GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION (SOGIE) ADVISORY COUNCIL
The SOGIE helps shape a police service to better serve members of sexual and gender diverse communities by guiding EPS as it implements recommendations borne from public engagement efforts.
Email: sogie@edmontonpolice.ca
Website: https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/sogie
SHADES OF COLOUR
Shades of Colour (SOC) is a completely volunteer run grassroots organization that exists to create space for QTIBPOCs (queer and trans, Indigenous, black, and people of color) in Amiskwaciy (Edmonton) and we ask that they stay prioritized. Shades of colour initially emerged because many communities felt as though there weren't accessible QTBIPOC closed supportive spaces in the city that didn’t center whiteness, but that has changed over the years.
During the pandemic, and over the past couple years, we have shifted programming to focus more on mutual aid and harm reduction. Poor, low income, and houseless racialized QTBIPOC are not being centered in advocacy work and because of that, our work has shifted in directions that better advocate for and with our communities. We are currently focused on doing outreach on sundays, directing people towards resources when we can, and providing mutual aid.
Email: shadesofcolouryeg@gmail.com
Website: https://www.shadesofcolouryeg.com/
Instagram: @shadesofcolouryeg
SPRUCE GROVE GSA
The Spruce Grove GSA is a Community GSA that is committed to ensuring youth have a safe(r) and inclusive environment where LGBTQ2S folk and Allies feel included, protected, and respected. Our purpose is to bring together youth of various ages, gender, religion, ethnicity, schools, and towns, to enrich our growth in society. As well as to bring together awareness within our community of LGBTQ2S minorities. We provide anonymous support, referrals and resources so youth can make informed decisions.
* Youth centred * Confidentiality * Anti-racism * Harm reduction * Growth and learning * Collaboration.
Email: sprucegrovegsa@gmail.com
Website: sprucegrovegsasociety.org
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES (YESS)
YESS provides residential services along with supports, resources, and referrals to youth from difficult realities. Youth between the ages of 15 to 24 are able to build a life and employable skills, access cultural and outreach services, and build safe and healthy relationships so they can advocate for themselves and move toward independence.
Address: 9310 82 Ave
Phone: 780-468-7070
Email: reception@yess.org
Website: www.yess.org
You & Me Psychology
You & Me Psychology Inc. specializes in supporting sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ2S+) children, youth and families. We provide individual therapy (for children, youth, adults, and seniors), couples therapy, and family therapy.
Our fees reflect the outlined fee schedule produced by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta.
You & Me Psychology Inc.
Box 23111, RPO Citadel
St. Albert, AB T8N 6Z9
Phone: (825) 977-2808
YOUTHSPACE.CA
Youthspace.ca is an online support network for youth (up to 30 years old). They offer emotional support and crisis intervention via Chat, Text, and Email Counselling, and maintain a list of helpful resources on their website. The site is a non-judgmental space where you can voice your thoughts and get free, confidential support from a compassionate volunteer.
Website: www.youthspace.ca
YWCA EDMONTON COUNSELLING SERVICES
Long term, sliding scale counselling services with a focus on domestic violence, human trafficking, and supporting members of the BIPOC+ and 2SLCBTQ+ communities.
Address: 10402 124 Street NW
Phone: 780-423-9922
Email: info@ywcaedm.org
Website: https://ywcaofedmonton.org/programs-and-services/counselling-centre/