Across the world, June is recognized as Pride Month, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the existence, diversity, and accomplishments of the 2sLGBTQ+ community. Pride month also serves as a reminder of the discrimination and challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and the continued need for allyship and support.
June is also recognized as Men’s Mental Health Month, and WRSPC has compiled a similar list of resources here.
On Resource Thursdays throughout June, WRSPC will be highlighting local resources and supports for the LGBTQ+ community. These resources have been compiled and added to here. If there are additional resources that could be added, please reach out to the WRSPC team at wrspc-admin@wrspc.ca.
Waterloo Region Resources & Supports
SPECTRUM supports LGBTQ2+ people & families in Waterloo Region (ourspectrum.com)
SPECTRUM is Waterloo Region’s first-ever rainbow community space and offers a wide variety of program and services including peer support and discussion groups, as well as Rainbow Diversity training for organizations.
SPECTRUM also partnered with Wisdom2Action in 2021 to develop the Trans Wellness and Suicide Prevention Toolkit, which can be accessed here.
OK2BME | Support for LGBTQ Youth (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender)
OK2BME is a set of supportive services for 2SLGBTQIA+ children, teens, adults and their families in Waterloo Region. The OK2BME program consists of three unique areas including confidential counselling services (in person or online), OK2BME Youth Groups for individuals 12-18, as well as public education, consulting and training around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. OK2BME is operated by Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health.
Additional Resources & Supports
Transgender people and suicide (2019). Centre for Suicide Prevention.
This toolkit discusses risk factors and warning signs for suicide for transgender individuals, as well as protective factors and how schools and health practitioners can work to keep transgender people safe from suicide.
Sexual minorities and suicide prevention. (2018). Centre for Suicide Prevention.
This toolkit discusses risk factors, warning signs and protective factors for suicide for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. It also provides information for how LGB people can stay mentally healthy.
Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgmental peer support through text and chat services.
Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for the community that is divested from police. Trans Lifeline is run by and for transpeople.
It Gets Better Canada is a registered charity in Canada that envisions a world where all 2SLGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. Its mission is to uplift, empower and connect 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Canada.
