Rainbow Optimist Club
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO, INC.
Bettering the lives of LGBT2Q+ rural youth, their families, and their communities in Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties.
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Community Organizations
Below is a list of organizations that work with the LGBT2Q+ communities in our area.
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*Please note: Due to Covid-19, some of the programs and services may have changed. Please contact the individual organization for more information.
Adventurous Women of London (AWOL)
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AWOL is a safe social group, open to all women who enjoy horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, dining, live theatre, concerts, playing cards & so on. AWOL was established in 1990, has free membership, & publishes a monthly newsletter. Members & interested participants can view a photo gallery on the AWOL website of more than 25 years of group history. Contact Kathleen Holland for more information.
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AdventurousWomenofLondon.com l 519.471.2177 l hollandkm@hotmail.com
Anova
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Anova (formerly Sexual Assault Centre London & Women’s Community House) provides sexual violence counselling for female-identified survivors over 15, a 24-hour Crisis & Support Line for all genders, emergency short-term shelters for women & their children experiencing abuse, violence prevention youth programming, second stage housing & community outreach services. We also offer assistance through the Family Court Support Program, the Community Group Program for Children, the New Beginnings Loan Fund (through the United Way) & Public Education.
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AnovaFuture.org l 519.642.3000 (24-Hour Crisis & Support Line)
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Camp Wendake
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Camp Wendake is a one week residential camp program for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, their families &/or support people. The camp is run & staffed exclusively by volunteers & accommodates 80 campers from across Ontario at a rustic & beautiful camp facility near Bayfield. We strive to honour diversity in age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, culture, spirituality & economic state.
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CampWendake.org l Info@CampWendake.org
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Clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit
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The Family Planning Clinic offers the following services: pap tests, low cost birth control, emergency contraception & free pregnancy tests. This clinic is appointment only & a health card is required. The Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic offers the following services: free confidential testing, diagnosis & treatment of most STIs, counselling & referrals. This clinic is drop in & no health card is required. The Clinic also offers Naloxone & needle exchange.
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HealthUnit.com/Sexual-Health-Clinics l 519.663.5446 x3 l 50 King Street, London
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Coming Out Over Coffee
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Coming Out Over Coffee is a casual open discussion group for individuals over the age of 19 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, two-spirit, queer, or who are questioning - for those starting their journey to those who are out & about. Come join us for a discussion & support with other LGBT2Q+ folks every 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Family Service Thames Valley. No registration necessary.
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FamilyServiceThamesValley.com l 519.433.0183 l 125 Woodward Avenue, London
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Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO)
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Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) is committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse and helping families make the transition to lives free from violence and abuse. All of our services are free and confidential. DASO provides safe, secure accommodation for those who identify as women, 16+ (with or without children) who are impacted by domestic abuse and/or homelessness. DASO is also able to provide support from a Family Support Worker, Transitional Resource Worker, Sexual Assault Therapist and Community Counsellor.
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DASO.ca l 24/7/365 Crisis and Information Line #: 519-539-4811 OR 1-800-365-1938 l info@daso.ca
Five/Fourteen
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An independent agency with established relationships & partnerships with existing social service agencies, the Government of Ontario & university research centres. Five/Fourteen provides foster care services in family homes & community integration support for youth in foster care who identify as LGBTQ2S or otherwise gender-independent. Five/Fourteen creates a path for our clients to move seamlessly from foster care to full independence with solid life skills & a supportive community.
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FiveFourteen.ca l 1.844.514.0514 l 3640 Wells Street, Windsor
Forest City Derby Girls (FCDG)
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Forest City Derby Girls is London's full contact roller derby league. FCDG is committed to women being independent, strong & athletic. Derby is for everyone. It is a sport for people of all ages, sizes, gender identity, sexuality & backgrounds. Follow us on Facebook to see when our next game is & watch these women smash it on the track. We are always looking for volunteers, sponsors & new skaters. Contact us via email to see how you can get involved.
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ForestCityDerbyGirls.ca l info@forestcityderbygirls.com
Forest City Men’s Group
Forest City Men’s Group provides a needed connection for gay, bi & gay-positive men within the London & Southwestern Ontario area. The intent is to cultivate friendships & male camaraderie through its online site & various social events, as well as importantly providing gay male presence within the city. Dinners, coffee, brunches, walks, & other events are arranged by any of its members. All events have an emphasis on respect & support for all.
Meetup.com/ForestCityMensGroup
Forest City Queerios
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Forest City Queerios is a social group for queer folk in London. This is a super inclusive group & a safer space! Our aim is to create a group that will help build the queer community in London by bringing people together for some awesome social events.
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On Facebook - Forest City Queerios
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Intersex London
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Intersex London is dedicated to providing resources for Intersex individuals & their families
living in London & area. Intersex London also works to provide education to the larger community about Intersex identities.
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Facebook.com/IntersexLondonON.CA
John Gordon Home (A Program of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection)
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John Gordon Home provides support to people living with HIV/AIDS & HCV (Hep C) who have immediate health care needs to realize positive health & wellness outcomes through the provision of Transitional Care; Respite Care; & End of Life Care. John Gordon Home continues to be The Home with a Heart in London.
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JohnGordonHome.ca l 519.433.3951 l 596 Pall Mall Street, London
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London Abused Women’s Centre (LAWC)
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The London Abused Women’s Centre is a non-residential agency providing advocacy, counselling & support to abused, prostituted & trafficked women & girls over the age of 12 who live or work in London/Middlesex. Thanks to the Ministry of Community & Social Services & the generosity of Londoners, there is no charge to attend. The agency provides both individual services & groups. Abused, prostituted & trafficked women & girls are provided with immediate access to service.
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LAWC.on.ca l 519.432.2204 l 797 York Street, Unit 5, London
London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (LCCLC)
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The LCCLC is a multi-service support agency for newcomers. A community organization that exists to provide settlement services & support, while promoting intercultural awareness & understanding. Services offered: Community Connections, Client Support Services, Jeremiah's House for Government Sponsored Refugees, Joseph's House for Refugees, Job Search Workshops, Language & Referral Services, LGBTQ Newcomers Support Services & Social Group, Resettlement Assistance Program, Settlement Workers in Schools, Translation/Interpretation Services & Volunteer Opportunities.
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LCCLC.org l 519.432.1133 l 505 Dundas Street, London
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London InterCommunity Health Centre - Health & Social Services
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We provide health & social services to those who experience barriers to care & foster the active participation of individuals & the community we serve. In addition to primary care, we offer community & social services that support: children & youth; people living with chronic illnesses/mental health concerns; people experiencing poverty & homelessness; newcomer seniors & women. All services are inclusive of LGBT2Q+ people. Contact us to learn more about our Trans Health Team!
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LIHC.on.ca l 519.660.0874 l 659 Dundas St. & 1355 Huron St., Unit 7, London
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London InterCommunity Health Centre - Options Clinic
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Options Clinic provides free, rapid & anonymous HIV Testing. No names or health cards are required, your privacy is protected & you receive results in a matter of minutes. In addition to the free rapid test, you also receive information, education & support from our non-judgmental counselors. Many people find that they can talk openly about sexual & other risks if they know that their name will not be revealed.
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LIHC.on.ca/Programs/Anonymous-HIV-Testing l 519.673.4427 l 659 Dundas Street
London Lesbian Film Festival
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The London Lesbian Film Festival is North America's longest running & Canada's only Lesbian Film Festival! Each year the festival features three days of films, a Friday night reception, Saturday night dance & a Sunday brunch round out our weekend of events. The London Lesbian Film Festival is organized every year by the Reeling Spinsters...a diverse group of lesbian, bisexual & queer women who work hard all year long screening films, fundraising, advertising & putting on the festival. We run on 100% volunteer power. If you want to be involved, give us a shout.
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London Middlesex Roller Derby (LMRD)
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Roller derby is one of the world's fastest growing sports! Women & girls of all ages, shapes, & fitness levels can participate in a low-contact, low-cost & low-commitment league with LMRD; where the focus is on fun, fitness & friendship. LMRD welcomes new junior skaters (ages 9-17) the first practice of every month & we are always looking for new adult skaters (ages 18+) too. Be sure to email us so we have loaner gear ready for you.
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LMRDRollerDerby.com l LondonMiddlesexRollerDerby@gmail.com (Adults)
LocoJuniors@gmail.com (Juniors)
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LUSO Community Services
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LUSO is a non-profit multicultural neighbourhood resource centre that offers programs & services for children, youth & families from diverse backgrounds. In addition to offering services specifically for newcomers & immigrants, LUSO also offers many programs to those born in Canada. LUSO offers a range of programs & services specific to NE London that include children, youth & family literacy based programs, youth programs, settlement services for newcomers, basic needs support, community advocacy & cultural awareness, & sensitivity training.
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Nitty Gritty Group
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The Nitty Gritty Group is a Gay & Lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous group that meets Mondays at 7:00pm at St Johns the Evangelist Anglican Church. Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of people who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, nondenominational, multiracial, apolitical & available almost everywhere. All are welcome.
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AALondon.org l St Johns the Evangelist Anglican Church, 280 St. James St. London
Open Closet (A Program of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection)
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Open Closet (OC) is a program of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection started in 2002. A drop-in, social support group for youth between 14 & 18 years of age who identify as LGBT2Q+, from the counties of Perth, Huron, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex & Oxford. OC offers a safer space for youth to discuss relevant issues (e.g.: coming out, queer identities, LGBT2Q+ history, safer sex, & healthy relationships) & access referrals to community services/resources. In addition, OC provides an opportunity for youth to build supportive social networks in a respectful, fun & accepting environment. Held on Fridays from 7:00 - 9:00pm.
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HIVAIDSConnection.ca l 519.434.1601
PFLAG Canada - London Chapter
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PFLAG London is a chapter of the national charity organization PFLAG Canada. PFLAG London helps all persons within our reach who are struggling with issues of their sexual orientation, gender identity & gender expression. We also support, educate & provide resources to parents, families, friends, & colleagues with questions or concerns regarding these issues. PFLAG London offers monthly peer support meetings at the Middlesex London Health Unit (50 King Street) the third Monday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00pm.
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PFLAGLondon.ca l 1.888.530.6777 x300 (Toll Free)
London Chapter Director & Facilitator: Lori Ward - 519.686.7691
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PFLAG Youth
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PFLAG Youth is a guided support group for youth ages 6 - 18, who identify as LGBT2Q+. PFLAG Youth meets at the Middlesex London Health Unit (50 King Street) the third Monday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00pm.
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Pledge to End Bullying
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The Pledge is a community-wide initiative that seeks to raise the public consciousness about bullying - in schools, at work & at home. Fighting racial, ethnic, religious & nationality-based discrimination is the only way to ensure everyone is guaranteed the same human rights. With the support of our caring individuals - in schools, businesses, non-profit organizations & the media - we can have an impact. Lend your voice. Take The Pledge & help bring an end to bullying! Learn it. Take it. Live it.
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Pride London Festival
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Pride London Festival's Mission is to provide an annual opportunity to generate celebratory, cultural,artistic and educational events which affirm the lives GLBTT2 people and supporters through actives which promote unity, inclusion and awareness of sexual and gender diversity.
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Pride Men’s Chorus London (PMCL)
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Pride Men’s Chorus London celebrates the gifts of diversity & music in London. PMCL creates experiences through choral music that promote community, inclusiveness & excellence. We believe that music “levels the playing ground” for all of us. It heals, enlightens & fosters community. The choir is available to all men regardless or sexual orientation or gender identity. We are an initiative of Aeolian Hall. We celebrate those who came before us & fought so we can sing out loudly. Without their activism to create a country where all can be treated with equality & respect, this initiative would not be possible.
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PrideMensChorus.com l PrideMensChorus@yahoo.com
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Pride Understanding
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Pride Understanding is a communication tool designed to start a conversation to increase gender diversity literacy, through a series of stories that help create a safe environment to ask questions, start a discussion to increase empathy, understanding and decrease stigma.
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Rainbow Health Network (RHN)
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Rainbow Health Network is a network of individuals committed to equity-based, community- based & anti-oppression values in promoting health & wellness for persons & communities of diverse sexual orientations & gender identities. RHN strives for representation of the full diversity of our communities, & commits to building coalitions & partnerships to achieve this.
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RainbowHealthNetwork.wordpress.com l 416.392.6878 x4049
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Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO)
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Rainbow Health Ontario is a province-wide program that works to improve the health & well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual & Trans people in Ontario through education, research, outreach & public policy advocacy.
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RainbowHealth.ca l 647.730.3200
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Rainbow Optimist Club - Southwestern Ontario
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On the eve of Optimist International’s 100 Anniversary, The Rainbow Optimist Club - Southwestern Ontario was formed in September 2018. It is the first of its kind to join the Optimist International family. The Rainbow Optimist Club is dedicated to bettering the lives of LGBT2Q+ rural youth, their families & their communities.
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RainbowOptimistClub.com l RainbowOptimist@gmail.com
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Rainbow Radio on 94.9FM Radio Western
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London's longest running LGBT2Q+ radio show. Showcasing a mix of Local, Canadian & International Queer (LGBT2Q+) musicians & fierce allies, local LGBT2Q+ events, community groups & initiatives in the London Ontario community. Tune in to Rainbow Radio every Monday night from 10 PM to midnight for your weekly dose of LGBT2Q+ community & culture on Radio Western 94.9FM.
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Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC)
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Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) is a community-inspired organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals & diverse communities living with, at-risk for or affected by the challenges associated with HIV/AIDS & HCV. Through a harm reduction philosophy, RHAC creates an atmosphere of trust by respecting human dignity, which enables the people we serve to make informed choices. Our confidential & free services are available in various ways across our six county catchment area that includes London/Middlesex, Huron, Lambton, Elgin, Oxford, & Perth. The Regional HIV/AIDS Connection includes two sites: 186 King Street, Suite 30 & 596 Pall Mall St. (site of the John Gordon Home program, which offers transitional, respite & end of life care).
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HIVAIDSConnection.ca l 519.434.1601 l 186 King Street, Suite 30, London
Regional Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre
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Anyone can be a victim of physical or sexual assault. If you have been assaulted, go to a safe place & tell someone. Our team provides care at the time of the assault & in the months following the initial incident. We provide care for women, children, & men experiencing sexual assault &/or domestic violence living in Oxford, Elgin, & Middlesex counties.
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SJHC.London.on.ca/SexualAssault l 519.646.6100 x64224
St. Joseph’s Health Care London (Room B0-644), 268 Grosvenor Street, London
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Southwestern Public Health (SPH)
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SWPH is a newly formed health unit to serve our communities better! Oxford County Public
Health & Elgin St. Thomas Public Health have joined to form Southwestern Public Health. The same non-judgmental, confidential sexual health services will be provided. During this transition we encourage clients to call our Woodstock or St. Thomas office’s to discuss hours of clinics, Needle Exchange Programs (NEP), options for smoking cessation counselling, HIV/STI testing, birth control, emergency contraception & pregnancy testing.
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St. Thomas Site: 519.631.9900 l 1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas
Woodstock Site: 519.539.9800 l 410 Buller Street, Woodstock
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St. Thomas-Elgin Rainbow Alliance
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The St. Thomas-Elgin Rainbow Alliance is a community led group to advocate, plan, & promote events for rainbow education, awareness, acceptance, & inclusion. Check out the Facebook page for upcoming meetings & events. The group meets at the Central Community Health Centre, 359 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. No registration necessary & open to everyone.
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STERA.ca l 519.768.1715 x2282
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Trans* London
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Trans* London is a social group for anyone under who identifies under the Trans* umbrella & their allies. It is a family friendly group, & often families attend with their loved one. Meetings take place on the second Monday of each month at Innovation Works, 201 King Street from 6:00 - 8:00pm.
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TransLndOnt@gmail.com l On Facebook - TRANS* London
TRY-U (The Rainbow Youth Umbrella)
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TRY-U is a social group for children from 6 to 14 years old who identify as LGBT2Q+, this includes children who are questioning. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month at Innovation Works, 201 King Street from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Doors are only open from 6:00 - 6:15pm.
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Women’s Events Committee (WEC)
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Women’s Events Committee is an intersectional feminist collective that builds community by hosting woman-focused events that raise awareness about issues facing women & that provide networking opportunities for women & our allies. Based in London, Ontario, WEC meet quarterly to plan events. New members are always welcome! WEC collaborates with organizations, community groups & individuals in London & area who share our vision of violence-free lives for women. We are committed to accessibility, intersectionality, & inclusion, & aim to make our events accessible & inclusive for attendees of any ability, employment status, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, or gender expression.
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Facebook.com/WomensEventsCommittee
YOU Belong Support Group
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YOU Belong is a LGBT2Q+ & ally support group for youth & young adults ages 16 to 25. Each week youth will be given time to discuss personal issues, social issues, & anything else that comes up that they are seeking support with. The program offers educational nights, guest speakers, community activities, & most of all we are a safe place for people to be themselves. We offer a non judgmental environment & can offer support in all areas of life through Youth Opportunities Unlimited's programming & services. The group meets Wednesdays from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at The Cornerstone Building, 332 Richmond Street.
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YOU.ca l 226.777.0116 l 332 Richmond Street, The Cornerstone Building, London
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College & University Organizations
Gender Equality Network USC (Western University)
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The Gender Equality Network (formerly Women’s Issues Network) is a USC-funded service at Western University. We provide resources & safe space, and advocate on gender issues. The Gender Equality Network (GEN) educates Western University’s campus on issues of gender equality and gender diversity by providing comprehensive and diverse educational programming through events, speaker series, conferences, and collaborative initiatives with various on-campus groups and community partners.
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Facebook.com/GenderEqualityNetworkUSC
OUTLaws Western (Western University)
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OUTLaws Western provides a positive space for self-identified queer law students & allies & nurtures a queer-positive community at Western Law. We are part of the Canada-wide OUTLaws network that deals with queer issues across the country. This network spans all the law schools in Canada & is closely affiliated with Start Proud (formerly “Out on Bay”). OUTLaws Western provides a forum to examine the law, gender expression, & sexual orientation. We strive to increase the visibility of queer people & legal issues through social events, & by hosting speakers, engaging in activism, & organizing professional development events.
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Facebook.com/WesternOUTLawsPublic
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Positive Space Ally Program (Fanshawe College)
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The Positive Space Ally Program at Fanshawe works to fulfill the Fanshawe Promise for LGBT2Q+ Staff & Allies: Educate & train Allies across the spectrum by offering informal lunch & learns, Engage the community in social events, Empower staff & students with knowledge regarding LGBT2Q+ history, & Excite our allies into embracing diversity in all its forms. By fulfilling the Fanshawe Promise, we hope to Unlock the Potential of the LGBT2Q+ community at Fanshawe.
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FanshaweC.ca/PositiveSpace l PositiveSpace@FanshaweC.ca
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Pride Library (Western University)
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The mandate of the Pride Library is to acquire, preserve, organize & give public access to information & materials by & about lesbian, gay, bisexual, Trans & queer communities. Housed in the D.B. Weldon Library at Western University, The Pride Library welcomes visitors from outside as well as inside the University gates. Since its founding in the late 1990s, The Pride Library has grown rapidly with the support of donors, volunteers, faculty, & administrators at Western University. The Pride Library collection includes books, periodicals, videos, slides & CDs, amounting to over 6,000 titles.
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UWO.ca/PrideLib l 519.661.2111 x85828 l The D.B. Weldon Library, Western
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PrideWestern (Western University)
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PrideWestern is a support service for LGBT2Q+ students run by the University Students' Council (USC) at Western University. It serves as a resource & support system for students with questions regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, queer, 2-spirit & asexual (LGBTTQ2A) issues. The organization promotes awareness & advocacy on LGBTTQ2A issues brought about through a variety of programs, including discussion groups, social events, & awareness days.
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Facebook.com/PrideWesternUSC l PrideWestern@WesternUSC.ca
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Spectrum Fanshawe (Fanshawe College)
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Spectrum Fanshawe is a social & advocacy group for LGBT2Q+ individuals at Fanshawe College. Our aim is to create a safe & positive space within the college for LGBT2Q+ students to meet & socialize with their peers, as well as to impact the college in a positive way. We provide a resource list & referral system for student use. Meetings are open to current Fanshawe College students & alumni, members within the community, as well as allies.
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Facebook.com/Groups/SpectrumFanshawe l SpectrumFanshawe@gmail.com
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The Get REAL Movement
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Get REAL is a movement of university students across Canada who speak to high schools about unlearning LGBTQ discrimination & bullying, and the importance of embracing everyone. Get REAL started in February of 2011 with the aim of changing the face of what it means to be a young person who stands up against homophobia. Like Get REAL on Facebook & follow @GetREALUWO on Twitter.
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Western EngiQueers (Western University)
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Western EngiQueers is student run undergrad engineering club at Western that promotes & celebrates diversity, specifically focusing on members of LGBTQ communities.
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