Support Resources for 2SLGBTQI+ International Students

At Algonquin College, we strive to create a welcoming environment for all international students and to recognize the diverse experiences and identities our students hold. In Canada, 2SLGBTQI+ is an acronym used to connect members of Two-Spirit (2S), Lesbian (L), Gay (G), Bisexual (B), Trans (T), Queer (Q), Intersex (I) and additional (+) sexually and gender diverse communities. ​Learn more about Algonquin College and Ottawa-based resources available to support international students who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

​On-Campus Resources

Learn about the resources available to you on campus. You’ll find information about Positive Spaces, where to find all-gender washrooms, and how to connect with Health Services or Counselling Services. You can also learn about sexual violence prevention and support through Project Lighthouse and find substance use support through the Umbrella Project.

Positive Spaces

Explore efforts underway at Algonquin College to promote a safe and accepting environment for persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations.​

See the Spaces

Clubs and Communities

Discover student-run communities aimed at providing spaces for connection and meaningful peer support, including the AC Pride Club.

Join the Club

Counselling Services

Counselling Services offers current students free, confidential mental health support from registered counsellors.

Discover Resources

Health Services

Health Services offers registered students confidential care from doctors and nurses, including medical appointments and immunizations.

Vist Health Services

Umbrella Project

The Umbrella Project helps students reduce the risks of alcohol and other drug use through practical tips, workshops, and support.

Explore the Umbrella Project

Off-Campus Resources

Whether you’re new to Ottawa or looking to connect with the 2SLGBTQI+ community, this guide is a starting point for finding support and getting involved beyond campus. As an international student, you can explore sexual health and wellness services, find counselling or a helpline when you need someone to talk to, and discover education and outreach programs. You’ll also find social groups and drop-in spaces where you can meet people, along with organizations such as the Community-Based Research Centre and Egale Canada that focus on 2SLGBTQI+ research and advocacy.

 

Education & Outreach

​ AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO)

AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) offers support, prevention, education, and outreach services for those affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS, using a holistic approach.​

​ HQ International Student Resources

HQ International Student Resources answers common questions about LGBTQ+ life and the services and supports available in Ontario for international students and their service providers.​

MAX Ottawa

MAX Ottawa provides community support, education, and health services for men who are into men, including HIV/AIDS education and support.​

General Health & Wellbeing

Centretown Community Health Centre

The Centretown Community Health Centre offers culturally sensitive mental health and healthy living programs for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, including hormone therapy and trans health services.​

Ottawa Public Health Sexual Health Clinic

The Ottawa Public Health Sexual Health Clinic provides STI testing, HIV testing, contraception, and related sexual health services.​

Planned Parenthood Ottawa

Planned Parenthood Ottawa is committed to creating a community with access to culturally safe, inclusive, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare.​

Trans Health Ottawa

Trans Health Ottawa exists to support trans and gender diverse community members in navigating transition-related and general health services in the Champlain region (Ottawa and surrounding areas). ​

Hotlines

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

9-8-8 is a national support resource available to anyone in Canada. If you’re going through a difficult time or worried about someone, you can reach out and talk to someone who will listen.

Good2Talk

Good2Talk provides free, confidential support services in 100+ languages, with professionally trained interpreters, for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Call 866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.​

LGBT Youthline

LGBT Youthline is an off-campus mental health resource offering peer support and counselling via text and live chat for 2SLGBTQ+ youth 29 years and younger. Though based in Toronto, it supports youth across Ontario. Text 647-694-4275 or call 1-800-268-9688​

Trans Life

Trans Lifeline is a hotline offering direct support to trans people in crisis, providing peer support and resources. It is run by and for trans people. Call 1-877-330-6366.​

Mental Health

Counselling Connect

Counselling Connect offers free phone, in-person, and video counselling through 100+ counsellors from 20+ community-based mental health organizations. Services are available in multiple languages.​

Family Services Ottawa – 2SLGBTQI+ Counselling

Family Services Ottawa – 2SLGBTQI+ Counselling provides individual and family counselling by 2SLGBTQI+ counsellors for mental health and relationship support.​

Good Head

Good Head is an online mental health resource for gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, and other men who are into men.​

Research & Advocacy Organizations

Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC)

Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) promotes the health of people of diverse sexualities and genders through research and intervention development.​

Egale Canada

Egale Canada is Canada’s leading organization to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada. They conduct research and offer training and educational materials while also advocating for human rights and equality.

Social & Communities

Franco Queer

Franco Queer social spaces and services for 2SLGBTQI+ francophones, including migrants and newcomers.​

Kind Space

Kind Space is a physical and online safe space for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, offering workshops, programming, and a community library.​

Ottawa Trans Library

Discover the Ottawa Trans Library, offering a safe social space for studying, gathering, and connecting with others.​

Spectrum LGBTQ Drop-In (Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa)

Explore Spectrum LGBTQ Drop-In (Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa), a social drop-in space for LGBTQ youth.​

Start Proud

Start Proud connects 2SLGBTQA+ students with employers, promotes the development of 2SLGBTQA+ professionals, and celebrates the achievements and service of those in the community.​