Community Resources
To provide support, prevention, education and outreach services from an integrated anti-racism anti-oppression social justice framework that promotes the holistic wellbeing of those living with, affected by, impacted by and at risk of HIV/AIDS in Ottawa.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community at Algonquin College includes students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds. The Positive Space campaign celebrates this diversity and recognizes the responsibility of our community to work toward being a safe and accepting environment for persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Around the Rainbow is a Family Services program that provides education, counselling and support services to 2SLGBTQI+ families and individuals. Our objective is always to improve 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion in all environments.
Established in 2017, Art House is intended to serve as an interface between the city and its artists. It aims to be a catalyst for discovery, exploration and collaboration. Art House works to spread the positive impacts of art by offering new perspectives, with an emphasis on diversity, individuality, and connection.
An Indigenous cafe In Ottawa in the popular TD Place where you will find good coffee and experience art, culture of Indigenous people.
BRAS Outaouais – HIV Prevention and Intervention and Safer Consumption is a non-profit community organization that has been operating since 1990. BRAS works in the Outaouais region, including both urban and rural areas. Its mission is to develop and promote community initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of the Outaouais population with regard to HIV/AIDS.
Ottawa-based queer bread-making business + bakery: our breads are made with high-quality unbleached, untreated flours. Most of our breads are made with organic flour. We specialize in sourdough breads, and most of our breads are dairy and egg-free. Simple & Delicious.
Bruce House is a community-based organization providing housing, compassionate care and support in Ottawa for people living with HIV and AIDS, based on the belief that everyone has the right to live and die with dignity.
CANFAR is a national, independent organization advancing HIV knowledge and science.
Ottawa/Gatineau meetup group for those who are bi+, pan, omni, curious, queer and/or fall under the multisexual umbrella.
Capital Pups is a thriving, independent pet play community based in Ottawa, dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive space for pup play enthusiasts.
The Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre (GSRC) aims to be a safe(r) space for Carleton students of all gender identities and sexual orientations through education, advocacy, and support. Use ext. 3723 when you call.
Centre33, in Kanata, Ottawa, is a community organization dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ children, youth, and their families. Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and accessible space that fosters visibility and empowerment within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
We provide essential resources for sex workers and human trafficking survivors (who face barriers to accessing traditional social supports due to violent stigma) by ensuring access to safer work environments and basic necessities. We promise that you will be treated with the dignity and respect you deserve, so please reach out to us if you are a sex worker/survivor in need.
Diversity Cornwall is a charitable organization founded to coordinate the annual Cornwall Pride Festival and other community events with the goal of fostering diversity, unity, and visibility.
We are using public awareness and education about the 2SLGBTQ+ community as a way to combat homophobia and discrimination.
Offer a range of social services (counselling and support services) in English and French to all residents of Ottawa. Counselling services are provided to children (6-12) and adolescents, adults, couples and families. Use ext. 0 when you call.
Gay Realty Network is one of the oldest directories of gay real estate agents, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, lenders, and title companies on the web.
Hello Dolly Pastries (HDP) is a small locally owned and operated bakery located in the vibrant Hintonburg area located at 992 Wellington St W. Our cozy storefront is not only a haven for delectable treats but also a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Jeunesse Idem aims to improve the quality of life of young people aged 7 to 35 who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and questioning, and to raise awareness among the population of the Outaouais region about the realities of the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
Kind Space (formerly known as Pink Triangle Services) is dedicated to providing a diverse, protective, and nonjudgmental environment for individuals to explore and understand their gender and sexuality through their intersecting identities and experiences. Kind Space offers peer-run discussion groups, counseling services, and educational programs in a diverse and sex-positive environment.
The Lavender Group is a closed, LGBTQIA+/Queer-affirming online Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that meets weekly, on Tuesdays 8 PM ET via Zoom.
Ottawa’s lesbian+ events group welcomes women who identify as lesbian, trans, 2 Spirit, bi, poly, pan, queer or questioning, including NB lesbians.
Our helpline is staffed by peer support volunteers, who are all 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 16-29, living across
Ontario. They aren't professional counsellors, but are trained in active listening, anti-racism, harm reduction, and topics related to gender and sexuality. Whether you're questioning your identity, dealing with family, feeling lonely, or just want to chat, we're here for it.
Get in touch with a peer support volunteer; Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30PM EST.
- By Chat (4pm-9:30pm): youthline.ca/helpline/peer-support-helpline
- By Text (4pm-9:30pm): (647)-694-4275
- By email: askus@youthline.ca
Online Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for LGBTQ+ people.
We’ve been proud to call Ottawa’s ByWard Market home since day one: starting out in a tiny space on Dalhousie Street back in 2005 and moving to our current 2-floor William Street location in 2013. Nothing beats being in the heart of the nation’s capital!
With our curated selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories, we quickly became one of Ottawa’s go-to shopping destinations.
A vibrant recreational Ottawa-based softball league for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and their allies dedicated to fostering skill development in a fun, secure, and social environment, welcoming players of all skill levels.
Located in Orléans, ON, Canada, this is a safer space and non-profit that promotes support, respect, and inclusiveness for everyone. This space is about love, peace and joy. Whether you are a 2SLGBTQQIA individual or an ally, all supporters of equal rights, protection from violence, and a compassionate community are welcome.
The Ottawa Bears is a group of Bears and Bear admirers located in the Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Québec region of Canada. The purpose of the group is to organize get togethers and social events for the bear community, to promote a more positive body image among large and/or furry gay men and to promote bear culture within the gay and straight communities of the greater Ottawa region. We welcome people of all types –big or small, furry or smooth, bear or admirer– who like the company of bears.
The Ottawa Birdies aims to create a welcoming, inclusive community for badminton players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, the Birdies offer a friendly environment to improve, compete, and enjoy the game.
The Ottawa Date Squares is a gay and lesbian friendly club open to absolutely everyone in the National Capital region and elsewhere who wishes to learn modern square dancing in a friendly, welcoming, sociable, fun and active setting.
Ottawa Frontrunners is a running and walking club for members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) community and friends. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, it is Canada’s national capital chapter of International Frontrunners. We have runners of various ages and skill levels and typically have groups going between 5 and 10 km (3 and 6 miles) at various paces. Walkers are also members of the club, consisting usually of runners on the injury list and partners or friends of runners.
A common interest group for lovers of plants, gardens, & trees in Ottawa.
Choeur gai d’Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus is a local, independent, charitable organization the mission of which is to perform quality choral music and to contribute to the gay community.
OGRC is more than just a running club—it's a community where everyone is encouraged to be themselves, push their limits, and support one another. Our weekly group runs are designed to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. We believe that running is not just about fitness, but also about the connections we make along the way.
The Ottawa Knights is a Brotherhood which strives to preserve the Leather culture through leadership, camaraderie, education, and Community service.
Ottawa Pride Hockey is a pick-up hockey group in Ottawa that was created to allow members of all genders and sexual orientations to play in a safe and supportive environment.
We focus our work on organizations serving seniors such as residential care facilities, service agencies, palliative care services, and homecare agencies. The goal is to encourage/advocate for LGBT-positive spaces and cultural competence within these agencies and facilities. OSPN’s training team supports these efforts by providing workshops and professional development for staff, students and volunteers as requested.
Ottawa Time Out Hiking Club is a hiking club for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans community. Trail destinations are mostly parks in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec ranging from nearby Gatineau Park to as far as the Adirondack Mountains in New York state.
The Ottawa Trans Library houses a collection of books by trans authors, as well as historical, important and interesting works on trans issues and people. You can browse the collection online here. In addition to the lending collection, there is a free library of books unrelated to trans issues.
We are a social space in addition to being a library. You don’t need to borrow a book. Oppressed people have always needed spaces where they can be safe, gather, meet new people and talk. We have reading stations and tables for studying or socializing. Come enjoy a free coffee, browse the collection, or just swing by to say hello!
The Ottawa Wolves form a Rugby Football Club for men and women in Canada’s National Capital Region. The Club was founded by Carl Pilon and Jay Smidt in 2008 with the mission to promote and encourage participation in rugby among those who have traditionally been under-represented in the game. The team members are predominantly part of the LGBTQA community, but diverse in its make-up, and inclusive of everyone.
Out at Camp is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating inclusive, empowering, and enjoyable outdoor experiences for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Our programs are designed to encourage personal growth, foster a sense of belonging, and promote a love for nature and outdoor activities.
Pass the Vibes was founded in 2019 by a group of friends in Ottawa who identified the need for inclusive and accessible knowledge-sharing spaces for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (QTBIPOC), especially for skills such as DJing that are often taught in very male and white-dominated environments.
PFLAG provides an open and welcoming environment for individuals, parents and families to meet and discuss how to navigate the emotional, societal and practical challenges of living a full and satisfying life in appreciation of the individual expression and experience of sexual identity or sexual orientation.
We are dedicated to building a community where everyone has access to culturally safe, inclusive, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Pride Capital Volleyball (PCV) is a volunteer, non-profit volleyball organization that promotes volleyball and the well-being of the 2SLGBTQ+ community of the National Capital Region by offering fun, inclusive, and positive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies of all skill levels.
Creating opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities!
Step into a sanctuary where individuals of all gender and orientations can embrace their true selves without fear or judgment. Probe is a hub to find genuine connections and discover consensual exploration, fostering a community and lifestyle where everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
A safe, fun, inclusive space for queer people in Ottawa to get together-on bikes! All levels/no drop rides!
A support space for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in matters regarding end of life, death, dying, and grief.
The purpose of Queer Connection Lanark County is to increase the visibility of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Active in Lanark County since 2014, Queer Connection Lanark County has built upon the tremendous work done by LGBT Lanark County and LGBT Lanark County Civitan.
A safe space for LGBT+ people to get together and play dodgeball at a non-competitive level.
Queering613 is a volunteer-run grassroots community love project committed to connecting LGBTQ+ folks to Ottawa’s queer and trans cultures, organizations and issues. We want to be a community space for connecting, getting together, making, amplifying and learning about Ottawa’s LGBTQ loves and faves, it’s exciting happenings and the issues nearest and dearest to our queer hearts.
Queerios is a supportive drop-in program designed for LGBTQ+ youth aged 12-17, offering a safe space for connection, growth, and community engagement. It emphasizes positive mental health, skill-building, and access to local resources. The program provides a variety of activities, including art, sports, games, and a nutritious meal, catering to the diverse interests of its participants. Additionally, on-site counselling is available to ensure mental and emotional support.
Free weekly weight lifting drop-in (run by and for queer people). All ages, levels of experience, and forms of exercise are welcome! Drop-in at any time and stay for however long you'd like.
Queer Muslim Network (QMN) is a grassroots organization dedicated to community building and uplifting 2SLGBTQ+ Muslims and their allies. Based in Toronto, Montreal, & Ottawa, QMN provides a safe and welcoming space for individuals who identify as both queer and Muslim, across all sects.
Through social and spiritual programming, QMN strives to create a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes the acceptance of all Islamic identities.
QYC is a creative music-making group for youth ages 14-17 in Ottawa’s queer community who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, queer spawn, or allies.
A safe Queer space for MENA/SWANA folks to build community in Ottawa.
Rainbow Health Ontario works to ensure 2SLGBTQ+ communities receive equitable, affirming health care across Ontario. We train health care and service providers in clinically and culturally competent care, develop evidence-based resources, advocate for inclusive policy change, and host Ontario’s leading 2SLGBTQ+ health conference.
Ottawa’s LGBTQ2S+ Curling League: The league began with 8 teams and with tremendous growth over the years, is operating with 42 teams in the 2023-2024 season. Membership is open to the LGBTQ2S+ Ottawa community with any level of curling ability – from a total rookie to a seasoned veteran.
The Ottawa Rideau Speedeaus d’Ottawa is a swim team with a difference: it is primarily a gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans swim team, but welcomes members from the straight community too. Our main purpose is to help members reach their swimming goals, be they for competition, recreation or fitness.
Are you looking for a creative, sex-positive space? Sensorium Studio offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for creatives, educators, and communities to bring their visions to life. Whether you're planning a photoshoot, pop-up market or special event, our unique space is designed to inspire.
Sexfluent is a youth-driven initiative brought to you by CANFAR. We’re dedicated to ending Canada’s HIV epidemic but we know that HIV prevention is so much more than just giving out information about HIV transmission and prevention. It’s about creating a culture of openness, acceptance and empowerment for youth to feel confident in their identity, sexuality and decision-making capabilities. We want to transform the conversation around sexual health to be free of judgment and shame, so that you can embark on your own journey of self-acceptance and exploring pleasure.
Promoting self-affirmation, dignity, and equality for queer identifying folks in Smiths Falls and beyond.
The Spaniel's Tale Bookstore is a queer-owned independent bookstore in Ottawa, Ontario, serving Hintonburg, Wellington Village, Westboro, Mechanicsville, Little Italy, and beyond. We offer a curated selection of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, as well as greeting cards and other gifts.
We provide workshops, discussion groups, and art collaborations, as well as counselling services, peer mentoring, and primary care resources.
Spectrum can help with challenges like depression, anxiety and suicide while also offering practical support to navigate the mental health, housing and educational systems.
Shop, play, connect: welcome to Studio Staja! Whether you're a lifelong gamer, a curious newcomer, or someone looking for a cozy spot to relax with friends, we’re here to make your experience special.
T's All Welcoming Pub is in the heart of Ottawa's LGBTQIA+ Community.
The Ten Oaks Project is a charitable, volunteer-driven organization that engages and connects children and youth from LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer) communities.
The Grove is a Queer, Black and People of Colour owned business located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe. It's a safe, welcoming, and inclusive collective art space that houses creativity, empowerment, and mutual respect for queer and IBPOC artists and allies.
The Lookout Bar and Nightclub is Ottawa's most popular LGBTQ+ and all-welcoming bar located in the heart of the Byward Market. We are known for our fun, welcoming and energetic atmosphere where people love to let loose, socialize, and hit the dance floor!
The Ottawa Dyke March first took place July 10, 2004, in solidarity with other dyke marches around the world. Even though the march has grown and evolved since its inception, it still maintains the same values that inspired Ottawa dykes to take to the street in the first place: namely our opposition to the commercialization of queer culture and the discrimination that affects dykes in our society. We are dedicated to ending all forms of oppression.
The Walk-In Counselling Clinic & Counselling Connect are a collaborative initiative supported by Ontario Health East and a network of dedicated community agencies.
Together, we’re committed to removing barriers and making mental health support easier to access, especially when you need it most.
We are a diverse team of trained professionals guided by values of equity, inclusion and trauma-informed care. We recognize the strength it takes to seek help, and we’re honoured to be part of your support system.
Tone Cluster is a vibrant musical ensemble that contributes both musically to the Ottawa arts scene and socially as part of Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
This knowledge base answers common questions from trans and non-binary people in Ontario. Designed for residents 18 and over, it uses plain language to clarify social and medical transition processes and help you find community support. Where possible, we’ve included system navigation tips for those facing additional barriers to health care.
Trans Outaouais is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the development of harmonious relations within the LGBTQIA2S+ community and the inclusion of gender-diverse people and all other intersections.
The Pride Centre is an independent, student-run service that strives to promote and represent a culture of affirmation through the celebration of individual diversity and choice in all areas of life. We address various equity sectors (anti-ableism, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, etc.) with a core focus on the intersections of gender and sexuality topics at the University of Ottawa. By hosting events, programming, offering resources and advocating for students, we look to create an environment of respect and acceptance with our communities and allies.
Venus Envy is an award-winning sex shop and bookstore with something for everyone. Anyone who’s turned off by traditional sex shops will find Venus Envy a welcoming and informative place to get cool and sexy stuff.
The Pride Festival for the West Side of Ottawa and the surrounding regions.
In addition to offering great products and services, Wicked Wanda’s is also very proud to offer a variety of workshops, held on the premises. These workshops cover the full range of sexual interests from the Joys of Sex Toys to Anal Sex to Bondage 101. They are designed to be stress-free so that inhibitions can be left at the door. Participants can learn in a relaxing and fun environment how to further their sexual enjoyment.
The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa serves youth aged 12 and older. We focus on youth with difficulties affecting their physical and/or emotional well-being and development. We support youth in making positive health and lifestyle decisions.