Caregiving resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

By some estimates up to 250,000 caregivers across Canada, care for or are themselves members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Members of this community may be at higher risk for certain health conditions and face unique barriers to care. Caregiving within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities can mean facing prejudice or stigma, or experiencing difficulties navigating the health care system.

Community caregiving relationships may include:

A 2SLGBTQIA+ caregiver caring for another community member
A 2SLGBTQIA+ caregiver caring for a heterosexual care recipient
Heterosexual caregivers caring for a 2SLGBTQIA+ identified person

If you or the person you provide care for identifies as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the following resources may be helpful.

Useful Links

Resources for BIPOC & 2SLGBTQIA+ Caregivers

Across Boundaries – Equitable and holistic mental health and addictions services for racialized communities—including those who are 2SLGBTQIA+ and QTIPOC.

BIPOC Women’s Care – Care resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse BIPOC.
Resources and Programs for 2GLBTQIA+ Caregivers
Family Services Ottawa – Resource kit for parents, educators and service providers working with 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and children.

Alliance for Healthier Communities (Rainbow Communities) – Provides resources specific to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and individuals.

Capital Rainbow Refuge – Support for 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees.

EGALE Canada

2SLGBTQIA+ resources that may be useful for caregivers:
- Rainbow Table: A virtual space that connects 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors
- Access to Justice: Legal resources that may be useful to caregivers
- Crossing the Rainbow Bridge: End of life planning
- Aging and Living Well Among LGBTQI Older Adults in Canada: National study on 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults
Kind Space Ottawa – Care programs and services for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.

Pflag Canada – Resources 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and their support circle.

Rainbow Caregivers Network – Peer support for 2SLGBTQIA+ caregivers.

Out With Cancer – Monthly web chat for 2SLGBTQIA+ young adults with cancer and their caregivers.

The 519 – Counselling and services for 2SLGBTQ+IA communities

The 519 offers LGBTQ2S Family Events and oversees the Will Munro Fund for Queer and Trans People Living with Cancer.
Resources for Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Seniors

Leading & Learning with Pride – A city of Toronto toolkit for supporting 2SLGBTQI+ seniors.

The Rekai Centres – Long term care for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.

Senior Pride Network – Programs and services for older 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors in Toronto.

Sherbourne Health Centre – Primary health care, counselling, outreach, health promotion, and education for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

SPRINT Senior Care – Peer support for LGBT caregivers.

Kipling Acres – Long-Term Care Homes and Services for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Réseau ACCESS Network – Support groups for people 55+ living with HIV/AIDS, Hep C, and related health issues.

VHA Home HealthCare – Watch: Out of Home: LGBTQI2S older adults and home care.

Sage Advocacy & Resources for LGBT Elders – 10 Tips for Finding 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming services.

Queering Cancer – Online information, resources and support groups for cancer patients and caregivers.

BC Cancer Care Healthcare resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ affected by cancer.
Health conditions

CATIE – HIV and Hepatitis C information.

Canadian Cancer Society – Cancer screening for LGBTQ communities.

Cancer Survivor Network – Resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ persons living with cancer.

Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance – Support for gay and bi men, including HIV prevention and sexual health.

HepCInfo – Hepatitis C prevention and treatment for immigrants and newcomers.

Queering Cancer  – Online information, resources and support groups for cancer patients and caregivers.

BC Cancer Care  – Healthcare resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ affected by cancer.
Information and education

Employment and Social Development Canada – Social isolation of seniors—Supplement to the social isolation and social innovation toolkit: A Focus on LGBTQ seniors in Canada.

Global Health Integrative Science (GHIS) – Reports, interviews, and resources to support 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services of Ontario – Resource guide for supporting the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth.

Sinai Health Systems – Community resources for LGBTQ+ Older Adults.

Rainbow Health Ontario – Healthcare services for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities offers training for healthcare providers to offer culturally competent care to 2SLGBTQ service users.
Resources for Health Care Providers

Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health – Healthcare support for trans and gender diverse people.

Association of Ontario Midwives – Midwifery care for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) – Best practice guideline (BPG) Promoting 2SLGBTQI+ health equity.

Qmunity – Free counseling, information, and referrals for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
End of Life & Palliative Care for 2LGBTQIA+ Persons
Canadian Virtual Hospice – Online resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ persons requiring end of life or palliative care.
- For caregivers of 2SLGBTQ persons in end of life care
- Planning For My Care – a guide to support 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive palliative care
- My Choices For Safe and Inclusive Health Care – a place to record information related to health care and preferences
- The 2SLGBTQ Canadian Health Care Bill of Rights supports 2SLGBTQ persons in receiving health care that is inclusive, respectful and free from discrimination.
Mental health support

Canadian Mental Health Association – Mental health resources for 2SLGBTQ+ people.

OK2BME – Support services for 2SLGBTQIA+ kids and teens in the Waterloo region.

TransFamily Kingston – Peer support for transgender people, family members, friends, and allies in the Kingston Ontario area.
International resources

Rainbow Railroad – Support for 2SLGTBQIA+ people facing persecution around the world.

Rainbow Refugee – Migration support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people fleeing persecution.

Transhealth.com – Resources for aging transgender community members.

Sage Advocacy & Resources for LGBT Elders – A resource on 10 Tips for Finding LGBTQ+-Affirming Services.

The Trevor Project – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for 2SLGBTQIA+ people under 25.