Pride month is a time to celebrate everything that’s unique and special about the 2SLGBTQ+ community. However, behind all the festivities and celebrations, there are a lot of organizations working tirelessly behind the scenes who would appreciate all the help they can get. Here are 10 Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ organizations you should consider supporting this Pride Month:

What does 2SLGBTQ+ stand for?

2SLGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or Questioning), and others.

2S – Two-Spirit (2 Spirit): This is an identity that some indigenous people hold. Two-spirit (or 2S) refers to a person with both a feminine and masculine spirit living in the same body.

L – Lesbian: A person who identifies as a woman who is physically, sexually and/ or emotionally attracted to another person who identifies as a woman.

G – Gay: A person who identifies as a man who is physically, sexually and/ or emotionally attracted to another person who identifies as a man. This is also usually used to broadly describe people who are attracted to someone of the same gender.

B – Bisexual: A person who is physically, sexually and/ or emotionally attracted to people of their own and other genders.

T – Transgender / Trans: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Q – Queer: A broad term that can refer to anyone who is not heterosexual or cisgender. It’s usually used for those who reject specific labels of romantic, sexual and gender identity.

Q – Questioning: This refers to a person who is uncertain about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

+ (Plus): This represents the inclusion of all other sexual orientations and gender identities not explicitly stated in the acronym.

Here are 10 Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ Organizations you Should Support this Pride Month:

1. The 519

Located in Toronto, The 519 was founded in 1975 and has since been committed to bettering the health, happiness and increasing the participation of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in society. They provide services targeted at helping the 2SLGBTQ+ community such as counseling,, queer parenting resources, coming out groups, trans programming, and senior’s support!

Click Here to learn more about the 519 and what you can do to support them!

2. Inside Out

Located in Toronto, Inside Out aims to challenge attitudes and change lives by promoting, producing and exhibiting films made by and about 2SLGBTQ+ people of all ages, races and abilities. They hold annual film festivals in both Toronto and Ottawa and have year-round events and screenings of new films!

Click Here to learn more about Inside Out and what you can do to support them!

3. Egale Canada

Located in Toronto, Egale is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQ+ people and issues. They hope to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people as well as enhance the global response to their issues. They achieve this by informing public policy, inspiring cultural change, and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education, awareness and legal advocacy.

Click Here to learn more about Egale Canada and what you can do to support them!

4. Rainbow Railroad

Based in Toronto and the US, Rainbow Railroad is a global non-profit aimed at helping at risk 2SLGBTQ+ people get to safety worldwide. They provide them with emergency travel to 2SLGBTQ+ people facing imminent danger in their home country, as well as educational programming and private sponsorship for refugees.

Click Here to learn more about Rainbow Railroad and what you can do to support them!

5. SPECTRUM

Located in the Waterloo Region of Ontario, SPECTRUM operates a facility for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and helps them feel welcomed, celebrated, and supported. They also provide support for older adults within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, with their Aging with Pride program. They work with local senior-serving organizations to make them aware of the needs of older 2SLGBTQ+ adults, as well as ensure that new and existing support and services are inclusive and responsive.

Click Here to find out how you can volunteer to support them!

6. Vancouver Pride Society

Located in Vancouver, Vancouver Pride Society celebrates the 2SLGBTQ+ community by creating events that reflect the pride the community has. They also aim to improve the vibrancy, health and overall well-being of everyone who participates in their event.

Click Here to find out how you can volunteer to support them!

7. QMUNITY

Located in Vancouver, QMUNITY works to improve queer, trans and Two-Spirit lives. They provide a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ people to fully express themselves while feeling welcome and included. They provide youth services, counseling programmes, peer support groups as well as Trans ID Clinics for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Click Here to learn more about QMUNITY and what you can do to support them!

8. Project 10

Located in Montreal, Project 10 envisions a world where 2SLGBTQ+ youth are safe and empowered and are allowed to explore their identities on their own terms. They work to promote the personal, social, sexual and mental well being of 2SLGBTQ+ youths through advocacy and education. They provide free in-person and virtual support groups for young adults in both English and French.

Click Here to learn more about Project 10 and what you can do to support them!

9. Pflag Canada

Located in Ottawa, Pflag Canada is a national charity founded by parents who wanted to help themselves and family members understand and accept their 2SLGBTQ+ children. They offer peer-to-peer support for those having issues with their sexual orientation, gender identity & gender expression. They also offer peer-to-peer family support for individuals and loved ones challenged by their gender or sexual identity.

Click Here to learn more about Pflag Canada and what you can do to support them!

10. Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS)

Located in Toronto, ACAS provides safer sex education and services to the East and Southeast Asian Communities and support services to persons living with HIV/AIDS. They provide education, workshops and opportunities for Asian youth in Toronto dealing with issues such as sexual health and sexual identity.

Click Here to learn more about ACAS and what you can do to support them!

Want to do more than volunteering? Check out CanadaHelp today to learn how you can donate to help these organizations directly!

The 2SLGBTQ+ community continues to need our help and support after Pride Month ends. Make Pride Month last more than 30 days by continuing to volunteer for these charities, as well as your local 2SLGBTQ+ charities by signing up and looking for volunteering opportunities on Volunteer Success today! If you have any other questions, we’re here to help! Contact us at support@volunteersuccess.com