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LGBTQ2S+

LGBTQ2S+ information, resources and organizations

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SexLifeSask respects the right of all people to self-identify their sexual & romantic orientation as well as their gender identity. We are committed to ensuring the information here is inclusive and unbiased.

On this page you will find resources and organizations dedicated to LGBTQ2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two spirit, pansexual, polysexual, asexual, genderqueer, & intersex). However, SexLifeSask is committed to ensuring our entire website is inclusive of sexual diversity.

Check out the other pages on this site for inclusive information about relationships, STI testing, contraception and so much more related to your sexual health.

 

Understanding Sexuality

Biological Sex (Sex Assigned at Birth) is the physical characteristics of person at birth as male, female or intersex (not exclusively male or female).

Gender is a person’s own sense of themselves as a man, woman or non-binary (not exclusively man or woman) . When a person's gender and biologic sex correspond (they have either a penis and scrotum and identify as a man, or a vulva and identify as woman), this is called cisgender. For transgender people, their sex assigned at birth and their gender don't correspond. Some Indigenous people use the term two spirit to describe a person who is transgender, gender-variant or has fluid gender identity.

Gender Expression is the way a person outwardly portrays their gender through things like clothes, make-up, hair, and their chosen pronoun(s).

Sexual Orientation includes both physical/sexual and romantic attraction, and like gender can be on a continuum from exclusive attraction to the opposite sex to exclusive attraction to the same sex (or anywhere in between). It is usually discussed in terms of heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, two spirit, pansexuality and polysexuality.

 
 
 
 
 
 

QUEER TERMS TO KNOW

 

The language used to describe sexuality changes over time to reflect cultural changes, inaccuracies and stigma. We welcome input as we continue to adapt to provide quality inclusive sexual health information.

 

 

What About Pronouns?

Pronouns are the words we use when referring to someone, rather than using their name. The pronouns she/her and he/him are what most people are familiar with, however there are also gender neutral pronouns such as they/them that can be used to refer to an individual person. When someone comes out as transgender they may change their pronouns to reflect the gender they identify with. You can affirm their identity by using the right pronouns. If you don't use the correct pronouns you could be signaling to the person that you don't believe their identity or that you don't see them as the gender they are. Whether in a family setting, school setting, or professional setting, misgendering someone can damage a relationship. If you are unsure of a person's pronouns, simply ask "Can I ask what pronouns you use?”

BE AN ALLY

An ally is someone who believes that queer people should have the same rights as heterosexual and cisgender people. With their words and actions, allies work to confront and counteract homo/bi/transphobic and heterosexist behaviours by supporting the rights of marginalized or oppressed people and by helping others to understand the importance of equality and mutual respect.

Educate yourself about the experiences and issues of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Don’t Assume a person’s gender identity, sexual orientation or preferred pronouns, ask. Be Inclusive in your personal and work spaces. If you see bullying or oppressive anti-LGBTQ2S+actions or language, Speak Up. It’s never ok to disclose someone else’s sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent. Let Others Define Themselves.

 
 

Where Can I Get Support?

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The Q List is OutSaskatoon’s vast and varied referral list directing you to businesses, organizations, professionals, and healthcare providers that are safe and supportive of lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, Two Spirit, intersex, and queer (LGBTQ2S+) people. All listed individuals and organizations have reported that they are knowledgeable of gender and sexual diversity, are comfortable working with LGBTQ2S+ people, and are open to expanding their client and coworker base to the queer community.

 

Gender Affirming Care & Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

 
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LGBTQ2S+ Organizations in Saskatchewan

We want to ensure this list stays up to date. If there are organizations missing from this list, please let us know.

OUT Saskatoon builds community for LGBTQ2S+ people of all ages and backgrounds. They provide peer support and counselling, queer-specific education and resources, outreach, social gatherings and events, community referrals, sexual health services, and operate Pride Home.

fYrefly Saskatchewan

fYrefly Saskatchewan

Camp fYrefly is Canada’s largest, volunteer-based, summer leadership retreat for gender and sexually diverse (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two spirit) and allied youth.  The camp is designed to help youth develop the leadership skills and resiliency necessary for them to become change agents in their schools, families, and communities. In partnership with the College of Education, University of Saskatchewan and OUTSaskatoon, Camp fYrefly will be held in Saskatchewan each summer (alternating between Saskatoon and Regina).  

fYrefly in Schools has partnered with OUTSasaktoon in 2017 to provide education on gender and sexual diversity for students, teachers and administrators in elementary and high school all across Canada.

Moose Jaw Pride celebrates and supports gender and sexually diverse people through fabulously inclusive community services and educational opportunities.

Queen City (Regina) Pride organizes an annual June festival to educate, entertain, and enlighten participants on our sexual and gender diverse community, highlighting our culture, history, achievements, and struggles.

Saskatoon Pride Festival, hosted by the Saskatoon Diversity Network (SDN), provides an accessible space in which to celebrate queerness, fostering community pride, and raising awareness of queer culture within the larger community.

TransSask Support Services is serves the transgender community in Saskatchewan by providing peer-to-peer support as well as information and resources around social and medical transition in Saskatchewan.

Trans Umbrella Foundation works to achieve equality in education, healthcare, social events, family support, and employment services for all people in Saskatchewan.

UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity offers social and support groups, a resource library, community micro-grants, a rainbow speaker series, sexual education & health programming, and their Positive Space Network for all people living in Regina.

The UofS USSU Pride Centre seeks to work with people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in an open and progressive environment that advocates, celebrates and affirms sexual and gender diversity on campus.

The Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan represents agencies across the province that provide shelters, transition houses, interval houses, second stage shelters, and counselling centres for survivors of interpersonal violence.

 

CONSENT

 

Regardless of you and your partner(s)’ sex, gender or sexual orientation, consent is never implied. There is only one way to know if a person has given their consent: if they tell you.