city

Your Vancouver 2SLGBTQ+ Resource Directory

A diverse resource list from and for the queer community.

By Lea Krusemeyer /

Vancouver is known for its vibrant and diverse community. With over 60,000 Vancouverites identifying as 2SLGBTQ+, the city offers a variety of activities catered to its queer residents. 

Despite the current prevalence of rainbow flags, it’s not always easy to find queer resources that are operating all year round. Whether it’s legal support, birdwatching, sports, reading and more—Vancouver offers it all and we’re here to help you find it. 

A mass of rainbow flags during a pride parade on Robson Street in Vancouver
Credit: Qmunity

2SLGBTQ+ organizations and programs: 

Qmunity which is located at the rainbow crosswalk in the West End is your place to go to for almost anything. You can become a member, attend a variety of support groups or even start your own support group. Additionally, they offer mental health council services and soon legal help. 

Sher Vancouver is an organization focused on queer South Asian members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. They offer workshops, counselling, peer support and much more for queer South Asian folks, their families and allies. 

Egale works to improve the lives of queer people in Canada through education, research, legal advocacy and more. They are the driving force behind some of the biggest Landmark Court Cases regarding 2SLGBTQ+ issues in Canada and continue to support the community tirelessly. 

Trans Care BC  offers in-depth information, resources and support about gender-affirming health care for the trans and gender-diverse people of BC. 

People running in a marathon during a pride parade. dressed in blue shirts
Credit: Mickey Enriquez

Queer sports groups:

The Vancouver Frontrunners are an LGBTQ+ sports group, that comes together twice a week for running and walking. They are also the organizers of the annual Pride Run&Walk, and are always open to new members—just drop in on one of their runs. 

Absolutely Badminton meets on most Wednesdays between September and June in the West End for an evening of sport and play. No need to be an expert, this group welcomes members of all skill levels. 

For the water-lovers out there, joining the English Bay Swim Club could be a great option. With multiple sessions per week, the club offers opportunities to swim for Vancouverites with busy schedules but a longing for lanes. 

Yet another opportunity to swim is the weekly TGD2S swim and gym meet. Here people who identify as trans, gender-diverse or two-spirit can swim and enjoy the fitness centre in a welcoming environment. Sessions are hosted every Sunday. 

 

People in a marshland trying to photograph birds
Credit: @vanqueerbirders and @naturetrustbc via Instagram

2SLGBTQ+ leisure activities: 

For avid readers, a queer-friendly book club might just be the right fit. They meet every second Wednesday of the month to discuss thoughts and ideas about whichever literary masterpiece they are currently reading. 

Those interested in nature, specifically birds, might want to check out @vanqueerbirders on Instagram. They organize monthly bird walks and hangs and everyone is welcome, whether you are an expert on bird species or just curious about men’s feathered friends.  

If you consider yourself a gamer and love punny naming conventions, Vancouver Gaymers might be an option for you. They offer online game nights as well as in-person meet-ups frequently for a few hours of fun and games. 

A Person during a Pride parade with a sign that says make Trans Healthcare Accessible!
Credit: Jan Budoma via Unsplash

2SLGBTQ+ legal support: 

Support in legal matters can be found through JusticeTrans. Here an assortment of organizations, lawyers and other resources are accessible to queer people in need.

For legal support on matters like housing, parenting, harassment & violence and much more, Trans Rights BC has information and resources listed. 

If you or someone you know has experienced hate speech or a hate crime, it is well in your rights to file a complaint and take legal action. The BC Human Rights Clinic offers information and support.

Two men in suits are giving a speech while holding a smiling child.

Credit: StartProud

2SLGBTQ+ employment support: 

The Skilled Trades Employment Program helps people seeking jobs in construction trades to find apprenticeships. Especially aimed towards equity-seeking groups like women, queer people, new immigrants and others, their goal is to increase representation in the construction industry. 

The YWCA of Metro Vancouver offers services and workshops tailored to help self-identifying women to pinpoint their strengths and develop skills that will help with finding meaningful employment. 

Start Proud is a 2SLGBTQ+ non-profit organization operating all across Canada to connect queer professionals to queer students who are looking to set foot in the world of working. Their job board as well as their mentorship programs prepare the next generation of 2SLGBTQ+ people to become successful working professionals. 

Two Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence smiling into the camera
Credit: Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Queer media to enjoy: 

Lesbian Quarterly is a lesbian-focused online magazine that includes articles about finding love, dealing with breakups, becoming a parent and more. Here you can find pieces that describe and dissect the everyday life of lesbians as well as newsworthy updates from the community. 

It can be isolating to be queer in a predominantly heterosexual world, On my Planet is a website that hosts stories about 2SLGBTQ+ people and their lives as well as workshops and events for and by the community. 

A Social Justice Podcast and Proud Q Lives Vancouver are two podcasts that discuss the queer community, its history and its future. Proud Q Lives can be found on Spotify whereas A Social Justice is hosted on the Fabulously Queer website. 

2SLGBTQ+ Vancouverites 50 and above: 

BOLD Older Lesbians and Dykes is a community of women who self-define as lesbians and dykes. Aside from hosting frequent online events they also organise the annual BOLDfest Conference in Vancouver.

The Vancouver Prime Timers are a group of gay, bisexual, trans and curious men who meet frequently for activities like brunch, coffee, dinners and more. 

For those who are creative and interested in writing and art, Quirk-e might be the right place to join. The group of queer elders meets frequently to share and create poetry, writing and other forms of art. 

Three women dancing close to a DJ setup. At a party
Credit: BabesOnBabes

Where to dance and party as a queer person in Vancouver: 

Interested in Ballroom and Vogueing? Van Vogue Jam might be the right fit for you. They frequently organize classes, workshops and the occasional ball. Checking out their website might be worth it for interested Vancouverites.  

Babes on Babes is a party series which is hosted on most long weekends around the year, aimed to entertain the lesbian and queer community of the Lower Mainland. Usually located at Fortune Sound Club, they are expanding for this year’s pride with a takeover of GoodCo. on Granville Street. 

Known for their big-scale dance parties, the Menagerie events are quick to sell out. Usually hosted around Pride and on holidays such as New Year’s Eve the parties are aimed mainly at queer men but all are welcome. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by THE BIRDHOUSE (@birdhouseartspace)

Where to enjoy Drag: 

The Junction Pub located on Davie Street in the West End is known for its frequent drag shows that include everyone from upcoming Queens and Kings to veterans of the drag community and even some Drag Race alums. 

Drag bingo is not just an iconic staple of the queer community but also a great source of entertainment and the lucky winners walk away with a variety of prices. Bricklayer Brewing in Chilliwack hosts bingo on every third Sunday of the month.

Visiting The Birdhouse in East Vancouver is another option to see a variety of drag performances. Events at the Birdhouse are hosted during the daytime as well as at night and offer opportunities for everyone to enjoy the art of drag.

Picture of a Drag queen holding a water gun

Credit: The Birdhouse