LGBTQ

Welcome to Chatham-Kent! Below you will find a list of organizations and groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) youth and adults in our community.

Please feel free to contact them if need information about their services and resources. Remember, they exist to help and support you, and provide non-judgmental expertise in their various fields.

• Health and Wellness

• Social Groups and Networking

• Publications

• Religious Organizations

Health and Wellness

LGBT youth find themselves uncomfortable discussing personal health issues with their family doctors, preferring instead to seek the advice of their friends and peers- or remain silent. Your personal health is importance, and you are encouraged to talk to a health provider. You can contact any of the following locations to speak with a health care provider:

• Chatham-Kent Health Alliance -80 Grand Ave. West, Chatham, ON
Tel: 519.352.6400

• AIDS Support Chatham-Kent

• Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre

• Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network

• Ontario AIDS Network

• Rainbow AIDS Network

• Chatham-Kent Police Service
24 Third St., Box 366, Chatham, ON
Telephone: 519.436.6600
Victims Services Telephone: 519.463.6630

If you have been the victim of hate crime, gay bashing, or victimized because of your sexual orientation, this section of the CK-Police website addresses these issues and provides information and contacts for you to use. While it may seem intimidating to do so, you are encouraged to speak up when you have been subject to such abuses. In this way, it raises public awareness and leads to increased understanding and support both within and outside the LGBTQ community.

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Social Groups and Networking

The Internet has no doubt provided you with many venues to network and socialize. However, make sure you do not put yourself in any personal danger using these sites. Internet predators are a real threat - please do not give out personal information unless you trust absolutely those with whom you associate!

Some helpful websites include:

• Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association

This is the premier website for the LGBTQ community in Chatham-Kent. Follow the links on-site for CK-Pride on Facebook and Twitter, find information about PRIDE WEEK 2010 in Chatham, and introduce yourself to the Executive Members of the Association.

• Young and Proud

This is a newly-organized group for LGBTQ youth aged 14-26 years. The program is administered by AIDS SUPPORT CHATHAM-KENT and offers a safe, confidential forum to discuss issues directly related to the LGBTQ community. Please visit the site for further information and contacts.

• Lesbian, Gay & Trans Youth Line
LGBT Racial Equity
Native American 2 –Spirit Studies
PFLAG Canada

"PFLAG Canada is Canada's only national organization that helps all Canadians who are struggling with issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. PFLAG Canada supports, educates and provides resources to parents, families, friends and colleagues with questions or concerns, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." (From the "About PFLAG" webpage)

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Publications

There are a number of publications available to all those who are interested, these publications include:

• Xtra.ca

• Outworld.ca

• TransPULSE.ca

• Fugues.com

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Religious Organizations

If you need spiritual guidance and support, visit the following links and locations:

• Victoria Avenue United Church
91 Grand Avenue East, Chatham ON, N7L 1V8
Telephone: 519.354.7540
Key Contact: Heather Scott

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