Community Groups, Services and Resources

Aids Committee of Ottawa
Since 1985, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) has worked to offer support, prevention and education services to the Ottawa community. ACO works to reduce the barriers that negatively affect the lives of those of us living with HIV and the barriers that foster HIV transmission. This is done through providing psychosocial and practical support, education, outreach and through advocating for change in public attitudes and policies affecting those of us living with and at risk of HIV.

Bruce House
Founded in 1988, Bruce House is a community-based organization providing housing, compassionate care and support in Ottawa for people living with HIV and AIDS, based on the belief that everyone has the right to live and die with dignity.

Capital Xtra
Founded in 1993, Capital Xtra is Ottawa's gay and lesbian newspaper.

Centretown Community Health Centre
Located in downtown Ottawa, Centretown Community Health Centre (CCHC) delivers free primary health care, health education, counselling, and chronic-disease prevention, education and management services to residents of Centretown, the Glebe and Old Ottawa South.

Egale
Egale Canada is a national organization that advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada.

GLBTTQ Community Centre
It is our vision to create a safe space and forum for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit and Queer groups as well as citizens of all ages, abilities and classes. It is through this we wish to advance an inclusive, active, fun, proud and empowering community. It is also our mission to provide space and support for the development of resources, services, and celebrations of the Ottawa GLBTTQ community in a way that is actively inclusive, participatory, and accessible; in a manner that respects the dignity and worth of each individual.

Integrity Ottawa
Integrity Ottawa is a gathering of gay men, lesbians, and straight friends living in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. We are interested in supporting the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) people and those questioning their own sexuality in the Anglican Church, here in our diocese, in the Anglican Church of Canada and abroad in the wider Anglican Communion. Integrity is an international movement of Anglican gay men, lesbians, and friends. Integrity Ottawa is an autonomous chapter of the Integrity movement in Canada, operating primarily in the Diocese of Ottawa.

Jer's Vision
Jer's Vision: Canada's Youth Diversity Initiative is Canada's national organization to support and encourage the work of youth to address discrimination in their schools and communities. Through art, community, education, and youth initiatives and partnerships with a variety of established national and community organizations, we provide youth with the tools and the resources to promote diversity and end discrimination of all kinds.

Ottawa Rideau Speedeaus
The Ottawa Rideau Speedeaus d'Ottawa is a swim team with a difference: it is primarily a gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans swim team, but welcomes members from the straight community too. Our main purpose is to help members reach their swimming goals, be they for competition, recreation or fitness. Previous competitive swimming experience is not a prerequisite and members participate in competitions only if they choose to do so. We arrange ourselves according to ability. There is a place for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned competitor.

Ottawa Transgender Mixers
Do you have a busy career, and lots of friends, but you are seeking to meet new and interesting single people who share your values and interests? Join Transgender and Singles Professional Mixers. Transwomyn.com is a volunteer-driven and not-for-profit initiative.

PFLAG
A support group for parents, families, friends and spouses of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender people.

Pink Triangle Services
Pink Triangle Services (PTS) is a not-for-profit registered charity and social service agency providing peer support, educational, research and advocacy services for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirit and queer (GLBTTQ) persons in the National Capital Region.

PositiveLite
Canada's online HIV magazine. A Canadian-driven website for both those who are HIV-positive and friends and supporters, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender or nationality. We tackle important issues while maintaining a "lifestyles magazine" format.

Same Sex Marriage Site
A Canadian website providing information on equal marriage for same sex couples.

Youth Services Bureau
The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa serves youth aged 12 and older. We focus on youth with difficulties affecting their physical and/or emotional well-being and development. We support youth in making positive health and lifestyle decisions.

Village Ottawa
The Village/Le village is a non-profit organization working towards creating and maintaining a gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-friendly Village in Ottawa's downtown core, roughly covering a six by two block area surrounding Bank Street, from Nepean to James Streets (north to south) and Kent and O'Connor Streets (west to east).

Family Services, Around the Rainbow Project
Around the Rainbow is a 3-year project which has the purpose of working with the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, Two Spirit, and queer (LGBTTQ) community, and allies, to support diverse families in childcare, preschools, schools and the community. We focus on those who serve 0-6 year olds and their families. The project has many components, including trainings to educators and parents, a community Art Project, and a parents group for LGBTTQ-headed families. The overarching goal of the Project is to create an inclusive space for children from LGBTTQ families, to reduce the homophobia they experience, as well as their sense of isolation.