Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit and Queer (LGBT2SQ+) health
Start your search for information here
LGBT2SQ+ people who have been diagnosed with cancer may have unique health or other concerns. At times, it can be challenging to find an LGBT perspective. The following is a list of resources and support services to help guide your search for information.
Websites
Videos
Cancer's Margins
Canada’s LGBT2Q Arts-and Community-Based Project exploring experiences of cancer health, support and care. Watch digital stories at lgbtcancer.ca.
National LGBT Cancer Network
Browse through webinars and podcasts at cancer-network.org/resource-library.
Booklets
Sex, Intimacy and Cancer (Canadian Cancer Society)
Please go to cancer.ca/publications or drop by the PEARL (T-wing, 1st floor, by main reception) at Odette Cancer Centre to pick one up.
Top 10 Issues to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider (GLMA)
Specific topics for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender persons. Please go to glma.org (click on resources → For Patients → Top 10 Health Issues) to get your copy.
Various Resources (Rainbow Health Ontario)
Please go to rainbowhealthontario.ca (click on News & Publications → RHO Publications & Resources) to download free up-to-date resources specific to the LGBT community and their health.
Support services
Odette Nursing Team
Telephone: 416-480-5800
Registered nurses can answer your questions about treatment, provide support for symptoms and side-effects, and give information on how to manage care at home.
Odette Patient & Family Support
Telephone: 416-480-4623
Website: sunnybrook.ca/cancer/support
Location: TG-230 (T-wing, ground floor)
Free services to help you manage eating, stress, worry, financial concerns, changes in health, and daily activities.
Cancer Chat Canada
Website: cancerchat.desouzainstitute.com
Professionally-led online support groups for people affected by cancer.
Patient Education and Research Learning Centre (PEARL)
Telephone: 416-480-4534
Email: patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca
Location: T-wing, 1st floor, by the main reception
Find information about cancer, symptoms and side effects, cancer treatments, free community programs and support groups.
Canadian Cancer Society
Toll-free: 1.888.939.3333
Website: cancer.ca/support
Email: ccs@cancer.ca
Free services that includes peer support, support groups, online communities, a cancer information telephone line, and the Wheels of Hope Transportation Service.
Cancer Connection (Canadian Cancer Society)
Website: cancerconnection.ca
Email: cancerconnection@cancer.ca
An online community for people with cancer and their caregivers to share experiences and build relationships with others. There is a discussion forum dedicated to the LGBT community.
Come As You Are
Telephone: 416.504.7934
Website: comeasyouare.com
Email: ccs@cancer.ca
Location: 493 Queen Street W
Retail store offers educational workshops, sexual health products, and knowledgeable staff.
Good For Her
Telephone: 416.588.0900
Website: goodforher.com
Email: ccs@cancer.ca
Location: 175 Harbord Street
Retail store offers educational workshops and sexual health products for women. Women and trans only hours are posted on their website.
Sherbourne Health Centre
Telephone: 416.324.4180
Website: sherbourne.on.ca
Email: info@sherbourne.on.ca
Provides services to diverse communities in Toronto, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.
2 Spirits
Telephone: 416.944.9300
Website: 2spirits.com
Services include social, cultural and recreational activities, counselling, client support programs, harm reduction tools and materials, and much more.
Wellspring
Telephone: 1.877.499.9904
Website: wellspring.ca
Location(s): Several including Westerkirk House (on the Sunnybrook campus)
Free programs and services, including Peer Support.
More information
Tips to Quit Smoking
Smoking can affect your cancer treatment. Please go to sunnybrook.ca/smokingcessation to view an interactive eLearning module on tips and strategies to help you quit smoking.
The Will Munro Fund for Queer and Trans People Living with Cancer
Please visit the519.org/programs/will-munro-fund for more information.
While this information may be useful, it is intended for educational purposes only. Please continue to ask your health care team if you have questions or concerns. For any other inquiries, please contact us at patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca.
