Being an LGBTQ+ newcomer youth in post-secondary comes with challenges. You might feel like you don’t have the space or time to explore your sexuality or gender identity. Maybe you don’t feel like you belong in LGBTQ+ or straight spaces. These experiences might make you feel alone and isolated. However, there is support for you.
Connection and Acceptance: A Health Resource for International Students
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN), in partnership with community members and organizations, has created a comprehensive resource for LGBTQ+ newcomers called Connection and Acceptance: A Health Resource for International Students (PDF). This resource is available in English and Spanish (PDF). The goal is to make your transition to Ontario as easy as possible.
If you’re an international student in Ontario or part of a sexual or gender minority, you may experience increased rates of mental health challenges, substance use concerns, and vulnerability to blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. The OHTN resources were created based on research to help you navigate these different challenges.
In this resource, you can find information on the following subjects:
- Racism and Discrimination:
- If you are from a country where you are part of the dominant ethnic or religious group, the experience of being a minority will likely be new and can be uncomfortable.
- Tips on what to do if you are experiencing discrimination or racism.
- Sexual Health Resources:
- Find confidential and free testing and treatment services and learn about different types of health coverage in Ontario.
- Sex and Dating:
- Find advice and information on dating and hookup culture, especially for gay and bisexual men.
- HIV Information and Treatment:
- Learn if you are at risk of contracting HIV, how to get tested, access treatment and how to discuss STIs and HIV when dating.
- Gender Transitioning
- Find social support if you are questioning your gender identity, learn about transitioning, and health coverage for gender-affirming care.
Ontario’s Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ International Students
OHTN also created a quick resource guide that lists province-wide support services for LGBTQ+ newcomers.
In this guide, you will find:
- sexual and mental health clinics and resources
- ethno-racial organizations
- primary care providers
- settlement services and resources
- legal clinics and resources
Video Testimonials
You can also watch testimonial videos from LGBTQ+ students who share their experiences living in Ontario on the OHTN resources page. The videos cover topics like:
- The realities of Canadian LGBTQ+ culture - is it really better here?
- Drug use and culture in Canada
- Dating and hookup culture
- Exploring new Canadian connections while maintaining connections back home
- Challenges of accessing emotional support and sexual health services in Canada
Remember that you are not alone in your experience, and there is support in and outside of post-secondary schools that you can access. For more information, check out our related articles located at the bottom of this page.
Presented by: The Ontario HIV and Treatment Network
Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health and lives of people living with and at risk of HIV by using data and evidence to drive change. The OHTN works to influence decision-making at all levels—personal, clinical, organizational and policy—by working collaboratively with their partners to gather and analyze data and support the use of this data to drive change.
HQ Toronto, at 790 Bay, is a centre of excellence in healthcare by and for the community of cis guys into guys and two-spirit, transgender and non-binary people. At HQ, community members can access a range of holistic and culturally relevant health and wellness services under one roof by simply walking in, no appointments needed. HQ provides services in an affirming, sex-positive, shame-free, and bullying-free space. HQ welcomes cis guys into guys and two-spirit, transgender and non-binary people looking for a safe place to manage their sexual, mental, physical and emotional health.