Support Services
We offer peer support groups, supports to settle, and support for refugee hearings in the Calgary area. The Welcoming Spaces Project is based on peer support provided by LGBTQ+ people given to LGBTQ+ people to encourage positive mental health and well being oriented toward improving socio-economic conditions for all. We do this by encouraging everyone in the general public, new and long-time Canadians, to live well together in all of the services that we provide.
Support Groups for LGBTQ+ People
TransJourneys
The first Sunday and third Friday of every month.
TransJourneys is a drop-in group that provides peer support, education, and resources for the transgender community in and around Calgary. This group is open to all who are transgender, including those who are non-binary, intersex, or questioning their gender identity. We welcome and support all people in the transgender community, whether long-time residents or new arrivals in Canada. Come join us to get support, give support, ask questions, or just listen. This is one of the places you can be yourself!
This group is for people who are eighteen years of age or older. New members are welcome to bring a friend or family member to their first meeting for support. We do not have a dress code, please come in whatever you feel comfortable.
For more information, click on the group web page.
TransFamilies Calgary
The third Wednesday of every month.
This group is exclusively for parents and adult family members of trans identified individuals. It is an adult-only group 18+
We offer peer support, resources, and a community that understands your journey. The objective of the group is to enable you to affirm and support your loved one’s transition.
For more information, click on the group web page.
True Colours
True Colors is a social & support group for lesbian, gay, transexual, bisexual, pansexual, non-binary, two-spirits, queer folks, and LGBTQ+ Newcomers to hold space for our community to thrive, support, and empower one another. We curate fun, immersive, activity-based events & social gatherings to engage with people face to face and foster friendships.
This will be a space free of racism, misogyny, sexism, homophobia, ableism, xenophobia, transphobia, and judgment. This group is supported by End of the Rainbow Foundation.
Events are announced to those who join the True Colours mailing list. Please inquire at truecolours@endoftherainbow.ca
For more information, click on the group web page.
Crafting Connections
The second Thursday and the third Sunday of every month.
Crafting Connections is an in-person group that combines peer support and crafting in a positive and welcoming environment. The group is open to all 2SLGBTQ+ people who are 18+. No crafting experience is required to participate, and some supplies are available.
The group meets on the third Sunday of each Month. Please note that the group has a 30-person limit.
For more information, please click here
One-to-One Support
Calgary LGBTQ+ Refugee Centre
Appointments for one-to-one support can be arranged by emailing elliot@endoftherainbow.ca.
Formed with the generous support of the Chinook Lesbian and Gay Fund, the Calgary Foundation, and the United Way.
Support for Refugee Hearings
Get Support with Your Refugee Hearing
We can also assist with your refugee hearing to specifically address LGBTQ+ issues in your file.
If you would like to make an appointment or need more information, then please email: elliot@endoftherainbow.ca
The Calgary LGBTQ+ Private Sponsorship Program
The Calgary LGBTQ+ Private Sponsorship Program is a partnership project with the Centre for Newcomers and End of the Rainbow Foundation, to assist refugees to settle in Canada after they are assisted by the Rainbow Railroad, UNHCR, or the Canadian Government to flee unsafe countries. We help to create sponsorship groups, find housing or shelter, food, clothing, language training, career development, and all the other things that you will need to get established in Calgary.
If you would like to make an appointment or need more information, please email: elliot@endoftherainbow.ca
Tax Clinics
The End of the Rainbow Foundation is currently offering a FREE tax clinic for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The clinic is an initiative through the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), and helps ensure eligible individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to. If you have a simple tax situation, trained volunteers can prepare and e-file your return while you wait.
Filing taxes can often be difficult and overwhelming, meaning that many people are not up to date with their yearly filing. Volunteers can assist people with this by preparing returns for the current year as well as outstanding returns up to 10 years in the past.
The Canada Revenue Agency filing deadline is April 30; however, the tax clinic will be in operation year-round. Appointments can be made by emailing cvitp@endoftherainbow.ca
Training Seminars Tailored to Your Needs
Do you want training to encourage your organization and colleagues to be welcoming and nurturing for LGBTQ+ people? Contact the Foundation to help you organize introductory training, LGBTQ+ welcoming interview skills, UNHCR and Canadian SOGIE guidelines for professionals, and more. Simply email info@endoftherainbow.ca to request training.