LGBTQIA+ Newcomers Project

In spring of 2020, YWCA started a new initiative to enhance services for the LGBTQIA+ newcomer community. Through this 5-year project, “Fostering Collaboration of Services for LGBTQIA+ Newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador”, YWCA will work with partners to influence innovative program design and delivery, investigate models of service delivery experiencing success in other areas, and develop mentoring and peer support opportunities to engage LGBTQIA+ newcomers.

This project is being delivered in close collaboration with Dr. Sulaimon Giwa of Memorial University’s School of Social Work, and will improve the suite of coordinated, evidence-based services to support the successful settlement and participation of LGBTQIA+ newcomers in NL. This project is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

 

LGBTQIA+: refers to sexual and gender minorities who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and/or asexual, and plus.

Newcomer: an individual who is new to Canada. (i.e. im/migrants and refugees)

Programs for LGBTQIA+ Newcomers

We offer two programs for LGBTQIA+ immigrants and refugees- a monthly peer support group, and a one-on-one mentorship program. Some topics that these programs can help with include: coming out, identity, settlement and integration, navigating local services, emotional support, etc.

Rainbow pride flag on a flagpole, waving in front of a blue sky.

To learn about these programs in another language, please click a language below:

  • Our LGBTQIA+ Newcomer Peer Support Group is a confidential, non-judgmental space for participants to discuss shared experiences and support one another.

    Meetings are peer-led, by volunteer facilitators with lived experience as LGBTQIA+ newcomers. The program aims to support the integration of LGBTQIA+ newcomers by providing information, guidance, and connection to others.

    Meetings occur every 2 weeks. For upcoming meeting dates, click here to view our program calendar.

    As we are shifting to “hybrid” meetings, we are excited to offer participants the choice of joining us in-person in St. John’s, or virtually via video call. LGBTQIA+ newcomers from across the province are welcome to join us online!

  • Our LGBTQIA+ Newcomer Mentorship Program provides one-on-one support from another LGBTQIA+ newcomer.

    The purpose of this program is to match newcomer individuals with established community members or long-term immigrants, to help them learn about Canadian life and to take part in community activities. Participants will meet with a volunteer mentor for 1-2 times per month, for up to 1 year (or until your goals are met).

    • To participate, you must be a newcomer to Canada (im/migrant or refugee) who also identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

    • Participants must be over the age of 18.

    • These programs are open to newcomers regardless of immigration status (this includes permanent residents, temporary residents, refugees, international students, etc.).

  • To register for our LGBTQIA+ Newcomer Peer Support Group and/or Mentorship Program, complete the online form here: https://forms.office.com/r/ZMtjeLtEUA

    If you have questions or would like to complete your registration over the phone or in-person, you can contact kimberly@ywcastjohns.ca or call/text/WhatsApp 709-769-6649.

Our LGBTQIA+ newcomer programs are part of our “Fostering Collaboration” project, delivered in partnership with Dr. Sulaimon Giwa of Memorial University’s School of Social Work. This project is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Additional Opportunities for LGBTQIA+ Newcomers

We are currently seeking LGBTQIA+ newcomers to join our Project Advisory Committee to inform and guide this project with their lived experience. Read more about this opportunity here.

For volunteer opportunities, click here to view our online application form. For questions or to apply over the phone, email kimberly@ywcastjohns.ca or call 709-769-6649.