Founded in 2002, we envision a safe community with equal access to all services for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, including children, youth, and families.

• We are a network of LGBTQ+ community agencies who support the development of fellow agencies, schools, families, and communities that are safe and inclusive, and celebrate diversity and equity.

• We exist to facilitate the sharing of information and resources between LGBTQ+ agencies.

• Our network serves as a hub of communication between LGBTQ+ agencies and collaboration in advocating on behalf of common causes.

• We strive to work collaboratively to support each other in responding to systemic barriers including heterosexism, cissexism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in the lives of Ottawa area communities.

• The focus of our discussions is to address systemic barriers with the goal of promoting personal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal change.

Our membership is made up of diverse agencies (including organizations, businesses, charities, school boards, and community groups) that serve and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, including children, youth, and families.

This includes agencies that deliver LGBTQ+ specific programs and services, as well those that are interested in building LGBTQ+ cultural competence, social inclusion, and anti-oppressive practices.

Each agency is represented by an individual selected by the agency to be a part of the network email list and attend the monthly meetings.

Our network is facilitated by two co-chairs, elected for a two-year term.

Our network aims to create a forum for:

• Communicating agency activity and information

• Co-ordinating services between agencies

• Collaborating on joint projects

• Organizing mutual support and training opportunities

• Identifying gaps and duplications in services

• Sharing of new funding opportunities and resources

• We embrace diversity and equity

• We value respect and inclusion

• We support gender and sexual diversity

• We believe in learning from each other

• We value each member’s contribution 

• We celebrate our strengths and successes

• We view conflict as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding

• We maintain confidentiality

• Kind Space (Co-chair)

• Ten Oaks Project (Co-chair)

• Ottawa Carleton District School Board

• Centretown Community Health Centre

• Family Services à la famille Ottawa

• Family Services Ottawa

• Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa

• Youth Services Bureau

• Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity