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Dating and Relationships
Information and Resources on Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Relationships
In a positive space, human rights are respected, and lesbians, gay men and bisexuals, their friends and allies are welcomed, supported and celebrated.
The rainbow has been adopted around the world as a symbol of pride. It was introduced in San Francisco in the 1970's by two men during a Gay Pride Parade. The symbol was chosen to represent the Gay and Lesbian community because it was not connected to oppression. Previously used symbols such as the pink and black triangles were used during World War II to mark gay men and lesbians as people to remove from the Aryan race. Rainbow symbols are recognized pretty much throughout the developing world and represent individuals from all backgrounds, races and national origins. The symbol also represents the many faiths, experiences and situations of gay men and lesbians.
The colours represent, reflect and celebrate the diversity of the Gay and Lesbian community.
| Red |
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Light |
| Orange |
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Healing |
| Yellow |
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Sunshine |
| Green |
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Serenity |
| Blue |
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Art |
| Purple |
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Spirit |
Supportive Services
The experiences of violence and oppression in the lives of lesbians, gay men and bisexual people are common. These experiences include physical and emotional attacks from people they know and strangers, as well as the more hidden attacks such as workplace benefits and stereotyping.
The availability of supportive services for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth and adults is a goal toward which Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit is working on together with the community.
Teens, visit SexualityandU for further information and support.
Adults, visit SexualityandU for further information and support.
Support groups available:
Xpressions: serving the Toronto area
(www.xpressions.org)
Gender Mosaic: serving the Ottawa area
(www.gendermosaic.ca)
Action Sante: Travesti(s) et Transsexuel(le)s du Quebec
(serving the Montreal area)
Tel: (514) 847-8850
Email: astteq@yahoo.ca
The Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youthline toll-free Ontario-wide peer-support phone and instant messaging service
(www.youthline.ca)
A Personal Journey
How do I know if I'm gay? This is a common question asked by people of all ages at our clinics, in the school program and at workplaces throughout the tricounty. The site above provides a non-judgmental and supportive environment in which one can explore this question.
The experience of coming out will be influenced by many things. Understanding your risks, how to maintain your safety and where to get support is information that is easily accessible from here.
We are working to eliminate the stereotyping of lesbians, gays and bisexuals and to address issues of harassment and discrimination. The ability to deal with feelings about (your sexual orientation) being gay, lesbian or bisexual and the influences of media, society and family on those feelings is key in learning to be able to believe in yourself. To exclude this work puts many people (adults and youth) at risk for suicide, substance abuse and violence.
Your life as a parent
Parenting can be a roller coaster ride. Creating a home that is loving and accepting of your child, including his or her sexual orientation is important if we wish to have healthy children. Children learn what they live, so if we say things that hurt homosexual and bisexual people, it may also hurt your children if they happen to be gay. Resources that support and encourage positive understandings of the development of a person's sexual identity are available for all parents.
Most of the materials you may have read for parents have been written under the assumption that all people have a heterosexual orientation. This same assumption is made for us all, adults and children. If you are a parent who is gay or lesbian or if you have a child who is, it is essential to have resources available that reflect your life and experiences. A lack of these resources can lead to feelings of inadequacy. This site offers you some resources that are non-judgmental, inclusive and supportive. |
