Frequently Asked Questions

Gender diversity includes the different ways people internally identify and externally express gender (e.g., woman, man, both, neither, or anywhere along a spectrum). Sexual diversity refers not only to sex assigned at birth (i.e., biological - male, female, intersex), but also can be used to describe attraction. 

These brief definitions can provide a basis for understanding aspects of identity. However, everyone experiences gender and sexuality in their own unique way.

Two-Spirit is a term unique to Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island (known colonially as North America) to describe aspects of gender, sexuality, and spiritual identity; however, understandings differ from nation to nation. 

The creation of the term “two-spirit” originated with Elder Myra Laramee during the Third Annual Inter-tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference, held in Winnipeg in 1990. The term is a translation of the Anishinaabemowin term niizh manidoowag, two spirits.

Two-Spirit is a term that unites Indigenous queer folks across traditional language differences and recognizes that queerness is traditional and sacred.

The Fyrefly Institute offers professional development to companies, non-profits, and community groups relating to sexual and gender diversity. Some of most popular sessions include: 

• Becoming Conscious Allies: An Introduction to Gender & Sexual Diversity & Inclusion. 
• Anti-Racism / Oppression through our Where the Rivers Meet Program

Additionally, we are able to tailor make workshops to meet the specific and individual needs of your organization. For individual requests or to receive a quote book a consultation, please contact our Where the Rivers Meet Coordinator, Rae Madge (they/she) wtrm@ualberta.ca

Absolutely! We have a few different programs supporting K-12 teachers, staff, and students in Alberta. 

• Fyrefly in Schools - ​​Education to help reduce discrimination against sexual and gender minority youth, increase awareness of the impacts of homophobia and transphobia, and create safe and inclusive school environments for all students. The program is free and reflects the focus on safety stated in Section 45 of the provincial School Act.
• Where the Rivers Meet - Focused on bringing culturally relevant teachings based on Indigenous ways of knowledge. Teachings include traditional and contemporary perspectives on Indigenous gender and sexual diversity.

We have a “small but mighty” team here at Fyrefly and we’d love to have you join us! If you don’t find the info you’re looking for below, please email us at fyrefly@ualberta.ca. 

Short answer - it depends! We’re happy to share info we believe will benefit the 2SLGBTQ+ community and prioritize that in our communications. We review any public facing information about your organization and decide internally if the submission is appropriate for sharing and the best ways to do so (e.g., our newsletter, social media, etc.). We are not able share any mailing list or contact information for our subscribers. 

If we are able to share your event or opportunity on our social media and/or newsletter, please be aware that it may take a few days for the information to be shared. We are often accommodating multiple requests, important awareness dates and celebrations like Pride Month, alongside our own communications schedule. However, we do share information as soon as we are able to!  

We hope so! Fyrefly is also a research institution and appreciates the importance of advancing knowledge to increase visibility and support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We will review the content of the project and the sponsoring organization’s public-facing information. If appropriate, the content can be shared on social media and through our newsletter at our discretion.

If we are able to share your project on our social media and/or newsletter, please be aware that it may take a few days for the information to be shared. We are often accommodating multiple requests, important awareness dates and celebrations like Pride Month, alongside our own communications schedule. However, we do share information as soon as we are able to!  

We love this question, thank you. 

• Sign yourself or a youth up for one of our amazing programs!
• See our list of support organizations for parents and caregivers. 
• If the youth is in grades K-12, reach out to their school about a GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) Club. Every student at every school in Alberta has the right to a GSA when they request it!
• Connect with one of these amazing organizations to find out more about their youth programming (online and in-person): 
  • The Pride Centre of Edmonton
  • The altView Foundation

Visit our team at the CHEW Project OUTpost, who provide frontline support, opportunities for health and wellness, and to help find hope for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and emerging adults facing barriers. See the website for the address and current hours.

Below are a few to get started. Let us know if there is something specific we can help to support. 

Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

• Youth who received trans-affirming health-care had better health outcomes as adults
• Odds of severe psychological distress were reduced by 222% (early adolescence)
• Odds of suicidal ideation were 135% lower in people who began hormones in early adolescence

World Professional Association for Trangender Health Standards of Care

• Standards for health care providers

Still in Every Class in Every School (summary; full report)

• Climate survey on homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in Canadian schools
• Summary includes key takeaways, recommendations, and principles reflected through the recommendations

Being Safe, Being Me (2019)

• Results of the Canadian Trans and Non-binary Youth Health Survey
• Conclusions and recommendations have some actionable steps folks can advocate for

Transpulse Canada Research

• A variety of research and study results 

Metaanalysis of research about the link between family acceptance and LGBT youth well-being