2S/LGBTQ+ Services for Refugees and Immigrants
ICA stands firm in its support of the 2S/LGBTQ+ community in Victoria and around the world. As the largest Resettlement Assistance Program service provider on Vancouver Island, and the lead Private Sponsorship of Refugees program, ICA plays a key role in welcoming and providing settlement support to recently resettled 2S/LGBTQ+ refugees.
Navigating a new country has unique challenges for immigrants and refugees with diverse sexualities, gender identities and expressions. From health care, housing to language classes and making friends -your needs are as unique as you are!
That’s where ICA can help you find the services and supports you need to be all you can be. Our staff are trained to support 2S/LGBTQ+ clients from diverse backgrounds and can help you find resources in the community to thrive.
Resource Directory
A collection of community resources for 2S/LGBTQ+ people from diverse cultural backgrounds can be found here:
The Q+ Crew is ICA’s peer support group for 2S/LGBTQ+ newcomers, refugees and racialized Canadians aged 18-30. Come make friends and share your experience with people who have been there too! Our programs are offered virtually and in-person. Q+ Crew attendees also receive a select number of free counselling sessions with Marigold Counselling. Registration required before attendance.
What participants are saying:
“The Q+ Crew provided a safe space to be myself, gave me opportunities to learn and share, allowed me to regularly meet up with folks that had similar life experiences to me, and helped me learn about other cultures.”
Home is Where the Art is: Introducing the Q+ Crew
For 2S/LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees arriving in Canada, the journey to feeling at home in a new country is as much outward as it is inward. Many arrive alone and are at higher risk of social isolation. For those coming from countries with conservative social values, rejection and discrimination from members of their cultural community in Victoria is still a reality. Finding the right language to describe emotions and experiences can be difficult, especially when talking about identity, community and sense of belonging. By using art, the group encourages participants to move beyond analysis towards embodying and feeling their emotions through creating and collaborating.
For more information about our programs and services for 2S/LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees:
Contact Us
Lisa Wagenknecht, Gender Equity & Sexual Diversity Coordinator
Email: lwagenknecht@icavictoria.org
Phone: 250.388.4728 Ext. 2400
Immigrant Welcome Centre
From housing and education to employment services, ICA’s Settlement Services team can help newcomers navigate and connect with important resources and support.
Gender-Based Violence
Everyone has the right to safety. If you are experiencing violence or abuse, we are here to help. ICA can connect you to important supports including counselling, housing, victim services and legal support.
Racist Incident Helpline
The helpline was developed by the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Attorney General, in partnership with United Way British Columbia. Available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (PT). It’s free, confidential and available in over 240 languages.