Safe spaces and supports in London for members of the LGBTQ+ community

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The city of London is constantly evolving and organizations throughout the city are aiming to create an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. This list of organizations are just some of the places in London that have committed to specific community standards of practice in serving LGBTQ+ individuals. Additional supports can be found at healthunit.com and the student services section at fanshawec.ca.

SUPPORT

PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)

PFLAG has a chapter in London that offers 24/7 support for anyone with questions or concerns. The monthly group meeting provides support and resources as well as educates society on topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The group meets the third Monday of every month at the Middlesex- London Health Unit and is open to family members, friends and colleagues of people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Contact: pflaglondon.ca, 519-686-769.

Unitarian Fellowship of London

The Unitarian Fellowship of London is a congregation that fully welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community. Members of the congregation hold a variety of beliefs and it is a non-judgemental place for individuals to explore their faith in a respectful environment. Services are held Sundays at 10:45 a.m.

Location: 557 Clarke Road, London

Contact: unitarianfellowshipoflondon.org, 519-451-0424.

Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line

This support line is available Sunday to Friday from 4 to 9:30 p.m. and provides youth to youth support. They provide anonymous peer support and provide resources and knowledge so members of the LGBTQ+ community can make informed decisions. There is also an option to chat online or by text.

Contact: youthline.ca, 1-800-268-9688 (Call), 647-694-4275 (Text).

YOU Belong Support Group

This support group is offered by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) and runs Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.. The group is a safe space for LGBTQ+ members and aims to form a community where members can support each other. Open to people ages 16 to 24.

Location: 333 Richmond St., London

Contact: you.ca, 226-777-0116.

Forest City Queerios

This is a group for queer individuals in London. They are an inclusive group that aim to bring people together in a safe environment. Some of the events that are organized include pub nights, board game nights, potlucks, and more.

Contact: meetup.com/Forest-City-Queerios, FCQueerios@nullgmail.com.

BEAUTY SERVICES

K-Laba Hair and Beauty Supplies

With two locations in London and a wide product selection, K-Laba aims to provide services for all types of hair and needs at an affordable price. On top of services K-Laba also offers hair extensions, hair pieces, wigs and more.

Locations: 515 Wellington Road South, London and 632 Dundas Street

Contact: k-laba.com, 519-435-1115 (Wellington), 519-645-8524 (Dundas)

Lesada

Lesada is a feminization boutique for crossdressers and transgender women. They offer cosmetic lessons, wig and breast form fittings, health coaching, and more. In addition to a physical transformation, Lesada also focuses on assisting transgender women achieve self confidence and expanding their comfort zone.

Location: 485 Salisbury Street, London

Contact: lesada.ca, 226-448-3836.

It’s All About Me

It’s All About Me offers esthetics and nail care services. The location features a VersaSpa spray tanning booth that is the fastest, easiest, and safest way to tan any skin type. On top of this they also offer laser hair removal, facials, gel nail enhancements, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, and more. Location: 142 Fullarton Street, London Contact: itsallaboutmeesthetics.com, 519-645-7546

ACTIVITIES

Central Spa London

This bathhouse offers a hot tub, steam room, dry sauna and more for gay men to enjoy. On the first Thursday of every month Central Spa hosts a blackout night where all the lights are turned off. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Location: 722 York Street, London

Contact: centralspa.com, 519-438-2625.

LAVISH Nightclub

Located in downtown London, LAVISH is a nightclub where you can celebrate being you. The club promotes diversity and unity and aims to provide a comfortable atmosphere for everyone.

LAVISH is home to karaoke Thursday, full force Friday, and seductive Saturday. In 2012 they opened ELEVATE rooftop patio where you can enjoy drinks and dancing under the stars. Open Thursdays to Saturdays 10 p.m. to 2 a.m..

Location: 283 Dundas St., London

Contact: clublavish.ca, contactclublavish@nullgmail.com.

ON CAMPUS

Spectrum Fanshawe

Spectrum is an on campus group that advocates for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This is an opportunity for students to meet and socialize with each other and promote a positive space on campus. The group holds meeting and events that include guest speakers, movie nights, discussions, and more.

Contact: spectrumfanshawe@nullgmail.com

Positive Space Ally Program

The positive space group aims to make the Fanshawe campus inclusive. They provide training sessions for faculty and staff, residence assistants, and Spectrum to promote a positive atmosphere for all students.

Contact: positivespace@nullfanshawec.ca.