Yes, Wellspring offers two dedicated support groups: one for gay and queer men with cancer (including trans, agender, and non-binary individuals); and one for lesbian, queer, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual women with cancer (including trans women, Two-Spirit, and gender diverse individuals). Both groups are led by a professional facilitator and all discussions are strictly confidential, so you can show up as your full self without fear of judgment or discrimination.
They aren’t, and research backs this up. A University of Toronto literature review commissioned by Wellspring found that 2SLGBTQIA+ cancer patients frequently feel unwelcome in mainstream support groups, and often face barriers to discussing identity-specific concerns — like managing sexual side effects during hormone treatment, or navigating healthcare relationships where they fear disclosing their gender identity or sexual orientation. These are experiences that a general cancer support group may not have the language, awareness, or space to hold. Wellspring’s groups are specifically designed around these realities, offering a community that understands your experience from the inside — something that’s difficult to fully convey until you’re in the room.
Each session begins with a welcome and introduction led by a professional group facilitator, after which members share their circumstances, concerns, and challenges at whatever level of depth feels right for them. The gay and queer men’s group meets once a month for two hours; the lesbian and queer women’s group meets once per month for 90 minutes — both are held online, which means you can participate from anywhere in Canada, including more rural or isolated areas. Research shows that support groups like these measurably improve quality of life, reduce anxiety, and lower depression in people living with cancer. The full texture of what makes these groups meaningful — the connections, the shared understanding, the specific topics discussed — is something members consistently describe as hard to put into words until they experience it firsthand. Visit Wellspring’s program page to register for your first session at no cost and without a referral.
Yes, Wellspring’s Peer Support program connects you with a trained volunteer who has been impacted by cancer. You can share your story, ask questions, get real information from someone who genuinely understands what you’re going through — not just clinically, but personally. The program also serves as a point of entry to Wellspring’s full range of resources: your peer support volunteer can help you navigate which programs and services might be most useful based on what you tell them you need. To be matched with a peer support volunteer whose experience is as close to yours as possible, request an appointment directly on Wellspring’s website or drop in — a short set of matching questions helps ensure the fit is right for you.
You’re not alone in that fear, and it’s well-documented. The University of Toronto research reviewed by Wellspring found that many 2SLGBTQIA+ cancer patients feel embarrassed or unsafe disclosing their identity to healthcare providers, which creates real barriers to getting complete, appropriate care. Wellspring’s programs don’t replace your medical team, but they give you a community of people navigating those exact same dynamics — and a peer support volunteer who can help you identify resources and strategies based on what you’re experiencing. The gap between the healthcare system and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is something Wellspring’s programs were built specifically to help bridge.
No referral is needed, and yes, all Wellspring programs are offered completely free of charge. Whether you’re joining a support group for queer women, the gay and queer men’s group, or requesting a one-on-one peer support match, you can access these programs directly and on your own terms. This is an important detail because one of the most common barriers for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals seeking cancer support is not knowing where to start without going through a healthcare provider who may not fully understand their needs. Visit Wellspring’s website to browse all available 2SLGBTQIA+ programs, check current session schedules, and register — the process is straightforward and entirely on your timeline.