The Lands we operate on
In the spirit of respect, truth, and reciprocity.
All of us here at Queer Calgary acknowledge that we live and operate on land adjacent to where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet within Treaty 7 land.
This area has been known by many names by people of many cultures such as Moh’kinsstis (Blackfoot), Wincheesh-pah (Nakoda), Otos-kwunee (Cree) and Kootsisáw (Tsuu’tina) long before settlers named this place Calgary.
This territory is home to the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Stoney Nakoda Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney), the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta Districts 5 and 6.
We would like to extend our appreciation for the historical knowledge of traditional caregivers for taking care of the land we live, work, and play on. In the spirit of reconciliation, we make a commitment to continue decolonization in our work and to promote equity and dignity for all peoples’.
We strive to continue our efforts of honouring the history and traditional customs of the Indigenous people of Turtle Island.
Who we are
Queer Calgary is a non profit organization located in Moh’kinsstis on Treaty 7 land, within regions 5 and 6 of the battle river territory of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. This area is also commonly known as Calgary, Alberta. We exist to provide inclusive third spaces where queer people can exist authentically, find solidarity and support, experience queer joy, and find the comfort that comes with safety of a truly welcoming community.
We believe that accessible, affirming, and accepting third spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is essential to the mental well-being of people of all backgrounds. When a majority of queer individuals face isolation, marginalization, and barriers to entry, having an inclusive space of peers to find connection and community can be truly transformative and life-changing.
By strengthening these bonds, we foster resilience, combat queer isolation, celebrate queer identity, and do everything in our power to ensure that every single 2SLGBTQIA+ person knows they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Our History
Queer Calgary began with the humble beginnings of a grassroots collective, gathering a group of like-minded gender and sexually diverse individuals with a simple goal of “combating queer isolation by addressing the need for community” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since then, Queer Calgary has continued to grow and evolve into a registered nonprofit that serves the greater 2SLGBTQIA+ community within Calgary and the surrounding areas. We host over 200 various programs, workshops, and events every year that see over 100 unique individuals in attendance each week.
Our Mission & Vision
We create accessible, affirming third spaces that support the mental well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by fostering connection, safety, and a true sense of belonging.
Our vision of the world is one where queer isolation and disconnection no longer exists, where nobody ever feels unseen or unwelcome for being themselves.
We envision and strive towards a world where solidarity and support are readily found, and where everyone can experience the comfort, safety, and connection of a truly welcoming community.
Our Core Values
Queer Joy:
Queer Joy is truly something special. To put it simply, queer joy is the unapologetic happiness that comes from living as your fullest, truest self. It’s making friends or finding a community that unapologetically accepts you for who you are.
If you're still curious about what queer joy is, we recommend you go to a queer event and take a look around. You’ll likely notice the smiles, the laughter, and joy that comes from community.
Inclusivity & Belonging:
We are dedicated to fostering an environment where all queer, transgender, gender diverse, and Two-Spirit people can be authentically themselves without fear of judgment. Trans men are men, trans women are women, non-binary people are valid.
All members of 2SLGBTQIA+ community deserve a space that they will always be welcomed, respected and valued.
Intersectionality & Diversity:
We welcome and celebrate the diversity of identities and backgrounds that make up our queer family. By honouring the many intersections we each hold, we aim to create spaces where everyone feels understood, supported, and deeply valued.
Accessibility:
No space or program is perfect, and we acknowledge that barriers still exist. But we are committed to listening, learning, and taking action to make our community accessible to all.
Everybody deserves the chance to participate and feel like they belong.
Accountability & Transparency:
Trust in queer spaces is built through honesty, accountability, and openness. When decisions are transparent and mistakes are met with reflection and repair, every queer person can participate fully and safely.