At ISANS, inclusion is more than a value—it’s how we serve and support every newcomer who trusts us on their journey. We understand that many LGBTQIA+ newcomers arrive in Nova Scotia not only seeking safety but also searching for a true sense of belonging. Here, your identity is recognized, your story matters, and your well-being is at the heart of what we do.
Our commitment is to create a welcoming environment where all newcomers—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration pathway—can access services with dignity, respect and without fear. Through culturally responsive programs, mental health supports, wellness groups, and workforce connections, we work to remove barriers and empower LGBTQIA+ individuals to thrive.
This is the heart of our commitment:
- To honour and embrace our clients' diverse, intersecting identities, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and included.
- To ensure that LGBTQIA+ newcomers are not only safe but also empowered.
When everyone is valued and included, our whole community grows stronger. ISANS is proud to stand alongside the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and to build services that celebrate the diversity, strength, and resilience of every newcomer we serve.
“For those of us who come from places where being yourself meant danger, silence, or shame—being welcomed without judgment is not just support, it is liberation.”
– ISANS Staff
Your Identity
In 2024, ISANS asked our clients how they identify—1,749 responded, and 6% shared that they are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This reinforces why building an informed, welcoming, and safe environment for all newcomers matters so deeply to us.
For LGBTQIA+ newcomers, affirmation is not just inclusion—it’s about your safety, dignity, and sense of belonging. Sexual and gender diversity exists across every culture and history. Some clients arrive in Canada having faced discrimination or even violence for simply being themselves. Others are discovering or exploring their identities for the first time, in an environment that finally feels supportive.
Understanding Identity and Diversity
At ISANS, we know that using inclusive and respectful language is essential to creating a welcoming space where everyone feels valued. We commit to honouring the words people use to describe their identities and experiences with care and accuracy. Recognizing intersectionality — how different parts of your identity, such as race, gender, sexuality, immigration status, and more, overlap and shape your experiences — guides us in fostering a culture of equity and belonging.
Terms
Understanding the language we use is essential to building respectful, inclusive spaces. Below are key terms related to gender and sexual diversity, presented in clear and accessible language:
Explore Our Tailored Services
At ISANS, we offer a variety of inclusive services to support LGBTQIA+ newcomers as they settle and build their lives in Canada, such as:
These services are delivered based on eligibility criteria established by our funders and program guidelines. While some programs are available to permanent residents, others are open for refugee claimants, protected persons, and newcomers with different immigration statuses.
If you are uncertain about your eligibility or need guidance on which programs may best suit your needs, please contact us at Intake@isans.ca. We are here to help and look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Support: Organizations
In addition to ISANS services, many local, national, and international organizations are working to support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals through advocacy, direct services, and community-building. Below is a curated list of trusted organizations that offer resources, information, and support for newcomers and allies.
Resources
This section provides trusted tools, guides, and research to support LGBTQIA+ newcomers, service providers, and community members. Whether you're looking for practical resources or in-depth research, you’ll find materials here to help inform inclusive, rights-based settlement practices.
Events
Wellbeing for All (WBFA) — Support for All Newcomers
The Wellbeing for All (WBFA) project, part of ISANS’ Newcomer Wellness Program, is available to newcomers of all immigration categories and helps them fully engage in Canada’s social, cultural, and civic life. Using inclusive, client-centred, and trauma-informed approaches, WBFA supports newcomers in overcoming systemic barriers and strengthening resilience. Through culturally safe programs, collaborative partnerships, and tailored wellness support groups, the project fosters community connections and helps newcomers move beyond basic settlement toward a true sense of belonging and meaningful participation in Canadian society.
Queer Wellness Groups, offered in partnership with RRANS, are coming soon!
Stay tuned and learn how to participate: pride@isans.ca