En español

New Canadians
Windsor Pride Community celebrates and supports all Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning people who are recently landed immigrants and refugees. You are not alone- there are others like you who live in the Windsor Essex County region. Settlement issues of language, food, currency, and customs will be present.  Canada also welcomes many visitors as foreign students studying at the University of Windsor or St. Clair College, and seasonal migrants working in agriculture. Some New Canadians come from the United States of America after dating and falling in love with a Canadian.
A new country, city, language and freedoms will create opportunity and some new challenges. Some landed immigrants and refugees will come as individuals, couples, and others will come to seek a partner.  Canada has a strong record of human rights and protections for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people. Significant milestones in human rights legislation in Canada include decriminalization of homosexuality in the Criminal Code, inclusion of sexual orientation in the Human Rights Code, and gay marriage.  We recommend you review the Glossary and Terms found on this website so that you can become comfortable with the English vocabulary and learn as much as you can.
The Human Rights laws in the country of your birth will have a profound impact on how you view the world. Sexual orientation and gender identity and may have been important factors in your decision to migrate. Your life experiences before you came to Canada may have been one of fear and persecution. The laws of each country in the world vary. In 2010 there were 5 countries in which LGBTIQ persons were subject to the death penalty, and 75 countries in which imprisonment has been the law. Anti ?discrimination laws are found in only 57 countries, with 26 countries and places recognizing gay marriages. 

For an up to date world map of Lesbian and Gay Rights
English: http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2012.pdf
French: http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_Homophobie_Etat_2012.pdf
Spanish: http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_Homofobia_de_Estado_2012.pdf

Looking for a support group?
Windsor Pride Community in collaboration with Family Service Windsor Essex County, The Multicultural Council of Windsor Essex, and the Windsor Family Health Team offers a Support Group especially for New Canadians. Windsor Pride groups are facilitated by qualified social workers and certified counselors and provide translation in Spanish. Groups meet weekly. They are operated at several locations throughout Windsor so that your participation can be private, and confidentiality can be assured. Check the website for the latest information about locations, dates and times. This will be a chance to listen and share common experiences from your own life.

Health and Safety
Your health and safety is very important. You will need to find with a doctor and get information on safe sex you can understand in your own language.  You may not have acted on your desires and find social situations unfamiliar. BE SAFE. Many LGBTIQ persons know they are different at a young age. Some wish they would just fit in and that their feelings would go away. The closet is a term in Canada used to describe an individual who self identifies as LGBTIQ but has not shared the information. Perhaps you knew you were different. Coming out, or telling someone you are Gay or Lesbian, is a very personal decision. While it can strengthen and deepen relationships and improve self-esteem, it can be a very scary thing. In some situations, it can even be risky. Homophobic attitudes and behaviors are present today in many communities and workplaces including Windsor Essex. Even though Canadian law protects Gays and Lesbians not everyone in the Canada believes these laws should be in place. Personal safety is paramount. Coming out is often done in stages. It may be an individual?s choice to be out to a parent, aunt or uncle, cousin, one or two close personal friends. Others may gradually come out to more people. Some people will want to move to a larger city as they move forward with their life so they can find other new Canadians who speak their own language.

Celebrating !
Here are the most important things: Love yourself. Be true to yourself. Express yourself. Find your voice to speak to the world. Learn what others are doing. LGBTIQ people are some of the strongest people on the planet. There are role models in every field. Attend a Pride Festival. Volunteer and make a pledge to donate to causes which impact LGBTIQ lives. Help support the mission of Windsor Pride Community and lay a stronger foundation for the generations to come.

Web Resources
Canadian Immigration for Same Sex Couples http://www.legit.ca/

Article: Gay rights to be included in new Canadian citizenship guide - click here for web link

LGBTIQ Immigration Lawyer  http://www.jordanbattista.com/immigration.htm