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Support 2SLGBTQ+ rights!
We have served 2SLGBTQ+ people for more than twenty years, fighting for queer rights since before marriage equality was achieved in Canada. Every year, we reach and support thousands throughout Alberta. Please donate to the Fyrefly Institute fund to sustain our lifesaving programs.
The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity is a non-profit organization and research institute housed in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta.
Fyrefly provides programs and services to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies. Our work also involves partnerships with organizations such the Calgary Centre for Sexuality, Boyle Street Community Services, and the Pride Centre of Edmonton to provide direct services, including crisis intervention, mental health supports, and 2SLGBTQ+ education.
Our programs focus on community outreach, creating affirming spaces, and educational advancement specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community through our educational programs, research, advocacy and scholarship opportunities. The Fyrefly Institute works to create a society where all queer and trans people are free of discrimination. Hope drives all of our initiatives including education programs, research, policy development, advocacy, and community services.
We strive to:
- Decolonize our practices
- Integrate intersectionality in all that we do
- Empower the 2SLGBTQ+ community to thrive
- Strengthen community through collaboration
- Inspire and equip community leaders, particularly among youth
- Expand public awareness of 2SLGBTQ+ issues
- Advocate for human rights
- Advance sexual and gender diversity studies to the forefront
We are unique in that we utilize research to inform our services, and our services drive the direction of our research.
We believe:
- In an intersectional and decolonial approach
- In grounding our practices in evidence-based research
- In the power of community to achieve collective liberation
- All 2SLGBTQIA+ people deserve to be free of discrimination
- All 2SLGBTQIA+ people hold the potential to thrive
GET INVOLVED
Camp Fyrefly Saskatoon
Join us September 18th - 20th for 3 fun filled days of leadership training and camp activities for 2SLGBTQ+ youth!.
Camp Fyrefly Okanagan
We are expanding Camp Fyrefly programming to the Okanagan this year from October 22 to 24! Volunteer or camp with us.
Volunteer for our Conferences
Looking to gain experience and knowledge supporting conferences? These volunteer opportunities are for you!
CONFERENCES
Rainbow Alliance for Youth Edmonton Conference 2026: Building a Resilient Network of Care
Build professional capacity, resilience, and evidence-informed practice for serving 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in complex systems. For Frontline youth workers, social workers, counselors, program managers, health professionals, nonprofit leaders.
Where the Rivers Meet Two Spirit Conference
A two-day gathering on October 9 and 10 focused on Indigenous approaches to gender and sexual wellbeing. The conference will be pay what you can and will be held at Alberta Ave Community League! Questions? please email wtrm@ualberta.ca
REKH Conference: Making a Life, Making a Living | Se faire une vie, gagner sa vie
This gathering brings together diverse voices from community, business, research and government sectors to explore and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurship through connection, knowledge, joy and confidence.
Fyrefly's Events Calendar
We have several free, intergenerational arts-based workshops. We welcome everyone, including our allies!
Educational Resources
How will restrictive trans policies impact Albertans
Read about the five ways these policies harm Albertans.
Read
Research Report: Back to School Culture of Fear by Dr. Gillian Robinson
Research report on the implementation of Alberta's Bill 27, Bill 29, and Ministerial Order 030/25.
Read
Visit our Educational Resources webpage to learn more about topics and issues relevant to the 2SLGBTQ+ community and actionable allyship.
Workshops, audits, consultations
Fyrefly also offers workshops, audits, and consultations. YEG's small businesses, non-profits, educational and community groups can also access these services for free, supported by Beyond Belonging.
Please contact our educators:
Rae Madge (they/she) wtrm@ualberta.ca
Star Oldring (they/them) ruralout@ualberta.ca
Fyrefly in the Media
Our Partners
