The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity (Formerly the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services; iSMSS) is a non-profit organization and research institute housed in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta.
The Fyrefly Institute provides programs and services to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies. Our work also involves partnerships with various organizations such the Calgary Centre for Sexuality, Boyle Street Community Services, Nekem: To Change Something, 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.
We strive to:
- Empower the 2SLGBTQ+ community to thrive.
- Build leaders, particularly among youth.
- Build public awareness and allyship.
- Advance sexual and gender diversity studies to the forefront.
- Create hope
We are unique in that we utilize research to inform our services, and our services drive the direction of our research.
We believe:
- All queer and trans people deserve to be free of discrimination.
- Through nurturance and resiliency practices, all 2SLGBTQ+ people have potential to thrive.
- In the continued pursuit of knowledge as a tool to empower and build capacity.
- In grounding our practices in evidence-based research.
- We cannot achieve our goals alone but through collaboration
Give to the Fyrefly Institute
The Fyrefly Institute has a number of programs and services that provide support the well being and futures of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Edmonton and surrounding area. These programs would not be possible without your generous support.
All donations are eligible for a charitable tax deduction receipt from the University of Alberta.
Donate Now
Brighten up your wardrobe and your space whilst showing your support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community! All proceeds from the U of A Pride Collection support the Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity.
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Contact Us
We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can email us at fyrefly@ualberta.ca or leave us a message at 780.492.0772.
