Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity (formerly iSMSS)
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. Their 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.
The Fyrefly Institute’s 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 through:
- Empowering the 2SLGBTQ+ community to thrive.
- Building leaders, particularly among youth.
- Building public awareness and allyship.
- Advancing sexual and gender diversity studies to the forefront.
- Creating hope
Fyrefly is unique in utilizing research to inform its services, and its services drive the direction of its research.
How to Help
With your support, the Fyrefly Institute can bring about change in Alberta, across Canada and around the world. The success of programming has been overwhelming, and we need your help to ensure that Fyrefly meets the growing demand and expands to help even more youth. Together, we can build a more just society.
Giving Theme
Culture & Society
Ways to Give
Memorial/Tribute Gifts, Charitable Gift Annuities