Where Queer Canadians Are Finding Community and Fun Online
There is a strong and growing 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada. It’s a frequent source of celebration and joy. Sadly, however, Canada.ca stated that 77% of sexually and gender diverse individuals had been subjected to bullying over the last 12 months. For many, online communities are a safe space. People can be themselves without worries or boundaries.
Canada itself has one of the most inclusive online communities, with the Canadian government taking action in recent years to create a more wholesome and welcoming community.
Below, we'll explore where queer Canadians are finding fun and community online.
Online Entertainment Platforms
There are many specific platforms specifically designed for the 2SLGBTQ+, but it's the online entertainment platforms that don't openly advertise as solely 2SLGBTQ+ that create the best communities.
Online entertainment has quickly changed into a social, community-driven experience where people share a interest rather than an identity. Within these communities, identity doesn't matter. People are more interested in the games people like to play, how good they are, and the shared values and interests. Being able to assess their experience of a trusted online platform such as onlinecasino.ca is the sort of gaming culture most gamers want.
It's not necessarily essential to find a queer-specific platform; the fun of interacting with people with the same passion for gaming and online entertainment transcends following a gender-oriented community.
Queering the Map
Canadians looking for a queer-specific community will love Queering the Map. Founded by Lucas LaRochelle, it's a collaborative map project that lets people drop pins for global 2SLGBTQ+ events, including in Canada. Yes, it's not reserved for events only in Canada, but if you search "Canada" in the location box, you will find events. Think book clubs, park meet-ups, cocktail nights—it can be anything and everything.
The concept of Queering the Map is to create a digital space that centers around personal memory and community mapping. The app allows you to see other community members' contributions, and you can create your own event. You can chat to people through the app, but the idea is to use the online community to create your own physical one.
As of 2025, the app has had over 500,000 pins for 2SLGBTQ+ events.
The Q LGBTQ Creative Network
Formed through Pride at Work Canada, the Q LGBTQ Creative Network online community is excellent for connecting people with a passion for social creativity. It's a registered non-profit 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy organization that's growing awareness of the queer community.
The platform connects:
Artists
Creatives
Podcasters
Social media groups
Writers
Musicians
The list could go on. Anything creative-related that you can think of, you'll find it on The Q LGBTQ Creative Network. Anybody can use the platform to meet like-minded people to get creative with. It really shows the beauty of the fun, social-creative side of the queer community beyond just support groups.
Rainbow Connect
Rainbow Connect is a safe space and refuge for anyone from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Located at 349 Ontario Street, Ontario, and online, Rainbow Connect is a safe and welcoming space that lets people make new friends, talk online, and celebrate the community.
They regularly host Zoom chats where newcomers join and friendships grow. The idea of these Zoom calls is to share information about the community and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, offer mental and sexual health services, and generally just help people make friends.
The Zoom call workshop runs every Friday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and there's also a Peer 2 Peer Chit Chat session running on Tuesdays biweekly from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
The 519 (Toronto)
The 519 is one of Canada’s most recognized queer community centres. Based in Toronto, it is a national model for inclusion, advocacy, and connection. And its digital presence has grown massively since 2020, creating an online hub where queer Canadians can find:
Workshops
Counseling
Social events
And these are happening all over Canada and online.
The 519’s online programs include virtual youth groups and trans wellness sessions to digital advocacy forums. They’ve also expanded into hybrid events that merge physical community gatherings with online participation. If you're outside Toronto, you can still join.
Why Online Queer Communities Matter
Considering 77% of sexually and gender-diverse Canadians report experiencing bullying, these online platforms and communities are essential. They give people a sense of belonging. They help them feel validated, giving individuals the freedom of expression. They’re where people can ask questions without judgment and form friendships where distance doesn't matter. More than anything, they're promoting having pride in identity.
They also represent the best of what the internet can offer:
Inclusivity
Empathy
Shared humanity
Whether it's a Zoom chat or a gaming chatroom, these online communities are helping people feel like they belong.
Canada has a massive queer community: there are so many opportunities to find communities and have fun online. It doesn't matter if it's queer-specific or the fun of a gaming chatroom; the inclusive communities are there.
Please play responsibly. The 2SLGBTQiA+ community is known to be at higher risk for gambling-related harm due to a range of social and economic factors. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are support services available in British Columbia. Contact the BC Gambling Support Line at 1-888-795-6111, available 24/7, or visit www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca for confidential help, information, and free counselling.