Sexual Wellness and Healthy Relationships

Before having sex with your partner(s), you should consider your individual risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted blood borne infections (STBBIs). Your anatomy and the anatomy of your partner(s) are the key factors here, not your gender identity or sexual orientation. Visit our safer sex page to learn more about the risks of having an STBBI passed on to you depending on the kind of sex you are having and how to reduce those risks. Student Health and Wellness provides sexual health services and has free internal and external condoms available. 

This LGBTQIA Safer Sex Guide gives further sexual wellness information that considers the complexity and diversity across gender identities, sexual orientation, attractions, and experiences.

A healthy relationship is a healthy relationship regardless of your sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity. You know your relationship is probably healthy if your partner:

• Respects your pronouns and/or name.
• Respects your boundaries.
• Gives you space to hang out with friends and family without thinking you’re cheating.
• Doesn’t take your money or tell you what to buy.
• Never threatens to out you to people.
• Never questions or belittles your identity.

If your relationship is abusive or unhealthy, you can face unique obstacles to seeking help as a member of the Pride community. Whether or not you’re ready to end the relationship, consider creating a safety plan. Know that you are not alone and there are places that can help.

• Physical violence- such as hitting, punching, kicking, slapping. 
• Psychological abuse- such as intimidation, belittling, humiliation 
• Sexual violence- forced intercourse and unwanted sexual touching
• Coercive control- various controlling behaviours such as isolating a partner from their family and friends, restricting their access to resources and controlling their finances 
• Stalking- a pattern of threatening or harassing tactics that cause an individual to fear for their health, safety or wellbeing.

The social and legal stigma of being 2SLGBTQQIA+ broadens significantly the scope of abusive tactics available to an exploitative partner. These tactics often include taking advantage of an individual’s gender representation or sexual orientation.

• Closeting- forcing a victim to hide their trans or sexual minority status from others by overtly demanding or pressuring the victim to remain quiet about their status.
• Outing- the opposite of closeting. Disclosing a victim's trans or sexual minority status, either by directly telling others or indirectly forcing the victim to show public signs of affection like handholding and kissing.
• Threats- Threats to out the victim's trans or minority status, threats against the victim or their loved ones, and threats of self-harm or suicide. 
• Identity Abuse- Abusers may use a victim's marginalized social status to control or shame them. Using a transgender person's birth name or former pronouns without permission.
• Other anti-sexual minority psychological IPV tactics can include: accusing a victim or not being lesbian, gay or bisexual enough, telling bisexual victims they are not a "real" sexual minority or accusing a sexual minority victim of making the abuser a sexual minority. 

For more information about how to recognize instances of IPV, victims’ rights in Canada, what to expect should the victim choose to report to the police and the consequences of IPV-download this guidebook from the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity.

Learn more about Lakehead's sexual violence supports and response.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence committed against someone because of their gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. GBV is not limited to physical violence and can include any word, action, or attempt to degrade, control, humiliate, intimidate, coerce, deprive, threaten, or harm another person. While violence affects all people, GBV has a disproportionate impact on 2SLGBTQQIA+ and gender non-conforming people.

The negative effects of GBV reach far beyond the individuals who directly experience them. Violence can have long-lasting and negative health, social and economic effects that span generations, which can lead to cycles of violence and abuse within families and sometimes whole communities. GBV holds us all back.

Learn more about Lakehead's Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Policy by visiting the Office of Human Rights and Equity's website

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911, campus security or your local police.

Sexual Violence Support and Response

• LGBT Youthline – confidential, non-judgemental and informed LGBTQ2S+ peer support
  • Toll-free: 1-800-268-9688 (2 pm to 7:30 pm, Sunday to Friday)
  • Text: 647-694-4275
  • Youthline chat
• Trans Lifeline – a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support and resources they need to survive and thrive
  • Call: 1-877-330-6366 (24/7)

• Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance -  ensures 2SGBTQ+ men have the information, supports, and services they need to have the sex they want.
• Get PRIM3D - A sexual health guide for queer trans men, transmasculine, and non-binary people.
• Brazen- a safer sex guide for trans women.
• HIV Self-Testing- information about self testing options available 
• Freddie- information about PrEP