Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Lantzville, Cedar, Extension, South Wellington, East Wellington, Gabriola Island, Mudge Island, Nanoose Bay, Errington, Coombs, Dashwood, Qualicum Bay, Bowser, Deep Bay
AVI Health & Community Services
Website: https://avi.org/location/nanaimo/
Email: health.centre@avi.org
Office Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-5pm
Phone: (250) 754-9111
Address: AVI Health Centre, 102-55 Victoria Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5N9
Description: HIV primary care, PrEP prescribing and follow-up, HIV self-test kit access site, PEP access support, STBBI testing and treatment, opiate agonist treatment, HCV treatment, case management, health promotion and education, safer sex and drug use harm reduction supplies, peer support and peer led programming.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Brechin United Church
Website: http://www.brechinunited.ca
Email: brechinuc@shaw.ca
Hours: Mon - Fri, 9:30 am - noon, 1- 3 pm
Phone: (250) 754-9212
Address: Brechin House, 2020 Estevan Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 0C9
Description: We are proud to be an Affirming Congregation. We welcome and include the full participation of all people in the life and work of the Ministry as we journey together, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, age, marital status, mental or physical ability, beliefs, cultural backgrounds, or economic circumstance. We helped found the Reaching Out social group to support Nanaimo’s LGBTQ2+ community.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo
Website: http://ufon.ca/
Email: Welcoming@ufon.ca
Phone: (250) 755-1215
Address: 595 Townsite Road, Suite 1, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1K9
Description: Our Unitarian Universalist Principles and Sources enable us to balance reason and belief, intellect and intuition. We share a commitment to spiritual and ethical values. Whatever your ethnicity, religious background, gender, sexual orientation, age or anything else that makes you who you are, please know that you are warmly welcome in our community.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Gabriola Pride
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094415558006
Description: Gabriola Pride is about providing visibility and creating a safe and inclusive environment for celebrating the 2SLGBTQI+ community on Gabriola Island.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Gender Journeys
Website: https://www.nflabc.org/programs/gender-journeys/
Email: gender_journeys@nflabc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genderjourneysnfla/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genderjourneysnfla/
Cell: (250) 754-3331 ext. 202
Sign-up: https://forms.office.com/r/wbRX12kcpY
Address: Central Nanaimo. Address shared upon sign-up.
Description: Gender Journeys is a peer support group for 2-spirit, trans, gender diverse and questioning adults over the age of 18. Together we discuss the issues affecting us –supporting mental health, navigating the healthcare and legal systems, building community and learning about trans and queer history. The group also provides a space to build social connections and supports and to relax in space where everyone just ​“gets it”. The group is collectively run by the group. Our peer facilitator Ellis McNewshiro (she/​they) organizes the sessions and helps guide the discussion, but all topics and activities are chosen by and voted on by the group as a whole. Our weekly meetings alternate between in depth-discussions on a given topic and more social nights.
(Updated Jan 2026)​
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Generation Q - LGBTQ+ Peer Group
Website: https://www.bgccvi.com/generation-q/
Phone: (250) 754-3215
Email: youth@bgccvi.com
Address: Fifth Street Child + Family Centre - 20 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 1M7
Description: A weekly drop-in group that offers LGBTQ2SIA+ youth ages 12–18 and their allies a safe, supportive space to connect, explore identity, and build community. Generation Q exists—to provide a supportive, inclusive environment where LGBTQ2SIA+ youth and their allies can feel safe, make meaningful connections, and thrive. They're committed to making sure that all youth—no matter how they identify—have a space where their identities are celebrated and their voices are heard. Generation Q offers a variety of engaging activities such as games, movie nights, crafts, guest speakers, and group discussions, providing LGBTQ2SIA+ youth and their allies with a supportive, judgment-free space to connect and share meaningful conversations.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Nanaimo Poly 101
Facebook: Private https://www.facebook.com/groups/NanaimoPoly101/
Email: osirisscales@gmail.com
Description: A bi-monthly polyamory discussion and peer support group. The goal is to build poly community and understanding, not hookups. Discussions are free / by-donation, covering a wide range of topics, with participant contribution and frequent workshops or guest speakers. LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming of all identifications, orientations, backgrounds. Curious people welcome. To join private group contact above email.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Nanaimo Pride Society
Website: nanaimopride.ca
Email: hello@nanaimopride.ca
Contact: www.nanaimopride.ca/reach-out
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pridenanaimo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanaimopride/?hl=en
Description: The Nanaimo Pride Society aims to curate, produce, and promote vibrant and impactful events and initiatives that celebrate, educate, and represent the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Through these experiences, we aim to enhance the pride, status, and overall well-being of all members of the Pride community who seek connection and celebration.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Nanaimo Ultimate Association
Website: https://nanaimoultimate.ca/inclusion-accessibility
Email: nua.info@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nanaimoultimate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanaimoultimate/
Description: One of NUA's goals is to create an inclusive and welcoming community for Ultimate enthusiasts of all levels in Nanaimo. Whether you're stepping onto the field for the first time or you've been playing ultimate frisbee for a decade, our league is dedicated to providing accessible and equitable experiences. NUA is committed to ensuring people of all genders and sexual orientations feel welcome, valued, and included in NUA programs and opportunities. Half of our executive board are female-identifying individuals, and NUA encourages folks of different backgrounds and experiences to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback to further our commitment to inclusion in our league.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Oceanside Pride
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OceansidePride/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceansidepride/
Description: A place for central Vancouver Island LGBTQIA+ individuals to connect and socialize.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Oceanside Queers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OceansidePride/
Description: Private group. Parksville-based group of rainbow-friendly peeps that encompasses everyone from Lantzville to Union Bay. We value creating a safe and supportive group that is all-inclusive. We are here to make connections and create fun and diverse events and are poised to raise our voices and visibility in this beautiful coastal community.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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PFLAG Canada Nanaimo
​Website: http://pflagcanada.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pflagnanaimo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pflagnanaimo/
Email: nanaimobc@pflagcanada.ca
Contact: Cheryl
Meeting info: Email or FB message for meeting details and to confirm
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Rainbow Group – for 2SLGBTQ+ peer support – 3rd Saturday @11 am most months.
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Parent* Group – for parents/caregivers of gender-diverse people – 3rd Wednesday of most months.
Description: pflag Nanaimo offers peer support to members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the family, friends, and caregivers at our monthly meetups. We also try to connect people to other local resources that may benefit them.
(Updated Jan 2026)
Prime Timers Nanaimo
​Website: primetimersnanaimo.org
Email: info@primetimersnanaimo.org
Address: P.O. Box 278, Ladysmith BC, V9G 1A2
Description: PrimeTimers®Nanaimo is a chapter of PrimeTimers®World Wide. PrimeTimers® are mature gay or bisexual men (and younger men who appreciate mature men) who enrich their social lives, engage in diverse activities, and enjoy opportunities and friendships with other PrimeTimers® throughout the world. Membership and friendship with our chapter is open to men who are legal residents of Canada 19 years of age or better. Our chapter is centered in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. We have members and friends up and down the east coast of Vancouver Island from Duncan in the south to Sayward in the north as well as on Gabriola Island and other nearby islands.
(Updated Jan 2026)​
Rainbow Book Club: Nanaimo
Discord: https://discord.com/channels/1338581225073410078/1338581226218590261
Description: Know what’s better than a good book? Talking about it with friends! The Rainbow Book Club is a fun way for us to share queer stories, promote 2SLGBTQIA+ writers and hopefully give the queer community a fun and social reason to stay interested in reading. Meetings are held in person on the first Thursday of the month.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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​Reaching 'Out'
Website: http://www.brechinunited.ca/ministries/reaching-out--2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/286699152639376
Email: bucreachout@gmail.com
Phone: (250) 754-9212
Location: 2020 Estevan Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 0C9
Hours: 7 PM on first Wed evening of the month
Description: Offers supportive space to connect, meet new people, build community, socialize, have fun, and join in discussions on topics of interest (including guest speakers and films). The group welcomes newcomers and reaches out to other LGBTQ people in the Nanaimo area. Family members, friends and allies (supporters) are also very welcome.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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Reaching Out Assisting Refugees (ROAR)
Website: https://www.ROARrefugees.com/
Email: ROARrefugees@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ROARrefugees/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/roarrefugees.bsky.social
Description: Reaching Out Assisting Refugees (ROAR) relieves poverty by facilitating the settlement of LGBTQI+ refugees by providing financial assistance, and helping LGBTQI+ refugees find housing, employment, and access government and community-based services. We help resettle LGBTQI+ refugees from around the world who face serious persecution. ROAR develops and supports sponsorship groups and raises funds for refugee sponsorship.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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St. Paul Anglican Church
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulsnanaimo/
Website: https://www.stpaulsnanaimo.ca/
Email: admin@stpaulsnanaimo.ca
Office Hours: 9:30 - 12:30 M-F
Phone: (250) 753-2523
Address: 29 Church Street, Nanaimo, V9R 5H2
Description: We proclaim Christ's love and welcome all as we serve God and God's creation. Located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, we embrace many opportunities to share the love of God with those who come through our doors. This is your church, a place of hospitality, refuge and hope. We look forward to welcoming you. Please join us!
(Updated Jan 2026)
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The Coast is Queer Nanaimo (and area)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/491751706063144/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcq_vanisle/
Description: We are a private 2SLGBTQIA+ community group for Nanaimo (and surrounding areas), celebrating the diversity of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Whether you're new to the city, embracing your true self, or simply eager to expand your circle of friends—this group warmly welcomes you. Our primary aim is to create a safe and inclusive space by organizing and promoting a variety of events that foster unity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. To our non-queer allies: we deeply appreciate your support and solidarity. However, we kindly ask that you respect this space as a dedicated space for queer individuals. Thank you for understanding and supporting our need for a space that centers our community. Our events encompass a wide range of activities, such as social gatherings like Queeraoke, brunches, picnics, game nights, movie screenings, group camping, and we're always open to more wonderful ideas! Join us as we come together to celebrate and support one another.
(Updated Jan 2026)
Vancouver Island University: Positive Space Alliance
Website: https://adm.viu.ca/positive-space/participation
Email: positivespace@viu.ca
Description: Takes an affirmative, positive approach to creating a campus that is free of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It is also aimed at encouraging a widespread and visible commitment to welcoming sexual and gender diversity on campus, and at making talk of diversity more open and less unusual. The Positive Space Alliance holds monthly committee meetings. The chair brings a formal agenda to the committee seeking input on a variety of topics such as initiatives, activities and concerns to raise awareness and advocate for inclusion and support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Committees are open to students and employees.
(Updated Jan 2026)
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