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.
Fyrefly provides programs and services to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies. Our work also involves partnerships with organizations such the Calgary Centre for Sexuality, Boyle Street Community Services, 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
Donate to Fyrefly
For more than twenty years, we've served and fought for our 2SLGBTQ+ community's rights, since before marriage equality was achieved in Canada. Every year, we reach and support thousands in the province. To sustain our thriving programs and services, please donate to us. All donations are eligible for a charitable tax deduction receipt from the University of Alberta.
Events and Opportunities
Fly Your Colors | May 10 8 PM - 10 PM
In support of CHEW Project YEG by YEG-PAH and Evolution Wonderlounge
Volunteer with Camp fYrefly (AB North) as a Health Team Lead, Artist in Residence, Knowledge Keeper, or Youth Committee Member | Open until filled
Fyrefly in the Media
Our Partners
