LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Ontario
Dai Kojima
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, RP, CCC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R
Not accepting new clients
As a
queer
of colour and neurodivergent therapists with lived experience of mental health struggles and recovery, I am committed to creating a warm space of validation, trust, and optimism for my clients.
Why does being me feel so difficult sometimes? If you’re asking this question, it's perhaps because what used to help you cope with life is no longer working. But your suffering is not your fault. I will walk with you on your journey towards discovering and unburdening the parts, feelings & needs within that have been silenced for survival. I work predominantly with racialized, neurodivergent, and
LGBTQ
+ people experiencing anxiety, depression, self-criticism, emotional difficulties and other complex-PTSD symptoms. My goal as your therapist is to help you write a new self narrative that is more liveable, authentic, and empowering.
As a
queer
of colour and neurodivergent therapists with lived experience of mental health struggles and recovery, I am committed to creating a warm space of validation, trust, and optimism for my clients.
Why does being me feel so difficult sometimes? If you’re asking this question, it's perhaps because what used to help you cope with life is no longer working. But your suffering is not your fault. I will walk with you on your journey towards discovering and unburdening the parts, feelings & needs within that have been silenced for survival. I work predominantly with racialized, neurodivergent, and
LGBTQ
+ people experiencing anxiety, depression, self-criticism, emotional difficulties and other complex-PTSD symptoms. My goal as your therapist is to help you write a new self narrative that is more liveable, authentic, and empowering.
Taylor Meissner
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2P
Waitlist for new clients
As a clinician, I am committed to supporting my clients, seeing them as the amazing and complex people who they truly are (even when they don’t feel like the amazing part.) I have interest and expertise working with issues surrounding sexual orientation, gender identity/transition, disability, neurodivergence, and transition to post-secondary education. My experiences include counselling, facilitation, and organizing with 2SLGBTQ+ communities as a
queer
social worker, supporting post-secondary students with disabilities, and frontline work in community health.
As a clinician, I am committed to supporting my clients, seeing them as the amazing and complex people who they truly are (even when they don’t feel like the amazing part.) I have interest and expertise working with issues surrounding sexual orientation, gender identity/transition, disability, neurodivergence, and transition to post-secondary education. My experiences include counselling, facilitation, and organizing with 2SLGBTQ+ communities as a
queer
social worker, supporting post-secondary students with disabilities, and frontline work in community health.
Chris Spiess
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4C (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I'm a white-passing Metis-Anishinaabe-German 2Spirit/
Trans
/Non-Binary person from Penetanguishene, currently living in Kitchener.
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S
Queer
and
Trans
youth and adults
I'm a white-passing Metis-Anishinaabe-German 2Spirit/
Trans
/Non-Binary person from Penetanguishene, currently living in Kitchener.
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S
Queer
and
Trans
youth and adults
Aaron Sinclair
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, ICADC, CCS-AC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Huntsville, ON P1H
Hello, my name is Aaron. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and International Certified Drug and Alcohol Counsellor (ICADC). I have been working in the mental health and addiction field for over 16 years. My experience includes supporting folks 14+ who struggle with 2S-
LGBTQ
+ related issues, substance use, trauma, mild depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, and more. I work to provide a safe space for all clients regardless of their struggles; a support for you that is inclusive, LGBTQS2+ affirming, and anti-oppressive.
Hello, my name is Aaron. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and International Certified Drug and Alcohol Counsellor (ICADC). I have been working in the mental health and addiction field for over 16 years. My experience includes supporting folks 14+ who struggle with 2S-
LGBTQ
+ related issues, substance use, trauma, mild depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, and more. I work to provide a safe space for all clients regardless of their struggles; a support for you that is inclusive, LGBTQS2+ affirming, and anti-oppressive.
Ellen Fowler
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BEd
Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5S
People come to therapy for many different reasons. It is not a search for answers, but rather a journey towards understanding and growth that we will venture on together. I welcome all the different parts of yourself you might bring (even the ones you might not be so fond of). I am a white settler who is a fat, neurodivergent,
queer
femme. These are some of the many identities I hold, which shape my experience in the world. I strive to hold space to honour all the complexities and nuances that you might be discovering or bring with you. I strive to work from an Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive and Trauma-Informed place.
People come to therapy for many different reasons. It is not a search for answers, but rather a journey towards understanding and growth that we will venture on together. I welcome all the different parts of yourself you might bring (even the ones you might not be so fond of). I am a white settler who is a fat, neurodivergent,
queer
femme. These are some of the many identities I hold, which shape my experience in the world. I strive to hold space to honour all the complexities and nuances that you might be discovering or bring with you. I strive to work from an Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive and Trauma-Informed place.
Jesse Schwartz
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified
Toronto, ON M6E (Online Only)
I'm a
Queer
Social Worker with 6 years of experience in community-based and clinical settings addressing complex mental health concerns. Guided by anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches, I harness a sense of curiosity to build an open and transparent relationship with my clients. I draw on Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural, Emotion Focused, and Narrative Therapy techniques to ensure that my clients find a voice that is truly their own. I have extensive experience supporting clients with depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, gender/sexual identities, sexual desire/pleasure, and sexual violence histories.
I'm a
Queer
Social Worker with 6 years of experience in community-based and clinical settings addressing complex mental health concerns. Guided by anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches, I harness a sense of curiosity to build an open and transparent relationship with my clients. I draw on Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural, Emotion Focused, and Narrative Therapy techniques to ensure that my clients find a voice that is truly their own. I have extensive experience supporting clients with depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, gender/sexual identities, sexual desire/pleasure, and sexual violence histories.
Art of Thriving
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified
Niagara Falls, ON L2G (Online Only)
My name is Alicia Pinelli, RSW, MSW and I identify as a
queer
person with lived experience.
You have a power within you to overcome obstacles, and thrive within the life you want for yourself. Starting counselling can be scary, intimidating and overwhelming, and that is okay. At Art of Thriving I help to create space where we can go on a journey together towards building a stronger relationship with yourself, uncovering the power that lives within you, and building towards your goals. If you are looking to decrease your stress, build a healthier and more loving relationship with your body and soul, and embark on a journey designed specifically for you, then you’re in right place.
My name is Alicia Pinelli, RSW, MSW and I identify as a
queer
person with lived experience.
You have a power within you to overcome obstacles, and thrive within the life you want for yourself. Starting counselling can be scary, intimidating and overwhelming, and that is okay. At Art of Thriving I help to create space where we can go on a journey together towards building a stronger relationship with yourself, uncovering the power that lives within you, and building towards your goals. If you are looking to decrease your stress, build a healthier and more loving relationship with your body and soul, and embark on a journey designed specifically for you, then you’re in right place.
Nicole Zouki
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified
Toronto, ON M4Y (Online Only)
I support people in exploring what it means to live authentically to themselves. We can explore topics of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, neurodiversity, family/relationship issues, sexuality, and gender. I have had the honour of working as a sex, kink, and BDSM educator for many years, teaching workshops with a focus on communication, harm-reduction, and pleasure. Other topics of interest have included radical body acceptance, navigating non-monogamy, and dating. My work is rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, intersectional feminist values. I am a
queer
person and second-generation settler with Lebanese ancestry.
I support people in exploring what it means to live authentically to themselves. We can explore topics of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, neurodiversity, family/relationship issues, sexuality, and gender. I have had the honour of working as a sex, kink, and BDSM educator for many years, teaching workshops with a focus on communication, harm-reduction, and pleasure. Other topics of interest have included radical body acceptance, navigating non-monogamy, and dating. My work is rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, intersectional feminist values. I am a
queer
person and second-generation settler with Lebanese ancestry.
John Nguyen
Occupational Therapist, MscOT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
Being a trauma-informed
queer
therapist of colour, my practice is grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, and harm reduction.
It can be difficult taking time to identify and process the challenges we collectively experience in our fast-paced “go go go” society. Taking a pause and being curious about ourselves is the first step in this journey. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, collaboration and non-judgment. I strive to cultivate a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions, feel seen and heard. I work primarily within a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness based framework to address various challenges, help individuals achieve their goals, and live more fulfilling lives.
Being a trauma-informed
queer
therapist of colour, my practice is grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, and harm reduction.
It can be difficult taking time to identify and process the challenges we collectively experience in our fast-paced “go go go” society. Taking a pause and being curious about ourselves is the first step in this journey. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, collaboration and non-judgment. I strive to cultivate a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions, feel seen and heard. I work primarily within a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness based framework to address various challenges, help individuals achieve their goals, and live more fulfilling lives.
Grace Richandi
Pre-Licensed Professional, BSc, MSc
Verified
Toronto, ON M4E
As a
queer
first-generation immigrant, I felt lost and isolated trying to adjust to a new country while grieving the loss of what was left behind. I struggled with feelings of shame, loneliness, and lack of connection and support. In finding a therapist that understood my experience, huge shifts started to happen. I felt seen and validated and my self-esteem and self-worth grew, allowing space for new possibilities. It is this transformative experience that motivated me to start my own practice and helped me in finding my voice.
As a
queer
first-generation immigrant, I felt lost and isolated trying to adjust to a new country while grieving the loss of what was left behind. I struggled with feelings of shame, loneliness, and lack of connection and support. In finding a therapist that understood my experience, huge shifts started to happen. I felt seen and validated and my self-esteem and self-worth grew, allowing space for new possibilities. It is this transformative experience that motivated me to start my own practice and helped me in finding my voice.
Renee Dumaresque
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
Toronto, ON M6N (Online Only)
I am a white,
queer
, non-binary and politicized therapist with availability to work with individuals and couples who are residents of Ontario or Newfoundland & Labrador. I who brings a whole lot of warmth, curiosity, and openness to my work supporting people across diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences to live with more connection, choice and ease. My approach is strengths-based and informed by anti-oppressive, harm reduction, anti-racist, and Mad values. The care that I offer is sex and kink positive and affirming of
queer
and
trans
identities and non-normative relationship structures.
I am a white,
queer
, non-binary and politicized therapist with availability to work with individuals and couples who are residents of Ontario or Newfoundland & Labrador. I who brings a whole lot of warmth, curiosity, and openness to my work supporting people across diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences to live with more connection, choice and ease. My approach is strengths-based and informed by anti-oppressive, harm reduction, anti-racist, and Mad values. The care that I offer is sex and kink positive and affirming of
queer
and
trans
identities and non-normative relationship structures.
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X T (Christina) Belcastro
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I'm
queer
& neurodivergent and centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ community. Are you, or your relationship looking for a therapist with lived experience as a
queer
&/or
trans
person? Have you previously had to hide parts of self to access care? I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, hold space for hard feelings, unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I often draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EFT, Polyvagal Theories.
I'm
queer
& neurodivergent and centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ community. Are you, or your relationship looking for a therapist with lived experience as a
queer
&/or
trans
person? Have you previously had to hide parts of self to access care? I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, hold space for hard feelings, unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I often draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EFT, Polyvagal Theories.
Ari Mastro
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Scarborough, ON M1J (Online Only)
I’m a
queer
,
trans
-masculine individual with lived experience in navigating societal and cultural systems that have historically sought to pathologize and ostracize sexual, gender and neurodiverse folks.
Accepting new clients virtually in ON and BC - You deserve to feel heard in a safe, respectful & non-judgemental space. I believe in a compassionate, integrative, whole-person centred approach to therapy and draw upon multiple therapeutic frameworks to help you live the life you truly want.
I’m a
queer
,
trans
-masculine individual with lived experience in navigating societal and cultural systems that have historically sought to pathologize and ostracize sexual, gender and neurodiverse folks.
Accepting new clients virtually in ON and BC - You deserve to feel heard in a safe, respectful & non-judgemental space. I believe in a compassionate, integrative, whole-person centred approach to therapy and draw upon multiple therapeutic frameworks to help you live the life you truly want.
Steph Cooper
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd, BA
Verified
5 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G (Online Only)
My lived experience as a
queer
woman is deeply important to me.
Do you feel like you don’t know how to ask for help, or feel like you have no one to turn to? Do you feel like there’s a part of your identity that you need to explore? Have you tried other therapists before and it felt too stuffy or like you didn’t ‘click’? Hi, I’m Steph and I see you, thank you for being here. I am here to remind you that it is okay to be feeling exactly how you feel, all of your feelings are valid. I bring my whole self to our sessions with a grounded, curious and kind demeanor and really focus on fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship with you. I believe that therapy should feel less clinical and formal.
My lived experience as a
queer
woman is deeply important to me.
Do you feel like you don’t know how to ask for help, or feel like you have no one to turn to? Do you feel like there’s a part of your identity that you need to explore? Have you tried other therapists before and it felt too stuffy or like you didn’t ‘click’? Hi, I’m Steph and I see you, thank you for being here. I am here to remind you that it is okay to be feeling exactly how you feel, all of your feelings are valid. I bring my whole self to our sessions with a grounded, curious and kind demeanor and really focus on fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship with you. I believe that therapy should feel less clinical and formal.
John Larsson
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4E (Online Only)
For close to 30 years I served the HIV/AIDS and
LGBTQ
+ communities as a counsellor at the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT). I am now in private practice. As a
gay
man I have a particular interest in working with other
gay
/Bi/
Queer
men, but all are welcome. My approach is uncomplicated. I work from a client-centred, trauma-informed, psycho-social perspective, using a goal-oriented approach.
For close to 30 years I served the HIV/AIDS and
LGBTQ
+ communities as a counsellor at the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT). I am now in private practice. As a
gay
man I have a particular interest in working with other
gay
/Bi/
Queer
men, but all are welcome. My approach is uncomplicated. I work from a client-centred, trauma-informed, psycho-social perspective, using a goal-oriented approach.
Kat Sevsek
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4W (Online Only)
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with experience working with the
LGBTQIA
+ community, anxiety, depression, ADHD, perfectionism, stress management, sexuality, relationship concerns, and more. I believe that each person is the expert in their own lives and I am passionate about supporting you in a way that meets you as you are and honours your lived experiences. My approach is to create a therapeutic space of authenticity, non-judgement, and curiosity. With a strong foundation of collaboration, empathy, and therapeutic relation, we can work towards meaningful change that highlights your values and aligns with your goals.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with experience working with the
LGBTQIA
+ community, anxiety, depression, ADHD, perfectionism, stress management, sexuality, relationship concerns, and more. I believe that each person is the expert in their own lives and I am passionate about supporting you in a way that meets you as you are and honours your lived experiences. My approach is to create a therapeutic space of authenticity, non-judgement, and curiosity. With a strong foundation of collaboration, empathy, and therapeutic relation, we can work towards meaningful change that highlights your values and aligns with your goals.
Phill Rego
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6K (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My
queer
experience, neurodivergence (ADHD), and childhood trauma has afforded me a deep grounding in compassion.
You may be seeking out therapy to make sense of numbness or overwhelm. You seek understanding and moving out of that sense of wariness to engage with your life fully. Perhaps grief, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence are all a part of your story. But asking for support may be out of reach; you've learned to cope on your own for so long. Let us walk together through your life, and make sense of some of these untouchable parts. Gently, at your pace, we will discover what comes next and how best to resource you. Coping with new parts of life means we may need to untangle the unknown of our past. I can be there as this unfolds.
My
queer
experience, neurodivergence (ADHD), and childhood trauma has afforded me a deep grounding in compassion.
You may be seeking out therapy to make sense of numbness or overwhelm. You seek understanding and moving out of that sense of wariness to engage with your life fully. Perhaps grief, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence are all a part of your story. But asking for support may be out of reach; you've learned to cope on your own for so long. Let us walk together through your life, and make sense of some of these untouchable parts. Gently, at your pace, we will discover what comes next and how best to resource you. Coping with new parts of life means we may need to untangle the unknown of our past. I can be there as this unfolds.
Samer Lazkani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd, HBSc
Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y
I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Toronto Scarborough in 2017 and a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in 2023. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I volunteered in several organization that supported various populations including Toronto Distress Centres and YMCA’s Newcomer Information Centre. I also worked at the HIV Prevention Lab supporting sexual health of
gay
and
bisexual
men and other men who have sex with men.
I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Toronto Scarborough in 2017 and a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in 2023. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I volunteered in several organization that supported various populations including Toronto Distress Centres and YMCA’s Newcomer Information Centre. I also worked at the HIV Prevention Lab supporting sexual health of
gay
and
bisexual
men and other men who have sex with men.
Mitchell Francesco Manicone
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified
Toronto, ON M4Y (Online Only)
Seeking counselling can feel daunting, and it is important to find the right fit with a potential therapist. The first step is reaching out and establishing how the therapeutic alliance can best support you in your journey and with the goals you have for yourself. I have been working in Social Work for the better part of a decade with a specialization in addiction-based treatment, trauma work and supporting members of the
queer
community. Completing my BSW at Western University (2014) and MSW at York University (2022), I provide 1:1 counselling, Couples Counselling, and Secondary assessments for Transition-related surgeries.
Seeking counselling can feel daunting, and it is important to find the right fit with a potential therapist. The first step is reaching out and establishing how the therapeutic alliance can best support you in your journey and with the goals you have for yourself. I have been working in Social Work for the better part of a decade with a specialization in addiction-based treatment, trauma work and supporting members of the
queer
community. Completing my BSW at Western University (2014) and MSW at York University (2022), I provide 1:1 counselling, Couples Counselling, and Secondary assessments for Transition-related surgeries.
Sarah Chikoski
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
I'm Sarah (She/They), an Ontario registered Social Worker, and I'm here to walk alongside you on your path to healing and growth. I’m a
Queer
, gender fluid individual, with my own lived experiences. Having walked my own path, I truly understand the worth of lived experience in therapeutic work. The special insights and lessons we gather from our personal journeys provide wonderful chances for self-reflection and personal growth. Embracing the idea that lived experience is a valid way of gaining understanding is at the heart of how I approach offering caring and therapeutic support.
I'm Sarah (She/They), an Ontario registered Social Worker, and I'm here to walk alongside you on your path to healing and growth. I’m a
Queer
, gender fluid individual, with my own lived experiences. Having walked my own path, I truly understand the worth of lived experience in therapeutic work. The special insights and lessons we gather from our personal journeys provide wonderful chances for self-reflection and personal growth. Embracing the idea that lived experience is a valid way of gaining understanding is at the heart of how I approach offering caring and therapeutic support.
See more therapy options for Ontario
LGBTQ+ Counsellors
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialised training, either during their degree programme or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalisation in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialised training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.