CFS - Sexual Health Centre

Deciding on a birth control method? There are many methods to choose from. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are trying to decide:

❓️Does this type of birth control fit my needs, schedule and lifestyle?
Some birth control must be used every time someone has s*x. Others must be taken daily. Some methods are placed by a medical professional and can stay in for months or years.

Different people are comfortable with different things. Some people are uncomfortable with an injection or having an IUD placed; others aren’t sure they can remember to take a pill every day or remember to have condoms with them every time they have s*x. The best birth control is the one that works for you and your life!

❓️Does this type of birth control fit with my values and beliefs?
Birth control is an individual choice. And just like other choices in life, reflecting on your values and beliefs can help you make the decision that is best for you.

Thinking about your values and beliefs around relationships, s*xuality and health can help you as you consider the many different types of birth control that are available.

❓️Could this type of birth control change my body? Is that OK with me?
Hormonal methods of birth control like the pill or the ring may have side effects. Some people experience them, while others don't. Some people may experience side effects temporarily as their body adjusts, while others might continue to experience them over time.

Some people are okay with the possibility of side effects, while others might not be. If you are unsure, a doctor can provide more information to help you make your decision.

❓️Do I want birth control to also protect me from STIs?
Hormonal birth control does not protect against s*xually transmitted infections (STIs).

Condoms reduce the risk of pregnancy and contracting an STI. Some people choose condoms as their birth control for this reason. Others use hormonal birth control but also use condoms for STI protection and as an added layer of protection against pregnancy. Thinking about your s*xual health needs holistically can help you decide what birth control method (or methods!) might be right for you.

❓️What other information do I need to make my choice?
The best birth control is the one you feel good about using, and different people need different information in order to feel good about a decision.

Don’t be afraid to seek out any other information you need in order to make your choice. You can ask a doctor or a trusted adult, or our team is equipped to offer information about the many different kinds of birth control that are available.

Taking the time to learn about your options will help you make the right choice for you and your body.

businesses, we need your help to make our campers' experience at Camp fYrefly even better!⁠
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Every year, we welcome 2SLGBTQ+ youth to Camp fYrefly for a five-day retreat of fun, education and self-discovery. Our campers get swag bags full of small goodies to enhance their experience at Camp and beyond. From small accessories to books to art supplies, local businesses help us fill our bags with fun items.⁠
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If you can donate any of the following items for about 60 campers aged 13-17, please reach out to our Camp team at campfyrefly@centrefors*xuality.ca or send us a DM!⁠
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✨️ Pride-themed accessories ⁠
✨️ Inspirational books or novels that promote self-acceptance and diversity ⁠
✨️ Stationary/Art Supplies ⁠
✨️ Reusable straws/cutlery ⁠
✨️ Sensory items, like fidget toys or ear plugs ⁠
✨️ Outdoor recreational accessories (i.e. bandanas, buffs, carabiners, etc.) ⁠
✨️ Pins, stickers, local art ⁠
✨️ Makeup⁠
✨️ Jewelry⁠
✨️ Wellness items like lip balm, hand sanitizer, deodorant, sunscreen, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, hand cream, etc.⁠
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Your generosity will help our campers have the best week ever! Learn more about camp at https://www.centrefors*xuality.ca/programs-services/2slgbtq-programs/camp-fyrefly.

Our dedicated STI testing nights for gay, bis*xual and other men who have s*x with men provide testing by appointment in an inclusive, non-judgmental environment.

"Having access to this clinic has made it so much easier to stay on top of routine testing. The nurses and staff are always very friendly and go above and beyond. It’s a very safe space with no judgment. I’m so happy to have found this clinic and often advise s*xual partners of its existence."

Book your appointment at https://www.centrefors*xuality.ca/programs-services/sti-testing-services/sti-testing-gbmsm.

Drag ☑️ Live entertainment ☑️ DJ set by RuPaul ☑️ A chance to support Centre for Sexuality ☑️⁠
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Drag Me to Cowboys is coming on July 11 and when you use our promo code to buy your tickets, you get a discount AND the proceeds come back to us! Enter the code CFS26 at checkout at https://www.tixr.com/groups/cowboysmusicfestival/events/2026-drag-me-to-cowboys-190287. Event is 18+.

Applications for this year's Camp fYrefly Artist in Residence are now open!

Each year, Camp has an Artist in Residence to deliver a range of art-based content for Camp fYrefly participants. We are looking for an emerging or established artist with demonstrated a commitment to innovation, community building, an understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ experiences and identities, experience working with youth, leadership experience and an interest in social art practices in combination with other primary physical mediums (i.e. visual arts, theatre arts, literary, etc.).

In 2026, we are extending the program beyond camp to include a chance to deliver up to 3 additional workshops post-camp, allowing the opportunity for the artist to reflect on their residency at camp and integrate their social practice learnings and then sharing them with the fYrefly community.

The Artist in Residence can receive up to $2700 in honoraria.

Learn more about the role and submit your application by July 3 at https://www.centrefors*xuality.ca/programs-services/2slgbtq-programs/camp-fyrefly.

This month's Indigiqueeries is taking place on Monday, June 15! Indigiqueeries is our monthly gathering for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer folks to connect to like-minded people in their community. It is designed just for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people to attend, to allow folks to participate in identity-specific discussions and artmaking.⁠
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Food is provided. Sign up for free at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigiqueeries-a-two-spirit-cafe-series-tickets-1980888521893?aff=oddtdtcreator.

We're offering free lunch and learns for parents who want to have better conversations with their kids.

Conversations about s*xuality and s*xual health can be awkward, but given the right tools and skills, any parent can approach these talks with comfort and confidence. On June 15 and 16, join our facilitators for a virtual chat about puberty, supporting healthy development and tools to help youth with healthy decision-making.

Sign up with the QR code or at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xdSneLQeQxqdREvJrtB2ew.

Our party of the month is back 📅 We get it. Periods can be scary. Confusing. Hard to talk about. Awkward. Cringe. But they can also be fun!⁠
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We are hosting an evening of games, crafts, experiments and Q&A on Tuesday, June 16 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. If you child has questions about periods, where they come from and what to expect, our Party Facilitators are at the ready to make learning about our bodies fun!⁠
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This session is for youth only, but we will send participants home with activities for parents and kids to do together!⁠
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Registration is required. Sign up at https://www.showpass.com/period-party-3.

June is Pride Month in Alberta and around the world 🌈

We're so proud of our long history of supporting 2SLGBTQ+ communities through programs, services and advocacy. From Camp fYrefly to our Gay Men's Health Program to our Two-Spirit specific work, the Centre is committed to providing safe spaces, creating connected communities and advocating to reduce the stigma and discrimination that still exists for 2SLGBTQ+ people.

Happy Pride Month!

There are still so many myths and misunderstandings around s*xual violence: when it happens, why it happens and who it happens to.⁠
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May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Take some time to read about common myths around s*xual violence:⁠
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❌️ "Most s*xual violence is committed by strangers."⁠
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✔️ Most people who experience s*xual violence know the person responsible. This can include friends, partners, acquaintances, coworkers or family members. This reality can make it more difficult to recognize, disclose, or report the harm, especially when trust, dependence or power dynamics are involved.⁠
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❌️ "People who report s*xual violence are often lying or exaggerating."⁠
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✔️ Research finds that s*xual violence is not falsely reported any more than other crimes. Sexual violence is also significantly under-reported. Many people choose not to report s*xual violence due to fear of retaliation, stigma, not being believed or the potential trauma of a legal process, meaning reported cases represent only a fraction of actual incidents.⁠
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❌️ "Sexual violence only happens in specific places or situations."⁠
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✔️ Research finds that s*xual violence is not falsely reported any more than other crimes. Sexual violence is also significantly under-reported. Many people choose not to report s*xual violence due to fear of retaliation, stigma, not being believed or the potential trauma of a legal process, meaning reported cases represent only a fraction of actual incidents.⁠
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❌️ "It's not s*xual violence if no one said 'no' or fought back."⁠
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✔️ Consent must be clearly communicated, ongoing, and freely given. It cannot be assumed or implied. People may freeze, comply or not respond due to fear, shock, coercion or power imbalance. These are common and valid trauma responses and do not equal consent.⁠
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For more information and resources about s*xual violence, visit www.centrefors*xuality.ca/learning-centre-category/s*xual-violence.