Centre for Sexuality is a nationally recognized, community-based organization delivering programs and services to normalize sexuality and sexual health across the lifespan. We provide evidence-informed, non-judgmental sexual health programs and services. Our work is community-based and prevention-focused.

We have been leading the way in the areas of sexuality, healthy relationships, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, equality and consent since our founding in 1972.

Our Vision: Sexual well-being for all.

Our Work

We work with youth, adults, families and professionals to support sexual health, healthy sexuality and inclusive, safe environments for all. Our programs can be broken down into several categories:

Youth programs: Centre for Sexuality teaches individuals how to achieve healthy relationships through decision-making, communication and consent.

WiseGuyz

WiseGuyz is an evidence-informed program for adolescent boys aged 13 to 15 that promotes healthy relationships, sexual health and social inclusion. Traditional masculine norms like emotional suppression, dominance and aggression are linked to poor mental health, reduced help-seeking, violence, bullying and social exclusion. WiseGuyz uses a preventive, inclusive approach to guide participants toward healthier ways of being a guy.

The program focuses on challenging harmful gender norms, strengthening communication and relationship skills, preventing dating violence, fostering inclusion and reducing homophobia and gender-based violence.

The Centre began WiseGuyz in 2010; since then, the program has expanded to reach boys in elementary school and young men in the criminal justice system. We are now scaling the program across the country by training organizations to facilitate the program in their own community.

Girls Program and WiseGirls

The Girls Program is an interactive, evidence-informed program that supports girls aged 9 to 11 in building a sense of belonging and confidence as they navigate puberty and adolescence. Using a participatory approach, it strengthens social-emotional skills and knowledge to help girls develop healthy bodies, relationships and communities while fostering confidence, resilience and overall wellbeing.

The curriculum includes topics such as puberty, self-esteem, body image, media literacy, social inclusion, gender norms and healthy relationships. A parent/caregiver component strengthens adults’ ability to support and reinforce learning at home.

The program aims to build girls’ coping skills, self-esteem and social support, leading to increased resilience over time. Ultimately, it supports girls to grow into confident, healthy individuals who are safe, empowered and able to contribute to inclusive, caring communities.

We are now also offering WiseGirls, a program for young women in junior high.

Comprehensive Relationship and Sexual Health Education (RSE)

We have been delivering comprehensive Relationship and Sexual Health Education (RSE) programs in schools since 1975. RSE follows best practices guidelines and established frameworks for sexual health, relationship and violence prevention education and is linked to the Alberta Learning Curriculum outcomes.

We talk about consent, healthy relationships, bullying, homophobia, diversity and media literacy. The program equips youth to have conversations with their partners and make responsible, informed decisions for themselves based on their own values.

Through the RSE program, we offer youth the opportunity to build their knowledge, skills and motivation to make informed, healthy choices about their bodies, relationships and sexuality.

Training Centre

Since 2009, the Training Centre has delivered a comprehensive range of workshops for professionals across sectors. With over 75,000 professionals trained, we have built strong partnerships and a well-established reputation for excellence. Our work is evidence-based and measurement-driven, ensuring outcomes grounded in data.

We provide training to professionals across Canada — including teachers, healthcare providers, social workers, emergency responders, youth leaders, HR specialists, and corporate and nonprofit teams — equipping them with practical strategies to foster inclusion and create safer environments for staff, clients and customers.

In recent years, we have expanded our work with small and medium enterprises and large corporations, supporting the creation of more inclusive workplaces for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. We recognize that workplaces are shaped by relationships, power dynamics, diversity and respect, all of which impact productivity, morale and retention.

Through a range of services like lunch-and-learns, HR-focused training, in-depth workshops, ERG support and tailored 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion action plans, we help organizations build more inclusive and equitable workplace cultures.

Our 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion Work

The Centre for Sexuality has a long history in supporting 2SLGBTQ+ communities through programs, services and advocacy. 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.

Our 2SLGBTQ+ work includes:

• Camp fYrefly: Since 2013, the Centre for Sexuality has been proudly hosting Camp fYrefly, a five-day camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth at the YMCA’s Camp Chief Hector in Kananaskis country. Highlights of camp include workshops and outdoor activities, an Artist and a Two-Spirit Elder in residence, community-building and opportunities for connection. Participants consistently report that Camp fYrefly is a transformational experience. They find a safe place to explore their identity and make meaningful connections; campers leave with increased self esteem, a deep sense of belonging and a recognition that they are part of a supportive community – 365 days a year.
• Gay Men’s Health Program: We know that Two Spirit, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (2SGBTQ+) men have unique needs and experiences when it comes to their health. We also know that the community does not always have the spaces and places to connect with each other to build knowledge and skills. Centre for Sexuality offers a variety of programming for 2SGBTQ+ guys to address some of these needs and create opportunities for connection and learning in Calgary and area. Specialized services include community engagement and events, STBBI testing for queer men and our Totally Outright health education and leadership program.
• Where the Rivers Meet YYC is a program dedicated to serving the Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer community. What began as a Needs Assessment to identify the gaps in programming for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer youth has transformed into a free program aimed at creating community through various program offerings. These include increasing visibility of Two-Spirit identities in Treaty 7, expanding knowledge of Two-Spirit identities through education and increasing opportunities for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer individuals to connect with each other through events.
• 2SLGBTQ+ Natural Supports Program: Counselling and one-on-one support for youth and families during the coming out process.
• Free counselling for 2SLGBTQ+ people of all ages looking for support around sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Calgary Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Network: Bringing together and supporting GSAs in Calgary and rural communities.

Parent Programs

Everyone wants their child to be healthy and happy with their bodies, in their relationships and in the community. We provide programs to parents to build their comfort and skill in talking to their kids about sex, sexuality and relationships. Our group workshops, parent programs and counselling help parents learn how to have these important conversations with their child in a way that fits with their values and supports their child’s growth and learning.

Population-Specific Programs

Everyone deserves relevant information and resources regarding sexual health, sexuality and healthy relationships. We offer programs for specific populations including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also offer adapted versions of our programming, like RSE for Indigenous populations or gender-specific programs for ethnocultural communities.