BiWorld International News

Canada

24 August 1996; updated through May, 1999

Ontario

The Ontario Bisexual Network, in existence since 1989 and based in Toronto, serves as a loose organization of several bisexual groups from across the province of Ontario. It is the hope of the OBN to provide a voice for bisexual concerns in the heterosexual and lesbian/gay/transgender communities as well as serve as a place for information about bisexuality. Information about the OBN and its activities can be found by telephone at (416) 925-9872, extension 2049, or by e-mail at steve@bi.org.

The following is a listing of OBN member groups:

• Bisexual Essex County Support Team (BEST)
  Meets in Windsor on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.. BEST is a support, discussion and social group. For more information call Brenda at (519) 735-9815.
  
• Bisexual Women of Toronto
  This is a non-profit group of bisexual women who meet once a month for support, discussion and the planning of social events. Our group is open to any woman who is bisexual or is interested in bisexuality. We offer a safe space to discuss issues about bisexuality, a support group and social network for bisexual women, a resource for information and referral to other bisexual organizations and services, and an opportunity to become politically involved in bisexual issues and to work with other local, provincial and national organizations on bisexuality. We meet at the 519 Church Street Community Centre in downtown Toronto on every second Monday of the month from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information call (416) 925-9872, extension 2198, for the latest news and contact numbers.
• Toronto Bisexual Network
  The Toronto Bisexual Network encourages and nurtures an atmosphere where bisexual women, men, their friends and lovers can meet and interact freely and confidentially. All discussions at our meetings remain confidential. We value any suggestions to increase bisexual visibility, both locally and to the world at large. The TBN, however, is not just about meetings. We want to foster a sense of community in the greatest ways possible, through activism, pot luck dinners, outings, safer sex education, social events and movie nights, just to name a few. We meet at the 519 Church Street Community Centre in downtown Toronto, on every third Thursday of the month from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information, call (416) 925-9872, extension 2015, for the latest news and contact numbers, or e-mail steve@bi.org .
• Ottawa Bisexual Women's Discussion Group
  A discussion and support group for bisexual women in the National Capital Region (and beyond), meeting on the third Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m. The location is Pink Triangle Services, 71 Bank Street in Ottawa. Use the buzzer to be admitted. For more information, call (613) 237-9872, extension 2117.
• London Bisexual Network
  A Support/ Discussion Networking Group
  Open to all Bi and Bi-Curious men and women.
  Meeting at Halo (649 Colborne St., 2nd Floor)
  8:00- 10:00 p.m. every 3rd Thursday of every month.

  For more information call LBN 686-8846 or Halo 433-3762
  E-mail: lbn_halo@hotmail.com

  At the London Bisexual Network, we hope to provide an atmosphere where bisexuals can feel accepted and begin to find their place in the community. We discuss myths and stereotypes, partnership choices and some of the unique issues of bis exuality. At the London Bisexual Network we see bisexuality not as somewhere in between being gay or straight, but as a distinct sexual orientation, complete with its own feelings, issues and perspectives. We believe bisexuality to be a unique and valid sexual orientation.

Stephen Harvey, Coordinator
Ontario Bisexual Network
steve@bi.org

And here are some Ontario groups which are not specifically bi:

• Lesbian Gay Bi Youth Line of Ontario (Toronto)
  This is a phone-in support line whose mandate is to provide a safe and confidential place for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered youth to access support and information. Its phone line is free to call within Ontario, and is active from 3:00 to 11:00 PM seven days a week (Eastern Time). The phone line is currently on hiatus and is scheduled to return to service on June 28, 1998.
  
• The Humber College LGB Club (Etobicoke/Toronto)
  This club provides education on Lesbian, gay & bisexual issues and support for the lesbian, gay & bisexual students of Humber College. Social events are also organized at which LGB students may meet and network.
  
• Lakehead University: Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Centre (Thunderbay)
  This organization is an education, lobbying, support and referral service providing a safe place for gay, lesbian and bisexual students. This organization is also developing a resource library focused on LGB concerns and interests.
  

Alberta

British Columbia

"Something Purple" Dance

BiNET BC had its first fund-raising dance and performance show. It was entitled "Something Purple", with attendees encouraged to wear various articles of clothing and/or accessories in that colour.

The dance was held on Saturday July 5th, 1997 at Ms. T's Cabaret. This dance was organized by the fund-raising committee of BiNET BC as one of several events planned to raise money for the upcoming Second Annual Bisexual Conference held in early September.

During the years to come, BiNET BC's fund-raising committee shall be organizing events to raise funds to serve the needs of BC's bisexual community. This is a full time year round endeavour to provide fun and safe venues for bisexuals and bi-friendly people to meet and have lots of fun.

BiNET BC

There are four bisexual groups and services in Vancouver that fall under the umbrella of the British Columbia Bisexual Network (BiNET):

• BiLine (604) 875-6336
  This is a 24 hr. bisexual information line which has a recorded message giving the caller dates and times of meetings and events plus general information about Vancouver's bisexual community. The BiLine is answered in person every Monday evening from 8:30-10:30 pm to provide counseling around bisexual issues.
  
• BiFace (Bi Friends, Acknowledging a Common Existence)
  This is a discussion and support group, open to both women and men. The group covers both community and personal issues. A non-judgemental atmosphere is emphasized. Meetings are on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. The location of the meetings vary, but may be found out by calling Vancouver's BiLine. BiFace is a non-profit organization, funded solely by its members, therefore there is a $3.00 drop in fee. Registration is required and may be done by phoning the BiLine.
  
• Options
  This is a social group open to women and men. This group was formed to provide a "night out" for those who do not require support, but desire to share the company of like minded people and friends. Meetings are held at a local lounge on the second and fourth Fridays and sometimes Saturdays of each month beginning at 8:00 pm. Activities include dancing, outdoor activities and in good summer weather, barbecues. No registration is required. Phone the BiLine for locations.
  
• BiCycle
  This group is an outdoors activities group which meets on the fourth sunny Sunday of each month. There is no registration. Up to date information concerning times and locations of BiCycle's events may be obtained by phoning Xtra West's message line at 688-WEST (688 9328), extension 2080. (For BiCycle events this information will be more up to date than Vancouver's BiLine.)
  • Xtra West is an upbeat Vancouver paper geared exclusively towards gay, lesbian and bisexual communities of Greater Vancouver.
  • Xtra West, and Ottawa's Capital Xtra, are offshoots of Toronto's Xtra.
  • Angles is an older Vancouver paper, providing a low key, more politically motivated alternative to Xtra West.

Queer FM

Queer FM is an exciting and informative radio show covering issues regarding the bisexual, lesbian, gay and transgendered communities. Each insightful interview or story is complemented with music by exciting and relevant artists. The hosts, Heather Kitching and Craig Maynard (both bisexual), mix knowledgeable professionalism with a suitable dose of friendly casualness, making Queer FM an approachable and relevant experience to take part in.

Queer FM is aired on CiTR 101.9 FM, the University of British Columbia's campus radio station. This show can be heard from 18:00 to 20:00 hrs every Sunday evening.

British Columbia Bisexual Conference 1997 (Second Annual)

We have two reports from the BCBC 1997:

• Soul Searching and Politics, by S. G. Lee
• On Assignment In Vancouver

More information may be available by e-mail (binetbc@hotmail.com).

BiNET B.C.

Box 53515
984 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 1K0, Canada
Tel: 604 875 6336
e-mail: binetbc@hotmail.com

Out On Campus (Burnaby)

This is the Simon Fraser University's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender collective.

Québec

Bi-Montreal

National Organizations

Jewish Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Archives

Located in Toronto, this archive is apparently the largest collection of Jewish Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender material in Canada.