A 2SLGBTQI Nightlife Safety Guide

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Before Going Out | While Out | Getting Home Safely
After the Night Out | Additional Resources

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Disclaimer: While this resource offers tips and strategies to help you have a safer night out, it’s important to remember that there is no guaranteed way to be completely safe. Risk can never be fully eliminated, but being informed and prepared can help you make choices that prioritize your well-being.

Anti-2SLGBTQI hate has been steadily increasing across Canada, posing significant concerns for the safety and well-being of individuals within 2SLGBTQI communities.

From acts of discrimination and verbal harassment to physical violence, the growing presence of hate against 2SLGBTQI individuals calls for heightened awareness and proactive measures to ensure safety in public spaces.

In the context of socializing and enjoying life, whether you’re heading to a bar, a club, or attending a community event, it’s crucial to remember that safety and enjoyment should go hand-in-hand. These spaces, meant to foster connection and expression, should always be welcoming and secure for everyone, regardless of sexual attraction, gender identity, or expression. However, given the current rise in hate incidents, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself, your friends, and communities at large.

Before Going Out – Plan Ahead

1. Create A Safety Plan

  • Let a trusted friend or (chosen) family member know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
  • Set a check-in system: Agree on regular check-ins with your group or someone outside the event.

2. Pack Essentials

  • ID and money (cash and card).
  • Fully charged phone and a portable charger.
  • Emergency contacts saved in your phone under.
  • Personal safety items, such as a whistle. (Note: Canadian law does not allow the possession of pepper spray.)

While Out

1. Stay with Trusted Company

  • Go with friends or a group whenever possible.
  • Agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

  • Keep an eye on your drink: Never leave it unattended and be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers.
  • Note exits and emergency protocols when you enter a venue.

3. Alcohol or Substance Intake

  • Know your limits and pace yourself.
  • Stay hydrated and take breaks if you need to.
  • When possible, have a designated sober person or someone
  • who will limit their alcohol/substance consumption.
  • Carry and know how to use naloxone kits.

4. Stand Firm Against Harassment

  • If someone makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts
  • and remove yourself from the situation.
  • Alert venue staff or security if you feel unsafe.

5. Navigating Social Interactions

  • Know your own boundaries and be comfortable with setting them.
  • Clearly communicate your limits with friends and new acquaintances.
  • Don’t feel obligated to engage in conversations or activities that make you uneasy.

6. Find Allies

  • Connect with other queer or trans individuals at the venue.
  • Seek out affirming spaces where you can feel supported.

7. De-escalate if Necessary

  • If confronted, stay calm and try to exit the situation without escalating it.

What if I am the victim or a hate crime or hate incident?

First, and most importantly, get to a safe place as soon as you can.
If you’re physically injured, consider seeking medical attention right away. Consider whether you need to call someone you trust to help you get home or somewhere else where you feel safe.

Regardless of whether you choose to report the crime, it’s a good idea to write down everything you remember as soon as you can, and to ask (or have event staff ask) witnesses for their recollections or any videos or photos they may have taken. You might also want to report the crime to the organizers of the event.

Supports for victims of hate crime will vary depending on where you live. Often, you can access helplines or community resources that can help you find the support you need. Many people who have survived incidents of hate benefit from counselling or similar mental health care (see additional resources).

Remember that it’s your choice whether or not you want to report the crime or incident to the police.

Getting Home Safely

1. Use Trusted Transportation

Pre-arrange a ride with a friend, use a rideshare app, or take public transportation.

Safety Tips for Public Transit

  • Know/plan your route ahead of time and tell someone you trust.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings. If using earbuds/headphones, lower the audio. If you’re reading or on your phone, look up frequently.
  • If someone or something is causing you anxiety, get off and wait for the next bus/train.
  • Most bus transit systems have a Request A Stop feature that allows passengers to request a stop between regular bus stops. Check your local bus transit system for details.
  • Engage transit operators when you’re feeling unsafe.

Safety Tips for Rideshares

  • Before you get in, verify your rideshare. Make sure the driver’s information (license plate number, make and model of car) matches the details on the app. Ask the driver who they’re here to pick up.
  • Share your ride details with a friend. Details to include are, pick up location, destination, estimated time of arrival, driver’s name/photo, make and model of the car, license plate number.
  • Ride in the back seat. Check that the child safety lock is off by briefly opening the door again after you close it, or by checking for the lock lever. There is usually a lever on the inside of the door, if the lever is up, the child safety is off. If the lever is down, the lock has been activated and you will not be able to open the car door on your own.
  • Be aware of your route and pay attention to the streets and places around you to ensure your driver is going in the correct direction.
  • Calling a friend and /or indicating that someone is waiting for you could serve as a deterrent.
  • Do not share personal information.
  • Familiarize yourself with the app’s own safety features.

3. Travel Together

  • Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  • Leave the venue with your group or a trusted companion.
  • If you must leave alone, let someone know your departure time and route.

4. Stay Alert

  • Keep your phone handy and avoid distractions like loud music or texting while walking or riding.

After the Night Out

1. Check-In

  • Let your designated contact know you’ve arrived home safely.
  • Check on your friends as well.

2. Reflect on the Experience and Self-Care

  • Note any moments where you felt unsafe and brainstorm ways to address them in the future.
  • Rest and hydrate to recover from the night.
  • Celebrate the positive moments and recharge for the next outing.

Additional Resources

Pride Safety Toolkits – For event attendees, event organizers, and protests.

Egale Explains: Hate Crimes Vs. Hate Incidents

Support Resources

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, also the Victims Services Directory.    

Mental Health Supports a list of resources, help and crisis lines from the Government of Canada (includes provincial directories). 

LGBT Youth Line Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through telephone (1-800-268-9688), text (647-694-4275) and chat services.  

Kids Help Phone Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health services are available 24/7 across Canada. Get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868. 

pflag Canada offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. 

Health811 Telehealth option to connect with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure and confidential health advice. 

Across Boundaries Mental health and addictions services and support for QTBIPOC folks. 

Hope for Wellness Helpline If you’re experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, call the First Nations, Métis & Inuit Hope for Wellness. 

Trans Lifeline Peer support services, hotline, and resources for transgender people. 

SELF 14 Self-Care Activities Black LGBTQ+ Folks Are Relying on Right Now. 

This resource is part of Egale Canada’s work to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate. Use Egale’s Rainbow Action Hub to find more resources and tools to combat the rise of anti-2SLGBTQI hate.

Lead Ontario Partner

This resource was made possible thanks to the support of the LCBO,
the Lead Ontario Partner of Egale Canada’s Rainbow Action Hub.