Making Breast Cancer Support Groups Work for Lesbian and Bisexual Women: Tips for Increasing Inclusivity

This a tip sheet created by Making Us Visible, a partnership project between Sherbourne Health, Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative, Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto, Willow Breast Cancer Support and Resource Services, and the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto.

The goal of the project was to promote access to breast health and breast cancer services for lesbian and bisexual women, and it was funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

This tip sheet is for facilitators and organizers of both professionally-led and peer-facilitated breast cancer support groups. It is designed to help you better serve and include lesbian and bisexual women in your group.

Although there are specific breast cancer support groups for lesbian and bisexual women in some areas, this is not the case in the vast majority of communities. As well, some lesbian and bisexual women may prefer to attend a group that is open to all women.