We are an Army of Lovers. And we want YOU!

March for Refugee Rights 2024

RSVP via Eventbrite

Join The 519 during Rainbow Week of Action – together with our communities, allies, and partner organizations serving LGBTQ+ refugees – to amplify our urgent plea for support for LGBTQ+ refugees.

  • When: Thursday, May 16, 2024
  • Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm
  • Where: Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.]

Featuring speeches by:

  • Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP Toronto Centre
  • Fae Johnstone, Executive Director and Co-Owner of Wisdom2Action (W2A)
  • Lisa Duplessis, Director of Programs and Community Services, The 519
  • Debbie Douglas, Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)

Schedule:

11:30 am to 12:00 pm: Meet at Barbara Hall Park and Rally

Closest TTC station to Barbara Hall Park: Wellesley [16 Wellesley St. E.] on the yellow line.

12:00 to 1:30 pm: Community March

Following a rally and speeches, we’ll march in community. From Barbara Hall Park, we’ll march west down Wellesley St., up Yonge St. to Bloor St., then westwards on Bloor St. to Avenue Rd., south on Avenue Rd. to Queen’s Park, and east across Wellesley St. to return to Barbara Hall Park.

Registration is optional but appreciated. If this event sells out and tickets are unavailable, you are still welcome. Please join us! Your presence and your voice counts.

Partner organizations: Pride Toronto, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), Sojourn House Toronto, FCJ Refugee Centre, Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University, Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services, Rainbow Railroad

PDF: March for LGBTQ+ Rights Poster

Why are we marching?

2SLGBTQ+ people are under attack. Far-right groups and cynical politicians are scapegoating 2 Spirit, queer, and trans people for political gain. Using age-old tactics, they seek to stigmatize diversity, control our bodies, and maintain a system that favours their agenda. LGBTQ+ refugees are among those most impacted.

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBT). Joining Queer Momentum as part of the National Rainbow Week of Action (May 11 to 17) being observed across the country, we’re uniting with community, allies, and partner organizations serving LGBTQ+ refugees to amplify our urgent plea for support for LGBTQ+ refugees. We’re calling on governments and elected officials at every level to defend the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians, including refugees and newcomers.

Note about media presence:

This is a public event in a public space. Broadcast media will likely show up. To learn tips on how to stay anonymous at a protest, check out our resource below.

PDF: Tips to staying anonymous at a protest

BE A BRAVE, VISIBLE ALLY TODAY AND EVERY DAY

We want YOU.
Join our Army of Lovers and fight back hate!