Join The 519 during the 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.]

Speakers:

• 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
• Councillor Chris Moise, Ward 13 – Toronto Centre
• Ian McKnight, Director of Programs and Services, PWA
• Lana Payne, Unifor National President

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 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.

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

Please join us! Your presence and your voice counts. Questions? Email us at Community@The519.org