Toronto LGBT leader to weigh-in on plans for Vancouver’s new QMUNITY centre

Executive Director of The 519 in Toronto will deliver keynote address at QMUNITY’s first interactive community consultation in Vancouver tomorrow

Tuesday 26 May 2015 (Vancouver, BC) – The leader of one of Toronto’s most innovative public agencies will share her insights with a Vancouver audience as the city seeks a site for a new, 10,000-square-foot queer community centre.



Maura Lawless, Executive Director of The 519, will address the Building QMUNITY Consultation Dialogue on May 27, bringing a range of experience in the effective management of LGBTQ positive space. Founded in 1976, The 519 is a City of Toronto agency that has recently expanded its footprint with forays into for-profit consulting and the planned development of The 519 Recreation Centre, the first-of-its-kind municipal facility dedicated to LGBTQ inclusion in sport.



The 519 has more than doubled its revenue over the past six years, even as its core public funding has remained stable. The new QMUNITY facility is being developed with $7 million in funding from Vancouver City Council.



Maura is available to speak to:

• Addressing the diverse needs of the LGBTQ community within the municipal context
• Creating safe, inspiring, and multi-purpose space that can evolve with the needs of the community
• Balancing advocacy work with public service
• The importance of resource development in the LGBTQ space.

Event details:

• Building QMUNITY Consultation Dialogue
• Segal Building, Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre
• 500 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1W6
• May 27, 2015 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Maura’s keynote will begin at approximately 10:30AM and she will be available for interviews on-site.

Full text of her address will be posted online following the event here http://www.the519.org/news/remarks-qmunity

 

To arrange an interview, please contact:

Matthew Cutler,

Director, Strategic Partnership Initiatives

MCutler@The519.org | 647.828.1653

About The 519:

The 519 is a City of Toronto agency that contributes to the advancement of LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Toronto and beyond. For 40 years, our innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership has made a real difference in people’s lives, while working to promote broader inclusion, understanding and respect.



We provide direct service to members of the LGBTQ community; provide free, accommodating and non-judgemental space to individuals, organizations and non-profit groups; and advocate for progress by sharing the knowledge and insight we gather on the ground through consulting and workshop services, research and public engagement campaigns.

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