Norie: Don’t Hide Who You Are, Let’s Be Proud!

September 2024

Whether at our Beach Day or holiday parties, it’s hard to miss Norie. Her infectious smile and vibrant energy remind us of the importance of trans joy every day.

Finding safe spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth at The 519’s Youth Action and Arts Space.

September 2024

Queer and trans youth are still fighting for safe spaces. M and her two kids, Z and T, started coming to The 519’s Youth Action and Arts Space (YAAS) in…

Jaris Swidrovich: Lifting up unexpected perspectives on The 519 board

August 2024

Jaris Swidrovich (he/they), who currently serves on The 519 Board of Management, is an outspoken advocate in the community. He is a 2 Spirit, queer, disabled, Saulteaux, and Ukrainian pharmacist…

Sush: Cooking with Salt, Pepper, and Love!

June 2024

Sush joined The 519 Trans People of Colour Project (TPOC) in 2020 where she began cooking and sharing meals with other trans folks of colour, while supporting the community in various ways. She soon began supporting The 519’s food security initiatives, cooking for the Frozen Meals and various other meal programs.

Volunteering with Abuelita Norma

June 2024

“A lot of people reject elders like me, like we are not capable, but not here. Here I feel stronger, braver, welcomed, respected, and that I can give back just...

Davi: From Hiding to Hope

June 2024

Davi is a convention refugee from Jamaica who attends Black Health and Wellness Hub at The 519. Coming from a country where one could be killed for being gay, Davi find his culture and his sexuality being affirmed at The 519.

Jayan: Youth Activism Today and Tomorrow

May 2024

Jayan has been attending our Building Power Youth Advocacy Program for a year, and his passion and leadership are obvious to anyone who meets him.

From the Village: Connie Langille on the promise of The Village

May 2024

“There is so much promise and potential in this neighbourhood. If we get cranky and say, ‘It’s all gone to hell in a handbasket,’ then we are admitting to ourselves…

From the Village: Nik Redman reflects on Trans Fathers 2B

November 2023

Today is Trans Parent Day, celebrated every year on the first Sunday of November, so we caught up with Nik Redman to talk about a program he helped facilitate in…

Jerry: Leading with Love

September 2023

In 2005, seven months into their role in The 519’s EarlyON program, Jerry Lee, Child and Family Support Programs Coordinator, shared some thoughts about their experience so far in The...

From the Village: Toronto Bi+ Network’s Tara Schorr on Bi+ Visibility Day

September 2023

Today is Bi+ Visibility Day, so we caught up with Tara Schorr from the Toronto Bi+ Network to talk about the organization, and the state of bisexuality.   The most common…

From the Village: Chanelle Gallant on the 23rd anniversary of the Pussy Palace raid.

September 2023

On September 14, 2000, Pussy Palace – a bathhouse event for women and trans folks – was getting into full swing. It was their fourth event in two years, where…

From The Village: Patrick Fahn, AIDS Memorial Architect

July 2023

Existing in the stillness of Barbara Hall Park, amid the bustle of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ Village, the AIDS Memorial has come to mean many things to many people. Opened in 1993,...

From The Village: Marcy

May 2023

Later this month, Marcy Rogers will be retiring from a 14-year stint behind the sandwich counter of Pusateri’s on Church Street. The Dora-nominated playwright has nourished countless people not just...

Mayumi: The More We Are Together, The Happier We’ll Be 

December 2022

 During her time at The 519, Mayumi has learned about the possibility and beauty of families of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and configurations. From parent to volunteer to now staff member, she is giving back in several ways.

Kirina: Transitioning Every Day, in Every Way

December 2022

The 519’s trans programs gave to Kirina what many trans folks need – community, healing, wisdom, and support. She also hopes for health care and related supports to be more trans-affirming. 

Gloria: Among New Friends

December 2022

Gloria is a familiar and friendly face at The 519. Be it volunteering in a program or at Green Space Festival, her vibrant spirit and willingness to give back to community always shine through.

Frank: Better When He’s Dancing

November 2022

Frank came to The 519 in 1991 as a youngster. Struggling at the intersections of a conservative faith and his sexual orientation, he yearned for community, love, acceptance, and affirmation....

Building Community with Tea

April 2020

Kyle Scanlon Memorial Fund Impact Story

Sexual Assault Centre (SAC) of Brant, recipient of our Kyle Scanlon Memorial Fund, shares how they put their funding to use during the COVID-19 crisis. A cup of tea can…

Trauma-Informed Services for LGBTQ2S Communities

December 2019

Supporting LGBTQ2S Communities

“One thing we all have in common is the experience of being human – of having the dream to have a safe, fulfilling life. That for me is the point…

Mentoring Trans and Non-binary Youth

December 2019

Impact Through Mentorship for Trans and Non-Binary Youth

An Interview with Delphi Araya – Coordinator, Trans Youth Mentorship Program The 519’s Trans Youth Mentorship Program (TYMP) provides meaningful skills and training to trans, two-spirit, non-binary, and gender diverse…

Aiming for the Sky

December 2019

Impact Through Mentorship for Trans and Non-Binary Youth

Sofia knew that she identified as a girl from a very young age. But it took many years for her to come out as a trans woman. It was three…

Gratitude for Older LGBTQ2S Adults

December 2019

Impact Through Supporting LGBTQ2S Adults

“Many of the older LGBTQ2S people fought for many of the freedoms we enjoy today. Let’s say a little thank you by supporting them.” An Interview with Moji Shirazi –…

We Shall Overcome Someday

December 2019

Impact Through Supporting LGBTQ Refugees

The emotional trauma of not being able to live a safe and authentic life with her partner in Jamaica was getting unbearable. So Chris made the difficult decision to leave…

Rediscovering Life

December 2019

Impact Through Supporting LGBTQ Refugees

Gloria arrived in Canada less than a year ago from Nigeria, fleeing persecution for being a queer woman. Despite the trauma she had endured, and the challenges she is currently…

Bolder and Stronger, Together

December 2019

Impact Through Supporting Older LGBTQ2S Adults

“I am happy that I can use my own lived experience and be a connecting point for a lot of older people.” In conversation with Jo Jefferson – LGBTQ2S Seniors…

Solidarity Forever

December 2019

Impact Through Supporting Older LGBTQ2S Adults

Lawrence happily calls himself a “Proud Gay Grampy.” Bob cherishes being raised by older drag queen mothers. They instantly connected as friends after being paired through The 519’s Pals Connect…

Out of the Closets, Into the Streets

October 2019

Impact Through Supporting LGBTQ Refugees

The first time Harvey* visited the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood, he felt overwhelmed, and left right away. He had spent his entire life in the closet, and the sight of rainbow flags…

Animating Their Story

August 2019

Impact Through Youth Engagement

Teddy felt isolated after coming out. All that changed when they found community and explored opportunities for their artistic expression. For Teddy, school was difficult, especially after coming out as...

A Lifetime of Reflection

July 2019

Impact Through Community Support

Carol came out to her parents when she was 42 years old. Now 75, she continues to seek safe spaces where she can be herself without fear of exclusion. She…

A Woman of Colour

December 2018

Supporting Trans People of Colour

Evana Ortigoza comes in every Tuesday to participate in the Trans People of Colour (TPOC) project at The 519 as a peer leader. But her relationship with us spans two…

A Heart of Gold

December 2018

Supporting LGBTQ refugees

He came to Canada as a student to learn English. He stayed in Canada as an LGBTQ refugee to live a life free of discrimination. Luis couldn’t speak a single…

Claiming Her Rights

June 2018

Supporting LGBTQ Refugees in Canada

Deborah identifies as a black lesbian feminist with a resolve developed over a long journey of self-discovery that led to her claiming refuge in Canada.  Deborah came to Canada as…

Volunteering at The 519

March 2018

Giving Back The Support

A newcomer, refugee claimant, and a volunteer at The 519, Justin has been keeping busy in his first year in Canada.  If Justin is not at The 519 to attend…

Providing Safe Space and Delicious Food

January 2018

Drop-in on a Sunday

Sunday Drop-In is our weekly food program that offers a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ2S people of all ages who may be experiencing poverty, homelessness, underhousing or social isolation. The LGBTQ2S…

Providing Free and Inclusive Space for Change

October 2017

Changing The Legacy

A previous program participant of our refugee program, Among Friends, and now a staff member at The 519, Sebastian decided to initiate an advocacy group called Canadian Legacy Refugee Advocacy and…

Engaging Community and Promoting Diversity

September 2017

Fay & Fluffy's Storytime: Reading is FUNdamental – with The 519

Reading stories to children is amazing. Reading stories that depict diversity of families, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions is even more amazing. And when you have two drag performance artists…

Providing space and leadership to impact change

June 2017

Let's Talk About The World

Pride is a time for great celebrations, but it is also a time for greater deliberation and dialogues. Through the series of human rights panels The 519 hosted or co-hosted this…

Alex is Among Friends

June 2017

Supporting LGBTQ Refugees in Canada

A refugee claimant from Eastern Europe, Alex is an active member of The 519’s Among Friends program, which offers information sessions and events on subjects relevant to the claims process, and inclusive…