The 519

The safety of 2SLGBTQ+ students in Canada is at risk, with provinces like New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta introducing harmful policies. We’ve also seen hateful protests and dehumanizing, false rhetoric online. Hate groups are using 2SLGBTQ+ students as pawns to score political points in a climate where some are looking to create a more bigoted and prejudiced Canada. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party of Canada leader, stands a very good chance of being our next Prime Minister, despite spreading hate and misinformation against trans and gender diverse people. The idea that many 2SLGBTQ+ people will have difficult childhoods because of their sexual orientation or gender shouldn’t just be an assumed fact of life. All students and youth — not just the cisgender, heterosexual ones — deserve freedom of expression, protection from bullying, and lives full of love and care. We’ve teamed up with Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario and Toronto Pflag to bring you this series that hopes to dispel myths and talk about the history of inclusive education policy in Canada. Supportive parents have been fighting for rights for a long time — the right their 2SLGBTQ+ kids have to to be treated with respect and dignity at school. Our communities and families won’t back down and let the clock be turned back on our hard-won rights and safety. Stay tuned over the next several weeks for more information and history on this issue, and learn more at https://ow.ly/Rf5150SzPec

Have a shot at winning our gorge Army of Lovers tees and fanny packs when you join us along with Weird Alice and Selena Vyle in revisiting the world of Pink Ladies and T-Birds in the 1981 classic Grease 2. Drag Me To The Movies returns to Barbara Hall Park this summer! See you there: • When: Tuesday, July 16 • Time: 8 to 10:30pm • Where: Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.] A cult movie in the park under the stars, campy drag commentary, and fabulous merch giveaways...what’s not to love?! Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. RSVP optional but strongly encouraged. Visit: https://lnkd.in/dAP7fkmZ

Pride is every day, and the celebrations continue this month! Join The 519 EarlyON Child and Family Centre for Rainbow Safari, a 2SLGBTQ+ Family Pride Celebration. • When: Saturday, July 20 • Time: 11am to 2:30pm • The 519 EarlyON [519 Church St.], drop in, no registration. Lots of fun activities in store for little ones and their adults: • Safari story and circle time • Drag performance by Baby Bel Bel • Dance performance by Sushmita • Live music by DJ Psi • Zen room with Terry Kelly • Resources from The Children's Book Bank, Toronto Public Library, Adopt4Life, Native Child Family Services, Toronto Public Health, Toronto Kokugo Kyoshitu, Children’s Aid Society, and more • Food and prizes Questions? Get in touch at Glitterbug@The519.org

Calling 2 Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse youth (16 to 29 years). Come hang with us this summer and fall at our Trans Youth Mentorship Meeting (TYMP). Build life skills, find support, and foster community. • Wednesdays, 4 to 8 pm • Cohort runs July 24 to November 20 • At The 519 [519 Church St.] • Limited spots. Register by July 15. Visit The519.org/programs/tymp What in it for you: • TYMP is a self-directed peer group for 2 Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse youth. • Learn from guest speakers, facilitated workshops, experiential learning, and opportunities for community involvement. • Participate in resume and cover letter workshops, practical training opportunities, soft skills development, and networking with other trans professionals and peers. • Receive a meal, transportation assistance, and honoraria. Questions? Email Bernardo at BMorais@The519.org

A huge shout-out to Sun Life Financial of Canada for sponsoring all our in-house community Pride events! While Pride continues to be a protest for justice and equity, it’s also a time for getting together in celebrating with and in community. With Sun Life’s support, we were able to bring tons of queer joy to our community members this Pride, for which we’re so grateful! Continue supporting The 519's year-round work. Donate at The519.org/donate or write to Giving@The519.org if you wish to raise funds for us.

🔎Discover CHANGEMAKER Lisa Duplessis, Director, Programs and Community Services at The 519. A living definition of a changemaker, Lisa has brought her dedication, expertise and creativity to The 519, creating a world of difference for tens of thousands of people across the country. Read more about Lisa’s leadership and advocacy journey by visiting the CHANGEMAKERS website. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gQXf9SpX

Expand your knowledge of inclusivity by taking a course with our Education and Training department. This 2-hour course can help you gain a deeper understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and creating authentic spaces at work and at home. If you want to do a better job but you’re not sure how, we’ll talk about the 101 questions you might feel too afraid to ask! Things like common gender and sexuality terms, using and respecting pronouns, the differences between sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation within the context of Ontario’s Human Rights Code, and the importance of affirmation and allyship. These are standalone sessions. You may choose to attend any one. They cost $84.75 (CAD) per person, and they happen once a month: the next one happens on Saturday, July 20 at 10am, via Zoom – Register on our website, or at our link in bio.

In case you missed it, in June we introduced our new Gender Affirming Care Legal Support Clinic! Are you having trouble navigating the funding requirements for gender affirming care? Have you had a claim denied? Are you a medical industry professional looking to learn more to help your patients or clients? This new program takes place at The 519, and has dates on July 10 and August 7. From September onward it will take place on the first Wednesday of each month. Sessions are between 6 and 8pm. Lawyer John McIntyre of McIntyre Szabo PC will run an hour long educational session about navigation and legal issues related to gender affirming care, then facilitate individual advice consultations (pre-registration preferred). Pre-register for advice sessions at the519.org/hjprog or by emailing Adrian at TransIDClinic@The519.org The 519 is an accessible facility with a ramp, elevator, and all-gender washrooms.

Throwback to our fabulous 2SLGBTQ+ youth Pride celebrations. Barbara Hall Park was dazzling with a glittery spirit as youth took over to celebrate in community. Youth enjoyed a session of tie-and-dye, fun, games, live music by DJ Shannyn Hill, and delicious food while being treated to drag performances by Ivory Towers, Coyote Ugly, and Guy Anabella, a special show by Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance, interactive performances by Nathaniel Hanula-James from Tarragon Theatre, and a circus act by Rainbow Circus. 2SLGBTQ+ youth deserve to experience unbridled joy. Our youth programs and spaces like these have never been needed more. Here’s to more 2SLGBTQ+ youth joy and pride, not just in June, but every day.

Join Progress Toronto at The 519 on Thursday, July 18, from 5:30 to 8pm and learn more about the legislative process, the key players who are influencing decisions, and how you can have your say. Learn: • How decision-making works at City Hall • Who the key players are influencing decisions • How you can advocate and make change at City Hall Snacks will be provided Drop-in, RSVP appreciated. To RSVP contact VPatterson@The519.org with the subject “RSVP City Hall 101” and your name.