The 519 is committed to the health, happiness, and full participation of LGBTQ2S communities in Toronto and beyond. We would love for you to join us in this work.

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Graphic with text: International Women's Day 2021: Call for Submissions Promoting Women, Non-Binary, and 2Spirit-owned Businesses

This International Women's Day, The 519 is celebrating local businesses owned and run by women, non-binary, and 2Spirit folks. COVID-19 has had devasting impacts on local businesses. Now is the time to celebrate your entrepreneurship, and promote your services.

To participate, submit:

A portrait of yourself (selfies are welcome)
A short blurb (100 words maximum) telling us about your business and what you offer
Your business website and social media handles

How to submit:

Email your submissions to Kay at KMehrizi@The519.org no later than Thursday, March 4, 2021.
Mention “IWD 2021 Submission” as your Subject Line.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Upcoming Virtual Training by The 519

Laptop screen with words 'Gender Identity' on it.

Fostering Queer and Trans-Inclusive Environments at Work and Home

Monday, March 22 • 5 to 7pm

Gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ2S communities and what it means to create authentic spaces at work and at home. 2-hour, single-session online course delivered via Zoom.

Cost: 84.75 CAD per person (all-inclusive)

Virtual Program and Event Highlights

Portrait of Chris, instructor for the Self Defense Workshops.

Online Self-Defense Sessions

Sunday, March 21 • 1 to 2pm

Join us for an hour of self-defense tips and related Q&A. Facilitated by martial artist and self-defense instructor Chris James.
Free. Open to folks aged 18+. All fitness levels welcome.

Registration required. Register here
Questions? Contact Kay: KMehrizi@The519.org

Laptop with folks reading through legal documents.

Private Group Mock Hearing Webinar for LGBTQ Refugee Claimants

Monday, March 29 • 5:30 to 8:30pm

Learn how the process of filing a refugee claim works, and observe a simulated IRB hearing in a private, confidential virtual set-up (all personal identifiers and cameras will be disabled). Limited capacity.

Registration required. Register here
Questions? Contact: MockHearingProgram@The519.org

Income tax and benefits form and a pencil.

The 519 Tax Clinic: Virtual Support for LGBTQ2S Communities and Downtown East

For folks/families with earnings under CAD 40,000 who need help filing their income tax and benefit returns. Registration is open.

To register, email TaxClinic@The519.org, or call 416-392-6878 (ext. 4021).
More Details

Graphic of laptop with four people in a virtual meeting.

Active Minds for Older LGBTQ2S Adults

Fridays • 2 to 3:30pm

Join us for a weekly virtual social afternoon of fun, social gaming, and prizes.

Registration required. Register here
Questions? Contact Moji: MShirazi@The519.org

Part of the Older LGBTQ2S Program. Monday programming continues as per schedule, 2 to 4pm. For Monday sessions, register here.

Paint patches with photos of our EarlyON staff.

Virtual EarlyON Programming at The 519

Tuesdays to Saturdays • Various timings

From programming for toddlers and pre-schoolers to special workshops and storytelling and art sessions, The 519 EarlyON team has loads of programming in store for families, via Zoom.

Registration required. See all programs

Questions? Contact Sharn: SPeters@The519.org

View all Programs and Services

Note: Timings mentioned for all programs are in Toronto local time.

The 519 Black Collective: Call for Community Voices

Graphic with text: "My Blackness is....."

As part of our continued engagement, celebration, and support of Black communities - especially Black 2 Spirited, queer, and trans folks - The 519 Black Collective is calling on the Black community to share what their Blackness signifies for them.

Your prompt is “My Blackness is…” followed by a word/phrase/line of your choice that best signifies and celebrates your Blackness.
Send in your response as a voice note (no longer than 1 minute) to TheBlackCollective@The519.org no later than Monday, March 8, 2021.

We will put these submissions together to share and uplift our communities.

City of Toronto's Community Engagement Process Review:
Call for Inputs

The City of Toronto is conducting a review of its Community Engagement Process for new shelters and services for folks experiencing homelessness in Toronto.

Residents and businesses can provide their inputs in 2 ways: