The 519

2SLGBTQ+ families and children, show off your glam and dazzle away! Get ready for a boo-tiful Halloween with food, activities, a fashion show and a spooky dance party! Look forward to: Boo-tiful music by DJ PSI Dance party with Toronto Kiki Ballroom Face painting with Stephanie Dubuisson Pumpkin decorating Lunch, tricks, and treats! Celebrations are on Saturday, October 26 from 11 AM to 2:30 PM At The 519 [519 Church St.] This event is for 2SLGBTQ+ families and children and is open to all families committed to creating safe, affirming, and equitable spaces for all. Please e-mail Glitterbug@The519.org with any questions. [Image description: Images of three of the event's performers: Twysted Miyake Mugler, Stephanie Dubuisson, and DJ Psi over a background with cartoon ghosts. Text reads: Halloween Hullabaloo, 2SLGBTQ+ Family Celebration. Saturday, October 26, 11am to 2:30pm. Logos for The 519, EarlyON, and Glitterbug.]

The 519 Black Collective in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada presents a screening of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story. Friday, November 1 at 7pm at The 519. Come watch the award-winning film about A lost R&B star who eclipsed Etta James and Little Richard. Trans soul singer Jackie Shane blazed an extraordinary trail with an unbreakable commitment to her truth. Forty years after vanishing from public view, this 20th century icon finally gets her second act. RSVP is encouraged but not required. Register here: https://ow.ly/XkPj50TN42R [Image description: images of soul singer Jackie Shane. Logos and event information.]

The third Wednesday of October is International Pronouns Day. This year, that falls today, on October 16. International Pronouns Day is a day where we bring awareness to how important it is to respect other people’s pronouns. It seems like this request is confusing for some people, so let’s break it down: What are pronouns? A pronoun is a word that is used in place of a noun. Words like I, you, me, we, he, she, and they are some examples of pronouns. In Ontario, first graders learn about pronouns in English class when they learn about different types of words, like nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Everyone has preferences when it comes to their own pronouns. Most men use the pronouns he and him, and most women she and her. Many non-binary people use the pronouns they and them. Some people use a combination of pronouns, like she and they. Others might use neopronouns like ze and zir, all pronouns, or no pronouns. The best way to know someone’s preferences is to get to know them. Respecting someone’s pronouns is basic, simple politeness — something else some people might have forgotten about learning in first grade. People know themselves better than anyone else, so listening when someone tells you who they are is the right thing to do. People rarely get offended when someone accidentally messes up their pronouns, but they often get understandably upset if someone intentionally uses the wrong ones, tries to start a debate about their identity, or talks about how respecting their pronouns is difficult, so don’t do any of those things. You don’t need to be an expert on trans issues, you just need to be kind and respectful to other people. Let’s celebrate International Pronouns Day by continuing to create respectful spaces where people feel seen and heard. [Image description: Four friends having a picnic outside. Text: Be kind. Be Respectful. International Pronouns Day, October 16.]

Join us October 17th from 6:00 - 8:00pm at The 519 for a community conversation & consultation. For over thirty years, Toronto’s AIDS Memorial has been central to how our communities have come together to mourn, organize, and commemorate our loved ones. Over 2000 names are commemorated on the memorial. Each name represents countless stories and cherished memories. But there’s no way to know the stories behind the names. Help us change that. Help shape this important new project. Join us to learn, connect, and contribute to a meaningful discussion on history, storytelling, art, and community. This session is open to the public and will include: · Opportunities to inform and shape this project and its priorities, and information on how to be involved. · Sharing experiences related to storytelling projects, AIDS memorials, and 2SLGBTQ+ history. · Answering questions and inquiries about what to expect as the project progresses. Registration is appreciated - please visit www.TOAIDSMemorial.com. Contact us at eadjeimanu@519.org if you have any questions. A light dinner will be provided!

Nature’s bounty is an integral part of many Thanksgiving traditions. Since time immemorial, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people have used sacred medicines from nature to reflect on the cycle of life, heal, and grow in community. Let's learn what they are. Smudging is a traditional Indigenous ceremony of burning sacred medicines and using the smoke to purify or cleanse one's spirit or a space of negative energies. Anishinaabe teachings of the four sacred medicines: tobacco, cedar, sage, and sweetgrass. These are traditional medicines that have physical qualities for medicinal purposes, and a spiritual aspect used in traditional healing and ceremonies. Tobacco is the first plant that Creation gave to the Anishinaabe. The Creator gave the gift of tobacco to open the doorway to the West - the spirit world. Cedar is the medicine that helps protect us from the unknown or unseen, and the emotions and feelings of others. Sage protects us from ourselves by offering relief from internal struggles. Sweetgrass represents sharing, caring, and love; Mother, father, child. The four sacred medicines are used in everyday life and in ceremonies. All of them can be used for smudging. In relation with the Medicine Wheel, it is said that tobacco sits in the eastern door, sweetgrass in the southern door, sage in the west and cedar in the north. Medicine Gardens are planted to honour the Medicine Wheel, and to grow Sacred Medicines associated with directional teachings. It is important to recognize that teachings vary from Nation to Nation. It is good practice to consult with an Elder or Knowledge Keeper to learn more. [Image description: The Indigenous medicine wheel dividing the graphic into four parts. Each part is a photo of the four sacred medicines: tobacco, cedar, sage, sweetgrass. Text reads: Four sacred medicines: tobacco, cedar, sage, sweetgrass.]

October 11 is National Coming Out Day. Coming out can be a formative step in 2SLGBTQ+ people’s lives — when they decide they’re ready to tell other people about their identity. Coming out is your step to take, if it’s what you want, or are able to do. Regulations proposed in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan forcing teachers to out their trans students are inhumane and take away people’s agency. You deserve the space to come out when you’re ready, on your terms, no matter your age. A lot has changed over the years. Some older people or folks coming from less affirming spaces may just now be getting comfortable with the possibility of coming out. It’s never too late to join the party, and to be yourself. Welcome! In places that are unwelcoming to 2SLGBTQ+ people, the Western concept of coming out might be impossible. Being unable to come out doesn’t make you any less valid. You matter and have a community rallying behind you. Finally, someone may come out as gay, then discover they are bi, or trans. You are free to discover yourself, and to come out again and again. It’s your life, and your body. Wherever you are on your journey, we wish you a happy National Coming Out Day. [First image description: Three friends post for a photo. Text reads, "Your life, your terms"] [Second image description: Two older adults in a loving embrace. Text reads, "It's never too late to be yourself"] [Third image description: Four friends enjoy a picnic. Text reads, "Out or not, we see you"]

The 519 Health Justice Hub is a one-stop program for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and our neighbours looking for one-time legal support, support with navigating health services, and social justice educational opportunities. We’re currently looking for peers to support the important work of this program. What you will bring to the role: • Passion for health care access, including social determinants of health • Interest in meaningful neighbourhood and community outreach • Interest in legal education and services navigation • Peers will receive a remuneration/honorarium. Apply no later than Sunday, October 13. Visit The519.org/hjhpeer Questions? Email Barb: BDosSantos@The519.org [Image description: Two people in a playful and friendly embrace. Text reads: Health Justice Hub: Call for Peers. Apply by Sunday, October 13.]

The 519 is gathering names of 2 Spirit, trans, and non-binary individuals we have lost to read and honour at our upcoming Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) 2024 commemoration. Is there someone in your life you would like to honour? Please submit their name(s) no later than Sunday, November 10, 11:00 p.m. Visit The519.org/TDoRNames24 Questions? Contact Julie: JHamara@The519.org [Image description: Hands holding candles at a past Trans Day of Remembrance event at The 519. Text reads: Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) 2024. Call for name submissions. Honouring 2 Spirit, trans, and non-binary friends and family we have lost. Visit The519.org/TDoRNames24. Submit names no later than Sunday, November 10, 11:00 p.m.] #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDoR #Trans #NonBinary #TwoSpirit #2SLGBTQ

Last week, we recognized over 140 volunteers for their tireless year-round service to the communities we serve. For weeks, our staff worked to plan the perfect under-the-sea themed volunteer appreciation gala, and we’re thankful for all the support we received from our corporate volunteers and sponsors. Thanks to Hair of the Dog - Wine Bar and Tap House, Bar Isabel, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, and Taslan Protective Services Inc. for sponsoring the spot prizes, and to volunteer groups from Booking.com and Jamiesan Co for helping us get the celebratory space ready. More photos to come! [Image description: Staff of The 519 giving a gift voucher to a volunteer at our recent volunteer appreciation night. Text reads "Thank you for supporting our Volunteer Appreciation Night." Logos of Bar Isabel, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, Hair of the Dog, Taslan Protective Services Inc., Jamieson Vitamins, and booking.com]

For years, Taslan Protective Services Inc. has been a steadfast and trusted partner of The 519, supporting our programs and events, and providing affirming security for our community centre. We’re so grateful to this queer-run, local business for their incredible year-round commitment to our community — whether it’s through supporting signature events like our Green Space Festival, Back to School Bash, and Volunteer Appreciation Night; sponsoring meals to show appreciation for our staff; or making community members feel welcome, valued, and heard when they come through our doors. Thanks Taslan Protective Services Inc.; we’re grateful for this continued partnership! [Image description: A scene from the 2024 Back to School Bash. Children playing at a bouncy castle. Text reads: Thank you Taslan.]