The 519

New program launch alert!

The 519's Legal Initiatives is launching its new program, Pathways for Community Care: Law, Advocacy, and the Arts on September 15. The program will run on the third Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at The 519.

Deepen your understanding of advocacy and justice, and understand how these issues connect to our wellbeing. Every month will feature a mix of seminars with art activities that support reflection and connection.

Program for the first session (Septmber 15):
1. Justice Systems and Legal Rights with Bianca Braganza
2. How to Keep Communities Safe with Dakota Hagan
3. Art Activities for Expression and Reflection with yasmine el-hamamsy

Open to people ages 18 to 35. BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ communities are especially encouraged to attend. RSVP is required. Visit The519.org/cjh

Questions? Email [email protected].

[image description: Three people working around a table full of art supplies smiling. Text below reads: The 519 and The 519 Legal Clinic present Pathways for Community Care: Law, Advocacy, and the Arts. Third Tuesday of every month, starting September 15. 6 to 8 p.m. at The 519. RSVP required.]

A sweet little throwback to our 2SLGBTQ+ Family Pride celebration in June...

It was a joyful day in the sun as families came together to enjoy exploratory play, a delicious summer lunch, story time, circle time, yoga, a drag performance, and a dance party that proved to be the perfect finale to the day's festivities.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this celebration possible. We can't wait to gather with you again at our upcoming 2SLGBTQ+ Halloween Family Celebration!

At The 519, families of all kinds are welcomed and celebrated. Through storytime, music, drag, and so much more, little ones, parents, and caregivers learn tools and build confidence to help create a more inclusive and affirming world together.

Learn more about EarlyON programming at The519.org.

[Image description: Families gathered outdoors in the splash pad. Families, caregivers, and children take part in activities and visit various tabling activities spread across the venue as a drag queen performs.]

When our rights, safety, and dignity are under attack, we defend each other. When it matters most, Defend Refugees.

Right now, q***r and trans refugees are facing rising hate. The impacts of Bill C-12, cuts to healthcare, housing instability, and anti-immigrant sentiment are hurting our community.

Defend Refugees, a coalition of LGBTQ+ refugees, advocates, frontline organizations, and community partners, has written an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney asking for three immediate actions to defend the rights and safety of refugees.

Help us get to 500 signatures. Read and sign our letter today: DefendRefugees.org

Q***r and trans refugees belong here. We defend each other.

[Image descriptions: 1 - Graphic with text: "When it matters most, Defend Refugees. Help us get to 500 signatures by August 25. Sign our open letter to PM Carney today." 2 - Graphic with text: "Defend Refugees, a coalition of LGBTQ+ refugees, advocates, frontline organizations, and community partners, has written an open letter asking for three immediate actions to defend the rights and safety of refugees." 3 - Graphic with text: "Right now, q***r and trans refugees are facing rising hate. The impacts of Bill C-12, cuts to healthcare, housing instability, and anti-immigrant sentiment are hurting our communities." 4 - Graphic with text: "Q***r and trans refugees belong here. We defend each other. We Defend Refugees. Sign the letter today. Visit DefendRefugees.org." All graphics have photos of community members holding banners and Pride flags as well as a large banner that reads "Defend Refugees" marching during Pride.]

Late last month The 519 celebrated our 7th annual Sports Day in partnership with Hart House at Varsity Stadium.

Sports Day at The 519 is a day of connection and inclusion in sports and athletics. Attendees took part in soccer, long jump, dancing, yoga, and many more activities.

Thank you to Hart House, U of T Kinesiology & Phys Ed, Gayly Forward, Fleur Fantasie, Rainbow Griffins RFC, Liberty Waves Waves, Q***r Dodgeball Toronto, as well as our volunteers and food team for all their contributions to this event. 

Learn more about our programs and services at The519.org and look out for a bigger Sports Day wrap-up coming soon!

[Image description: Various scenes from Sports Day. Folks taking part in races, dance routines, soccer, and other activities. All in all, a day of fellowship, health competition, and games.]

The 519 Trans Youth Mentorship Program (TYMP) invites 2 Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender diverse youth (ages 16 to 29) to join us at our Big Trans Picnic under the evening sun!

Meet us at Christie Pits Park [750 Bloor Street W.] this Friday, August 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Free to attend. RSVP is required. Visit The519.org/TransPicnic26

Look forward to:
- A fun time outdoors with games and activities
- Delicious snacks
- TTC tickets
- Meeting new friends and peers, and
- Community referrals

Questions of access needs? Email Bernardo: [email protected].

[Image description: A large group of youth seated on picnic mats in the park on a sunny day. Text reads: "Trans Youth Socials: Big Trans Picnic. Friday, August 28, 6 to 8:30pm at Christie Pits Park. Registration required."]

The 519 and Green Space Festival are throwing a special shindig on Church Street this Thursday, August 20 from 3 to 7 p.m. This is to say thank you to and appreciate our volunteers and community members for all that they do! So come, join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship.

Enjoy a raffle station, games, a dunk tank, tarot card reading, popcorn, and cotton candy. We'll be spread out across the Church St. pedestrian-only zone between Wellesley and Alexander Streets.

Free, drop in. All are welcome! Please dress for the weather.

[Image descriptions: 1 - People walking on Church Street. The street is shut and has been taken over by restaurant patios, performers, kiosks, and more. Text below reads: "The 519 and Green Space Festival present Appreciation on Church Street Pedestrianization. Thursday, August 20, 3 to 7 pm, On Church St. Free, drop in. All are welcome". 2 - A map showing locations of the raffle station, games, a dunk tank, tarot card reading, popcorn, and cotton candy.]

The 519 is saddened by the recent passing of Penny Lamy.

A true force of compassion and strength, Penny served as The 519's Program Director in the early 1980s. She helped expand the centre’s programs and services to better reflect the diversity of our communities.

Penny dedicated her life to fighting injustice and fostering inclusive and equitable spaces at a time when Toronto was far more hostile for many marginalized people, including 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

In his interview with Penny in the April 21, 1984 edition of the Body Politic, Toronto writer Rick Archbold likened Penny to a full-time Mary Poppins, lightening the load of those around her.

"When I first got to know Penny, she seemed too good to be true. Now that I know her better, I've begun to understand the depth of her rapport with people. She needed the gay people who formed her community as much as they needed her," he wrote.

That spirit of care and generosity is the legacy Penny leaves behind.

Read the full story at The519.org/PennyLamy

[Image descriptions: 1 - Collage of various photos of Penny - A recent portrait, archival photo of Penny painting a wall at The 519, and one of Penny posing with another person. The photo is surrounded by graphic clouds and a sun. Text reads: "Remembering Penny Lamy, Toronto’s Mary Poppins - 1 October, 1954 to 13 July, 2026". 2 - A photo of Penny and her kid at Toronto’s 1983 Pride celebrations. Photo courtesy: OnTheBookshelves.com. 3 - Scan of a foldable issue of the Body Politic with a photo of Penny Lamy.]

Join Chris James on Sunday, August 16 from 12 to 4 p.m. for a free self-defense class at The 519. This is part of a monthly workshop series taking place one Sunday each month.

RSVP is required: The519.org/programs/self-defense-workshop/ or head to the link in bio.

The workshop is for all fitness levels, but it is a physical class. You can take breaks any time you want to.

The class prioritizes 2SLGBTQ+ folks, but anyone 18+ is welcome too. The session might talk about real-life scenarios that may be triggering to some.

[Image description: A group of participants having fun as they practice self-defense techniques. Text below reads: "Monthly Self-Defense Workshop with Chris James. Sunday, August 16, 12 to 4 p.m. at The 519. All are welcome. Registration required."]

Join us on Fridays through August in The 519 lobby to enjoy live music by emerging local artists.

Tomorrow, August 14, come and be serenaded by Juliano Maglio. Enjoy soulful covers and more from 1 to 4 p.m. Free, all are welcome.

An initiative by The 519's Community Wellbeing team.

[image description: A child and an adult enjoying themselves in The 519 lobby that’s lit up in purple hues. Inset is a photo of Juliano Maglio playing the piano. Text reads: “Community wellbeing presents Live in the Lobby - Free live music by local emerging artists - Friday, August 14, 1 to 4 p.m., at The 519 lobby. Free, all welcome.”]

We believe the story of The 519 is best told in the voices and experiences of those who have helped build it. In honour of our 50th anniversary, we’re inviting our communities to reflect on what this place has meant in their lives.

Aaron Hewitt, Director of Operations at The 519, who also previously served on the Board of Management, shares about his first and ongoing association at The 519...

It's hard to put into words how much The 519 means to me because my journey to this special place is deeply intertwined with my journey to myself.

When I moved to Toronto in the early 2000s, I was looking for community and connection. Someone suggested I visit The 519 to learn about its programs, and that recommendation changed my life. Through The 519, I began meeting people, joining community groups, and accessing important information about sexual health and substance use. More importantly, I found a place where I felt welcomed, supported, and connected.

Over the years, The 519 became a constant in my life. I attended events, built lasting friendships, and found a strong sense of belonging. It was also where I found ways to contribute to causes I care deeply about. I am especially grateful for the chance to support advocacy efforts for some of the most marginalized members of our communities, particularly newcomers, refugees, and trans youth. Participating in marches and campaigns allowed me to show up alongside others working to create understanding, foster inclusion, and inspire change.

As my connection with The 519 grew, so did my desire to give back. I had the privilege of serving on the Board of Management, an experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for the organization's impact and the people who make its work possible. Today, I am honoured to serve as Director of Operations. Having benefited so profoundly from this organization, it is incredibly meaningful to now use my experience to help guide The 519 through its next chapter of growth and transformation.

This year is especially significant. As The 519 celebrates its 50th anniversary, I am celebrating my own 50th birthday. It feels fitting that these milestones align. For half a century, The 519 has helped people find community, support, and belonging. I know this firsthand because it helped me find those things too. The 519 didn't just help me connect with a community. It helped me become the person I am today.

Do you have a story to share? Make your submission at The519.org/Your519Story!

[Image description: 1 - A photo submitted by Aaron of him at the march for refugee rights in 2024. He is wearing a black tee with the words “Army of Lovers”, and holding up a banner that reads “Support LGBTQ+ refugees.” A quote from Aaron below: ““The 519 didn't just help me connect with a community. It helped me become the person I am today." 2 - A quote from Aaron reads “Over the years, The 519 became a constant in my life. I attended events, built lasting friendships, and found a strong sense of belonging. It was also where I found ways to contribute to causes I care deeply about...” 3 - Collage of old photos of people at programs at The 519. Text below reads: "Share your connection with The 519! Submit your story at The519.org/Your519Story. These stories will be preserved and may be shared as part of our 50th anniversary."]