homenewsmusicculturegoodsmovieslistingsclassifiedsabout


queer directory
T.O.'s gays are among the world's best organized. Here's how the scene breaks down.

community/activism

AIDS ACTION NOW Activist group for research and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Provincial, steering, treatment access and research committees. 416-977-5903, 416-925-9872 ext 2820.

COALITION AGAINST SAME-sex Partner abuse Provides education, outreach and advocacy on violence in gay and lesbian relationships. Meets monthly. 416-595-0307 ext 272.

coalition for lesbian and gay rights in ontario CLSRO is dedicated to eliminating homophobia and dealing with issues of homosexuality in schools, health care and social welfare. 416-405-8253.

dosti Support group for South Asian gay and bisexual men gathers first Thursday of each month, 6 pm. 20 Carlton. 416-599-2727.

Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere EGALE works to advance equality and justice for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered persons and their families across Canada. 1-888-204-7777.

519 church community centre This meeting place for the queer community also houses Cawthra Square Cafe. 519 Church. 416-392-6874.

foundation for equal families Organization acts as intervenor in precedent-setting cases for recognition of queer relationships. 552 Church. 416-975-0024.

gay and lesbian bashing hotline and victim assistance Support and info for assault victims, and assistance with police and court appearances. 24 hrs. 416-392-6874.

gay mentor business service Business mentoring and role-modelling for professionals and students. 416-488-0651. www.gaymentor.com

HIV/AIDS legal clinic Government-funded legal aid. 65 Wellesley E. 416-340-7790.

Lesbian and gay immigration task force LEGITprovides immigration info and support for lesbians and gays. Meets third Thursday of month, 7 pm. 519 Church. 416-392-6874.

legal clinic U of T law students give legal advice (free to those who meet financial guidelines) to gays, lesbians and bisexuals on criminal, landlord, social assistance and academic appeal matters. Downtown Legal Services, 720 Spadina, #418. 416-978-6447.

lesbian and gay community appeal Fundraising body supports advancement of lesbian and gay projects. To volunteer, call 416-920-5422.

pride committee Organizes annual Pride Week. 65 Wellesley E, #501. 416-927-7433.

arts/media

inside out film and video festival The yearly spring queer film fest welcomes volunteers. 401 Richmond W. 416-977-6847.

National lesbian and gay journalists Regular meetings and salons feature speakers and are held at various locations. 416-925-9872 ext 2029. www.nlgja.org

oasis vocal jazz ensemble Amateur 12-member jazz group performs several times per year. Singers can arrange auditions by e-mailing auditions@oasisvocaljazz.com.

toronto public library’s gay and lesbian collection Large collection of fiction, biography, health, art, social sciences and books for children of gay and lesbian parents at Yorkville Library, 22 Yorkville, 416-393-7660. (Queer lit collections are also at Parliament, Pape-Danforth, Bloor-Gladstone and Northern District.)

well-being

across boundaries A centre for people of colour experiencing mental health problems. 51 Clarkson. 416-787-3007.

adult children of addictive and dysfunctional families ACA’s lesbian and gay 12-step program meets 6:30 pm, Fri. 519 Church. 416-631-3614.

aids committee of toronto ACT provides info, referrals and counselling for people with HIV/AIDS. Mon-Thu 10 am-9 pm, Fri to 5 pm. 399 Church, 4th fl. 416-340-2437. www.actoronto.org

aids hotline Referrals and counselling in various languages, Mon-Fri 9 am-11:30 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-4 pm. 416-392-AIDS, 416-977-5903, 1-800-668-2437.

Alliance for south asian aids prevention Counselling, referrals and volunteer opportunities for South Asian people who are HIV+. 20 Carlton, suite 126. 416-599-2727.

bisexual network Bisexual men and women meet for support and social events. 416 925-9872 ext 2015.

BLACK COALITION FOR AIDs PREVENTION Black CAP’s goals are to reduce the spread of HIV and enhance life for those affected. Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm. 110 Spadina Ave, suite 207. 416-977-9955.

CANADIAN AIDS SOCIETY Coalition of 115 community based organizations focusing on care, education and research. Based in Ottawa. 613-230-3580.

casey house Palliative care for 12 residents with AIDS, two-week respite stays. 9 Huntley. 416-962-4040.

community aids treatment info exchange CATIEis a non-profit organization that offers info about opportunistic infection, and conventional and complementary therapies. 555 Richmond W #505. Mon-Fri, 10 am-6 pm. 416-203-7122, 1-800-263-1638.

centre for addiction and mental health Rainbow services to the gay, lesbian and bisexual community include help cutting down or quitting drug and alcohol use, couples counselling, assessment and referrals. Covered by OHIP. Various locations. 416-535-8501.

circle of friends A gay and lesbian Al Anon group for friends and lovers of alcoholics meets Fri at 8:30 pm. 519 Church. 416-392-6874.

david kelly lesbian and gay and hiv/aids counselling program Individual, group and family counselling with lesbian and gay therapists, sliding-scale fees. 355 Church. 416-595-9618.

eventide AA Gay and lesbian Alcoholics Anon­ y­ mous groups meet Sun, 7:30 pm. St Luke’s Church, Carlton and Sherbourne. 416-924-9619.

female-to-male transgendered and transexuals Open to all orientations, meeting first and third Fri of month 7:30 pm at 519 Church. 416-392-6878 ext 325.

fife house Supportive housing and services for people with HIV/AIDS. Operates three houses and an apartment building. 416-205-9888.

frontrunners gay and lesbian AA Alcoho­ l­ ics Anonymous group meets Sat, 8 pm. St Luke’s Church, Carlton and Sherbourne. 416-924-9619.

Gays and lesbians parenting together Sharing experiences and options in parenting, fourth Wed of month, 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2058.

gay fathers of toronto Social functions and support for gay dads and partners, every second Thu, 7:30 pm. YMCA, 42 Charles E, 4th fl. Support hotline operates Mon-Thu, 7-10 pm. 416-410-0438, 416-925-9872 ext 2124.

Gay partner abuse project Support for men in violent relationships. 9 am-9 pm daily. 416-876-1803, 416-925-9872 ext 2288. www.gaypartnerabuseproject.org

glamS Discussion group for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people with MS meets first Tue of month, 8 pm, at 519 Church. 416-978-2391.

hassle free clinic Anonymous HIV testing, STD care, women’s health, needle exchange. 556 Church, 2nd fl. Women clinic (416-922-0566); men’s clinic (416-922-0603). www.hasslefreeclinic.org

health education aids liason HEALis a nonprofit education network providing information on non-toxic and holistic approaches to recovering from AIDS defining illnesses. 416-406-HEAL, inquiries@healtoronto.com

Hiv/aids services at mid-toronto community services Meals on Wheels, lunch program, housing and transportation support. 192 Carlton. 416-962-9449.

mcewan house Supportive housing for men and women with HIV in a shared setting with 24-hours staff. 416-929-6228.

negative partners Support group for gay men whose lovers are HIV+. Hassle Free Men’s Clinic, 556 Church. 416-922-0603.

Narcotics anonymous true colours A 12-step program for recovering gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and transsexual addicts. Fri, 6:00 pm, 519 Church. 416-236-8956.

parents, friends and families of lesbians and gays (pflag) toronto Educational and support meetings at various locations. 416-406-6378.

polish gay and lesbian association Support, networking and fundraising for Polish gays and lesbians in Canada and Poland. 416-925-9872 ext 2091.

Rainbow group AA Alcoholics Anonymous group for gays and lesbians meets Fri, 8:30 pm, 519 Church. Hotline 416-487-5591.

Sex and love addicts anonymous A 12-step program for dealing with addictive sexual and emotional patterns. 416-486-8201.

Sherbourne health centre This primary health care facility serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transexual commu­ nities. Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm. 333 Sherbourne. 416-324-4180. www.sherbourne.on.ca

Southern Ontario Gay and Lesbian association of Doctors SOGLADpublishes a public referral directory for patients seeking gay and gay-positive physicians. 416-466-5285. E-mail soglad@web.net

survivors of incest anonymous Self-help group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse meets Wed, 6 pm, 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2960.

Tgal Queer support, information and peer counselling phone line operated 7-10 pm by volunteers. 416-964-6600.

toronto people with aids foundation Info and support services to help people with AIDS live independently. Mon,Tue and Thu 10 am-6 pm, Wed 10 am- 8 pm, Fri 9 am-5 pm. 399 Church, 2nd fl. 416-506-1400.

transexual transition support group Meets second and fourth Fri of every month at 7 pm. 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2121.

12 tradition AA A gay and lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous group meets Wed, 8 pm. St Peter’s Church, Carlton and Sherbourne. 416-924-1891.

Two-spirited peoples of the first nations Support for lesbian and gay aboriginal people and people with HIV/AIDS. 14 College. 416-944-9300.

u of t sexual education and peer counselling centre Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered-positive counselling and referrals. Drop-in at 91 St George. 416-978-8732.

Women’s counselling referral and education centre Referrals for women and trans people to self-help groups and screened private therapists. 489 College. 416-534-7501.

recreation/ social

arc-en-ciel groupe francophone French-speaking gays and lesbians meet the second Thur of month, 8 pm. 416-925-9872 ext 2245.

avanti Social and support group for Italian gays, lesbians and bisexuals runs discussions first Tue of every month, 8 pm, plus social events. 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2231.

bisexual women of toronto Social and discussion meeting first Thur of month, 8 pm. 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2810.

centre for spanish speaking people Gay-positive Spanish classes and Latin dance lessons. 1004 Bathurst. 416-533-8545.

cOLOURS Gay, lesbian and transgendered people who are new to Canada are welcomed and assisted in finding employment and housing. Information about AIDS prevention and safe sex. Monthly social nights. 416-975-4995.

downtown swim club Recreational and competitive swimmers train at Jimmy Simpson Rec Centre, 870 Queen E, and U of T Athletic Centre. Call for schedule. 416-925-9872 ext 2123. www.dsc.to

the fraternity Gay men’s social and professional club for networking. Meetings every second Mon and business networking luncheons every third Wed. 416-488-0139. www.thefraternity.ca

frontrunners toronto All genders, orientations and ability levels are welcome for 5 to 15-km runs Sat 9 am, Cawthra Square behind 519 Church; faster runs happen Thu 6:15 pm. The Runner’s Shop offers gay-positive workshops for beginners who want to get up to speed for 5 km. 416-925-9872 ext 2042.

galley Gays and Lesbians of East York holds monthly meetings and social events. 416-925-9872 ext 2145.

Long Yang club Social club promoting Asian/non-Asian friendship holds potlucks, dim sum dining and more. Yearly membership $20, couples $30, stu $15. 416-481-9506. www.longyangclub.org/toronto

NOT SO AMAZON SOFTBALL LEAGUE Lesbian-positive women of all athletic levels play softball weekly and hold social sporting events. 416-925-9872 ext 2260. www.notsoamazon.com

out and out club Outdoor sports club for gays and lesbians features hiking, cycling, skiing, canoe trips, scuba, riding and more. Car pools for out-of-town events. Five yearly news­ letters give contact phone for each activity, or advertise your own. Yearly membership $30, couple $50. Pick up brochures at 519 Church or check www.outandout.on.ca. 416-925-9872 ext 2800.

pink turf soccer league Lesbian-positive women of all athletic levels play soccer weekly.$60 registration fee. Applications and registration at 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2096.

rainbow hoops women’s basketball league Register in Sep for Oct-April season. $125 registration fee. 416-469-8443.

rainbow tai chi Yang-style tai chi practice for queer-positive people. No experience necessary. Sun 10 am-noon at 519 Church. Pwyc, $7 sugg. 416-516-0135.

spearhead leather-denim social club All-male club runs social and charity events, including Roundup on Labour Day weekend. www.gaycanada.com/spearhead-toronto

swingin’ out lindy hop Swing classes and performances. Fall registration for classes. 416-925-9872 ext 2068.

tnt!men/totally naked toronto men enjoying nudity Social nudist club for men who like to get naked with other men. 416-925-9872, ex 3010. www.tntmen.org

toronto gay hockey assoc A league for gay and bisexual men over 18 plays Sun 6-9 pm, Oct-Apr. 416-925-9872 ext 2110. www.gayhockey.com

Toronto spartan volleyball league Gay, lesbian and homo-friendly volleyball league with over 180 members plays Thu night at various locations. Registration in Aug and Sep.416-925-9872 ext 2152. www.tsvl.org

Toronto triggerfish Gay and lesbian water polo club practises twice weekly starting in Sep at U of T Athletic Centre and Jimmy Simpson Rec Ctr, 870 Queen E. 416-925-9872 ext 2010. www.triggerfishwaterpolo.ca/

wrib/women for recreation, information and business A social, recreational and business network for lesbian women holds lunches, sports, arts and entertainment events, workshops and dances. Annual membership $35, couple $50. Mailing address 128 Danforth, Box 229, Toronto M4K 1N1. 416-925-9872 ext 2083. www.gaycanada.com/wrib

women’s HOCKEY CLUB OF TORONTO An adult recreational non-body-checking ice hockey league open to gay and/or gay positive women. Season runs Sep-Apr at Moss Park Arena. Register in June. www.whct.ca

women’s sm discussion group Meets for discussion first Wed of month, 8 pm, plus social events and brunches. 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2007.

students/ youth

Central toronto youth services Counsel­ ling and support groups for people 18 and under. 65 Wellesley E, suite 300. 416-924-2100.

COLAGE: children of lesbians and gays everywhere A social support group for students with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans­ gendered parents meet second and fourth Tues of every month, 6:30 pm. 416-397-3749.

glaba Glendon Gay Lesbian and Bisexual Alli­ ance meets regularly during the academic term. Women’s Centre, D124 Hilliard. 416-736-2100 ext 88197.

hiv/aids prevention Peer-facilitated group provides information and education on HIV and safer sex for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans­ gendered teens. Call for schedule. 1200 Markham, suite 200. 416-438-3697 ext 526.

human sexuality program Counselling and support for lgbt students, teachers, parents and families. Anti-homophobia group work for grades one-12. Contact Toronto District School Board, steven.solomon@tdsb.on.ca, 416-397-3749.

Lesbian gay bisexual student support group For high school students, meets regularly during the school year at Toronto District School Board, 155 College. steven.solomon@tdsb.on.ca

lesbian gay bi youth line Peer support phone line by and for queer youth province-wide. Volunteer opportunities for those under 27. Phone line operates Sun-Fri 4-9:30 pm. 416-962-9688, 1-800-268-9688.

lesbian gay bi youth Support group for youth under 26. Peer discussions Tue 7:45 pm; Alternatives, an informal social gathering, Sat 1-4 pm at 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2880. www.lgbyt.org

lgbt humber Queer students at Humber College north campus meet regularlyduring the academic year. www.hsfweb.com

opening doors Queer high school students in North York meet Thu 4:30-6:30 pm. North York Board of Education, 5050 Yonge. 416-925-9872 ext 2003.

out and prouD Scarborough drop-in for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered teens. Mon 4:30-7 pm. 1200 Markham, suite 200. 416-438-3697 ext 241.

positive youth outreach For people under 29 with HIV/AIDS: peer support, drop-in with free meal, referrals for housing, treatment and counselling. 790 Bay, suite 1110. 416-340-8484 ext 281. www.positiveyouth.com.

queer peers Queer youth 13-20 meet during the school year, Tue 4:30-6 pm (call to confirm) at Deslisle Youth Services, 40 Orchard View. 416-482-0081.

Ryepride Queer students at Ryerson. 416-979-5000 ext 7527.

Soy/sUPPORTING OUR YOUTH A community development project designed to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered youth. Various programs and meetings available. 65 Wellesley E. 416-924-2100 ext 264. www.soytoronto.org

tblg alliance at york Support, referral, social and educational programs providing a safe space for the queer community. Call for summer hours. 416-736-2100 ext 20494.

triangle program Canada’s only classroom for lgbt students at the Toronto District School Board.416-406-6228 ext 169. http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/triangle

spirituality

aware Christian Reformed lesbians and gays meet in members’ homes. 416-698-7676.

brethreN AND MENNONITE COUNCIL canada for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender interests Queer Mennonites of faith or cultural upbringing meet every other month; and the council runs a group for parents of lesbian and gay Mennonites. 416-465-7567. bmc­ ontario@yahoo.com

christos mcc Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Christian group committed to loving and healing meets Sun 7 pm. Trinity-St Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor W. 416-925-7924.

dharma friends Gay and lesbian Buddhist meditation group meets Wed 7:30 pm for sitting/walking meditation. 416-935-1759.

dignity toronto Promotes reconciliation for gay/lesbian Roman Catholics. Meets monthly. 416-763-2300.

first unitarian congregation Sun services at affirming congregation at 10 and 11:30 am (Jun-Aug 10:30 am only). Interweave active gay/lesbian group meetings organized. 175 St Clair W. 416-924-9654.

Gay and lesbian friends at st james cathedral Meets regularly in St James Parish House, 65 Church. 416-364-7865.

Metropolitan Community church Large gay-lesbian Christian congregation, Sunday worship at 9 and 11 am, plus many other programs. 115 Simpson. 416-406-6228.

metropolitan united Affirming congregation runs Sun services at 11 am, has dances and a Pride float. 416-363-0331 ext 24.

people with aids yoga Yoga class and meditation for people with HIV/AIDS and their supporters. Wed 4:30-6 pm. 519 Church Community Centre. 416-506-1400. www.pwatoronto.org

propitiation Gay and lesbian Anglican fellowship uses traditional wording of the Book Of Common Prayer, holds services in members’ homes. 416-925-9872 ext 2149.

q-age Queer spiritual network for women and men holds retreats and monthly workshops. 416-925-9872 ext 2990.

ruah An inclusive community of Judeo-­ Chris­ tian faith emphasizing spiritual growth, liberation and eco theology, holds communion, meditation or celebration of the Word Sun 10:30 am at Ralph Thornton Centre, 765 Queen E. 416-459-0912.

saga Fellowship for gay and lesbian Presbyter­ ians, both lay and clergy, fourth Fri of month at 6:30 pm, potluck at 6 pm. St Andrew’s Centre, 75 Simcoe. 416-269-7828.

salaam toronto Supportive community for gay, lesbian and bisexual Muslims with peer support, social events, referrals, advocacy and volunteer opportunities. 416-925-9872 ext 2209. www.salaamtoronto.com

At Omi you get oh-my-god good sushi, great street action and even some decent tunes
by Steven Davey

by Steven Davey

With Omi in the picture, dining in the Church and Wellesley area has picked up. Here are some other recommended spots in the area, plus some tips on queer-friendly eateries in other parts of town.
By Stven Davey

T.O.'s lesbo musicians descend on the Pride stage for a post-Dyke March extravaganza
By Sarah Liss

Gay marriage, celebrity switching, high school bullies, traumatic pride memories and Queer as Folk.


How to contact us for listing submissions, letters to the editor, etc.
search nowtoronto.com: powered by: google
NOW Online Edition > Need help with the site? Nicci & Jen or find other contacts