NOW surveys all the ways T.O.'s gay community is one of the best organized on earth.
Compiled by Julia Hoecke
community/ activism
AIDS ACTION NOW Political advocacy group for research and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Provincial, steering, treatment access and research committees. 416-925-9872 ext 2820.
coalition for lesbian and gay rights in ontario CLGRO is dedicated to eliminating homophobia and dealing with issues of homosexuality in schools, health care and social welfare. 416-405-8253.
coming out/being out Nonjudgmental discussion group in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, two-spirited, questioning and queer individuals at all stages of the coming-out process between 20-40 can discuss issues. Meets every Wed at 6 pm at 519 Church Community Centre. 416-925-9872 ext 2120, comingoutbeingout@hotmail.com
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. 416-925-9872 ext 2199.
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, 416-925-9872 ext 2034.
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. 399 Church. 416-340-7790 ext 401.
Lesbian and gay immigration task force LEGIT provides immigration info and support for lesbians and gays. Meets third Thursday of month, 7 pm. 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2211.
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. Legal clinic drop-in service at Women's Centre, 49 St George. Downtown Legal Services, 655 Spadina. 416-978-6447.
lesbian and gay community appeal Fundraising body supports advancement of lesbian and gay projects. To volunteer, call 416-920-5422, 416-925-9872 ext 2099.
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, 416-925-9872ext 2229.
National lesbian and gay journalists Regular meetings and salons feature speakers and are held at various locations. 416-925-9872 ext 2029. nlgjaccanada@hotmail.com
oasis vocal jazz ensemble Amateur 12-member jazz group performs several times per year. Singers can arrange auditions by e-mailing auditions@oasisvocaljazz.com or 416-925-9872 ext 2208.
QUEER PRESS Small press publishing prose, fiction, non-fiction, personal essays and social commentary of queer- identified writers. Submissions accepted for publishing consideration. PO Box 485, Stn P, Tor, M5S 2T1. 416-469-5224, 416-925-9872 ext 2155.
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 regularly. 519 Church. 416-631-3614, 416-925-9872 ext 2032.
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, 416-925-9872 ext 2019. 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, 416-925-9872 ext 2035, 1-800-686-7544.
Alliance for south asian aids prevention Counselling, referrals and volunteer opportunities for South Asian people who are HIV+. 20 Carlton. 416-599-2727, 416-925-9872 ext 2183.
bisexual network Bisexual men and women meet for support the third Thursday of every month and social events. 416 925-9872 ext 2810.
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, 416-925-9872 ext 2104.
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. 416-962-7600, 416-925-9872 ext 2025.
community aids treatment info exchange CATIE is a non-profit organization that offers info about opportunistic infection, and conventional and complementary therapies. 555 Richmond W #505. Mon-Thu, 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 ext 6878.
david kellEy 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, 416-925-9872 ext 2065.
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. 571 Jarvis. 416-205-9888.
519 anti-violence program Support and advocacy group for individuals who have experienced violence, harassment or abuse in same-sex relationships. 416-392-6877, www.the519.org
frontrunners gay and lesbian AA Alcoholics Anonymous group meets Sat, 8 pm. St Luke's Church, Carlton and Sherbourne. 416-924-9619, 416-925-9872 ext 2055.
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 third Tues of the month, 8 pm. Support hotline 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, gaypartnerabuseproject.org
hassle free clinic Anonymous HIV testing, STD care, women's health, needle exchange. 556 Church, 2nd fl. Women's clinic (416-922-0566); men's clinic (416-922-0603). www.hasslefreeclinic.org
health education aids liaison HEAL is a nonprofit education network providing information on non-toxic and holistic approaches to recovering from AIDS-defining illnesses. 416-778-4207, inquiries@healtoronto.com
Hiv/aids services at mid-toronto community services Meals on Wheels, lunch program, housing and transportation support. 399 Church. 416-340-2437.
mcewan house Supportive housing for men and women with HIV in a shared setting with 24-hour staff. 416-929-6228.
negative partners Support group for gay men whose lovers are HIV+. Hassle Free Men's Clinic, 66 Gerrard E. 416-922-0603.
Narcotics anonymous true colours A 12-step program for recovering gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and transsexual addicts. Fri, 6 pm, 519 Church. 416-236-8956.
parents, friends and families of lesbians and gays (pflag) toronto Educational and support meetings at various locations. 416-406-1727. pflagtoronto@bellnet.ca
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, 416-925-9872 ext 2870.
Sex and love addicts anonymous A 12-step program for dealing with addictive sexual and emotional patterns. 416-486-8201, 416-925-9872 ext 2087.
Sherbourne health centre This primary health care facility serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual communities. 333 Sherbourne. 416-324-4180. www.sherbourne.on.ca
Southern Ontario Gay and Lesbian association of Doctors SOGLAD publishes a public referral directory for patients seeking gay and gay-positive physicians. 416-357-6839, 416-925-9872 ext 2158.
survivors of incest anonymous Self-help group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse meets Wed, 6 pm, 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2062.
Tagl Queer support, information and peer counselling phone line operated Mon-Fri 7-10 pm by volunteers. 416-964-6600. 1-866-964-6600.
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 10 am-5 pm. 399 Church, 2nd fl. 416-506-1400.
transsexual transition support group Meets second and fourth Fri of every month at 7 pm. 519 Church. 416-925-9872 ext 2121.
12th tradition AA A gay and lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous group meets Wed, 8 pm. St Peter's Church, Carlton and Sherbourne. 416-925-9872 ext 2191.
Two-spirited peoples of the first nations Support group 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. 2141 Jane. 416-533-8545.
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 2064. www.dsc.toronto.ca
the fraternity Gay men's social and professional club for networking. Meetings every second Mon and business networking luncheons every third Wed. 416-925-9872 ext 2930. 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 living in 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. 416-925-9872 ext 2097. www.longyangclub.org
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 newsletters give contact phone for each activity, or advertise your own. Yearly membership $30, couple $50. 416-925-9872 ext 2800. www.outandout.on.ca
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. 416-925-9872 ext 2252.
rainbow tai chi Yang-style tai chi practice for queer-positive people. No experience necessary. Sun 10 am-noon at 519 Church. Pwyc, $5 sugg. 416-925-9872 ext 2136.
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, dances and performances. Beginner classes offered, no experience or partner needed. 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 ext 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. 416-925-9872 ext 2083, wrib@gay.com
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 Counselling 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 transgendered parents meet second and fourth Tues of every month at 519 Church. 6:30 pm. 416-985-3749,steven.solomon@tdsb.on.ca
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. 416-985-3749, steven.solomon@tdsb.on.ca
Lesbian gay bisexual student support group High school students meet regularly during the school year at Toronto District School Board. 416-985-3749, 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 discussion meetings, 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 regularly during the academic year. 416-675-6622 ext 3382.
out and prouD Scarborough drop-in for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered teens. Mon 4:30-6 pm. 1200 Markham, suite 200. 416-438-3697 ext 421.
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, 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. triangleprogram@hotmail.com
spirituality
aware Christian Reformed lesbians and gays meet in members' homes. 416-925-9872 ext 2098.
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. bmcontario@yahoo.com
christos mcc's Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Christian group committed to loving and healing meets regularly. 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. 416-925-9872 ext 2011.
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.
Gays and lesbians and 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. 56 Queen E. 416-363-0331.
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-Christian 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 Presbyterians, 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.salaamcanada.com 