Toronto, Ontario: On May 16 – as part of a nation-wide Rainbow Week of Action, The 519 together with our communities and allies will march to amplify an urgent plea to support LGBTQ+ refugees. Over 1,500 people are expected to turn up in support. 

• When: Thursday, May 16, 2024
• Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm 
• Where: Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.]

Speakers:

• Lisa Duplessis, Director of Programs and Community Services, The 519
• Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP Toronto Centre
• Fae Johnstone, Executive Director and Co-Owner of Wisdom2Action (W2A)
• Debbie Douglas, Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), and more to come
• Councillor Chris Moise, Ward 13 – Toronto Centre
• Lana Payne, National President, Unifor

Click here for event details 

Why we are marching:  

• 2SLGBTQ+ people are under attack. Far-right groups and cynical politicians are scapegoating 2 Spirit, queer, and trans people for political gain. Using age-old tactics, they seek to stigmatize diversity, control our bodies, and maintain a system that favours their agenda. LGBTQ+ refugees are among those most impacted.
• May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBT). Joining Queer Momentum as part of the Rainbow Week of Action (May 11 to 17) being observed across the country, we’re uniting with community, allies, and partner organizations serving LGBTQ+ refugees to amplify our urgent plea for support for LGBTQ+ refugees.
• We’re calling on governments and elected officials at every level to defend the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians, including refugees and newcomers.

Just the facts: 

• Since 2023, over 8,000 LGBTQ+ refugees have come to The 519 for settlement support. 

• 65+ countries criminalize LGBTQ+ people. You could be punished, or worse, put to death, just for being your authentic self. 
• 500+ anti-trans bills are currently active in the USA, leading to more LGBTQ+ refugees choosing to settle in Canada instead. Unfortunately, Canada is not immune to hate. 
• Less than 1% of LGBTQ+ refugees are granted third-country resettlement; over 80% live in countries of first asylum. They are at risk of experiencing recurring human rights violations and being forced to flee multiple times. 

The media is invited to join and amplify our call for support for LGBTQ+ refugees. Spokespersons will be available on the day of, or in advance by request.  

Media Contact: 
Megan Poole (she/her) Manager, Community Relations and Communications 
Media@The519.org • 647-471-7893  

About The 519: 
The 519 is Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ community centre and service provider, responding to the urgent and emerging needs of 2 Spirit, queer, and trans people since 1976.  

Supported by: Pride Toronto, Toronto Refugee Rights Day 2024 Committee including Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), Sojourn House Toronto, FCJ Refugee Centre, Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University, Margaret’s, and Rainbow Railroad