About Us

The 519 Education and Training team provides organizations with the insights, tools, and understanding to create environments that are 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive, respectful and welcoming.

More than 10,000 people participate in our education and training sessions each year and hundreds of non-profit, public sector and corporate organizations work with us to advance 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive spaces where people can be their authentic selves.

The 519 Pride Speaker Series 2023 is back!

The 519 is thrilled to announce the return of our special Pride Speaker Series 2023 edition! Join us under our umbrella during Pride month for a series of virtual talks delivered by our staff. Learn tangible skills and knowledge to champion inclusion in your workplace and beyond. All this while supporting our year-round work serving 2 Spirit, queer, and trans people in Toronto and beyond!

Stay tuned for details about our Pride Speaker Series 2024!

Our Services

We offer consulting, training and custom education services for each organization, providing training that’s relevant to your context and your unique requirements.

Contact us for more information on what we can offer, virtual or in person.

Email Us

Our introductory-level training covers:

  • Common words used to express sexuality and gender diversity here in Ontario;
  • The difference between sex, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation as it relates to the Ontario Human Rights Code;
  • Pronouns and the importance of respecting people’s pronouns at work and in everyday life;
  • The foundations for understanding affirmation and allyship and their importance as ongoing practices in your life at home and at work.
Workplace Trainings:
  • Training on sexual and gender diversity in the workplace
  • Workshops for employers and employees
  • Training for leadership
  • Training for front-line staff
HR & Resources
  • Forms (intake forms, client files, patient charts)
  • File Management (paper files, digital files, Human Resource Management Systems)
  • Processes (payroll, pension and benefits administration, leaves of absence, recruitment, selection, interviewing)
Policy Review
  • Policy development and review
  • Policy review for inclusion of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression
  • Development and review of accommodation policy, dress code policy, workplace transition guidelines
Special Consultations
  • Consultation services
  • Physical environment audit
  • Talks and Panels
  • Trainings specifics to your Industry

Meet the Team

Manager, Education and Training

Mx. Ashley McGhee, B. Ed., M.A., O.C.T.

Pronouns: She/Her

Areas of Expertise:

  • supporting employers working with 2SLGBTQ+ people
  • supporting 2SLGBTQ+ families

Pronouns: She/Her

Areas of Expertise:

  • supporting employers working with 2SLGBTQ+ people
  • supporting 2SLGBTQ+ families
Specialist, Education and Training

Jo Jefferson

Pronouns: They/Them

Areas of Expertise:

  • 2SLGBTQ+ Seniors
  • families
  • schools
  • arts-based practices
  • trans rights
  • history

Pronouns: They/Them

Jo is a queer/trans writer, parent, and community worker who has been on staff at The 519 since 2018. Jo’s background is in popular education for personal and community transformation. They believe that we have to dream the world we want, and then work together to build it.

Areas of Expertise:

  • 2SLGBTQ+ Seniors
  • families
  • schools
  • arts-based practices
  • trans rights
  • history
Facilitator, Education and Training

Susan Gapka

Pronouns: She/Her

Areas of Expertise:

  • housing and homelessness
  • mental health, addictions and harm reduction
  • trans rights
  • community organizing

Pronouns: She/Her

Areas of Expertise:

  • housing and homelessness
  • mental health, addictions and harm reduction
  • trans rights
  • community organizing

Client Stories

“The 519 training was both confirming and eye-opening in many respects with very strong facilitators. We left the workshop with new insight and a desire to share and discuss what we had learned.” — Suzanne Marion, Toronto Public Library

“Working with The 519 guarantees that workshops will be informative, comprehensive and relevant. The support and resources provided by The 519 has made a world of difference as we continue on this journey; we are better for our partnership with The 519.” — Jacqueline Silvera, Senior Manager, Diversity and Mediation Services, University Health Network

Connect with us for more information on our training services.

Ash McGhee
Manager, Education and Training
AMcGhee@The519.org

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