Join us this fall and winter for our Latine Book Club, where we’ll be reading and guided by local author Antonio Robledo (A. Renegade) through his bilingual poetry collection, Love (Man to Man) Poetry / Amor (De hombre a hombre) Poemario.

Born in uncertain times, this collection of poems explores a love that transcends convention and celebrates authenticity. With courage, honesty, and tenderness, Robledo’s words invite us to reflect on the universal truth that love knows no limits—beyond gender, culture, or expectation.

Each session will create space for reflection, conversation, and community connection as we explore themes like love, identity, vulnerability, and healing. This book club is part of The 519’s Latine Consultation Process, working to build accessible ways to strengthen community ties, offer paid opportunities, and connect Queer and Trans people with Latin American roots to wider supports and services.

Copies of the book, TTC tickets, and light snacks will be provided. 

Dates:

Saturday, November 29 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Saturday, December 6 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Saturday, January 10 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Saturday, January 24 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: The 519 Community Centre. This book club will provide a hybrid option, and a zoom link will be sent through our weekly reminders.

Eligibility: This book club is open to Queer and Trans community members with roots to what is colonially known as Latin America, with priority for Two-Spirit, Non-Binary, and Trans community members. Elders and older adults are warmly encouraged to join!

About the Facilitator
Antonio Robledo (A. Renegade) is a Mental Health and Addiction professional with a background in communications and social work. His contributions to Canada were recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025).
Mexican by birth and Canadian by choice, Antonio divides his time between supporting others through therapy and pursuing his passion for rock climbing. His poetry is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and truth expressed through bilingual storytelling.

Previous Book Clubs

2SQTBIPOC Book Club Cohort 2

Join us in reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s books: The Serviceberry and Braiding Sweetgrass. This book club will be led by Nancy Cooper, and will run through the month of April in 4 sessions on Saturdays.

• The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World is an exploration of how we can rethink our relationship with nature, economy and community through a lens of reciprocity.
• Braiding Sweetgrass, a book that weaves Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and plant teachings.

Copies of both books, TTC tickets and snacks will be provided.

Dates: Every Saturday in April (April 5, 12, 29 and 26)
Time: 11:00am-1pm
Location: 519 Community Centre

Eligibility: This workshop is only open to Black, Indigenous and racialized Queer and Trans people of Colour, and priority is given to Two-Spirit, Non-Binary and Trans community members. Elders and older adults are encouraged to apply!

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Nancy Cooper is from the Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation in Southern Ontario. Nancy has worked in the Native literacy field for the past 17 years and has worked as a literacy instructor, curriculum developer, field development consultant, program administrator, evaluator, tutor, board member and volunteer. After receiving her master’s degree in Adult Education, Nancy decided on a change of pace and started working with Aboriginal youth in alternative secondary programs throughout Ontario. Nancy is currently First Nation Communities Read coordinator and First Nations Consultant at Southern Ontario Library Service.

2SQTBIPOC Storytelling Project Presents: 2SQTBIPOC Book Club Cohort 1

An intergenerational space for 2SQTBIPOC (2 Spirit, Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities to exchange experiences and viewpoints through 2SQTBIPOC literature to foster solidarity.

Saturdays,
November 16 and 30, December 14 and January 4,
2 to 4pm at Glad Day Bookshop [499 Church St.]

FREE, RSVP required. Visit: The519.org/spbookclub

For ages 19+. Materials, refreshments, and presto tickets provided.

Your facilitator: Kobena Ampofo

Kobena (he/she/they) is an avid reader, a yoga teacher, and becoming a business admin. They developed a writing practice and are also exploring visual media as their craft. They are excited to bring their perspective to an exploration of Francesca Ekwuyasi’s Butter Honey Pig Bread.

Questions? Email Emkay EAdjeuManu@The519.org

The 519 is an accessible facility with a ramp, elevator, and all-gender washrooms.