Sharing Truth. Building Power. Driving Change.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism as Experienced by Black LGBTQ+ Newcomers

This project is rooted in the knowledge, resilience, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Black newcomers, many of whom face layered systems of exclusion across immigration, housing, employment, health, and legal services. Through a series of workshops, toolkits, and community events, we aim to build leadership, strengthen community, and improve service access for this underserved population.

The project includes:

• Workshop series (running May–July 2025) for LGBTQ+ Black newcomers focused on leadership, systems navigation, and peer support. Topics include:
  • Community-based leadership and advocacy
  • Understanding systems and rights in Canada
  • Safer spaces, storytelling, and trauma-informed care
  • Building trust, belonging, and resilience
• A comprehensive service provider toolkit to support frontline workers across all sectors in working more equitably and respectfully with LGBTQ+ Black clients
• Ongoing community engagement and advocacy efforts to ensure systems reflect the needs and realities of those most impacted

Why This Work Matters

Many Black LGBTQ+ newcomers arrive in Canada fleeing state violence, family rejection, or criminalization of their identity. Once here, they often continue to face racism, xenophobia, and queerphobia within systems that were not designed for their realities. This project is about changing that, starting with community care, connection, and collective leadership.

Get Involved

• Are you an LGBTQ+ Black newcomer? Contact us for more info.
• Are you a service provider? Access our toolkit (coming soon) and request training or support for your team.

Organized by The 519 New to Canada. Questions? Contact NewToCanada@The519.org.