July 2023
Notice of Annual General Meeting 2023
Call for Nominations – The 519 Annual General Meeting 2023
June 2023
[Media Advisory] The 519’s Green Space Festival 2023 lineup celebrates trans excellence
May 2023
Pride 2023 at The 519: Upcoming Programs and Events
Green Space Festival 2023: Neighbourhood Information
March 2023
Trans Day of Visibility: How can we commit to being visible allies?
[Press Release] The 519 to Honour Esteemed Author John Irving with Ally Award
International Women's Day 2023: Women, Life, Freedom
February 2023
Re: Sentencing of Colin Harnack in murder of Julie Berman
December 2022
In Solidarity with Ontario's Drag Performers
November 2022
In Solidarity; A Community Vigil Honouring Colorado Victims and Survivors
Public Statement on Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) 2022
September 2022
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The 519 Board of Management Candidates 2022/23
August 2022
Notice of The 519 Annual General Meeting 2022-23
June 2022
Call for Nominations – The 519 Annual General Meeting 2022-23
World Refugee Day: Support LGBTQ+ Refugees Every Day
Green Space Festival 2022: Neighbourhood Information
Green Space Festival announces 2022 lineup: a Pride-weekend party in support of 2SLGBTQ+ communities
Pride 2022 at The 519: Upcoming Programs and Events
April 2022
Lifting the Blood Ban: A Step in the Right Direction
March 2022
Trans Day of Visibility: Affirmations and Calls to Action
International Women's Day: Our History, Our Reality, Out Future
April 12, 2019
The provincial funding cuts impacting refugee and immigration law services at Legal Aid Ontario has left us gravely concerned for the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ refugee claimants who are in desperate need of trauma-informed and accessible legal assistance.
Across the globe, LGBTQ folks experience significant threat, intimidation and violence in their countries of origin, which precipitates their refugee claims in Canada. Many LGBTQ refugee claimants continue to face homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, racism and xenophobia in Canada through contact with shelters, health and legal systems, and settlement services, further intensifying their trauma.
The refugee claim process is particularly challenging, invasive and traumatic for LGBTQ folks. In addition to reliving their trauma and collecting evidence that proves and legitimizes their gender identity and/or sexual orientation, they must also navigate through unfamiliar and complicated legal systems and social realities. These experiences are further intensified by language barriers and access to services. LGBTQ refugee claimants deal with significant fear and uncertainty about the refugee claim process and often feel overwhelmed and re-traumatized.
The 519 urges the provincial government to continue their support for all refugee claimants, including LGBTQ folks, to have access to free and competent legal representation through Legal Aid Ontario, so that their claims are judged fairly and equitably by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). This is critical to their wellbeing and resettlement process in Canada.