50th Anniversary Story Gathering

All You Need to Know

For 50 years, The 519 has been the fierce, beating heart of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities — a home, a refuge, and a rallying point where generations have come together to support one another and drive change. From offering life‑saving services in moments of crisis to decades of Pride, protests, programs, potlucks, partnerships, and chosen‑family gatherings, our space has been shaped by the countless people who have made it their own.

Every milestone in our journey— the victories, the struggles, and the celebrations — has been written by organizers and elders, newcomers and youth, families and friends, and everyone who has ever found belonging or strength within these walls. We believe the story of The 519 is best told in the voices and experiences of those who have helped build it. So, to honour this anniversary year, we’re inviting our community to reflect on what this place has meant in their lives.

We want to hear, in your own words, the impact of The 519 on your life.

These stories will be collected, shared and preserved as part of our 50th anniversary — a commemoration of the past 50 years, and a source of inspiration for the next 50 years. Our stories matter. They hold our lived experiences and the wisdom we pass forward. When we share them, we are witnessed, celebrated, and remembered. We hope you’ll share yours.

Storytelling is an act of generosity and community care. Thank you for sharing your voice and your experience. We’re glad you’re here.

For any questions, email Storytelling@The519.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of stories is The 519 collecting?

All kinds, really! We want to hear, in your own words, what The 519 has meant to you. You can share small details and big milestones, joyful and difficult moments, whatever ways your experience of The 519 has been part of your journey.

Stories may take many forms, including video, audio clips, photographs, written reflections, artwork, and more.

How will The 519 collect stories?

There are so many ways to share your story!

We’re using a platform called MemoryFox to help people share digital content quickly and easily. You can record a video, photo, or audio directly through the portal and share it with us instantly. You can also upload existing videos, photos, images of artwork you create, or written messages. Feel free to be creative with what you share! If you would like to share your story through MemoryFox, please email Storytelling@The519.org. for access.

If you aren’t comfortable with uploading digital content, or you just need a little more support to shape your story, you can reach out to us directly and we’ll be glad to help with a one-on-one interview in-person, virtually, or over the phone. For extra support, please email Storytelling@The519.org.

Where will these stories be shared?

Stories may be shared across various platforms of The 519, including but not limited to:

  • Social media
  • Website and newsletters
  • Installations and exhibitions
  • 50th anniversary publications
  • Education and training materials
  • Annual impact reports (print and digital)
  • Online archives

Please refer to the Multimedia Consent Notice section below for more details.

How long should my story be?

To help us include as many voices as possible, please keep video and audio submissions under 2 minutes. Longer submissions will be shortened by The 519 as needed, and edited versions won’t be available for advance review.

Is there a deadline for submissions?

Please share your story by June 1, 2026. While story collection continues year-round, we would love to receive your submissions early in the year so we can include them in our 50th anniversary programming.

I do not speak English. Can I still submit my story?

Yes! If you would like to share your story in your preferred language, including ASL, please email Storytelling@The519.org. We will do our best to accommodate you.

I had a bad experience with The 519. Will you accept my story?

Yes. We understand that, over our five decades of serving Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities, we haven’t always gotten things right. Our history is imperfect because we’re imperfect. We’ve stumbled and risen, marched and rebuilt Sometimes compassion and care show up as much needed critique and we welcome all stories shared in good faith about the impact of The 519. Please refer to our Anti-Hate Statement section for information about our guidelines.

Anti-Hate Statement

The 519 is committed to equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all our work. We recognize the importance of uplifting voices that have been historically underrepresented in Toronto’s queer history.

We ask that you engage in the story-gathering process with care and respect towards staff and fellow community members. Hate, racism, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, ableism, or any other form of discrimination will not be tolerated. If you have general concerns or grievances about The 519, please contact Info@The519.org rather than submitting them through this story-gathering process.

Story submissions that violate The 519’s Human Rights and Anti-Harassment Discrimination Policy will be removed.

We are committed to community-informed and culturally responsive artistic practices, and we look forward to collaborating and co-creating this project with you.

Multimedia Consent Notice

By making a story submission, you certify that:

1) You have read the full Notice of Collection below.

2) The 519 may share your story publicly. This may include various storytelling, promotional, and communications materials.

3) You are 18 years of age or older. If a person is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent on their behalf. Email Storyteling@The519.org for details on providing consent on behalf of someone under 18 years of age.

Submissions become the exclusive property of The 519 and may be reproduced by The 519, or those authorized by The 519, without compensation to the provider or further approvals being secured by The 519. Submissions may include video and audio recordings, writing, photographs, interview transcripts, scans, and similar materials.

Whatever format you choose for your submission, you are providing consent for The 519 to publish your story as part of our 50th anniversary initiatives, which include but are not limited to:

  • Social media
  • Website and newsletters
  • Installations and exhibitions
  • 50th anniversary publications
  • Education and training materials
  • Impact reports (print and digital)
  • Online archives

Your consent matters. If you wish to withdraw your consent, please email Storytelling@The519.org. Due to the nature of this project, there may be limitations to withdrawing consent and The 519 may not be able to edit or remove your story from materials already published or distributed.

Notice of Collection: The personal information provided through MemoryFox or other collection tools, together with the corresponding photographs, videotapes, audiotapes, films and/or interviews is collected under the authority of the City of Toronto Act, S.O. 2006, Chapter 11, Schedule A, s. 136 (b) & (c). Personal information is used for The 519’s 50th anniversary initiatives, including ongoing communications, and may be shared with external parties for editing purposes. The information may be reproduced in The 519’s publications or materials, including marketing and promotional material, The 519’s Websites, and social media. Questions about this collection can be directed to the Privacy Officer at The 519, 519 Church St., Toronto, ON, M4Y 2C9, by email at Privacy@The519.org or by phone at 416-392-6874.

Accessibility and Accommodations

We want everyone in our community to be able to take part in the story‑sharing process. If you have any access needs, we will work with you to make sure you can participate.

  • Access needs may include:
  • Sharing your story in a language other than English
  • Having a one‑on‑one in‑person interview
  • Support for blind and low‑vision contributors
  • Help using any of the digital tools we provide
  • Or any other support that would make participation accessible for you

Please contact us and tell us what you need.

Prompts for Creating Your Story

Prompts for Creating Your Story

  • What was your first touchpoint with The 519?
  • What is your earliest memory of The 519 having an impact on your life?
  • Share a specific experience that changed you, shifted something for you, or stayed with you in a meaningful way.
  • How has The 519 influenced your sense of belonging, identity, or community?
  • Think of a meaningful relationship that came about through The 519 and tell us how it has shaped you.
  • Was there a time when The 519 supported you through something difficult? What did that support look like for you?
  • How has being part of The 519 community affected your personal growth, confidence, or well-being?
  • If you were telling a friend about how The 519 has impacted your life, what story would you share?

Tips for Sharing Stories

Find your storytelling style

  • There’s no single “right” way to tell a story
  • Choose the format that feels most natural and expressive for you—video, audio, writing, a photo with a caption, artwork, or some other creative format
  • Work with whatever helps your voice come through

Set the scene

  • Choose a quiet, well-lit space to record and silence phone notifications
  • Record videos vertically (portrait mode) and keep your camera steady or place it on a stable surface
  • Speak clearly and authentically
  • Keep your video or audio recording around 2 minutes

Plan before you begin

  • Prepare a few notes to make the process easier
  • Write a script to read while recording if that feels most comfortable
  • Remember we’re seeking meaningful stories about The 519 on your life.

Remember— we’re here to support you!

If you would like help choosing a format or shaping your story, our team is available to support you. Email Storytelling@The519.org to discuss how we can support you.