4 Nonprofits Advancing the LGBTT2SQI Community

Happy belated Canada Day! On Friday I wrote about Toronto Pride’s celebration being about who we are, where we’ve been and where we are going . As Pride celebrations came to an end on Sunday night, I thought this would be a great opportunity to spotlight a few of the many nonprofit organizations that support and further the LGBTT2SQI community and related causes.

Recently I read a Facebook post by the organizer of a community based gay social group about his experience volunteering for a local organization. His post inspired me to seek volunteering opportunities as a means to give back to the community. What I found is that there are a plethora of organizations that serve LGBTT2SQI members and form an integral part of our community by providing social, financial and medical aid to those who need it most. In my research I found 4 particular organizations worthy of mentioning that have helped the LGBTT2SQI community:

1. Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line. Since 1994, this Toronto-based Youth Line has been offering support to youth in the community. This is important as many gay youth may not have the support to come to terms with their identity or they may not have someone to talk to about what they are experiencing growing into adulthood as an LGBTT2SQI youth. The support line serves as a lifeline to youth 26 and under who need someone to talk to in a nonjudgmental and anonymous forum. Providing phone and online chat support six days a week and by email the LGBTT2SQI Youth Line is an organization that is helping the next generation of gay youth come to terms with their identity, answer intimidating sexual questions and give them a sense of inclusion in our community.
2. ACT (Aids Committee of Toronto). When HIV/AIDS surfaced in the 1980’s it originally impacted members of the LGBTT2SQI community. Since 1983 ACT has educated and provided our community with current and up to date information on the disease and treatments. In addition, it also offers counselling, support and outreach services for people living with HIV. Two individuals are infected with HIV every day in Toronto alone so it’s great that our community has an organization whose mission is to educate and provide assistance.
3. Inside Out. A film festival and registered nonprofit charity that promotes and supports the production and exhibition of films and videos made by and about the LGBTT2SQI community. With festivals held in Toronto and Ottawa the events highlight the best of Canadian and global LGBTT2SQI films. The over twenty year old organization has grown to include scholarships and mentorship programs aimed at students in our community. Certainly an organization that has helped further our cause and showcase incredible talent.
4. The 519 Community Centre. Named after their physical address at 519 Church Street, The 519 Community Centre was established 37 years ago in 1975 and serves as a hub to the LGBTT2SQI community in Toronto. The centre is a welcoming place to members of our community and offers many programs and services that address a variety of needs including: newcomer settlement services; services geared to the older LGBTT2SQI generation; anti-poverty and homelessness programs; family and children services; and other various community and user groups. The 519 is known to always have their doors open and to be welcoming to all visitors regardless of identity.

It’s inspiring to see how a variety of causes can support the very same community in the various ways that attention and assistance is needed. In the spirit of the recent Pride Celebrations, thank you to these and all the other organizations for your support and being part of our community.
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Miratel Solutions is a Toronto call centre, eBusiness, and letter shop mail house specializing in professional fundraising services including telephone fundraising, online fundraising, lottery services, donation caging, donation processing and other donor management services. We are committed to our CSR business values in all contact centre services and mail house operations and advancing the missions of the nonprofits we proudly serve.