Toronto's The 519 welcomes hundreds of 2SLGBTQ+ refugees at a special event

A Toronto community center opened its doors Tuesday for a day-long event to provide immediate support to hundreds of 2SLGBTQ+ refugees.

City agency 519 hosted Love in Action: LGBTQ+ Refugee Unity Day for Valentine's Day. Normally, the agency serves all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but on Tuesday its staff focused only on the needs of newcomers.

The event comes as the Greater Toronto Area faces an influx of refugees into the region. In January alone, The 519 claims to have helped thousands of refugees.

Lisa Duplessis, director of the 519 program and community services, says people face huge challenges when they come to Canada, including access to food, financial security, recognition of credentials, employment, housing and enough money for a lawyer. .

“New, understanding the intersectionality of being BIPOC, really traumatized and queer, and very difficult to navigate the immigration process.”

According to The 519, many 2SLGBTQ+ refugees face many of the same challenges as newcomers to the country. But they often face additional challenges.

Duplessis said The 519 cares about settlements and that refugees who arrive have long waits to meet with staff. More than half are expected to come from temporary homeless shelters, he said. Some were expected to come from as far away as London and Kingston.

“I know this journey personally”

The day featured a hot meal, grocery bags, an information session, housing and employment counseling, medical and legal counseling, and literature tables providing information on community programs and services from partner agencies. All participating refugees were members of The 519 and registered for settlement services.

It also allowed refugees to connect with 519 partner agencies such as People Living with AIDS, the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention, or Black Hat, Toronto Employment and Social Services and Fife House.

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The event at The 519 included an information session. (Mark Bochsler/CBC)

Duplessis said helping newcomers to Canada is important to him because he was once a newcomer to Toronto.

“I also came to Canada as an applicant 14 years ago and this is my first place to volunteer, my first place of employment, the place where I have been most welcomed and where I have spent my career journey with 519. , the place where I felt the most support,” he said. “It's important to me because I know this journey personally.”

Some employees may also relate to the plight of refugees in southern Ontario, Duplessis said.

“Most of the staff I work with have experienced the refugee process and they know what it's like to come here with no information, no welcome and nowhere to go for help,” she said.

City agency 519 hosted Love in Action: LGBTQ+ Refugee Unity Day for Valentine's Day. Normally, the agency serves all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but on Tuesday its staff focused only on the needs of newcomers. (Mark Bochsler/CBC)

Duplessis said 519 is a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees.

“People feel safe within these walls,” he said. “People look to us for what we do. What we do is provide a safe space for queer and trans people to fully express who they are.”

This day is dedicated to forming a “security ring” around the refugees

Paul Sagil, chairman of The 519's board of directors, said the day is about giving back to the community, forming a “ring of safety” around those who need it most, providing acceptance and guidance. This day aims to make refugees feel comfortable and supported.

In many parts of the world, 2SLGBTQ+ people still fear for their lives, Sagul said.

“Many of them are afraid to go to official sources or government officials or community agencies because they don't know what treatment is like elsewhere. You can come here and feel safe, and you can also navigate the city,” he said.

Paul Sagil, chairman of The 519's board of directors, said that in many countries around the world, 2SLGBTQ+ people still face threats to their lives. (Mark Bochsler/CBC)

But it is impossible to solve the problem with a one-day decision, he said, calling on the people to help.

“Donate to 519, of course, we appreciate it. Also, talk to your state officials, talk to your government leaders and make sure there are resources to help people coming in,” he said.

Fife House executive director Nadine Sukermani said the organization took part in the day to help refugees living with HIV. Fife House is a provider of housing and support services for people and families living with HIV/AIDS in the Greater Toronto Area.

“We provide the largest supportive housing for people living with HIV in the Greater Toronto Area. We provide housing for over 350 residents in the city, as well as support services, housing assistance, eviction prevention, admissions,” said Zuckerman. .