David Kelley Services (DKS) Program is named after the late David Kelley, one of the founders of the Toronto Counselling Centre for Lesbians and Gays (TCCLG). The program was established in 1996 after TCCLG merged with Family Service Toronto.
We are committed to trauma-informed, anti-oppression practices to help empower LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families, as well as people living with, affected by or concerned about HIV/AIDS, and to enhance participation in their communities and in the broader society.
Family Service Toronto also has Single Session Walk-in Counselling.
If you are in crisis, contact:
For more information about DKS, contact Service Access Unit at 416-595-9618 or [email protected]
As Pride Month arrives, we honour the powerful legacy of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who have long stood at the forefront of justice, resilience, and community care. At Family Service Toronto, we believe that true community care begins with equity, inclusion, and the celebration of every identity – and that commitment is more critical than ever in today’s climate.
In 2025, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights are under growing threat – not only abroad but here in Canada. We are seeing rising incidents of hate, well-funded campaigns targeting trans and queer communities, and regressive efforts to limit inclusive education, especially in schools. Anti-trans protests and disinformation have created increasingly hostile environments, particularly for young people. Against this backdrop, Pride is not just a celebration – it’s a necessary act of resistance.
This Pride Month, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ voices – not just in June, but every single day. We recognize that Pride was born from protest, from courageous acts of defiance led by trans women of colour and other queer pioneers. That spirit of collective resistance remains vital as we push for dignity, safety, and liberation for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people across Canada. We also shine light on the common humanity – the collective human longing for love, acceptance, and the freedom to be ourselves. These universal desires unite us and drive us to stand against discrimination and injustice.
At Family Service Toronto, we are actively centering the needs of the queer community in the following ways:
We also ask our broader community to reflect on these guiding values:
Let Pride be more than a moment. Let it be a sustained movement—a promise we carry forward through acts of compassion, bold allyship, and enduring commitment to justice. Together, let’s serve, uplift, and celebrate—loudly, proudly, and with purpose.
Join us Wednesday, June 11th from 3 to 6 p.m. at 353 Church Street for our Community Pride: Craft Lounge Event co-hosted with Hard Feelings. Drop by for an afternoon of creativity, including button-making, friendship bracelets, card writing, and collaging. Let’s come together as a community and as allies to honor our unique identities and collective strength. Snacks and art supplies provided. This is a free and accessible drop-in event — no registration required.
Learn more here: Community Pride Craft Lounge
Family Service Toronto also has Single Session Walk-in Counselling.
The David Kelley HIV/AIDS Counselling Program provides professional counselling and support services to people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Our services include goal-focused short to medium-term professional counselling to individuals, couples and families on issues such as loss, relationships, self-esteem, planning for healthy living, changing health status, and self-care.
We offer support groups as needed; referrals to other support services (financial, housing, treatment information, home care, etc.); advocacy on behalf of our clients.
For appointments, please contact the Service Access Unit at: 416.595.9618; [email protected]
The David Kelley Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (LGBTQ+) Counselling Program provides professional, short-term, individual, couple and family counselling to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer.
Our counselling helps people who are facing a broad range of issues such as coming out, sexual orientation and gender identity, isolation, discrimination, relationship issues, parenting, transitioning, self-esteem and violence. We recognize the diversity that exists within the community of people who identify as LGBTQ+. While everyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ experiences discrimination based on sexual orientation, many LGBTQ+ individuals face other forms of discrimination as well; sometimes from within the community itself. This is particular true for trans and two spirited people. Our programs/services reflect awareness that additional factors such as race, class, age and ability influence the way that individuals experience their sexual orientation and gender identity.
David Kelley Services program offers 2STNB+ Connect – a virtual peer support group which welcomes youth (age 16-29) across the gender identity spectrum to meet and connect with others in their community, explore their identities, and create meaningful relationships. The group provides a friendly and non-judgemental space for 2STNB+ youth at all different stages on their gender journey to socialize and discuss a wide range of issues; from social and medical transition, to family, to school, as well as to share interests.
Groups are ongoing on a bi-weekly basis. For group information and registration go to Family Service Toronto Workshops, Groups and Events page.
The David Kelley program also provides Partner Assault Response (PAR) services for court- and probation-mandated individuals charged with assault to a same-sex partner. This service has been adapted to address the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ communities. It is offered in collaboration with Family Service Toronto’s Next Steps / Partner Abuse Response Program. Service is arranged through referral to Service Access Unit by probation or by the courts through the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto.
David Kelley offers counselling for male survivors of sexual abuse (age 16+) who seek support to deal with the impact of unwanted sexual experiences, whether recent or from years ago.
Our current workshops and groups are available on Workshops, Groups and Events page, David Kelley Services section.