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.
For more information about DKS, contact Service Access Unit at t. 416-595-9618 | [email protected]
This Pride month we come together to celebrate and recognize the collective joy, resilience, grief, and strength that exists every day in our 2SLGBTQ+ community.
As anti-trans rhetoric continues to rise in Canada, it’s crucial that we focus our attention on transgender inclusion and recognize the challenges our transgender siblings face, particularly those belonging to the Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) community who face disproportionate amounts of transphobia compounded by racism and the ongoing effects of colonization, amidst a backdrop of escalating hate, violence, and discriminatory legislation.
We cannot ignore the profound impact this has had on the trans community, exacerbating feelings of fear, isolation, and vulnerability. Transgender individuals already face disproportionate rates of violence, discrimination, and lack of access to essential resources such as healthcare and safe housing. The perpetuation of harmful narratives only serves to further alienate and endanger their well-being.
We believe our governments play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive and just society. We are encouraged by the steps that have been taken in the past to protect the rights of transgender individuals, such as anti-discrimination laws and policies. However, we also believe that more can and should be done to eradicate transphobia and ensure the safety and dignity of all Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, plus (2STNB+) members of our community.
Family Service Toronto remains steadfast in our commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing justice and practising inclusion. We are in solidarity with individuals and families from all areas of life and will continue to uplift the experiences of marginalized communities who call on us to challenge and dismantle all forms of oppression and discrimination.
Join us Wednesday, June 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 355 Church Street for our You’ve Got Pride Event – a collaborative postcard-making session and a queer watch party, celebrating our diverse identities and the resilience of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. Let’s come together as a community and as allies to honor our unique identities and collective strength. No registration required.
Join us Wednesday, June 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 355 Church Street for our You’ve Got Pride Event – a collaborative postcard-making session and a queer watch party, celebrating our diverse identities and the resilience of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. Let’s come together as a community and as allies to honor our unique identities and collective strength. No registration required.
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.