About Queer and Connected

Queer and Connected is a unique health promotion program that aims to improve health outcomes and support resiliency of LGBTQI2S+ youth (age 16 to 29) from diverse backgrounds and communities. We aim to do this by combating social isolation experienced by LGBTQI2S+ youth and providing opportunities for youth to build healthy peer relationships in peer/mentor-led spaces.

We provide peer-led educational workshops and social groups where youth will discuss challenges related to being in the LGBTQI2S+community, learn strategies and skills, increase knowledge on health and preventative sexual practices, expand their awareness of resources and services in the city of Toronto and build healthy, supportive relationships with peers and mentors.

What the project offers

Queer and Connected offers free workshops, peer groups and facilitated social events. Topics discussed include:

• Gender-based violence in LGBTQ2S+ communities
• Healthy sex and safe sex practices
• Open discussions on drug use in the LGBTQ2S+ community and strategies to help
• Self-advocacy in navigating counselling and mental health services
• Challenges and barriers related to being LGBTQ2S+ -identified youth
• Learning to identify needs and boundaries
• Developing supportive, nourishing relationships with self and others

Queer and Connected Workshops and Groups

For up-to-date information on current workshops and groups, you can also go to Workshops, Groups and Events page, Queer and Connected section.

Expressive writing Group (in-person)

This is an in-person drop-in expressive writing group offering 2SLGBTQ+ clients aged 16-29 a space to explore their feelings, experiences, and identities. Each session will have a theme and use journalling prompts, free-writing, and speed-writing exercises to guide participants in the exploration of questions related to the theme. The group is limited to a maximum 6 participants.

When: 4 weeks, Thursdays, starting May 4, 2023
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: Family Service Toronto, 355 Church Street.
Cost: Free
Registration information: contact Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]

Download flyer

Queer & Connected workshops

Queer & Connected workshops flyer

Conversation Circles (virtual)

In-person, monthly peer-facilitated support group for 2SLGBTQ+ -identified youth

When: last Thursday each month; 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dates: Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 30, Apr 27, May 25, 2023
Location: virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of workshops)
Cost: Free

Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (2SLGBQ)** Peer Support Group (virtual)

Online peer-facilitated workshops/conversation circles and peer support groups to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth (16 – 29) connect with peers and learn about harm reduction, safer sex practices, mental health, emotional skills, and relationship-building skills. Topics include: Boundaries, Conflict Management, Self-Care, and Community Care, building healthy friendships and Emotional Regulation.

When: Every other Wednesday, 6-8 p.m.
Dates: Feb 8 , Feb 22, Mar 8 , Mar 22, Apr 12, Apr 26, May 10, May 24, Jun 7, 2023
For registration connect with Navid at [email protected]
Location: virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of meetings)
Cost: Free

Queer and Connected Two Spirit, Trans & Non-binary (2STNB)** Peer Support Group (virtual)

Online peer-facilitated support group for Trans & non-binary-identified youth, ages 16 – 29

When: Every other Wednesday, 7 – 9 p.m.
Dates:  Feb 1 , Feb 15, Mar 1 , Mar 29 , Apr 5 , Apr 19 , May 3 , May 17, May 31, June 14, 2023
Location: virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of meetings)
Cost: Free

**2SLGBTQ+ youth with multiple, intersecting identities will be able to self-select the group they want to participate in based on which group best fits their needs.

For more information, contact:

Chantal P, Queer and Connected Project Coordinator
[email protected]

For program registration:

Email Chantal at [email protected] (conversation circles)
Keith at [email protected] (2STNB groups)              
2STNB  =  Two Spirit, Trans and Non-binary.
Navid at [email protected] (2SLGBQ groups)   
2SLGBQ  =  Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer-self-identified