The Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, was set aside to recognize those who have been killed due to ignorance and hatred, targeted because they were trans or gender non-conforming. The first event took place in 1999 in San Francisco to honour Rita Hester, who had been brutally murdered the previous year.
Celebrate Visibility in All Its Forms Fairlawn Avenue United Church is allying with International Day of Pink for the second year to bring the 2024 Visibility Anniversaries Tour to Fairlawn on Saturday, April 13 at 2:00pm. This event celebrates visibility in all its forms — being seen, welcomed, acknowledged, accepted, respected, and listened to. It recognizes the 25th anniversary of the Trans Flag and the 50th anniversary of the Brunswick Four, a key event in the queer women’s movement. We welcome you to join us for incredible discussions with 2SLGBTQIA+ community leaders who have shaped our history and are trailblazing our future. REGISTER NOW!
Tell Me More: A session for adults supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth We invite you to join us on Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00pm at this introductory information session for parents, caregivers, educators, and other adults who care for and about queer and questioning youth. The session covers key 2SLGBTQIA+ language and concepts, inclusive parenting, and how to prepare for and/or handle the coming out conversation. Our goal is to help attendees support the queer youth in their lives by providing basic, accurate information and creating a safe space for questions and conversation. Visit our website to register for this free event at fairlawnchurch.ca/affirm-events/
2025 International Day of Pink Tour Theme: Re-emergence We will be celebrating: 35th anniversary of the word Two-Spirit 35th anniversary of the start of the LGBT Purge (court cases) 25th anniversary of the Little Sister's bookstore supreme court case 10th anniversary of the ban on conversion therapy
Fairlawn Avenue is delighted to welcome playwright Robbie Norquay to help us celebrate Pride Month Pride Sunday, on May 25 at 10:30am. We will have the opportunity to meet and hear from Robbie in conversation with Kevin Doe. Robbie Norquay is the son of a United Church minister who sang in choirs in his dad’s church, Earlscourt United. (Coincidentally, he is also Morrey Ewing’s cousin!) When Robbie was ten, his sister declared his first play existentialist. He had to ask her what that meant. Following a career in the public service, Robbie sought a more creative outlet for his lifelong love of writing. In 2018, Robbie discovered Act 2 Studio Works. Robbie’s first short play, Good Grief, featured a brother and sister packing up their mother’s house after her death. Long Live the Rainbow is Robbie’s second full-length play, a heartfelt story about a relationship within the context of 70s and 80s 2SLGBTQIA+ activism in Toronto. Robbie observes, “The recent rising cacophony of racist, misogynist, homo and transphobic voices suggests that the battle is not over. Long Live the Rainbow is a play that reminds us why we fought for human rights and why we must join with allies to help them with their fight too.” Long Live the Rainbow played at the Alumnae theatre May 16-25, 2025. Fairlawn Avenue is delighted to welcome Robbie to help us celebrate Pride Month 2025.
COMET: A Drop-in Program for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth COMET (Come Out & Meet Each Tuesday) is a free after-school drop-in program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-18 in North Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Questioning youth and allied friends are also welcome. COMET program activities include arts and crafts, games, cooking, creative workshops, and more. Dinner and snacks are provided at no cost. When? Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 8:30pm. Where? 28 Fairlawn Ave., Toronto, ON West off Yonge St., a 7-minute walk north from Lawrence TTC Station. Participants are invited to use the west accessible main lobby entrance to access the Assembly Hall downstairs. Why? Because every queer and questioning youth needs a fun and safe place to be themself. What is COMET All About? The program provides youth who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community a safe and welcoming place to gather, eat a nutritious meal, participate in programming through partner organizations, or just come by to hang out