Upcoming events.
Asexual Awareness Week
Asexual Awareness Week, also known as Ace Week, is an annual international campaign held during the last full week of October. Its goal is to educate the public about the diversity of asexual, aromantic, demisexual, and grey-asexual experiences and to provide a voice for the asexual community. It aims to raise awareness of the asexual umbrella and to correct misconceptions about asexuality.
Ace Week focuses on the asexual spectrum, which includes various identities like demisexual (attracted after an emotional bond) and grey-asexual (attraction is rare or limited).
Celebrate Black Creativity at A Black Art Fair
Nia Centre for the Arts is proud to announce the return of A Black Art Fair for its third edition - bigger and bolder than ever!
Dedicated to showcasing and selling original works by Black-Canadian artists at every career stage, A Black Art Fair brings together over 30 artists from across the country. This is a unique opportunity to connect with artists, collectors, curators, and art lovers nationwide.
Whether you’re an avid collector, a casual art enthusiast, a gallerist, or a first-time buyer, this weekend-long event invites you to explore diverse artistic disciplines, engage with the community, and discover works that speak to you. Support Black artists, grow your collection, and bring home Black art.
Curated by Alica Hall and Anthony Gebrehiwot
ArQuives Trivia: 2SLGBTQ History & Culture
What happened on Halloween at the St. Charles Tavern? Who is Gaysper? And what groundbreaking trans musician changed Toronto nightlife forever? Want to know the answers or show off that you know them?
Join us for a fun afternoon of queer and trans trivia with The ArQuives! Show off your trivia knowledge and learn exciting tidbits about queer and trans history and contemporary culture. The first question will be at 2pm. All are welcome and there will be prizes!
Intersex Awareness Day
October 26 is International #IntersexAwarenessDay, a day to encourage dialogue and raise awareness about the lived experience of intersex people.
Intersex people in Canada continue to be made invisible societally and face undue harm within medical institutions and Canada’s justice system. This includes Canada’s ongoing practice of non-consensual “sex normalizing surgeries,” which we refer to as genital mutilation.
What is intersex?
The term intersex refers to a person whose chromosomal, hormonal or anatomical sex characteristics fall outside the conventional classifications of male or female.
Celebrate Black Creativity at A Black Art Fair
Nia Centre for the Arts is proud to announce the return of A Black Art Fair for its third edition - bigger and bolder than ever!
Dedicated to showcasing and selling original works by Black-Canadian artists at every career stage, A Black Art Fair brings together over 30 artists from across the country. This is a unique opportunity to connect with artists, collectors, curators, and art lovers nationwide.
Whether you’re an avid collector, a casual art enthusiast, a gallerist, or a first-time buyer, this weekend-long event invites you to explore diverse artistic disciplines, engage with the community, and discover works that speak to you. Support Black artists, grow your collection, and bring home Black art.
Curated by Alica Hall and Anthony Gebrehiwot
Trans Awareness Month
Transgender Awareness Month is an annual celebration of transgender history and the transgender community. It is celebrated every November to commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which occurs on November 20th. The month is centered around educating people about the transgender community, raising visibility of transgender people, and advocating for their rights.
The primary goals of Transgender Awareness Month are to increase visibility of transgender people and to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence that the community faces. During the month, organizations, communities, and individuals come together to host events and activities to celebrate the transgender community and educate the public about the unique experiences of transgender people. These events may include marches and parades, lectures and workshops, film screenings, and art exhibitions.
Trans Parent Day
This day celebrates the life, love and diversity that exists between transgender parents and their children and transgender children and their parents. It is observed annually on the first Sunday of November.
Together Against Hate Durham
Join us for the Together Against Hate Durham conference!
Hosted by the Region of Durham as part of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, this event is proudly funded by the Canada Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) – National Anti-Racism Fund.
Held at the Ajax Community Centre, the Together Against Hate Durham conference will feature inspirational speakers and meaningful panel discussions.
The conference will also highlight the powerful impact of public awareness through its recently launched campaign. The campaign was informed by contributions from a coalition of 39 Durham Region community organizations, with over 65 coalition members involved in its development.
Together, we will explore the importance of remaining united against hate, discrimination and prejudice, and work toward building a society that embraces diversity and fosters acceptance for all.
Refreshments will be provided.
A Night for the Stars Gala
STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT AT CMHA DURHAM’S NIGHT FOR THE STARS GALA
Welcome to an evening where elegance meets purpose. A Night For The Stars is a Fundraising Gala dedicated to supporting mental health. Every ticket, bid and sponsorship helps fund vital programs, making a real impact. This event is more than just a celebration, it’s a movement dedicated to bringing mental health to the forefront.
Tickets: https://cmhadurhamgala.ca/
Become A Sponsor: https://cmhadurhamgala.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gala-Sponsorship-Package-And-Form.pdf
Make A Donation: https://give-can.keela.co/cmha-gala-sapphire-gala?eblastId=QYT86ZE8fhaXuek7G&emailId=QYT86ZE8fhaXuek7GgN2DjEwpD7Wv3XbdR1759327203230
Intersex Day of Solidarity/Remembrance
Intersex Day of Remembrance, also called Intersex Day of Solidarity, is observed annually on November 8th to commemorate the birthday of Herculine Barbin, a French intersex person whose life and memoirs highlighted the harm of medical and social practices imposed on intersex people. The day calls for global solidarity and political action to end shame, secrecy, and unnecessary, non-consensual medical interventions like "corrective" surgeries on intersex individuals, particularly children.
Trans Awareness Week
Trans Awareness Week takes place the week before Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence that year.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that honours and remembers those who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was established in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender woman, in response to the brutal murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman, in Allston, Massachusetts. Since then, it has grown and is now observed in cities around the world as a day to remember the lives lost to anti-trans violence.
When Brothers Speak
When Brothers Speak is North America’s largest and longest-running showcase of Black male spoken word artists. Since 1999, this annual event has been a staple in the entertainment calendar, bringing powerful performances from Toronto, across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.
Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls
Join the Women's Committee of Durham Region for a Women's Abuse Awareness Month Event:
MISSING & MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN & GIRLS
🗓 November 25, 2025
📍1425 Phillip Murray Ave., Oshawa
⏰ 1pm-4pm
See you there!
Deceiving Divas Show
Tickets now available:
$30 each or reserve a full table of 8 for $250
Etranser: kevanwithana@hotmail.com
Evening of Hope
Light a candle with us as we remember, reflect, and commit to a safer and more inclusive community.
The Evening of Hope honours the memories of those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who have been lost to suicide or violence as a result of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and bullying.
To submit the name of a loved one: https://forms.gle/63gaf62TMo98RrYY8
To apply to perform: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJb7gY-COfn054oywLEZP_YPGTF3AlHGrC-gD13ulv6jXUwg/viewform
IMSTA Festa
Join IMSTA (International Music Software Trade Association) and Toronto Metropolitan University as they host IMSTA FESTA, a celebration of music technology packed with Panels, Workshops & Master Classes, Song Reviews, Demonstrations and more. Hosting industry experts in an environment where music-makers can network, interact and learn with each other face-to-face, this annual one-day event is not to be missed. IMSTA FESTA is a FREE event open to everyone in the music making community!
Admission is FREE with REGISTRATION.
To register: https://imsta.org/2025_TO.php#register
Spirit Day
#SpiritDay is the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement inspiring LGBTQ youth, especially transgender and nonbinary youth to live their lives in their truth and authenticity.
Cultivating Healthy Romantic Relationships
Join Sam to discuss healthy foundations in relationships after surviving trauma.
We will touch on topics such as attachment styles, boundary setting, communication, conflict and repair & tuning into your body/intuition as you explore new/current relationships.
To learn more or register, please e-mail samanthag@drcc.ca
International Pronouns Day
International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities.
Queer Up
Queer Up is a sexual health leadership workshop series for two-spirit, queer, & trans youth (16-29) presented by ACDR.
Topics will relate to queer history, sexual health and empowerment, community leadership and activism, decolonizing spaces, and more.
Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12, from 10am-3pm.
Register now at forms.gle/F5Vgme8qZ5YA8xD49
Rocks & Rainbows
We’re thrilled to announce a new 2SLGBTQIA+ curling event happening on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Whitby Curling Club. The event will begin at 6:45 PM, and we welcome curlers of all skill levels to join us for an evening of fun, connection, and community.
The cost to participate is $30.00 plus tax, which includes ice time, equipment use, and light refreshments.
This event aims to provide a platform for 2SLGTBQIA+ curlers across the GTA to come together, make connections, and enjoy the sport of curling. This will be an environment where curlers can truly be themselves and come as they are.
Whether you're a seasoned curler or brand new to the sport, this event is a great opportunity to meet others and celebrate inclusivity in our curling community.
Registration is available through the Whitby Curling Club Events Portal. We encourage you to sign up early to secure your spot.
We hope to see you there!
Queer Up
Queer Up is a sexual health leadership workshop series for two-spirit, queer, & trans youth (16-29) presented by ACDR.
Topics will relate to queer history, sexual health and empowerment, community leadership and activism, decolonizing spaces, and more.
Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12, from 10am-3pm.
Register now at forms.gle/F5Vgme8qZ5YA8xD49
National Coming Out Day
October 11 marks National Coming Out Day – an annual 2SLGBTQI awareness day to support anyone “coming out of the closet” – living their life (in part or full) as a member of the 2SLGBTQI community.
With anti-2SLGBTQI hate at an all-time high in Canada, many queer and trans youth may not feel safe to come out this National Coming Out Day. Together, we can help 2SLGBTQI youth feel supported and accepted for who they are, regardless of whether or not they are out.
International Lesbian Day
International Lesbian Day celebrates lesbian culture, community and visibility.
IDL dates back to New Zealand activism and is considered to be first celebrated on March 8th, 1980 by a group of 40 lesbians who marched through Wellington Park, New Zealand on International Women’s Day.
International Lesbian Day is marked annual on October 8th because it’s exactly six months after International Women’s Day on March 8th.
Sisters In Spirit Day
Sisters in Spirit Day is observed annually on October 4th to honor and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S+) people and to show support for their families and communities. Launched by the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) in 2005, it serves as a national day of action to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis and to take action for safety and healing.
2SLGBTQIA History Month
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images, and other resources.
LGBT History Month presents Canadians with an opportunity to learn about the history, contributions, and influence of 2SLGBTQI+ citizens and communities.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
While Your Toronto Zoo's Indigenous Relations team takes the day to quietly reflect, please join Your Toronto Zoo in recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by filling our Front Entrance bridge with orange ribbons. All are welcome to visit the Zoo on September 30th during operating hours to reflect, learn in our First Nation Art Garden (outside Americas Pavilion), and explore!
Truth & Reconciliation Flag Raising
The Township of Brock will be honoring this important day with a flag raising ceremony for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This is an Important opportunity for our community to come together in the spirit of reflection, respect, and reconciliation. As we raise the flag, we acknowledge the truths of our shared history and honour the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and Indigenous communities.
Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow
Sunday - 7am Sunrise Ceremony
$3 Entry Fee
More Info:
Instagram @georginaislandpowwow
Facebook: Georgina Island Pow Wow 2025
Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow
$3 Entry Fee
More Info:
Instagram @georginaislandpowwow
Facebook: Georgina Island Pow Wow 2025
Ally Week
Ally Week is to spark a conversation about the meaning of allyship and to encourage schools to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
The goal of Ally Week is to diminish stereotypes and exclusion while highlighting that peer support for LGBT students is stronger than the students themselves may have thought existed. Allies are identified as supporters but not necessarily members of a marginalized group.
During Ally Week, people are encouraged to sign an Ally pledge, stating that they will not use anti-LGBT language and slurs. They pledge to intervene, if possible, to stop bullying and harassment, and to support efforts for safer schools.
Author Talk: Michelle Good
Join us for a conversation with Michelle Good, award-winning author of Five Little Indians and member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation. She will read from her latest work, Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada, and discuss her journey as a writer. This event is presented with the Public Libraries of York and Durham Region.
Register at https://oshlib.bibliocommons.com/events/687a773aee7045528b7de907
Rabbit and Bear Paws – The Way
Presented by Rabbit and Bear Paws, this interactive puppet theatre retells the story of how the Turtle carries our world on her back and how the tiny muskrat succeeds in giving us the greatest gift of all, a place to call home, Turtle Island. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Family program.
Trans Youth Social Big Trans Picnic
The 519's Trans Youth Mentorship Program invites 2-Spirit, Trans and Non-Binary youth in Toronto for an exciting, free and fun time at Christie Pits Park for a big trans picnic! You heard that right: big trans picnic! Join us for a good time frolicking in the sun, sharing delicious snacks and getting to know each other.
Come meet other trans, non-binary and 2-Spirit young people, make new friends and find out more about the Trans Youth Mentorship Program.
🍪 Snacks will be provided, but participants can also bring food
🃏 We will be bringing some card games and art supplies as activities
✨ Participants can meet the group either at The 519 at 4:30 pm or at Christie station at 5:00pm
Please note that this event is exclusive to 2-spirit, trans and non-binary youth. Allies are kindly asked to respect the closed nature of the group.
Rainbow Recharge
All ages
Drop into our safe crafting space to connect with 2SLGBTQ+ folks in the community (allies are also welcome). Create something unique using our button maker, learn how to make stickers, and more!
Central Library - Meeting Room 1A
Butch Appreciation Day
Butch is an LGBTQ+ masculine gender expression or gender identity. While many people who identify as butch use the term in reference to their gender expression, others claim it as a nonbinary identity in itself, notably Leslie Feinberg, who defined butch as a gender neither male nor female. Butch is an identity that emerged in lesbian and bisexual culture in the 1940s, before there was a stark distinction in the community between types of women who were attracted to other women. Many lesbians have complicated relationships with gender, and may identify as simply butch. Butch is an identity that can be held by people of various queer sexual orientations and can belong to both cisgender and trans individuals.
Traditionally, the identity and term butch has been used by individuals who are attracted to femmes. For some butches, this attraction to femmes represents a strong part of their own identity. Because of this, you will often see the dyadic term "butch/femme," or referrals to a butch/femme dynamic. However, some butches are attracted to other butches (this was already a topic in Leslie Feinberg's seminal novel Stone Butch Blues). The phenomenon of butches attracted to other butches is commonly called "masc-for-masc".
Depending on the community in question, butch people may call themselves by different terms. In Black and Latine communities, there may be a preference for the words aggressive (ag for short) or stud, with much the same meaning as butch.[2][3] White people should use "butch" or another term rather than "stud".
International Butch Appreciation Day is celebrated on August 18 annually.
Gay Uncle Day
Gay Uncles Day, also known as Guncles Day, is celebrated on the second Sunday in August. It was first celebrated in the US on a wide scale Sunday August 14, 2016.
The holiday was conceived and first promoted by Facebook user C.J. Hatter, but received visual attention online when the late former rugby player Simon Dunn posted on his Instagram asking people if they wanted to celebrate "Gay Uncles Day" on Sunday, August 14.
Dunn remarked that everyone had someone in their family who was always the voluntary bachelor, but that visibility could help celebrate those people and allow them the comfort to come out.
The holiday is mostly celebrated online with gay aunts, uncles, and other LGBTQ relatives, posting pictures of themselves with their nieces and nephews, and other close, young relatives. It is also celebrated by the parents celebrating their LGBT+ siblings and sharing gratitude for their presence in the children's lives.
Since 2016, the holiday has been celebrated on the second Sundays in August in 2018, and 2019, including by celebrities such as Simon Dunn and Anderson Cooper. The holiday has been featured on NBC, Advocate Mag, and Out Lifestyle.
Sip & Sway
A relaxed, stylish cocktail hour where queer folks mix, mingle, and move to smooth grooves.
Uxbridge Pride
Get ready for an unforgettable day in downtown Uxbridge as we celebrate our third annual Uxbridge Pride!
Join us for a lively, colorful event filled with excitement, community spirit, and fun for all ages. Explore vibrant Pride booths and connect with local organizations that champion diversity and inclusion. Dance to fantastic live entertainment and groove to upbeat music that will keep the energy high all day long. Kids will love the engaging crafts and interactive activities, including the unforgettable experience with Zoo To You and their adorable, friendly animals — perfect for making new friends and creating joyful memories.
Savor delicious food and refreshing drinks from Wixan’s Bridge Restaurant, our proud partner in making this event truly special. Whether you’re here to celebrate, learn, or simply have fun, this event promises something for everyone.
Rhinestones & Rodeos: A Country Drag Revue
🎸 Rhinestones & Rodeos: A Country Drag Revue 🤠
Thursday, August 8 @ Club 717 Doors 9PM | Show 10PM | 19+
Giddy up and grab your fringe, because Club 717 is turning into a honky-tonk runway for one night only! We're tipping our hats to country music through the eras — from Dolly to Shania, Reba to Beyoncé's “Cowboy Carter” — with performances that are as bold as the South and as sparkly as a rhinestone saddle.
Featuring a lineup hotter than a Nashville summer:
✨ Kali Kontour – the precision of a pageant queen, the heart of a wild mustang
✨ Gloria Hoal – your backwoods bombshell meets boot-scootin’ glam
✨ Katherine Hytes Dior – grace, grandeur, and Grand Ole Opry realness
✨ Lady Mame – a little bit country, a whole lotta legend
PLUS — we're celebrating the birthday of a beloved Club 717 family member with drag, drama, and a toast or two 🥂 🎤 Country looks encouraged 🎂 Cake may be involved 💃 And yes, line dancing is absolutely on the table From classic twang to new-era twirl, come ride the rhythm of Rhinestones & Rodeos. Because in this barn — everyone’s welcome to shine 🌟
Drag BINGO
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM, Show & Games start at 7 PM sharp
Admission: $35 for the show and 1 x Bingo two strip (6 games plus Jackpot)
Hosted by: • Ms Madge Enthat @madgeenthat • Miss Divalicious @divaliciousptbo
Event Highlights:
• JACKPOT: $1,000 Cash
• 50/50 Raffle
• Silent Auction Table
• Prizes https://shops.durhamallianceoutreach.org/product/drag-bingo/4JV7WQ2NW6KL7JC7HFYJ4T67?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false
Lottery Lic #M879865
Secure your tickets and add-ons now for an unforgettable night at Club 717!
Rainbow Recharge
All ages
Drop into our safe crafting space to connect with 2SLGBTQ+ folks in the community (allies are also welcome). Create something unique using our button maker, learn how to make stickers, and more!
Central Library - Meeting Room 1A