We are an Army of Lovers. And we want YOU!

March for Refugee Rights Day 2024

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April 4 is Refugee Rights Day. Join us in sending a message that refugee rights matter. Join The 519 together with our communities, allies, and partner organizations serving LGBTQ+ refugees to amplify our urgent plea for support for LGBTQ+ refugees.

  • When: Thursday, April 4, 2024
  • Time: 11am to 1:30pm
  • Where: Meet at Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.]. We’ll then march together to Nathan Phillips Square [100 Queen St. W.].

Registration is optional but appreciated. If this event sells out and tickets are unavailable, you are still welcome. Please join us! Your presence and your voice counts.

Questions? Email us at Community@The519.org

Partner organizations: Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), Sojourn House Toronto,  FCJ Refugee Centre, Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University, Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services, Rainbow Railroad

Supported by: The Refugee Rights Planning Committee

Agenda

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Meet at Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.]

Closest TTC station to Barbara Hall Park:
Wellesley [16 Wellesley St. E.] on the yellow line.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

March to Nathan Phillips Square [100 Queen St. W.]

Following a rally by The 519, we’ll march in community to Nathan Phillips Square. If you’re joining us directly, the closest Subway Station is Queen [8 Queen St. W.].

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Proclamation and speeches

Hear from the City Mayor Olivia Chow and other key note speakers while we rally for the rights of LGBTQ+ refugees.

Why are we marching?

April 4 is Refugee Rights Day, a day that recognizes the 1985 Supreme Court of Canada ruling that stated refugee claimants are entitled to fundamental rights. Rights mean little if they’re not backed by action.

Every day, LGBTQ+ people across the world are forcefully displaced due to violent and hateful legislation. Across Canada, unprecedented numbers of LGBTQ+ refugees are struggling to access basic needs like housing and healthcare. At The 519 – Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ multiservice agency – we’ve seen a tripling of the number of refugee claimants accessing service over the past year.

LGBTQ+ people seeking refuge in Canada contribute so much to our communities and our country. Join us in calling for the urgent support needed to build opportunities for the most vulnerable and to build a stronger Toronto for everyone.

BE A BRAVE, VISIBLE ALLY TODAY AND EVERY DAY

We want YOU.
Join our Army of Lovers and fight back hate!