Growing up in Toronto, I learned from an early age that community is everything.
The saying ‘It takes a village’ was reflected all around me. From babysitting to cooking, getting to and from school, and more, so many people around me pitched in to guide me on the right path. The same can be said of Queer spaces.
Often, Queer people—especially those dependent on their parents—find themselves feeling isolated from others like them. Where do they learn how to be themselves? Where do they go to learn how to be safe with their partners? Where do they go to learn about those who have come before them?
This is where the importance of Queer spaces and communities comes in. Queer community is about fostering connections, creating safe spaces, and supporting each other.
Whether you're looking to give back, find a sense of belonging, or create new opportunities for others, there are many ways to build and nurture community.
Early Lessons in Community-Building
In high school, I had my very first taste of what it meant to cultivate Queer community.
It all started when I created the first Gay-Straight Alliance in our very catholic school district. Imagine me, in the middle of the school cafeteria with a Pride flag and sign-up sheet, inviting students to come and support this club. I was terrified.
What would the backlash be like? Would anyone actually show up? What if I’m way over my head? These are some of the thoughts that echoed in my mind. At the time, I was the only openly out person in my grade—maybe even the whole school.
But something in me knew, out of all the students, there was no way I was alone. I just needed to be that representation for others to see.
What came out of it changed my life. We created an alliance of over 30 students, backed by teachers and our vice principal.
We got swag, had weekly meetings, and hosted a huge summer party the final month of school. I remember feeling such intense emotions of happiness and care for my group.
Giving Back Through Queer Initiatives
This first experience led me to join the executive team of Brock University’s Pride club, which led me to be awarded a scholarship for creating a positive impact. Today, I host my own Queer spaces and foster community in-person and online.
But if you’re new to all this: how does one go about cultivating Queer community?
Whether you’re a leader in your local community or support by attending events, there’s a role for everyone to play.
One of the most impactful ways to cultivate community is by giving back; this is a significant supporting role if you don’t want to organize everything yourself. Volunteering your time and energy to support Queer initiatives can make a significant difference.
You could start off by offering your time to local 2SLGBTQ+ centers, shelters, or support groups. These organizations often need help with events, outreach, and daily operations.
This kind of support allows Queer spaces and communities to continue to thrive, while providing ongoing opportunities for you to meet and collaborate with Queer folks.
Additionally, consider becoming a mentor for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Sharing your experiences and providing guidance can help young people navigate their own journeys with confidence and support.
There’s an Online Community for Everyone
In today’s digital age, online communities play a crucial role in connecting Queer individuals across the globe. Many can’t attend events in person for safety reasons, so they turn to places like TikTok, YouTube, X, and Instagram.
Many also utilize apps like Lex, HER, and others designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. These apps can help you find local events, meet new people, and engage in meaningful conversations. Discord, too, can be a great platform for building a closed-off server for your community and allies.
You can host gaming nights, movie nights, and more on these online platforms. Just remember that security and safety are crucial in online spaces, especially with how widespread they can get.
I can personally thank TikTok for helping me find my community; I was able to connect with so many cool people, see events I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, and get history lessons about my community.
Good Things Take Time to Grow
Organizing a Queer space and cultivating a community is a massive responsibility, and we might not always get the results we want to see right off the bat.
If your first couple of events are just you and another person, consider it a win: there’s now one less lonely Queer person out there because of you.
My goal is always one. Whether that's one new person you meet, one person you engaged with, or one more person you inspired.
As you grow, the numbers will come. Don’t be discouraged if your first few events aren’t a huge hit. Forging connections takes time—but it’s so worth it.
Creating the Queer Spaces You Wish Existed
Lastly, be the change you want to see.
If you find a gap in your local Queer community, don’t hesitate to create the space you wish existed. Initiating your own events and groups can be incredibly fulfilling.
I saw that there was a need for more Queer art spaces, so I launched my Queer pottery nights. I pay out of pocket for these so as to not make it cost prohibitive for my attendees.
Being able to offload the barrier of funds from Queer youth means creating greater access and opportunity, without the deterrent of choosing between rent and having fun.
If you’re looking for low-cost ways to get together with folks in your community, here are some ideas.
Start a book club focusing on Queer literature. It’s a great way to meet regularly, engage in thoughtful discussions, and support Queer authors. You can even organize casual meetups at local coffee shops.
These informal gatherings provide a relaxed environment for people to connect, co-work, and be in space with other Queer people.
My favorite idea—and something I’ve been working on—is hosting workshops on various skills or interests, from cooking classes to art sessions. These events bring people together and foster a sense of community.
By taking these steps, you can contribute to the growth and strength of the Queer community. No matter how small, every effort helps create a more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant world for everyone.