CAYR Community Connections
17665 Leslie Street, Unit 12 L4C 3E3 Newmarket, ON, Canada

Tis the season of chocolates. Forget the rest for this best milky dream for a good cause with Cocoa40 Inc. https://bit.ly/3riVAGl

Holidays are a tough time of the year for many people. Please consider using one of the services below for any Harm Reduction Support you many need. We offer non-judgmental, drug positive and sex positive services. Please do not use alone.

KendraYoga in partnership with the Georgina Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee brings you BLACK SATURDAY SCHOOL! BLACK SATURDAY SCHOOL offers a different f...our week series each month of 2021 beginning with the HISTORY SERIES this February! February's history series happens Saturday mornings from 9am to 12pm online. The curriculum will be delivered by certified teachers, subject experts, community leaders and elders. REGISTRATION BEGINS NEXT WEEK! LINK www.georgina.ca/recreation *If you are a certified teacher, subject expert, community leader or elder interested in contributing to the delivery of this curriculum please email [email protected]* A huge THANK YOU to @byryouth @quirk4mayor @townofgeorgina for helping to make this possible! #georginaissilentnolonger #thechangeisnow #blacksaturdayschool

In spite of some challenging times that has brought on some changes, hard work from staff and volunteers, and generous donations from the Shoebox Project, Little Elves, York United FC, Costco Richmond Hill, and the United Way Greater Toronto, we were able to put together and distribute some joy through our Holiday Care Program.

For our Indigenous friends and families, check this out!

The UK took a big step in terms of further breaking down the barriers when it comes to gay and bisexual men being able to donate blood. Starting in the Summer of 2021, gay and bisexual men will no longer be required to abstain from sex for 3 months in order to donate, but instead will accessed on an individual basis to determine risk! In Canada, guys must still abstain from sex for 3 months in order to give blood, a rule that has long been seen as discriminatory and based on long outdated stereotypes. https://www.npr.org//u-k-will-make-it-easier-for-gay-and-b

Endorsed today by CAYR: Suspension of residential eviction enforcement

Today is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Sex workers have the same rights as everyone else. Their rights must be respected. #IDEVASW

Did you know that Trans folks still have to save funds to get gender-affirming surgeries? To see a page of individuals raising funds right now that you can supp...ort as we end this year's Trans Awareness week and honour those we lost during Transday of Remembrance, check out https://ca.gofundme.com//support-canadas-transgender-commu "Reports suggest that around one in 200 Canadians identify as transgender. The trans community is incredibly diverse and while we have seen increased visibility of trans people there is still a long way to go. The community faces stigma, severe discrimination, and systemic inequality. GoFundMe has created a safe and inclusive space for people to support the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about how you can support Canada’s transgender community." - GoFundMe Fundraising

Please do not use alone. Consider calling the Safer Use Support Line at The Krasman Centre - 1-888-233-5633. Please contact Aara at 905-960-2808 for any Harm Reduction kits or supports that you may need. Be safe. https://www.simcoe.com//10287051-opioid-related-deaths-i/

Posted @withregram @gaymenssexualhealthalliance We remember the lives lost to anti-trans bigotry and violence. Trans Day of Remembrance is a celebration of life and an acknowledgment of the injustice trans people continue to face. Their beauty and resilience will be remembered. . . .... . . #TDoR2020 #Trans #Transgender #TransAwarenessWeek #instagay #gaystagram #gay #LGBT #LGBTQ #lgbtq #loveislove See more

November 20th - 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. Around the globe, and here in Canada, transgender folks have their existence, their lives and their identities debated on an almost daily basis in the media. This leads to reinforcing the poor treatment that trans folk face in their day to day lives. We can, and must do better.... Take a minute to reflect on thoughts, language and prejudices that you may hold against transgender people. How we move forward is to identify and change those prejudices so that we not just accept, but celebrate and welcome trans folk into our lives. Each name that appears on the list of trans people that were killed this year is a life, a family member, and a friend. These are not statistics, they are human beings and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Are you Asexual or Intersex? Would you like to chat today? (October 27, 2020 4:30pm). We’d love to hear from you. If you want to know more about being Asexual or Intersex, join in. Message Jen for the link: [email protected] or 416-938-4458, [email protected]. #asexual #asexualpride #asexualawareness #grey #intersex #intersexual #intersexualawarenessday #intersexpride #cayr #rainbowpace

With the news of 127 people dying of drug overdoses in British Columbia in September, provincial election candidates are being pressed on their commitment to ending the drug crisis. Harm Reduction Workers are advocating for safe supply, safe injection sites, and HR kits. https://www.citynews1130.com//debate-harm-reduction-drugs/

Happening this Thursday from 4-5:30pm, open to all ages! Contact Praanee or Kate to register: Praanee: [email protected] or call 647-381-9199 Kate: [email protected]... or Msg/call/text/email Jennifer Silk for the link @ 416-938-4458, [email protected] or Kyana Graham @416-606-4200, [email protected].

Thanks CMHA York and Simcoe!

An important read.

Happy Intersex Awareness Day!

Today let’s talk about trans guys and sexual health! There is so much more we can and should be doing to ensure trans guys are getting the health care they need. Much more research is needed to really paint a full picture, but let’s start with just listening to trans guys and letting them inform us as to what they want. Swipe to see some sexual health resources for trans guys and please share!

These bags and purses are filled with personal hygiene items, winter items, and a treat or two, all headed for women's shelters in Georgina.

Have you been looking for support related to mental health & addiction? We are here for you. Join us next week (Tuesday October 20th 2pm-3:30) and the following week (Thursday October 29th 4-5:30pm) for "Understanding Our Distress" workshop a fun, interactive, non judgemental, and supportive environment where participants will learn coping and self-management strategies. Contact Praanee or Kate to register... Praanee: [email protected] or call 647-381-9199 Kate: [email protected] #lgbtq #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #rainbowspace #CAYR #queer #olderadults #seniors #queerolderadults #queerseniors #gayseniors #queeryouth #coffee #socialdistancing #mentalhealth #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalwellness #addiction #addictionawareness #addictionrecovery #WereHereForYou #wereheretohelp See more

Our November newsletter with a Trans focus is now out! Check it out!! https://mailchi.mp/1b35fb01139b/ixdtvcnzpc-5349458 #transgenderawareness #transgenderlivesmatter #nonbinary #they #them #TransgenderAwarenessWeek #TransParentDay #lgbt #queer#queerolderadults #bisexual #pansexual #asexual #intersex #lesbian #loveislove #socialdistancing #CAYR #RainbowSpace

Interested in attending workshops related to mental health & addiction support? Join us on Oct 20th & Oct 29th for PeerZone workshops! Open to all ages, contact Praanee or Kate to register. #lgbtq #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #rainbowspace #CAYR #queer #olderadults #seniors #queerolderadults #queerseniors #gayseniors #queeryouth #coffee #socialdistancing

Check us out tomorrow at 4pm for a special asexual themed youth fun! Message us for the link to join #2slgbtq #lgbt #lgbtq #asexual #asexualpride #youth #socialdistancing #zoom

Looking for something to do for Halloween? Join us this Friday October 30th at 7pm for Drag'o'ween! There's still time to get the link for this amazing event! Message us today! Rainbow Space team: [email protected] ... Jen 416-938-4458 or [email protected] Kyana 416-606-4200 or [email protected] #lgbtq #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #rainbowspace #CAYR #queer #olderadults #seniors #queerolderadults #queerseniors #gayseniors #queeryouth #coffee #socialdistancing #gayhalloween #lgbthistory #dragshow #dragperformance #dragqueen

National Coming Out celebration, starting at 4:30pm today! Msg Jen for the link, 416-438-4458 or [email protected]

Don’t forget to join us today Tuesday October 13th at 4:30pm! Msg Jen for the link, 416-938-4458 or [email protected] #NationalComingOutDay #comingout #ComingOut2020 #lgbtqpride #rainbowspace #CAYR #Celebration #socialdistancing

Steps in the right direction.

HARM REDUCTION WORKSHOP!! Join us on October 29th from 4-6pm for our Rolling Up The Facts on Safer Partying workshop - with a Halloween Twist! We know Halloween is a time of year where many young people go partying and may choose to use drugs either for the first time, or the 100th time. ... This fun and drug-positive workshop aims to educate and empower folks to make safer choices when it comes to using substances. Learn useful tips on how to reduce the risks if you choose to use drugs. Register right here: https://bit.ly/3jgC3Ba We will send out Zoom details to all those that register.

Did you know that Columbus never even set foot in North America? While we don't want to take Thanksgiving away from those who celebrate it, we want to shift the... focus towards spending time with family and loved ones. Happy Anti-Columbus Day 2020! Just a reminder that our peer support lines are also open today from 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM EST. "Many groups and communities often invent long histories in order to legitimize themselves this is a well-established part of nationalism and the reason why Canadian history is taught the way it is. [This] erases centuries of colonial violence by placing emphasis only on White, European explorers. Rather than acknowledging that the land Canada now occupies was mostly stolen/misappropriated as a result of colonial violence, we have invented a new history that both erases this past and replaces it with one that legitimizes our claim to this territory. [We] encourage you to recognize the history of the holiday and the history of this country as well as the need to make a better future and maybe try to incorporate that into your Thanksgiving celebration. Just don’t try to incorporate your idea of an Indigenous harvest festival. That’s not honouring Indigenous history, that’s cultural appropriation." Read more here: https://www.unwrittenhistories.com/why-do-we-celebrate-tha/ #indigenous #decolonize #anticolumbusday #thanksgiving #thankful #thanks #food #family #friends #turkey #happythanksgiving #thanksgivingdinner #fall #turkeyday

See you tomorrow at 4:30!

Join us on Tuesday October 27th at 4:30 for our (all ages welcome) 2SLGBTQ+ and allies chat about Asexual & Intersex Awareness. Msg Jen for the link: [email protected] or 416-938-4458. Would you like to be heard, let us know! #lgbtq #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #rainbowspace #CAYR #queer #olderadults #seniors #queerolderadults #queerseniors #gayseniors #queeryouth #coffee #socialdistancing #asexualityawarenessweek #asexualawareness #intersex #intersexawarenessday #loveislove

Now, the kind of activism that's needed is much more complex; but the fight is not over. https://www.politico.eu/artic/the-hiv-fight-is-growing-old/

World Mental Health Day is today, October 10, 2020. The goal is to help raise mental health awareness and each of us can make a contribution to ensure that people living with mental illness can live better lives with dignity. But not just today, everyday it is important to be aware and take care of your mental health. Here are some tips to follow: https://cmha-yr.on.ca/facts/mental-health-life/ from our friends at CMHA York and South Simcoe

Another great coming out story!

A lot of gay, bi, and queer guys struggle with different parts of their mental health. Research has shown that gay men report experiencing anxiety and mood disorders 3 times more, and bisexual men roughly 2.5 times more, than heterosexual men. This year has proven to be especially difficult when it comes to looking after our mental health. Our social connections and our ability to meet with others and do the things that we love have been massively impacted. This coupled wit...h racial injustice, and fears of the what the future holds can leave us wondering if this will ever get better. But they can. https://goodhead.ca/en/ is a website and a mental health resource for guys into guys. They provide an overview of the kinds of services that exist out there for looking after your mental health and well-being. And also have sections dedicated to helping you find and prepare for mental health care service. If you or someone you know is in need of support, or just want to talk to someone or find out more about mental health services, check out their website and know that you are not alone.

Today is International Pronouns Day! Here are 3 things you can do today to help normalize pronoun use! 1. Include your own pronouns in your social media/dating profiles, or as part of your email signature.... 2. Practice, practice, practice using the correct pronouns of someone you know that uses pronouns that you may not be accustomed to. 3. Take a read and SHARE this great resource guide about Pronouns by GLSEN (https://www.glsen.org/activity/pronouns-guide-glsen) 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. Remember, someone else's pronouns are NOT about you! If you make a mistake, correct yourself and move on. And make a promise to yourself that you don't make the same mistake again. If you are having trouble, refer to tip number 2!

Ready to join us today at 2pm for the Peer Links Understanding Our Stories? Message us now for the link, and your chance for a free gift card. While quantities last! So excited for this today! There is still time to register ... Contact Praanee or Kate to register: Praanee: [email protected] or call 647-381-9199 Kate: [email protected] or Msg/call/text/email Jennifer Silk for the link @ 416-938-4458, [email protected] or Kyana Graham @416-606-4200, [email protected].

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY!! Come join us to celebrate Tuesday October 13, 2020 at 4:30pm. Message Jen for the link, 416-938-4458 or [email protected] #lgbtq #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #rainbowspace #CAYR #queer #olderadults #seniors #queerolderadults #gayseniors #queeryouth #coffee ##socialdistancing #LGBTHistoryMonth #nationalcomingoutday #asexualawareness #intersexawareness #pronouns #pronounsmatter #SpiritDay #lesbian #2spirit #CAYR #bisexualawarenessweek #comingout #gaypride

Could you benefit from workshops on mental health and addictions support? Register for CAYR's PeerZone workshop on Understanding Our Distress. To register & receive the Zoom link for this event please contact Praanee or Kate. Praanee: [email protected] or call 647-381-9199... Kate: [email protected] See more

Message us for the link, starting at 6pm tonight (Tuesday October 7th). Jen @416-938-4458 or [email protected]

REGISTER to join us TODAY at 6pm for our Closets are for Clothes workshop, we'll be presenting with PFlag and in partnership with the City of Markham, Aaniin Community Hub. Coming out is not a simple process for many 2SLGBTQ+ folks. Some even describe the process as ongoing throughout most of their life. If you’re thinking about coming out, having difficulty with the journey, looking to support a loved-one, or curious to learn more about this unique part of the lived-experien...ce for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals then join us for Closets are for Clothes! You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the coming out journey. National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11th every year, coinciding with LGBT History Month celebrated throughout the month of October. TO REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3m6Rpe6 #lgbtq #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #rainbowspace #CAYR #queer #olderadults #seniors #queerolderadults #queerseniors #gayseniors #queeryouth #coffee ##socialdistancing #LGBTHistoryMonth #nationalcomingoutday #asexualawareness #intersexawareness #pronouns #pronounsmatter #SpiritDay #lesbian #2spirit #CAYR #bisexualawarenessweek See more