QueerWest.org

Arts and Cultural Centre

Music - Art - Films - Culture - Politics - Community Events since 2000

Located in the heart of Toronto's only Bent Village - Queer West

Building a Community
Strengthening the City

We allow our ignorance to prevail upon us and make us think we can survive alone, alone in patches, alone in groups, alone in races, even alone in genders.
- Maya Angelou

Frequently Asked Question "I want to meet other lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans people and I’m tired of the bar scene. Where can I meet people like myself?" A. There are numerous Social Clubs, in the city. Many of them meet though Queer West Arts and Cultural Centre.

We produce Bent Expressions performing arts festivals for the purposes of educating and advancing the public's understanding and appreciation of performing arts and to educate artists through participation in such festivals and related workshops. Organized by Queer West's Arts Collective

We produce shOUT! . a monthly Open Space technology "Unconference" A Participant-Facilitated Discussion, designed For and By Queer Youth and Young Adults, including their friends and allies in West Central Toronto Ontario.

We produce The annual Queer West Arts and Culture Festival that arrives in June for a week of music, dance, drama, laughs, film, books, and, of course, cabaret!

We produce The annual Queer West Film Festival Each summer, this celebrated event will brings people together to watch incredible underground films, talk to amateur filmmakers and artists, engage in scintillating discussions, experience unexpected performances and paint the town pink!

We produce Wilde Chats Queer men creating community.

We produce Bent Expressions Newspaper One of gay Toronto's leading media publication, with the hottest happenings in the coolest places. Free subscription and membership in our Arts Collective. The Bent eBlast

We host Gay West Bicycle Club The largest Gay and Lesbian cycling club in Eastern Canada. Now in it's seventh year. Seasonal April to Oct. Join in the fun on 6th Annual 54K QWF Toronto Pride Ride Sunday June 27, 2010.

We team-up Directory By supporting and collaborating independent west end LGBT community groups, businesses, organizations and their events, as an umbrella organization.

Call for Submissions - The 3rd annual Queer West Film Festival at Fixt Point Theatre, 1550 Queen St W. Saturday June 26, 2010. Deadlines: Film review and selection must be received on or before Tuesday June 15. Deadline for Submissions. Monday June 14.queerwest.org/queerwestfilmfest_2010

Wednesday February 24, 2010 - - Queer Youth Public Forum a shOUT presentation @ Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre. Topic: Out on the Street. Young, Queer and Homeless in the City. web site: shOUT QueerWest.org

TESTIMONIALS: Bqueer.com: " One of the most extensive and interesting website guides to the Toronto Gay and Lesbian scene I've come across." Girlsport.com Montreal Lesbian travel site: "In recent years tons of hip bars/restos/shops that cater to or favor a homo clientele have opened up shop, Toronto's second gay village. Queer West listings and entertainment section is excellent!

"I feel far more welcome and visible on the Queer West scene. I find that Queer West Organization holds an attitude that’s quite the opposite to Church St’s — it encourages queers to come as they are, without fear of having to fit in with the crowd. Probably as a result the west-end scene is a lot more racially mixed and there’s more room to express yourself both as ethnic and lesbian." Parul Pandya, Toronto Writer raised within a Hindu tradition,

“West Queen West is an unpretentious neighbourhood,” says renowned Toronto artist Kris Knight. “It’s another option for gays who want something different than the Village.” The queer small community is pretty tight, but very accepting and open, according to Kris, “Here, people have a strong tie with a creative field of work.”

"I am so happy to be a part of the Queer West Organization, I love the events, the bars, art galleries, restaurants, shopping and the general attitude of the residents here (or just sitting on my front steps, people watching, and realizing that not even TV can create such entertainment). The people are vibrant, intense, scary, funny, friendly and diverse." Nick Watson Toronto Parkdale 26, ASL English interpreter, May 2009.

"Thank You, Michael for putting a lot time, energy and love into the Queer West Organization" John Colautti Former board member, Toronto Parkdale May 2009.

"I think this (new Queer West shOUT Youth Forum) is so brilliant Michael. I am so proud of you, and you should be proud too of the fantastic work you do in the community. You do it with passion and zeal, and not for your own glory, and i really, REALLY admire that!!!!!" Thomas Gonder, 38 Marketing exec. Toronto Dovercourt.

"The area's relaxed attitude of acceptance is exactly what appeals to me it's a mixed crowd. The younger generation that doesn't seem to have qualms about mixing with straight people." Monica Mitchell 30, Toronto Parkdale, June 2009.

Queer West Arts and Culture Centre is the hub of community life in (West Central Toronto) Queer Village Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer (LGBTT2sQ) communities and our allies and friends have always found a welcoming place at QueerWest.org PH: 416-879-7954. Mail: Box 204 Stn C. Toronto ON M6J 3M9 queerwestinfo@gmail.com