Program Types: New to Canada,

Sharing Truth. Building Power. Driving Change.

Confronting Anti-Black Racism as Experienced by Black LGBTQ+ Newcomers

 

This project was grounded in the lived experiences, resilience, and leadership of Black LGBTQ+ newcomers, individuals navigating multiple layers of systemic exclusion across immigration, housing, employment, health, and legal systems.

Through a year-long process of community workshops, consultations, and collaborative design, The 519’s Newcomer Settlement team worked alongside participants to co-create tools that promote equity, inclusion, and accountability in services for Black LGBTQ+ newcomers across Ontario.

 

Project Overview:

The project brought together LGBTQ+ newcomers and service providers to:

  • Build leadership and peer support among LGBTQ+ Black newcomers
  • Explore rights and responsibilities in key systems (housing, employment, healthcare, and legal)
  • Develop resources to help agencies challenge systemic racism, homophobia, and transphobia
  • Foster dialogue and advocacy that reflect the realities of those most affected

Supported by the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC), this initiative represents a commitment to dismantling barriers and building practices rooted in justice and care.

 

Why This Work Matters

Many Black LGBTQ+ newcomers arrive in Canada seeking safety from persecution, only to face continued racism, xenophobia, and queerphobia within Canadian systems. This project centers their voices to drive systemic change, ensuring that inclusion, belonging, and dignity are not optional, but essential.

 

Resources

The Anti-Oppressive Practice Toolkit for Service Providers Working with Black LGBTQ+ Newcomers offers practical strategies and tools for creating inclusive programs and policies. It includes:

  • Sector-specific recommendations (settlement, housing, healthcare, employment, legal, community spaces)
  • Inclusive language and trauma-informed practice guides
  • Reflection tools, community feedback templates, and training modules

Download The Service Provider Toolkit (PDF)

 

Empowerment Tip Sheets for LGBTQ+ Newcomers

The Empowerment Tip Sheets provide accessible information to help LGBTQ+ newcomers understand their rights and responsibilities in Canada. Each tip sheet covers:

 

Get Involved

  • Are you a service provider? Download the toolkit and book a training session for your team.
  • Are you a LBGTQ+ newcomer? Access the empowerment tip sheets to learn your rights and available supports.

Organized by The 519 New to Canada. Questions? Contact NewToCanada@The519.org.

Supported By: