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All stories in: Queer & Now

  • From house parties to the Toronto Tempo: Shannyn Hill’s journey to becoming the official DJ for Canada’s first WNBA team

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Shannyn Hill began DJing in 2015 as a mental health outlet, teaching herself on a laptop before investing in professional equipment during...
    Shannyn Hill, a professional DJ, performing at a Toronto event, wearing a Toronto Raptors jersey, with DJ equipment and vibrant background visuals.
    CultureFeaturedYour City

  • Mental health care in Canada has a gap – this new virtual clinic in Ontario is trying to fix it

    Devon Banfield

    What to know About 15 per cent of Canadians access mental health services annually, but access is not experienced equally across populations 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians face...
    A person holding a rainbow pride flag outdoors, symbolizing LGBTQ+ pride and support for mental health awareness in Canada.
    CultureFeatured

  • A new space is becoming the heart of Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village — one connection at a time

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Understory has quickly become a welcoming hub in Toronto’s Church and Wellesley Village. Customers have launched community funds and support initiatives for...
    A vibrant community space in Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village featuring colorful decor, cozy seating, and a welcoming atmosphere for social connections.
    CultureFeatured

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  • Toronto AIDS Memorial at risk? Activists push back on Barbara Hall Park redesign

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Dozens of activists and organizations are raising concerns that the city’s redesign of Barbara Hall Park could diminish the significance of the...
    An outdoor art installation in Toronto featuring illuminated panels and a landscaped walking path, showcasing the city's vibrant public art scene and green spaces.
    Culture

  • What rights do Queer couples have when making a family? This Toronto play explores just that

    Devon Banfield

    A Toronto play is making waves for its exploration of several controversial topics, including privilege, modern family planning, surrogacy, and the ways that legislation impacts...
    A woman in a hospital gown and headscarf stands beside a hospital bed with a patient, while a man in a suit stands nearby, in a medical setting related to LGBTQ+ family themes.
    CultureFeatured

  • Inside the organization putting Black Queer Canadians first — finally

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Black Queer Canada (BQC) has launched as Canada’s first research and policy lab dedicated to Black 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The organization grew out...
    Group photo of Black Queer Canadians at an organization event, highlighting diversity and inclusion, with a focus on community support and representation.
    CultureFeatured

  • Three couples say “I do” at Toronto’s big gay Valentine’s Day wedding

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Three couples are tying the knot at Hitched, a group Valentine’s Day wedding in Toronto’s Village focused on queer joy and affordability....
    A woman dressed in pink with pink hair and glasses sitting on a red couch, and two women in red outfits with red sunglasses holding a red teddy bear, celebrating Valentine's Day in Toronto.
    CultureFeatured

  • Meet Lisa Duplessis: The woman transforming life for newcomers in Toronto’s Gay Village and across Canada

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Lisa Duplessis, director of programs and community services at The 519, has spent nearly two decades supporting thousands of 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers and...
    A woman with curly black hair and glasses smiling indoors, with a plant and window in the background, representing Toronto lifestyle and local culture.
    CultureFeatured

  • 7 beloved queer spaces Toronto misses — and the new venues keeping the scene alive

    Devon Banfield

    Toronto’s known as the Queer Capital of Canada for a reason — the number of bars, clubs, and other businesses dedicated to 2SLGBTQ+ pleasure, joy,...
    Queer spaces
    CultureFeatured

  • ‘Raw, honest, iconic,’ There’s a new top queen of drag in Canada, and she’s a Toronto icon

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Toronto queen Van Goth wins Canada’s Drag Race season 6, taking the crown with a bold, instantly recognizable aesthetic rooted in authenticity....
    Colorful drag performer holding a sparkling scepter at a vibrant Toronto LGBTQ+ pride event.
    CultureFeatured

  • Toronto is one of the top sexting cities in the world, report says

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Toronto tops Canada’s cruising rankings, and is a hotspot for sexting and bottoming, according to Squirt.org’s year-end report. The report reveals 2025’s...
    Two men sharing a romantic moment outdoors in a lush green park, smiling and touching foreheads, representing love and companionship.
    Culture

  • HIV rates are climbing and most Canadians have no idea, but these activists refuse to stay quiet

    Devon Banfield

    What to know HIV cases in Canada jumped by 35% in 2023, hitting the highest rates in over a decade, yet most Canadians remain unaware....
    Blonde woman in red leather jacket smiling, indoor headshot for NOW Toronto magazine.
    FeaturedYour City

  • The photographer behind Toronto’s most iconic dog portraits opens a new space for love stories

    Devon Banfield

    What to know Photographer Jack Jackson is opening a new Leslieville studio as he continues capturing heartfelt stories between people and their dogs. His acclaimed...
    Young woman with glasses and curly hair, smiling with two dogs, lying on a bed in a cozy indoor setting. Black and white image, emphasizing friendship and pet companionship.
    Culture

  • ‘Revolution is not a one-time event,’ During times of crisis for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, these Canadian organizations are creating meaningful change

    Devon Banfield

    During a time of intense uncertainty for queer people across Canada, activists recently gathered in Ottawa for a conference centred on how they will continue...
    Vibrant discussion among diverse individuals at a Toronto event, showcasing community engagement, cultural diversity, and local happenings in downtown Toronto.
    CultureFeatured

  • ‘Leave your worries at the door,’ New Toronto cafe aims to revive the spirit of community in The Village

    Devon Banfield

    A new Toronto business in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood is aiming to create a space reminiscent of The Village’s heyday, during a time when...
    Vibrant image featuring two smiling women with sunglasses standing in front of a large, wooden log-themed background promoting Understory, a new Toronto venue opening fall 2025.
    CultureFeatured

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