VIVI'R LGBTQ+

At VIVI'R LGBTQ+ we provide programs and workshops supporting the Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ newcomers refugees and racialized communities in the GTA. During the fiscal period the organization offered programs across four main areas: 1. Settlement and Integration Support: Provided referrals to legal services healthcare providers and community agencies to assist Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ newcomers in settling in Canada. Connected individuals with immigration lawyers housing organizations and healthcare services to meet critical newcomer needs. 2. Education and Workshops: Conducted community education sessions at other charities and organizations raising awareness about the experiences barriers and resilience of Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ newcomers. Delivered monthly 'Trans-Checando-me' programming offering rotating workshops on sexual health interactions with police (in partnership with the Toronto Police LGBTQ+ Liaison program) legal rights workshops (in collaboration with legal firms) and other timely topics identified by the community. 3. Housing Support and Advocacy: Supported Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ newcomers in accessing safe housing through direct referrals to trusted housing agencies. Advocated for greater availability of inclusive affordable housing for marginalized newcomer populations. 4.Social and Community Events: Organized monthly social gatherings to build resilience and foster a sense of belonging among Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ newcomers. Key events included combined monthly birthday celebrations with health check-ins an annual Christmas party Epiphany celebrations in January a summer BBQ and CPR training sessions. Hosted an annual Gala event to celebrate community achievements and strengthen community ties. Participated in the Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations as the representative organization for Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ newcomers promoting visibility inclusion and advocacy within the broader Hispanic Canadian community.

In 2024 Vivi'r LGBTQ+ secured a project grant from the Toronto Arts Council to launch a new creative writing program 'In My Own Words.' The 'In My Own Words' Writing Workshop is designed to support Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ newcomers and refugees by providing a safe space for creative self-expression through writing. The program will offer a series of structured writing workshops led by trained facilitators focused on helping participants share their migration stories personal journeys and lived experiences in Canada. Workshops will address themes of resilience identity belonging and healing. Participants will receive mentorship in creative writing skills emotional support and opportunities to build community connections. Program objectives include: Enhancing self-confidence and storytelling abilities among participants. Promoting social inclusion and community engagement. Documenting newcomer narratives as part of broader efforts to raise awareness about the experiences of Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada. The 'In My Own Words' program will be delivered throughout 2025 and is a key expansion of Vivi'r’s Education and Workshops pillar. All project activities outcomes and financials are tracked separately to meet the requirements of the Toronto Arts Council grant agreement.