February 22nd is Canada’s first ever National Chosen Family Day. Named for the family that we choose, this day is to recognize and celebrate the valued relationships between friends and allies in the LGBTQI2S community.
Brought to you by Friends of Ruby, a registered charity dedicated to the progressive well-being of LGBTQI2S youth through social services and housing
Friends of Ruby is launching Chosen Family Day to raise awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQI2S youth, and to celebrate existing Chosen Families who help them through these challenges.
For those who haven’t yet found their Chosen Family, Friends of Ruby is here to provide support and housing when they need it most.
For LGBTQI2S youth who come out, family rejection can have devastating consequences on their mental health, career prospects, and even physical safety.
They are 14 times more likely to attempt suicide and engage in substance use than their heterosexual peers.
As a result, these youth are overrepresented amongst Toronto's homeless and precariously housed population, with 25-40% identifying as LGBTQI2S.
Share a story, share a snap of your Chosen Family, or simply wish the LGBTQI2S community a happy Chosen Family Day.
Share #ChosenFamilyDay
Attend an event with your Chosen Family, or simply come out to show your support.
Events & Specials
Event Title
Location · Address
Saturday, February 22 · 11am–2pm
Glad Day Drag Brunch
Location · Address
Saturday, February 22 · 11am–2pm
Glad Day Drag Brunch
Location · Address
Saturday, February 22 · 11am–2pm
Gift Card Giveaway
Hair of the Dog Pub · 425 Church St
Monday, February 17 – Saturday, February 22
#ChosenFamilyDay Drag Brunch & Friends of Ruby Booth
Gladstone Hotel · 1214 Queen St W
Saturday, February 22 · 11am - 1pm
#ChosenFamilyDay Drag Show & Friends of Ruby Booth
O’Grady’s Pub · 518 Church St
Saturday, February 22 · 10pm - 2am
Buy 1, Donate 1
The Body Shop · 528 Church St
Saturday, February 22
Chosen Family Day Historical Walking Tour
The ArQuives · 34 Isabella Street
Saturday, February 22 · 2:30pm - 3:30am
Community event
Location · Address
Saturday, February 22 · 11am–2pm
Events & SPECIALS
Event Title
Location · Address
Saturday, February 22 · 11am–2pm
Event Title
Location · Address
Saturday, February 22 · 11am–2pm
Gift Card Giveaway
Hair of the Dog Pub · 425 Church St
Monday, February 17 – Saturday, February 22
#ChosenFamilyDay Drag Brunch & Friends of Ruby Booth
Gladstone Hotel · 1214 Queen St W
Saturday, February 22 · 11am–1pm
#ChosenFamilyDay Drag Show & Friends of Ruby Booth
O’Grady’s Pub · 518 Church St
Saturday, February 22 · 10pm–2am
Buy 1, Donate 1
The Body Shop · 528 Church St
Saturday, February 22
Chosen Family Day Historical Walking Tour
The ArQuives · 34 Isabella Street
Saturday, February 22 · 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Community event
Location · Address
Saturday, February 22 · 11am–2pm
Founded by Egale Canada in 2014, Friends of Ruby has supported close to 1,000 LGBTQI2S youth to date and is opening a groundbreaking new emergency and transitional home this summer.
At Friends of Ruby’s drop-in space, you’ll find meals, activities, support groups and community. We offer barrier-free one-on-one counselling, support with gender identity or transition, and help accessing housing, health care, and employment.
Drop-in hours
Friday: 10:00 am–5:30 pm
Monday: 10:00 am–7:30 pm
Tuesday: 2:00 pm–7:30 pm*
Wednesday: 10:00 am–7:30 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am–7:30 pm
*BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & Person of Color) Only
Drop-in hours
Friday: 10:00 am–5:30 pm
Monday: 10:00 am–7:30 pm
Tuesday: 2:00 pm–7:30 pm*
Wednesday: 10:00 am–7:30 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am–7:30 pm
*BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & Person of Color) Only