Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 5 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
QS7.1received
Vacancy on Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee
The City Clerk's Office has received notice that Mark Toffoli has resigned from the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee effective April 10, 2025. We would like to thank Mark for their contributions to the Committee. City staff will lead a process to bring nominated candidates to City Council for their consideration to fill this vacancy and the vacancy resulting from the resignation of Apt'sqi'gnn ᐊᑉᑦ ᔅᑭ ᒃᓐᓐ on February 4, 2025.
The Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee received the item for information.
QS7.2received
Poverty Reduction Office Presentation to the 2SLGBTQ+ Committee
This presentation provides an overview of Toronto's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) with a focus on the food security pillar. The Poverty Reduction Office (PRO) will share an update on the work to revise Toronto's Food Charter, along with the work to develop a Universal School Food Program. The presentation will share opportunities for future community engagement and solicit suggestions from the committee on how we can more effectively embed the unique and important perspectives of Toronto's 2SLGBTQ+ community in this work.
The Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee received the item for information.
QS7.3received
Toronto Island Park Master Plan
Parks and Recreation staff will give a presentation on the Toronto Island Master Plan, including highlights of short- and long-term investments in Toronto Island, improvements to Visitor Experience, and the approach to investment at Hanlan's Point and to celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ significance. Additionally, staff will share updates on ongoing opportunities for community engagement.
The Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee received the item for information.
QS7.4deferred
Supporting the Capacity of QTBIPOC Non-Profit Founders
Founders often experience, food, financial and housing insecurity while founding the grassroots initiatives that serve their community. It is challenging to find and win grants that cover for the operational and founding teams of non-profits: therefore, community members are forced to operate the organization on a volunteer basis for years. Most grants that are categorized as operational, cover the expenses of consultants, co-creators and other experts in the field, but not the founders or the operational team. Few grants support founders with legal advice, or grant-writing support, or other capacity building for the team members themselves. There is an overreliance on non-profit system were these basic expenses are not even covered Most organizations that already have a high capacity are the ones receiving the funding. For many grassroots initiatives, it is challenging to be part of the ongoing grant cycles. There might be even less funding for the non-profit sector in the future, especially in the nuanced issues that lack representation. It tends to be indigenous folks that create community grassroots projects for indigenous communities: Black folks that create it for their own community and this rationale applies for many other QTBIPOC founders. These individuals are forced to create these initiatives for desperate gaps that their communities are asking for. Less and less folks can create these systems with our current economy. By way of this letter, I am requesting a report that includes: Asking for a review of current funding for 2SLGBTQIA+ Non-profits through the city? What kinds of projects are getting funded? Who are the operational teams running these projects? How are they getting paid? Who are the founders? What other org's have created similar types of research (on the allocation for funding) and how can we benefit from these reports? What types of organizations is the city funding? Is there a centralized place for 2SLGBTQIA+ concerns/ questions regarding funding streams and funding allocation? Creating a GAP analysis to determine where capacity building efforts are needed for QTBIPOC founders? How can we ensure that are dedicated funds for QTBIPOC founders and Non-profit/ grassroots initiatives creators?
The Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee: 1. Deferred consideration of the Item until the next meeting of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee.
Staff recommendation as filed
Jad Jaber recommends that the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee recommends that the Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Request the Manager, Community Funding Unit, report back to the Committee on the City's current funding for 2SLGBTQIA+ collectives/organizations with the goals of determining how the City can better fund and build the capacities of grassroots QTBIPOC founders and creators.
QS7.5amended
Enhanced Workplace Protection for 2SLGBTQIA City Service Employees Living With HIV
Individuals living with HIV, especially those on specific treatment regimens, may experience periods of recovery and physical pain that can affect their ability to perform their duties consistently. This Item seeks to ensure that employees who are on HIV treatment receive accommodations and support to thrive in their roles. I am requesting that a representative from the City's Pension, Payroll and Employee Benefits Divisions attend the committee to present on relevant supports available to City employees living with HIV. The presentation may include information on available supports such as: - Flexible work arrangements, including additional sick leaves or modified schedules, for employees requiring extra time to recover from the physical impacts of HIV treatment. - Enhanced benefits and support for employees with HIV to ensure they can fully engage in their work without fear of discrimination or adverse impact on their professional growth. This item aims to create a more inclusive and supportive workforce, fostering the wellbeing and success of service workers living with HIV while ensuring they are not penalized for health challenges beyond their control.
The Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee: 1. Received the item for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
Cooper recommends that the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee recommend that the Executive Committee recommends that: 1. Director, Pension, Payroll and Employee Benefits, present on relevant supports available to City employees living with HIV.