About The Senior Pride Network Toronto
The Senior Pride Network Toronto is a volunteer-run association of intergenerational individuals, organizations and community groups that share an interest and commitment to expanding programs and services for older 2-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer and intersex people in the City of Toronto.
The Network meets quarterly to share experiences and to work collaboratively on activities and projects designed to enhance services for older 2SLGBTQI+ people. The Network’s Advisory Committee elected by the members meets monthly to advise on the priorities, strategic direction and work plan of the Network. Committees of members focus on specific activities such as advocacy, education, and membership.
Our History
The Senior Pride Network Toronto began in 2002 as a group of representatives of service provider organizations including faith groups who were interested in expanding and improving programs and services for older 2SLGBTQI+ people.
The group started by organizing forums ("Healthy Aging for Older 2SLGBTQI+People" and "Dreaming Community: Making It Happen"), developing a brochure listing members and the services they provide, developing a brochure on End of Life Things Older 2SLGBTQI+People Need to Prepare For and a visibility poster about Older 2SLGBTQI+People being part of every community.
The Network formalized itself at a day-long planning meeting in 2005 from which came Terms of Reference including boundaries, membership criteria, objectives and committee structure.
Our Mission
The Senior Pride Network Toronto is committed to promoting appropriate services and a positive, caring environment for older 2-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer and intersex people in Toronto.
Our Vision
The Senior Pride Network Toronto envisions a series of communities of older 2SLGBTQI+ people in Toronto that are affirming, supportive and healthy.
What our members are saying
“The SPN is a unique partnership of queer seniors and service providers that has shaped the public agenda. It has brought to the attention of policy makers and the public the issues and concerns or older LGBT folks.”
Dick Moore
Co-Founder Senior Pride Network
“Meeting with and feeling at home in the SPN increases our self-confidence and belief in our worth to the general population.”
Eugene Stasiuk
Community Member
"St. Michael's has been a member of SPN since it was founded. The network has helped us to become more aware of the needs of LGBTQ seniors and how we can continue to offer welcoming services to our entire community."
Anthony Mohamed
Senior Specialist Equity & Community Engagement Inner City Health Program St. Michael's Hospital
“Your future is our future – and never more than in this time when so many of us are facing the challenges of aging.”
Robin Rhodes
Community Support Programs Coordinator AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT)