Blog

Seeds of Hope in Bloom: United in Diversity

In North Toronto, Fairlawn Avenue United Church set out to better understand how to support queer youth, their families, and allies through a project called United in Diversity. Supported by a $4,000 Seeds of Hope grant from the Rowntree Learning Fund, the initiative combined research, relationship-building, and community programming to address gaps in local services and support.

For many 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, finding a place where they can authentically be themselves is not always easy. While home and school play important roles, many young people are searching for a third space – a supportive community where they can build friendships, explore their identity, and know they belong.

It all began with listening

Working alongside youth, parents, caregivers, and community organizations, Fairlawn’s Affirm Ministry conducted surveys, focus groups, and conversations to better understand the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the area.

The findings were clear: there was a need for a welcoming “third space” outside of home and school where queer, trans, and questioning youth could gather to learn and share experiences.

The research also led to new partnerships with organizations supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. These relationships helped shape the next phase of the project, and strengthened a network for youth and their support systems.

COMET – Come Out and Meet Each Tuesday

Out of those conversations came COMET (Come Out and Meet Each Tuesday), a weekly drop-in program for youth ages 13-18. The program offers community-building activities, shared meals, learning opportunities, and a welcoming space where young people can connect with others who understand their experiences.

As the weeks passed, organizers watched friendships form. Youth participants helped shape the program, contributed ideas, and began creating a community of their own.

“The most positive aspect of the project has been the youth themselves. They are engaging and engaged, deeply appreciative and open. Over the four months we have watched them build friendships through COMET and there has been much sharing and laughter. They have taken ownership of the drop-in, helping to create its programming.”

One participant who had moved frequently and experienced significant bullying, attended every COMET gathering. They shared that COMET was the only place where they felt completely comfortable and safe being themselves.

Unexpected learning

As the program grew, organizers learned a lot, even things that surprised them.

Many participants were not arriving with a circle of friends. Instead, they were finding that community through COMET itself. The program was becoming more than a drop-in, it was becoming a springboard for youth to build friendships outside the walls.

The impact extended beyond youth participants. Workshops and conversations also supported parents and caregivers, helping them better understand how to create affirming and supportive environments for the young people in their lives. Community partners shared expertise on topics including gender identity, anti-transphobia, and inclusive parentings, which strengthened connections across generations.

And now?

Today, Fairlawn Avenue United Church continues to build on the foundation established through United in Diversity. Increased community support, new volunteers, and ongoing partnerships are helping sustain and grow the work. Organizers hope the lessons learned through the project can serve as a model for other communities seeking to strengthen support for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families.

Through listening, learning, and creating spaces of belonging, United in Diversity is helping ensure that young people in North Toronto know they are welcomed, valued, and not alone.

Through Seeds of Hope grants, young people are finding more than a space to belong. They are strengthening their confidence, building their communities, and being supported every step of the way. Make a gift today to help programs like United in Diversity, where young people are safe to be themselves and thrive.

The Foundation stands with the United Church, affirming together that gender and sexuality are gifts of God, and that all persons are made in the image of God. The United Church is opposed to discrimination against any person on any basis by which a person is devalued, including sexuality and gender identity.