By: Michelle Grimley

SprOUT Toronto is a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning (LGBTQ) adults (18 years and over) living with intellectual disabilities. SprOUT Toronto meets on the second Monday of each month between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Foster’s Clubhouse.

Since 2007, Griffin Centre’s sprOUT project has been focused on building community with LGBTQ adults with intellectual disabilities and their allies. SprOUT Toronto conducts skills and awareness building activities that promote self advocacy, anti-oppression and diversity. The group creates opportunities for community engagement and increased visibility, as well as peer support.

In 2008, Community Living Toronto established the Bridging Diversity committee to help close the gap between the developmental services sector and the diverse community groups in Toronto. One of the goals of the Bridging Diversity Committee was to identify and work to better support the needs of LGBTQ people living with intellectual disabilities.

In 2010, Vita Community Living’s Pride Committee organized the agency’s first participation in the Annual Pride Toronto Parade March. Based on a strong turnout, the agency initiated a support group for LGBTQ adults who are labelled with an intellectual disability.

sprOUT Toronto Group at Cherry Beach: August, 2018

Currently supported by the Griffin Centre, Community Living Toronto and Vita Community Services, sprOUT Toronto is a safe space for LGBTQ adults with intellectual disabilities to socialize in a non-judgmental atmosphere, share stories and, most importantly, to support and learn from one another. The group attends outings of their choosing (Centre Island and Cherry Beach most recently) and invite guest facilitators to deliver educational workshops on a wide range of topics.

New members are welcome to join a monthly meeting (details in Events section below)!

For further details please contact:

Onar Usar at 416-347-0795 or

Shayen Henry at 647-523-7063