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Posted On: July 30th 2026, 03:49 pm
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In honour of our 50th anniversary, we’re inviting folks to reflect on what The 519 has meant in their lives. Dane Bland, Head of Development at The 519 shares his first fond memory at The 519...
"My mom came out to me when I was 13, and I came out to her when I was 15. I remember hearing about Green Space Festival’s Starry Night once she married her partner - my other mom - and how lucky they felt that they got to attend as guests of TD for years. They made sure I had a proper introduction to the village, and my first legal drink was on a patio facing Church Street, where they embarrassed me in front of the cute waiter by proudly announcing I'd just turned 19.
I remember going to the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) and meeting folks who worked with The 519, especially to support newcomers. I remember feeling lucky we lived in a city with a queer community centre, sitting on patios that overlooked Church Street and the iconic vista of The 519.
My first time at The 519 was, funnily enough, to vote. My second time was at Green Space Festival during World Pride, the first year I was old enough to really remember enjoying Pride as an out, queer, and single man. I got to march in the parade with my moms that year.
The 519 was, and always will be, a marker of being home in Toronto. It's part of what MAKES Toronto, for me. I can't imagine ever living in a community where a 2SLGBTQ+ centre wasn't a thing, because of The 519."
Do you have a story to share? Make your submission at The519.org/Your519Story!
[Image description: 1 - A photo from the past of Dane with his mother. Quote from Dane: "“The 519 was, and always will be, a marker of being home in Toronto.” 2 - A quote from Dane: "My mom came out to me when I was 13, and I came out to her when I was 15. I remember hearing about Green Space Festival’s Starry Night once she married her partner - my other mom - and how lucky they felt that they got to attend.” 3 - Old photo of two people dancing at a past event at The 519. Text below reads: "Share your connection with The 519! Submit your story at The519.org/Your519Story. These stories will be preserved and may be shared as part of our 50th anniversary."]
"My mom came out to me when I was 13, and I came out to her when I was 15. I remember hearing about Green Space Festival’s Starry Night once she married her partner - my other mom - and how lucky they felt that they got to attend as guests of TD for years. They made sure I had a proper introduction to the village, and my first legal drink was on a patio facing Church Street, where they embarrassed me in front of the cute waiter by proudly announcing I'd just turned 19.
I remember going to the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) and meeting folks who worked with The 519, especially to support newcomers. I remember feeling lucky we lived in a city with a queer community centre, sitting on patios that overlooked Church Street and the iconic vista of The 519.
My first time at The 519 was, funnily enough, to vote. My second time was at Green Space Festival during World Pride, the first year I was old enough to really remember enjoying Pride as an out, queer, and single man. I got to march in the parade with my moms that year.
The 519 was, and always will be, a marker of being home in Toronto. It's part of what MAKES Toronto, for me. I can't imagine ever living in a community where a 2SLGBTQ+ centre wasn't a thing, because of The 519."
Do you have a story to share? Make your submission at The519.org/Your519Story!
[Image description: 1 - A photo from the past of Dane with his mother. Quote from Dane: "“The 519 was, and always will be, a marker of being home in Toronto.” 2 - A quote from Dane: "My mom came out to me when I was 13, and I came out to her when I was 15. I remember hearing about Green Space Festival’s Starry Night once she married her partner - my other mom - and how lucky they felt that they got to attend.” 3 - Old photo of two people dancing at a past event at The 519. Text below reads: "Share your connection with The 519! Submit your story at The519.org/Your519Story. These stories will be preserved and may be shared as part of our 50th anniversary."]
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