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Salah Bachir

@pasha_bachir

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Today was Salah Bachir’s funeral service.

In the summer of 2022, a few months into the full-scale invasion, and within weeks of me starting the We Support LGBTQ Ukraine Fund, Salah and his husband Jacob Yerex made a $10,000 gift to us. His friend Kate Daniels had put us in touch; she was generously donating time and energy to help publicize my early advocacy work.

Salah and I had one phone call about it. He was direct, he made it easy. He was repulsed by this war, and war writ large. He was disturbed by the specific challenges queer Ukrainians were facing. What’s more, he went on to encourage folks in his network to join our movement. When I told him it would be a dream to raise $30,000 with this fund, he told me I’d raise north of $100K. He was right. The Fund currently sits at $146,000 and continues to grow.

With Salah’s gift, and gifts from others (James Burn who kicked us off, the Linton Family, and over 300 more donors), we’ve fortified the energy infrastructure at LGBTQ+ community centres in Ukraine, supported anti-propaganda campaigns, ensured HIV and gender-affirming hormone meds to those who need them, added beds to shelters. We’ve helped make visible the realities, dignity and lifeforce of LGBTQ+ Ukrainians – in Canada and in Ukraine. Salah believed in our mission. His generosity – and his capacity to inspire others – is a legacy that touches Ukraine, and the wellbeing of its democracy, in real ways.

It’s been powerful to read about the impacts of Salah Bachir’s philanthropy and fundraising over these past days. I remember giving a dear Ukrainian activist friend a tour of Toronto once (he was in Canada for a conference). I vividly recall pointing out The 519 Community Centre, for which Salah had such passion and commitment (he led the campaign for its expansion and renovation). I was so proud that my city and community had this impressive space devoted to the thriving of LGBTQ+ folks, and I saw it anew through my Ukrainian friend’s eyes. Salah invested in local goodness with a nose for its global import.

We can honour Salah’s memory by donating to the Salah Bachir Fund in support of LGBTQ+ refugee clients of The 519: www.the519.org

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We are so deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Salah Bachir💔Our heart goes out to his partner of 20 years Jacob, his family and his loved ones, both here and in Lebanon.

Not only was Salah a devoted, staunch supporter of the arts and social justice, he gave generously to social mission orgs and institutions. His name and that of his partner Jacob can be found on buildings such as the @the519 and @agotoronto and others. His impact over decades has benefited countless lives and will continue to infinitely.

Salah was also a generous supporter of ArtHouseTO, providing material support for our work as well as incomparable guidance for Andrea and I to navigate challenges and grow our impact. We are forever indebted to you Salah for all you have done for us.

You are an immeasurable light that will continue to shine, illuminate and nurture for eons to come.

Rest in power

His wishes are for folks to give generously to the @the519 Fund

❤️💐❤️

Photo:
https://gurusmagazine.com/salah-bachirs-ordinary-encounters-with-extraordinary-friends/

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In Loving Memory of Salah Bachir
October 3, 1955 – October 8, 2026

Woodland Cultural Centre joins the many individuals, organizations and communities mourning the passing of Salah Bachir, an extraordinary philanthropist, passionate champion of the arts, and cherished friend and supporter of Woodland.

Throughout his life, Salah was a dedicated advocate for arts, culture, education and social justice. His generosity, leadership and commitment to uplifting others left a lasting impact on countless lives and communities.

At Woodland, we were fortunate to experience his generosity firsthand.

Salah and his husband, Jacob Yerex, were generous supporters of our Save the Evidence campaign, helping preserve the former Mohawk Institute Residential School and honour the truths and experiences of Survivors.

His commitment continued through our We Celebrate Our Stories Capital Campaign, supporting our vision of a new, purpose-built Cultural Centre dedicated to preserving and celebrating Hodinohsho:ni history, languages, arts and culture for generations to come.

Beyond his philanthropy, Salah generously shared his time, knowledge and guidance. His mentorship, encouragement and belief in Woodland’s vision were deeply valued.

His remarkable contributions were recognized through numerous honours, including the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario. His greatest legacy, however, lives on through the people, organizations and communities he helped uplift.

We extend our deepest condolences to his husband, Jacob Yerex, his daughter, family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.

Nya:węh, Salah, for your friendship, mentorship, generosity and unwavering support of Woodland Cultural Centre.

Your legacy will continue to inspire us.

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Rest in peace dearest @pasha_bachir
What a tremendous loss for Toronto and Canada. A true philanthropist and art lover!
I feel fortunate Salah sat for me and was so open and honest in front of my camera!
Deepest condolences to his husband Jacob and his family and friends!
💔💔💔

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He was always the first to leave the party. Stunned and heartbroken to know that @pasha_bachir has journeyed on into the spirit world💔💔💔
Our hearts are with Salah’s husband @jacobyerex and his whole family💔 So grateful for your beautiful soul in this world, Salah. The immense light you brought will shine on for eternity. Safe journeys my friend✨🌟✨
———————————————
#salahbashir #youareacreator #canadianlegend

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This morning I wake into a world without you. You have died. And I am here, learning what that means.

No expectation that an ever-present is beside you every day, presence lives beneath the days, certainty they are somewhere in the world, reachable.

I hadn’t realised how much I rested in that certainty. that i was loved by someone who knows me.

In the months leading up to our goodbye I have begun to understand more fully how much I meant to the world as if medicine was preparing me…

Love is becoming familiar, and I am finding a deeper capacity to receive it. Recognising the people who hold me in their hearts. Understanding more of what I mean to others and allowing that to matter.

And with that on Tuesday morning, early, when I wake here in the UK, came your news….

I found myself remembering conversations, kindnesses, ordinary moments I treasured always about our friendship. Alongside gratitude comes regret. The calls I put off. The things I meant to say. The visits never made. The quiet assumption that there would always be another day.

I will live now in ever present gratitude for your final act of generosity last night in that final phone call – to allow these understandings settle into my nervous system. I could feel your love in my body, fully embody it, and rest in the knowledge of my place in your life while we said goodbye. You lived and died in a generous act.

I am grateful we had that conversation.

Today, friendship feels both precious and painfully human. We can love deeply and still get distracted. We can know someone matters and forget to tell them. We can be deeply loved and take years to let that love reach all the way in.

I don’t yet know how to live without the constant knowledge of your loving presence but I trust I will.

But something from our goodbye is settled within me. I felt how much I meant to you. I will carry that with me as I learn to live with your absence and let it open me more deeply to the friendships still here.

This morning, I miss you. I love you. And I am beginning to feel the shape of your absence in a life you helped make warmer.

Goodbye my friend

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Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the legendary @pasha_bachir

Salah was a role model to so many of us, a powerful example of generosity, courage, advocacy, and what it means to use your life to make a difference.

I’m especially grateful that I had the chance to see him just last week. In our final conversation, he spoke about @the519 as one of the legacies he was proudest of. I will carry that moment with me.

My gratitude to Salah is also deeply personal. During one of the hardest moments for my family, he helped my dad get to the hospital and helped cover his medical bills. That kindness is something I will never forget.

Sending so much love and my deepest condolences to your husband Jacob, your family, friends, and everyone whose life you touched.

Rest in power, Salah. Your legacy will live on. ❤️🇨🇦🇱🇧🌹

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Wishing you a Happy Birthday Salah Bashir!

You may be First to Leave the Party, but we will never be the first to leave YOUR party! (And wasn’t that a party?!)

Thank you for all you do. We miss you here in Paris but we are grateful for all you have done for this community.

Wishing you a fun Birthday and a great year ahead! ❤️

(Toronto Star story and photos credited to George Pimental)

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MORE ARTISTS ADDDED!
Canadian Book Launch: This Queer Arab Family
A night of words, dance, drag & music

Wednesday April 8th
7:30pm
32 Lisgar St., Toronto
RSVP on the Glad Day Eventbrite

Join visiting writer and editor Elias Jahshan to celebrate the launch of ‘This Queer Arab Family’.
Featuring:
ELIAS JAHSHAN (words)
ANOUSH ELLAH (drag)
FATIMA (dance)
IZZY (words)
NIKOTINE (music)
REEM ELMAGHRABY(words)
TRISH SALAH (words)
ZANE BANYAN (music)
ZEID AL-NASR (words)
with a special virtual message from SALAH BACHIR

This is a celebration of the new book This Queer Arab Family, which itself is a celebratory book that explores how queer Arab communities reimagine family beyond traditional expectations. Edited and compiled by Elias Jahshan, the book features ten queer writers, such as Zeid Al-Nasr, from across the Arab world and diaspora, with stories that honour chosen kinship, everyday acts of care and the creativity and resilience that sustain queer Arab communities. In many Arab cultures, family roles are tightly defined, often prioritising unity over individual desire. This Queer Arab Family questions what happens when queer Arabs challenge those norms and build a family on their own terms. Fierce, vibrant and unapologetic, This Queer Arab Family celebrates community, survival and joy against all odds.

Presented in partnership by Glad Day Lit and MEEM Toronto.

RSVP and more info on Glad Day’s Eventbrite.
RSVPs help us plan seating and layout - thank you!

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Canadian Book Launch:
This Queer Arab Family
A night of words, dance, drag & music

Wednesday April 8th
7:30pm
32 Lisgar St., Toronto

Join visiting writer and editor Elias Jahshan to celebrate the launch of This Queer Arab Family.

featuring:

ELIAS JAHSHAN (words)
ANOUSH ELLAH (drag)
FATIMA (dance)
NIKOTINE (music)
ZANE BANYAN (music)
ZEID AL-NASR (words)
with a special virtual messsage from SALAH BACHIR

This is a celebration of the new book This Queer Arab Family, which itself is a celebratory book that explores how queer Arab communities reimagine family beyond traditional expectations. Edited and compiled by Elias Jahshan, the book features ten queer writers, such as Zeid Al-Nasr, from across the Arab world and diaspora, with stories that honour chosen kinship, everyday acts of care and the creativity and resilience that sustain queer Arab communities. In many Arab cultures, family roles are tightly defined, often prioritising unity over individual desire. This Queer Arab Family questions what happens when queer Arabs challenge those norms and build a family on their own terms. Fierce, vibrant and unapologetic, This Queer Arab Family celebrates community, survival and joy against all odds.

Presented in partnership by Glad Day Lit and MEEM Toronto @meemtoronto.

RSVP and more info on Glad Day’s Eventbrite.

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Hi everyone,

This year’s theme for World Down Syndrome Day March 21st, 2026 is…

“Together Against Loneliness”

There are many organizations I am part of that help me not be lonely:

@cdndownsyndrome @dramawayarts @bestbuddiescanada @cltoronto @clontario @dsatoronto @extendafamilytoronto @fashionarttoronto
@humberalumni @humberpoly @beyondlimitsconf @downsyndromeinternational @bestbuddies

With the help of these organizations, I have many friends in my life. If you are lonely, please contact some of these organizations. Join some of them to meet new friends. They have also helped me by giving me many opportunities to become a Public Speaker, which I love doing!

Last week my friend @laurenabela3 and I had the honour of having a photoshoot with the famous Toronto photographer, Helen Tansey @helentanseyphotography.
Thank you, Helen, you made us have so much fun. You captured our friendship with so many great pictures. We hope you loved the yummy chocolates from @chocollatagourmet.

I am so blessed to have Lauren in my life. We do so many things together. I love her so much.

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Remember, to bring awareness to this special day today, wear 3 socks, colorful socks or if you have a pair my socks.

Love
Jessica
💙💛💙💛💙

Editor’s Note from Down Syndrome International (DSi):

“Loneliness affects all of us but for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, it happens more often and hurts more deeply. Too many people feel left out, unheard, or disconnected. Even when they’re surrounded by others. Because being present is not the same as being included.

Loneliness isn’t a choice.

It’s caused by barriers, stigma, and exclusion from schools, workplaces, and community life.

The answer is inclusion.

It’s about friendships, relationships, and knowing you belong.

Help, invite someone into a conversation, activity, or group.

Make your voice count. Share this message. Start a conversation.”

#TogetherAgainstLoneliness
#WorldDownSyndromeDay2026
#InclusionMatters
#BelongingForAll
#Takeaction

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✨ From unforgettable performances to life-changing connections – these moments from past Bloor Street Entertains remind us why this night is so special.

Each year, our incredible community comes together to support groundbreaking HIV/AIDS research right here in Canada.

Join us at #BSE29 on Fri., Nov. 21, 2025 for an evening of entertainment, inspiration, and impact. Every ticket purchased directly funds vital research and community-based implementation programs that are changing lives.

Ready to be part of something extraordinary? Secure your tickets now – link in bio!

PS Did you know that this year there’s a Vancouver Entertains on Fri., Oct. 24, 2025? Get your tables & tickets for our first-ever West Coast edition at CANFAR.com!

#BSE2025 #HIVResearch #AIDSResearch #TorontoEvents

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