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Dane Bland

@thedanebland

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-Head of Development - @the519 @greenspaceto
Opinions my own. Be gay, do crime.
Free Palestine. 🍉

POSTS STORIES REELS

New Brunswick and Nova Scotia dump!

Got to:
“officiate” the wedding of 2 of my favourite people (courtesy of Gay Jesus who lets me officiate weddings), play the two best golf courses in Canada, hear the sunset bagpiped in, chap my lips in the ocean wind, spend way too much money, and drink like an east coaster.

Good trip. by @thedanebland

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."] by @thedanebland

OK, OK BLUE JAYS, BLUE JAYS. LET’S PLAY BALL.

📸: @mattrorabeck by @thedanebland

*NEW JOB ALERT*

I am so excited to share that, next week, I will be the new Head of Development at @the519!

The 519 is one of the epicentres of 2SLGBTQIA+ identity in Toronto, and for so many, a source of incredibly important support and community. Toronto’s queer community is stronger and better when The 519 is at its forefront. I am so excited to lead its events and fundraising teams to ensure its long-term success, and more importantly, its ambitious growth right now. The world is increasingly unfriendly to 2SLGBTQIA+ people - and that is true at home and abroad. The only way to fight back is to be unapologetic, powerful and to love louder than they hate. Being a conduit to ensure The 519 connects and re-connects with its community will be a true privilege.

The 519 has been my home for pretty much every Pride in Toronto (see photos), and I am so excited to help make that home feel more welcoming and wonderful for me, and millions of others, in this new role.

PS - tons of opportunities to get involved in the coming months. DM me! by @thedanebland

I’ve been a bit insufferable on Instagram stories with gym posts lately - mostly to keep myself accountable but kind of as a journal of sorts. So here’s an in feed post instead.

It’s kind of a cool moment where you look in the mirror and actually see a healthier version of yourself. Haven’t had that in a while, both in terms of mental health and physical health.

It’s taken the better part of 4 years (post pandemic vibes, I guess) to really figure out how to love the version of me that’s getting a little older and a little rounder and a little balder. The very least I could do for that guy is show him some love by taking care of him better.

Here’s to making moves for the better, self love, and getting strong enough to punch some Nazis. by @thedanebland

Latergram of the amazing #MayorsEveningForTheArts #InBloomGala raising $1,056,199 to support #Toronto’s artists and arts sector thru @torontoartsfoundation. Every dollar will make arts more accessible and provide supports directly to artists in the city.

So proud to have led the charge on this event. Lookin’ good, feelin’ fine.

📸: @katrizza @jamapole by @thedanebland

Bought a new car, so decided to do a road trip 🌈 by @thedanebland

Another annual tradition ✅
Weekend of me visiting straight men in their natural habitat like a gay Steve Irwin ✅
Enough fireball to give myself heartburn for a week ✅
Favourite weekend of the year? ✅✅✅ by @thedanebland

Breaking news: it’s summer weather and I feel like leaving the house. Obligatory commemorative selfie to mark the occasion. by @thedanebland

Ma(d)e America Gay(er) Again by @thedanebland

2024 wrapped ft golf, friends, moms, beers by @thedanebland

Kelowna, B.C. Photo dump ft mostly golf and wineries. by @thedanebland