On the evening of May 30, 2023, hundreds of Toronto’s most influential 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders and influencers will attend the Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival Centrepiece Gala screening of Supporting Our Selves (SOS) at the TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5). From award-winning director Lulu Wei (There’s No Place Like This Place, Anyplace), SOS is a film exploring how and why the Queer community in Toronto, Canada has grown and evolved over the past 40 years, through the lens of one grassroots organization and its impact.

Through the vital activism of its subjects, Supporting Our Selves paints a vivid portrait of a queer Toronto and its complexities. Along the way, we meet Christopher, a trans woman from Uganda who, although having only been in Canada a few years, has already started her own organization to support queer African refugees like herself, leZlie lee kam, a tireless lifelong activist for queer people of colour who is constantly looking for ways to support queer and trans people of all ages, Jay, who is creating space and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people with disabilities, and the passionate group of individuals who were inspired to work together to launch Community One Foundation, 40 years ago.

“Our 40+ year history is rich with powerful and moving stories of how the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has come together to help one another in Toronto,” says Sam Katz, Community One Foundation Co-Chair. “We are thrilled this incredible team of filmmakers have chosen to help share and examine the story of Community One Foundation, and can’t wait to celebrate this milestone together at Canada’s top 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival.”

Tickets include access to the After Party, also held at TIFF. The film will also be available to stream virtually beginning on May 31, 2023.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.