Queer Books

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

Come to our church on Sunday! We’re a welcoming bunch. Our website is nlife.ca

**#Note: As of Aug 17, 2025,** **we will be moving to Yonge Sheppard Centre** due to the closing of our prior venue Whole Foods. Please read the new location details. **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near Jimmy the Greek. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

### 🎲 Board Game Afternoon at SNAKES & LATTES 🍂 Join us for a cozy **afternoon of fun, laughter, and friendly competition** (or non-competition, if that’s more your style)! This is the perfect way to unwind, meet other members, and try out a few new games — no experience needed! We’ll teach you how to play. 🕐 **Meetup Time & Spot:** 1:00 PM — I’ll be waiting **outside Snakes & Lattes** wearing my famous **Moose Hat** for 5 minutes before we head in. 🎯 **Game Time:** 1:15 PM sharp! Please be on time — some games can take an hour or more to play, and if you arrive late, you might have to wait until the next round. 🕔 **End Time:** Around 4:00 PM (you can leave whenever you like). 💵 **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person or e-transfer 📲 to **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com...**.**If you have never been to event before and I have not met you, you must send the Meetup fee before signing up.** 🎟️ **Game Admission:** Entry to Snakes & Lattes is **$20**, which includes **UNLIMITED non-alcoholic drinks** to keep you refreshed. 🍸 **Bonus:** Order any alcoholic drink and get **$10 OFF** your Game Admission! 📅 **Note:** Sometimes things happen and I might have to cancel — please keep an eye out for updates. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t)**!]** Mathew is the organizer for this meetup. If you need to contact him, please post a message on the wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

**Meetup: 7450 Kingston Rd, Scarborough** Join us for a quick hike in thew rouge to walk off your xmas dinner and get ready for the new year. Plan your new years resolutions as you hike inside Canada’s first urban national park, Rouge Urban National Park. The area is full of nice, well groomed trails which are easy to navigate. There are various small side trails to explore, which all connect back to the main trail and are easy to figure out especially with using the offline maps or by previous experience here. Please come prepared for a winter hike. Gloves, poles, hiking boots and icers! Lots of water. Depending how fast everyone moves, there may not be a need to stop for lunch.

We will have a Meet and Greet at The Cherie Bistro on 538 Church Street in Toronto from 2 – 4 pm. The Cherie Bistro is a fully accessible restaurant. Please understand that each guest will be paying for a meal and/or beverages of their choice. Since the reservation is for six people, please RSVP to give us an idea of how many people will be attending this event. To be clear, we will still be continuing our online weekly meetings on Sundays at 11 am. These Meet and Greets will be scheduled as optional in-person gatherings depending on the attendance and feedback we receive over time.

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out for a fantastic Sunday afternoon with **Name That Tune.** A great way to make lots of new friends, share some laughs and enjoy all the best music that we love. \*We will be joining my other social groups too, so we can look forward to a great turn out and great afternoon **Date:** Sunday November December 28th **Time** 4:00-6:30 pm **La Carnita - (Main Floor)** **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 Free Parking on Eglinton on Sundays on North side of street :) See below for event details: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer & DJ) Event Details: **NAME THAT TUNE** **(Music, Treats and Memories) (Sunday December 28th)** -Everyone can play, all ages welcome! -Teams will be formed in groups of 4-6 people -New teams for each round will be formed so that we can all meet lots of new people -Treats handed out to winning teams -Lots of fun and laughter in store for all who come out (Songs will include the various decades, past and present so everyone will have a chance to contribute and have a great time) **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (Cash only please at the door) (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminders:** -Please arrive between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. \*Name That Tune will start shortly after that (Invite your friends out too if you l \*Plan to have dinner here if you like as the food is great! \*Dinner Party after event at no extra charge as well :) \-\-\- **Dinner & Beverage Menu available too** \*Includes reserved seating for the group \*Beverage and/or appetizer minimum to support the staff and venue \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also just a three minute walk east from the Yonge/Eglinton subway station \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

This group is to discuss and practice our French . Everu

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out to our **End of Year Dinner Party with Friends!** -Reserved seating, friendly people, good conversation and great food awaits! So please plan to join us if you can :) \*Joined by my other groups too; so we can anticipate a fantastic evening **Time: 6:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m.** **Location:** La Carnita - Good Fortune Bar (Main Floor) **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 Event Details Bellow: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **The End of Year Dinner Party with Friends! (Cocktails and Conversations)** -The great thing about this dinner party is you're free to move around to different tables and meet the other members too throughout the evening -A fun way to make new connections, enjoy a nice meal and share some laughs together **Dinner Party Topics** may include but not limited too: Travel, Culture, Spirituality, Relationships, Modern Dating, Work/Life balance, Art, Technology, Economy, Music, Movies, Sports, Fashion, Hobbies, Books, Current Affairs, The Good Life, Psychology, Philosophy, the Future, History, Pop Culture, Theatre, etc.) **Arrival Time:** \*Join us any time between 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm (if you can) for a fun and highly interactive evening as we get to know the members over dinner and great conversations (of your choice) Event goes until roughly 9:30 pm **Event Fee:** 5 dollars (cash only please) (HST included) or in advance by e transfer to **[steveflemming11@gmail.com](http://steveflemming11@gmail.com/)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminder:** \*One beverage or appetizer minimum to support the venue- this is greatly appreciated :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also right beside the Yonge/Eglinton subway station \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

Welcome to the Sunday meetup for Toronto Heavy Boardgamers @ Face-to-Face Games! The purpose of this event is to meet up to play heavier / longer board games, and have fun while doing it! We will start off small and if there is sufficient interest we will add capacity for future events. **Scheduling details:** \- If you have a specific game that you would like to post for\, feel free to do so in comments\. In your post\, include the name of the game\, number of players needed for the game\, whether you are offering a teach or not\, and the start time \(please try to start before noon if possible\)\. \- If you would like to join a specific game that has already been posted\, feel free to comment on it confirming your participation\. Make sure you have noted the details posted by the host\. \- You are of course also welcome to organize / join games onsite on the day itself\, assuming sufficient players / tables are available **Rules around COVID:** \- Given this is a public event\, we respectfully ask that only i\) fully vaccinated individuals\, and ii\) those not exhibiting any COVID symptoms\, participate\. This requirement may change in the future based on provincial guidelines and group requirements **Admission Fee:** \- There are no table fees for this event

🎄 Seenagers Toronto – December Adventure ✨ “Lights, Laughs & Lattes” ✨ 📅 Sunday, December 28, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 💲 TTC Day Pass recommended | 🚶‍♀️ Approx. 4–5 km | ☕ Warm drinks & holiday sparkle --- 💬 Event Theme The holiday lights still shine by day — and so do we! Join your Seenager friends for a joyful winter walk through downtown Toronto’s festive sights, delicious coffee stops, and cheerful conversation. --- 🗺️ Meet-Up Point 📍 Inside the Eaton Centre (Yonge & Dundas entrance, near Indigo Books & Café) We’ll meet in the warmth of the atrium, grab a coffee, and start our stroll once everyone arrives. --- 🎡 Itinerary (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) 1️⃣ Eaton Centre & Yonge-Dundas Square (10:00 – 10:45 a.m.) – Admire the huge tree and reindeer displays. – Group photo under the lights before the crowd arrives. 🚶‍♀️ Walk west along Queen Street (~1 km). 2️⃣ Nathan Phillips Square (11:00 – 11:45 a.m.) – Enjoy the rink, tree, and Toronto Sign. – Hot-chocolate stop at Aroma Espresso Bar or Balzac’s Café. 🚋 Optional break: 501 Queen streetcar west for those who prefer less walking. 3️⃣ Queen West Holiday Walk (12:00 – 1:15 p.m.) – Window-shop along Queen Street West; admire shopfront decorations and murals. – Cozy lunch stop at Jimmy’s Coffee or Sud Forno Bakery & Café (Peter St.). 🚶‍♀️ Walk or streetcar back east toward Queen Station. 4️⃣ Optional Finale (1:30 – 2:00 p.m.) – Quick warm-up at Eaton Centre Starbucks or Balzac’s Atrium on Bay before farewells. --- 👟 Walking Summary Eaton → Nathan Phillips → Queen West → return ≈ 4.5–5 km (flat, easy terrain) --- 💡 Seenager Tip of the Month Pack a travel mug — refills stay warm and cafés often give a small discount!

Join us for our January Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *Can't Spell Treason Without Tea* by Rebecca Thorne in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for our February Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *A Master of Djinn* by P. Djèlí Clark in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

**Calling all queer crochet enthusiasts;** I am a visual artist located in Columbus that is searching for people who may want to gather while also participating in creating a piece of artwork. My goal is to spend time enjoying one another’s company while making a work of art that will be displayed within our community. I plan to teach people to crochet (if unfamiliar) while also inviting current fiber artists to join us for some much-needed social interaction. There are no expectations from those who attend, materials will be included, and any amount of participation is welcome! If you have a favorite crochet hook or current project you are welcome to bring that along too! The primary goal is to foster a safe space for our community to chat, create and be. For further information please email [landerknits@outlook.com.](http://landerknits@outlook.com.) \*This will be our first meeting, bring friends and make new ones. Come as you are and make along side other like-minded folks.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.