Queer Books

**#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.

The plan will be to discuss our experience of reading Stephanie Foo's book, "What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma". \*Content Warning\* This memoir contains detailed descriptions of childhood emotional and physical abuse as well as themes of intergenerational trauma, depression, and suicide.

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

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.

### 🎲 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**

**ATTENTION! ACHTUNG!** Free registration is mandatory for this event. Eine kostenlose Anmeldung ist für dieses Treffen erforderlich. **About the event – Zum Treffen** Join us for some hearty food and pleasant conversation to beat back the Christmastime blues! And at the long-time [3 Brasseurs](https://www.3brasseurs.ca/en/find-a-3-brasseurs/toronto) brewpub in downtown Toronto, featuring house beers and delicious [Flammekueche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flammekueche), an Alsatian and south-western German specialty. Wir kämpfen gegen schlechte Weihnachtslaune mit herzhaftem Essen und gemütlichen Gesprächen in dem Kleinbrauerei-Restaurant [3 Brasseurs](https://www.3brasseurs.ca/en/find-a-3-brasseurs/toronto) in Stadtmitte. Sie haben unter anderem hausgeigene Biere und leckere Flammkuchen im Angebot. \-\-\-\- **Thank you to our sponsor – Wir danken unserem Sponsor** Our group could not exist without our sponsor, Steffen Hugo. Professional Real Estate Services for Houses, Condos, Investments, Rentals. More info [here](https://www.steffenhugo.com/). Ohne unseren Sponsor, Steffen Hugo, ginge diese Meetupgruppe nicht. Profesionelle Immobiliendienstleistungen für Häuser, Wohnungen,Investitionsobjekte, Vermietungen. Weitere Infos [hier](https://www.steffenhugo.com/uber-mich/). \-\-\-\- **How to get there – Anfahrt** *Take public transit* — Subway Line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina) to TMU (Dundas) Station, and walk (100 m) on the the east side of Yonge St south to the restaurant. There is limited *parking* in the area: [Green P Dundas Square garage 034](https://parking.greenp.com/carpark/34_20-dundas-square/) ($12.00 after 6 PM). *ÖPNV* — U-Bahnlinie 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina) bis TMU (Dundas) Station, dann 100 m südlich zu Fuß. Es gibt wenige *Parkmöglichkeiten* in der Nähe: die [Green P Parkgarage 034](https://parking.greenp.com/carpark/34_20-dundas-square/) ($12 ab 18 Uhr). **Please note – Zur Beachtung** * You must register (which is free) for this event, so that we can make an accurate reservation with the restaurant. * Before attending the event, please [consult the menu](https://www.3brasseurs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/gazette-toronto.pdf) to speed up ordering. * Eine kostenlose Anmeldung ist für dieses Treffen erforderlich, damit wir beim Restaurant eine Reservierung machen können. * Vor dem Treffen bitte [die Karte anschauen](https://www.3brasseurs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/gazette-toronto.pdf), so daß wir zügiger bestellen können. I look forward to seeing everyone! Ich freue mich auf Ihren Besuch! Yours / Grüße, Robert Quickert Organizer – Greater Toronto German Club

Come join us for downtown karaoke at the Harmony Cafe in super trendy Kensington. If this is your first time, expect to make friends. 😊 Belt out your favorite pop songs, heavy metal, rap, musical theatre, or join in on the ensemble cast while serenading the crowd with boy band hits. We expect to go way past midnight, can you? (You don't have to lol) The Harmony cafe has a variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic libations, cocktails, and baked goods so have a bite late! Our karaoke host is **AJ** \- Make sure to get your name added to the list\! Our Karaoke machine is connected to YouTube so song selection is pretty much UNLIMITED 😵 \! (っ＾▿＾)۶🍸🌟🍺٩(˘◡˘ ) ======== **Support This Group 🥰🤩** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD at [https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.)

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Toronto City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

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 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

**Join [TILE.]** at the **most popular Saturday Language Learning Social Event & Party in Toronto! 🍁** **[TILE.] = Toronto International Language Exchange [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tilelearning/)** **[TILE.]** now has a **2-for-1 special event,** which includes: **1.** From **[6:30 - 7:15 PM](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher):** An optional new $5 small group 45-minute **[English language class](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)**[ ](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)led by a certified language teacher **2.** From **[7:15 - 11 PM](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto):** Our usual huge group **[BIGGEST LANGUAGE EXCHANGE SOCIAL EVENT AND PARTY IN TORONTO](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto)** (Cost: *$0-$5\*, see below)* Both events happen Saturday on the 2nd floor of the Madison Pub (14 Madison Avenue). ***Attend either or both events!*** Meet Toronto locals and international friends. Talk to language teachers and speakers to learn English, French, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and much more! Join us for board games, conversation, dancing, singing, and more! Make sure to get a nametag from one of our helpers. *You **must** read the full event description below before attending. By attending, you agree to all the terms listed.* **[TILE.] Toronto International Language Exchange** event details: * We are on the 2nd floor of the Madison pub on the patio with all the international flags! *The dance floor opens around 10 PM, and the live piano bar singer start around 10:30 on the 1st floor.* * With our night ride promotion, the second event (the 7:15- 11 PM Party & Social event) is **FREE** for women who will be traveling alone at night to promote inclusion and equity\*. This event normally $5. * The cost for the first event (the 6:30 - 7:15 PM English Language class) is $5 for everyone. **PAY** **$5** right at the event by **CASH, CREDIT, or DEBIT**, or **SEND $5 E-TRANSFERS** to: **TILETORONTO1@GMAIL.COM**. You can also support the bar by buying a drink or appetizer. **\*** The second event ends late at night. It is 100% your own responsibility to ensure you get home safe. We can simply waive the $5 event entry/cover fee for women who will be traveling home alone so that they may instead put this money towards taking a safe ride home. \-\-\-\-\-\- **IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Meetup Group** By attending any TILE events, including these ones, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * *The organizers and hosts of TILE events are are not liable for any loss, injury, damage, or other unforeseen outcomes that may occur before, during, or after any event.* * *Participation in TILE events is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your own safety, personal belongings, transportation, behavior, and well-being. It is your responsibility to assess the risks involved in any activity or location and to act accordingly.* * *TILE and its organizers do not provide insurance and cannot guarantee the safety, accuracy of information, or quality of venues, third-party services, or other attendees.* * *By attending, you release TILE, its organizers, and affiliates from any and all claims or liability, and you agree to conduct yourself respectfully and in accordance with local laws and venue rules.* * ***If you do not agree with this disclaimer, please do not attend TILE events.***

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.