Out and About is a free, peer-led social program designed for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults (ages 18 and up) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Held weekly on Sundays, this initiative creates a welcoming and inclusive space where participants can connect with peers who share similar lived experiences.
The program is intentionally participant-driven. Topics of conversation, activities, and outings are all determined collectively by group members based on their interests and needs. This approach not only fosters autonomy and self-determination but also ensures that the programming is meaningful and relevant to those it serves.
The core goals of Out and About are to:
Create opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults with IDD to build authentic and lasting social connections.
Increase participants' engagement with and understanding of their broader community.
Connect individuals to affirming resources, supports, and services that promote social inclusion and well-being.
Foster a sense of belonging, identity, and pride within both the disability and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
By centering the voices and choices of participants, Out and About challenges isolation, affirms intersectional identities, and actively promotes equity and inclusion for a population that is often overlooked in mainstream programming.
Out and About addresses a significant and often overlooked gap in our community: the lack of inclusive, affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These individuals face layered barriers to connection, visibility, and access, both within the broader disability services sector and within 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces, where programming often fails to account for diverse cognitive and communication needs.
Social isolation is a major issue among adults with IDD, and it is compounded for those who also identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. Many participants have shared that they’ve never had a chance to meet others who share both aspects of their identity in a safe, affirming environment. Without access to appropriate spaces, people are more likely to experience loneliness, poor mental health, and disconnection from vital community resources. This became increasingly apparent during covid when these individuals became even more isolated, which is when this program was created.
Out and About creates a space where participants are seen and respected as their whole selves. The program empowers them to build friendships, explore their identities, participate in community life, and access affirming supports. By centering the voices of those with lived experience, Out and About promotes equity, dignity, and belonging—values that are essential to a healthy, inclusive community.
In short, this program strengthens social bonds, reduces isolation, and helps build a more inclusive community where all people—regardless of ability or identity—can thrive.
support
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As a neighbour, I support this initiative! When programs like Out & About strengthen social bonds between participants, our whole community is stronger for it.
Out and About is a great program! Glad to see such an inclusive program in our neighbourhood!
I believe this program fills a desperately needed gap in the queer community and am grateful to those doing the work to bring it to light!
As a local business owner, I fully support this program and hope it continues to support our queer youth.
Out and About combats isolation and empowers 2SLGBTQIA+ adults with IDD to build belonging. It’s not a want; it’s a necessity!
Please submit my support to keep this crucial service for young adults who risk social isolation!