The 519 organization offers peer support and acceptance
Many from countries where it's dangerous to `come out' Oct. 6, 2006.THULASI SRIKANTHAN Toronto Star, STAFF REPORTER

For years, Ugandan-born Shafiq Mawji kept his sexual orientation to himself, terrified of the consequences.

Today, Mawji — who came out of the closet two years ago — is helping other refugees at The 519, a Toronto organization that is open to everyone but focuses on programming for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities.

"It's the Mecca for gay refugees from outside of Canada," said Mawji, who joined shortly after arriving here in March 2004. He insisted on using a pseudonym, for fear of affecting his ongoing refugee case.

Refugees from all over the world — including Eastern Europe, Africa and South and Central America — come out for the "refugee peer support group," one of the key programs The 519 offers.

The 519 is supported by the United Way of Greater Toronto and located on Church St. in the heart of Toronto's gay community. It offers a variety of programs that include a legal advice clinic, anti-violence programs, income-tax clinics, gay parenting programs and community counselling.

"We noticed many people coming to 519 to make contact with the (gay community) once they arrived from countries where it is not safe to identify themselves," said Alison Kemper, executive director.

"I think coming out for some people is way too dangerous because in some countries, there is the death penalty. Once inside the group, they are willing to identify themselves."

For many refugees, coming to a welcoming space is a transforming experience, she said.
"For many, it's an overwhelming experience to be in a gay- and lesbian-positive environment," Kemper said. "It's something that doesn't exist in many places around the world.

"For many, it's their first experience with a place that is safe, secure and accepting."
Many refugees come to the group facing several challenges, said Geoff MacDonald, volunteer co-ordinator of the refugee peer support group.

"There is certainly racism, they are alienated, and there is difficulty navigating the system," MacDonald said, referring to the struggles of many to find status in Canada.

"A lot of people are also nervous. They are not sure what we do."
But it hasn't stopped people from coming, he said. The program has been popular, drawing about 100 people in the past two years. And for those like Mawji, it's a place he can't imagine doing without. "I came from a troubled childhood. I never had support," he said.

"This was like coming to a new family. It's a refuge." Mawji, who has lived in Pakistan and the United States, says the support group has helped him in his attempts to get refugee status in Canada, and to deal with the emotional fallout from his family shunning him and having his credentials not recognized in his new country.

"I was a basket case," he said. Now, he says, he's feeling a bit better because "they help you find your way through the maze."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Way of Greater Toronto.

The target for the 2006 fundraising campaign is $100 million to support 200 health and social services agencies serving more than one million people in Toronto.

To donate, go to http://www.unitedwaytoronto.com or call 416-777-2001.519 artic