The LGBTQ Parenting Connection emerged as a collaboration between the original LGBT Parenting Network founded by The Family Service Association of Toronto (FSA) in 2001 (now Family Service Toronto – FST), and Queer Parenting Programs at The 519 Church Street Community Centre (The 519).   With new funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in March 2006, the LGBT Parenting Network was moved from FSA to the Sherbourne Health Centre (SHC) in March 2007 and renamed the LGBTQ Parenting Network.   

These three organizations are the Founding Members of the LGBTQ Parenting Connection. 

Sherbourne Health Centre (SHC) is the lead agency with respect to funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.  Among its areas of focus, SHC delivers primary health care services to LGBT communities in Toronto; provides information, resources, and capacity building to communities across Ontario through Rainbow Health Ontario; and community-based programs to queer and trans youth in Toronto through its Supporting Our Youth program.  SHC is the home base for the LGBTQ Parenting Network, formerly based at FSA, and is the employer of the Coordinator of the Network, who was formerly based at FSA.  The LGBTQ Parenting Network coordinates a wide range of programs and activities with and on behalf of LGBTQ parents, prospective parents and their families including newsletters, print resources, support groups, social events, research projects, advocacy, and training. 

The 519 Church Street Community Centre (The 519) has a history of serving LGBTQ communities in Toronto, including providing family support programs and space for LGBTQ-led families for two decades.  New funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care enhanced The 519’s services to these families by adding to the established resources of its Queer Parenting Programs and its Coordinator.  The 519’s Queer Parenting Programs and the FSA’s Parenting Network collaborated and shared in the delivery of many programs and services for LGBTQ-led families over the years.   

The Family Service Association of Toronto (FSA - now FST) was the home base of the original LGBT Parenting Network since its inception in 2001 and supported many facets of the program’s development.  Following the relocation of the LGBT Parenting Network to Sherbourne Health Centre in March 2007, FSA remained involved by offering guidance and expertise to the program and the network, and taking responsibility for the network’s web-based communications until the launch of the LGBTQ Parenting Connection website.