Torontonians studying Torontonians

Traces: Queer Toronto During the Pandemic began as a research project: Queer COVID Toronto (Queer COVID-TO). In Spring 2021, queer and trans student and faculty researchers and allies at the University of Toronto decided to explore the mental health and experiences of sexual and gender minority people living in Toronto during the COVID-19 global pandemic. We wanted to understand the conditions and struggles we shared with other queer and trans people in Toronto as we faced rising and plateauing case numbers, social isolation, social distancing, and uncertainties.  With funding from the University of Toronto COVID Action Initiative, we surveyed self-identified 2SLGBTQIA+ (2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender) people. We followed up with semi-structured interviews with many of our survey respondents; in these interviews, we sought a deeper understanding of those experiences. The project has resulted in several presentations and publications, and students have used Queer COVID-TO data in their studies.

By tracing the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, we hope to ensure our communities, allies, and adversaries do not forget either the difficulties and disproportionate inequalities we faced and continue to face during the ongoing pandemic or the strength and power we demonstrate in surviving. We point to the impact of COVID-19 and the restrictive social measures implemented to combat it. We preserve memories of hope, exploration, and care in the face of fear and loss. 

Traces is just one effort to document our communities' history during a trying time, as well as a space for continual learning. Much work, thinking, and art has been created by and for queer and trans people from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are honoured to be one of many who connect people to these works and memories.