Long-term care home unveils 'Rainbow Wing' for LGBTQ2 residents in Toronto

A long-term care home operator unveiled a "Rainbow Wing" at one of its downtown Toronto facilities on Saturday to address the need for a dedicated space for LGBTQ2 seniors.

Rekai Centres opened the 25-bed wing at its home at Wellesley Central Place. Residents, staff and community members gathered to celebrate the opening.

Barbara Michalik, executive director of community and academic partnerships for the Rekai Centres, said she believes the space is the first in North America dedicated to the LGBTQ2 senior community — which stands for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit."

"We have family members who may not feel comfortable coming into a long-term care home because of their gender or their preference in life, and it's very important that we foster that and foster our staff who are from the community," Michalik told CBC News on Saturday.

"We can't just slap a sticker on a door. We can't just do one education during the month of June for pride. It's continuous. It's a feeling of culture when you come into that home [and] safety. It's really constant reinforcement of welcoming."

Rekai Centres, which describes itself as a non-profit charitable corporation, opened its doors more than 70 years ago and now operates two long-term care homes in downtown Toronto: the Rekai Centre at Sherbourne Place, home to 88 residents, and the Rekai Centre at Wellesley Central Place, home to 150 residents.

Currently, the Wellesley facility has 15 members who identify as part of the LGBTQ2 community, with more than 20 per cent of residents who identify as LGBTQ2 at both downtown long-term care homes.

Barry Van Buskirk, a resident at the Rekai Centre at Sherbourne Place, said he was thrilled to be there not only for the opening of the wing, but to also be able to participate in Pride.

"I think it's very exciting. It's very comforting and very loving," Van Buskirk said.

"Seniors are often looked over because they're considered too old to participate. I've been in many, many Pride parades because I just love people [and] I want to spread that love."

In addition to the Wellesley Central Place wing, another Rainbow Wing will be opened at a new long-term care home at Cherry Place, at Cherry and Front streets, that is set to open in 2025.

Sue Graham-Nutter, CEO of the Rekai Centres, said the new wing has been a long time in the making.

"The launch of the Rainbow Wing is the result of over a decade of work with the 2SLGBTQI+ community," said Graham-Nutter.

"What makes us most proud and emotional are the hugs and the tears that flow from our residents, and families saying simply 'I belong, and I am accepted here. Thank you.'  Everyone needs a home where they are safe and loved."