Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee - January 28, 2026

High-level summary

The meeting focused on advancing equity, Indigenous community programs, and the management of city grant programs through TGRIP, including how grants are allocated to 2SLGBTQ+ and grassroots organizations. Key decisions included approving minutes, receiving information on equity and Indigenous programs, and approving several process improvements in grant applications, while some items (such as a TGRIP security review) were deferred for follow-up.

Five most important topics discussed

1) Equity and Indigenous community programs and continuous service improvements - The discussion emphasized applying equity-focused improvements across all equity and Indigenous communities and partners. Quote: “The analysis that we've done and the continuous service improvements that we're trying to make going forward are applicable to all equity communities and Indigenous communities and our partners that we serve.” - Public input and ongoing refinement were highlighted as essential, with a call for continued involvement as improvements are rolled out.

2) Toronto Grants Rebates and Incentives Portal (TGRIP): role, limitations, and future improvements - Presentations described TGRIP as a central platform to streamline grant applications, with the caveat that the system’s current scope is nonprofit-focused. Quote: “The platform right now is set up to support nonprofit granting because that's what is in the system.” - There was emphasis on reducing barriers (e.g., signaling a commitment to equity) and plans to expand and improve the platform over time. Quote: “As the platform matures, we are always looking for ways to improve it with a particular lens on supporting organizations that serve equity-deserving communities.”

3) Data collection and metrics for grant distributions, including 2SLGBTQ+ communities - The staff stressed the early-stage nature of baseline metrics and the ongoing analysis of grant data to inform decisions. Quote: “We are very interested in the data...we're at the beginning phase of starting to establish some of those baseline metrics so that we can monitor that going forward.” - There was also discussion about ensuring data transparency and tracking outcomes for equity-deserving groups, including the 2SLGBTQ+ population.

4) Barriers and facilitators for grassroots organizations accessing grants - Several speakers highlighted barriers for smaller grassroots groups and the need for supports such as mentorship, trainings, and trustee arrangements to channel funds through legitimate channels. Quote: “We provide several information sessions as well as one-on-one sessions with grant staff to support these organizations in navigating several granting opportunities within our division.” - The conversation included examples of organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities and the structural challenges they face, with suggestions for targeted supports and simpler processes.

5) Public communication and citizen input opportunities - There was consensus on the need for clearer public-facing information about TGRIP and grant opportunities, including enhanced web presence and FAQs. Quote: “We recognize that we haven't communicated quite broadly yet, but that is something we certainly want to do.” - Public input channels mentioned include in-person or YouTube livestream participation and consulting the grants website toronto.ca/grants for information and opportunities to provide input.

File numbers / bylaw numbers

• No specific file numbers or bylaw numbers were mentioned in the transcript sections provided.

Public input opportunities for residents

• Public input options mentioned:
  • Attend in person or watch the meeting via live stream on YouTube (hybrid format). Quote: “Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting in person or can watch the meeting streaming live on YouTube.”
  • Provide input on grant programs and funding priorities through the city’s grants portal/site at toronto.ca/grants, and through ongoing public consultations.
  • Organizations and residents can participate in information sessions, surveys, and stakeholder consultations related to TGRIP and grant programs.

Motions: passed, rejected, or deferred (titles and outcomes)

• Motion to Confirm Minutes of October 14, 2025

  • Title: Confirmation of Minutes
  • Outcome: Passed

• Motion to Modify Jad's Original Motion on Grassroots Funding

  • Title: Modification of Jad's Original Motion on Grassroots Funding
  • Outcome: Modified to focus on funding for organizations rather than founders
  • Follow-Up: Staff will continue to provide support to grassroots organizations through trusteeship programs and consultations

• Motion to Receive the Equity and Indigenous Community Program Item for Information

  • Title: Receive Equity and Indigenous Community Program Item for Information
  • Outcome: Passed
  • Next Steps: Potential follow-up data collection and updates in the next term

• Motion to Excuse Absences of Members (Mika Chu, Jad Japer, and Laya Shahid)

  • Title: Excuse Absences
  • Outcome: Passed

• Motion to Improve Grant Application Processes

  • Title: Improve Grant Application Processes
  • Outcome: Passed
  • Next Steps: Develop consistent questions, templates, and centralized resources to simplify the grant process for smaller organizations

• Motion to Enhance Communication of City Resources

  • Title: Enhance Communication of City Resources (e.g., centralizing resources such as the Community Space Tenancy Program)
  • Outcome: Passed
  • Next Steps: Centralize and better communicate resources on the city website

• Motion to Apply an EDI Lens to Grant-Making Processes

  • Title: Apply an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lens to Grant-Making
  • Outcome: Passed
  • Next Steps: Incorporate EDI considerations into grant application and review processes

• Motion to Review TGRIP System Security

  • Title: Review TGRIP System Security
  • Outcome: Deferred
  • Next Steps: Conduct a follow-up security review and data handling assessment

Councillors present

• Pink Angel
• Leslie Leam
• Jad Japer
• Mika Chu
• Laya Shahid
• Terren Cooper
• Ranjit
• Chair (meeting facilitator; not named as a councillor in the provided snippets)
• Other names appeared in staff/advisory contexts across sections; however, the transcripts note these as participants rather than clearly identifying additional councillors. Based on the provided sections, the councillors explicitly referenced include Pink Angel, Leslie Leam, Jad Japer, Mika Chu, and Laya Shahid, with Terren Cooper and Ranjit also appearing as participant-councillors in some sections.

Note: The transcripts provided include multiple sections with overlapping yet inconsistent naming (staff vs. councillors). Where roles were ambiguous, I identified the individuals as councillors only when the transcripts clearly labeled them as such. If a single definitive attendee list is required, I can compile it once a single, consistent participant roster is confirmed.