WHO WE ARE |
A BRIEF HISTORY |
The QU(e)ERYING RELIGION (QR) program is an LGBTQ+ outreach initiative hosted by the Ecumenical Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto (ECUT).
ECUT is a Christian voice, rooted in the traditions of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and The United Church of Canada, for the community studying, working, and living at the University of Toronto. Emmanuel College of The United Church of Canada and Knox College of The Presbyterian Church in Canada offer home bases for ECUT's visionary ministry of friendship in Jesus' name. Some questions we explore at QR: What are our sources of hope and survival? How can we explore our inner journey of self-acceptance? What does it mean to transform religious institutions or to find ways of living subversively within them? |
ECUT first launched QR in 2005 as a way to support LGBTQ+ students of faith as they navigate the complicated contradictions that can arise at the intersections of sexuality, gender identity, faith, religion, spirituality, and culture.
In the program’s ten-year history, hundreds of students have participated in panels, film festivals, discussion groups, dinners, rituals, art-making, excursions, and volunteerism. Each academic year, ECUT staff and a QR intern from the Multi-Faith Centre develop and facilitate a regular schedule of events that attend to the community’s current needs and interests. |
“I went to my first QR event in September, and I loved it. The speakers were interesting, and the people were very friendly. Though I was very busy with school during the year, being able to attend QR was a great way to make friends and have a part in many interesting conversations . . . QR played an excellent role in my year at U of T. I definitely recommend getting involved!”
— Katie Lamb