BE FREE! BLACK QUEER LIBERATED

Join BQFS for BE FREE!, a celebration of Caribana, Emancipation Day, and Black Queer Liberation!

Join BQFS for a celebration of Caribana, Emancipation Day, and Black Queer Liberation! BE FREE! is a short film showcase exploring how (and where) Black 2SLGBTTQIA/SGL folk express our full selves. These films are expressions of our experiences, and reflections of our contributions to Black Resistance. The featured films- Talking Walls (Marcellus), Reverent Reflections (Jay Polite), and Gvasalia (Simone Chnarakis). The screening and artist talk are directly followed by a community reception.

We are also presenting “What It Looks Like to be Free,” a curated exhibition of still and moving image art by Jason Hsll and Fraser Collins. Featured art honors Blockorama, Blockobana, and Toronto’s vibrant ballroom scene, making this an amplification of homegrown Black Queer Joy!

This is a free event with complimentary eats and drink! Doors open at 6:30pm.

PRESENTING PARTNERS
Making Spaces Lab
Musagetes
Ontario HIV Treatment Network

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario
Blackness Yes!
GOT TO BE REEL
House of Balmain
Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival
Legacies in Motion

Travel to Nia Centre-

By TTC

Nia Centre is accessible via both TTC bus routes and the new Line 5 Eglinton LRT.

From Line 1 (Yonge-University): Take the subway to Eglinton Station and transfer to Line 5 Eglinton westbound to Oakwood Station. From Oakwood Station, Nia Centre is approximately a 7-10 minute walk south along Oakwood Avenue.

From Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth): Take the subway to Ossington Station and connect to the 63 Ossington bus northbound to Oakwood Avenue.

Via Line 5 Eglinton: Exit at Oakwood Station and walk south on Oakwood Avenue to Nia Centre.

The venue is located directly on Oakwood Avenue in Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighbourhood.

Parking

Paid street parking is available along Oakwood Avenue. Additional nearby parking options include:

Green P Lot 664: 1609 Eglinton Ave West, Toronto, ON M6E 2H1. Approximately 7-9 minute walk to Nia Centre.

Green P Carpark 660: 406 Oakwood Ave, Toronto, ON M6E 2W3. Approximately 2-3 minute walk to Nia Centre.

Green P Parking: 402 Oakwood Ave, Toronto, ON M6E 2W3. Approximately 3-4 minute walk to Nia Centre.

The Beer Store Parking Lot: 529 Oakwood Ave, York, ON M6E 2X2. Approximately 1-2 minute walk to Nia Centre.

Visitors are encouraged to review all posted parking signage and rates before parking.

By Bike

Bike parking is available throughout the Oakwood Village neighbourhood and near Oakwood Station.

Accessibilty

Nia Centre and Oakwood Station are wheelchair accessible.

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