Friends of Ruby

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the progressive well-being of 2SLGBQTIA+ youth (aged 16-29) through mental health services, social services and housing. Our approach is comprehensive, involving mind, body, and community – wherever you are on your personal journey. Our vision – a world where all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and two-spirit young people feel validated, involved and feel empowered to lead healthier lives. The Friends of Ruby Drop-In Centre at 489 Queen St. East is a welcoming and supportive space in downtown Toronto for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 16-29 to create community and access free resources and services. We are open Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 6:30 PM. The Drop-In Center offers meals, supplemental groceries, activities, support groups and community. We offer barrier-free one-on-one counselling, support with gender identity and sexual orientation, and help to access housing, health care, and employment. Our Drop-In Center is Located at 489 Queen St. East, LL01 Friends of Ruby was founded in 2014 by Egale Canada as Egale Youth Services to meet the needs of 2SLGBQTIA+ youth in the Greater Toronto Area. In 2019, Friends of Ruby became an independent charity.