At Rekai Centres, inclusion is a living, breathing commitment rooted in community, care, and courageous leadership. As we approach Pride season, the story of Rekai’s Rainbow Wing reminds us that equity work is slow, emotional, deeply human – and absolutely worth the ongoing effort.
Rekai’s journey began in 2008, with a conversation that Barbara Michalik, Executive Director, Community, Academic Partnerships and Programming, will never forget. A resident, Gordon Sharpe, confided in Barbara that he was gay and asked her, “Please don’t tell anyone.” This moment became a catalyst – igniting Rekai’s journey toward 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion.
Building a Wing and a Movement
The seeds of the Rainbow Wing were planted in that moment, but the path forward involved years of effort, reflection and collaboration. It was – and continues to be – a true community effort.
Rekai’s team began by educating themselves: partnering with The 519, connecting with Senior Pride Network Toronto and Casey House and engaging in deep, sustained conversations. Over time, they listened to, learned from and built relationships with 2SLGBTQI+ communities to better understand the unique experiences and fears being carried by 2SLGBTQI+ older adults. They also established an advisory committee – a grassroots collective including residents and community members like LeZlie Lee Kam – to help shape the vision and guide the work.
Each colour on The Rainbow door has a different meaning to the communities: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit.
From the beginning, the Rekai team prioritized community consultation and collaboration – aiming to hear a wide range of perspectives since the creation of a dedicated 2SLGBTQI+ home area could be contentious. “With funding from the Federal Government’s New Horizon program, we engaged Ipsos to conduct primary research with members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community who were over 50 years old. We needed to know if a Rainbow Wing was the preferred approach or would it be seen as isolating,” shared Sue Graham-Nutter, CEO of the Rekai Centres. “The Board and I wanted empirical evidence to assist in decision making.” Over 94% of the respondents to the survey indicated strong support for a Rainbow Wing for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and their allies. This feedback helped shape Rekai’s approach: to centre consultation and collaboration at every step, ensuring the space would be affirming rather than exclusionary.
The team’s education and awareness journey continued with training a network of Rainbow Champions, supported in becoming informed and visible allies. “At first, people weren’t sure they were saying the right thing,” Barbara recalls. The Champion program helped them to feel more confident and comfortable in their allyship.
When COVID-19 delayed the planned launch of the Rainbow Wing, the Rekai team pushed forward: “We couldn’t wait anymore. The residents couldn’t wait. The chosen families couldn’t wait.” In 2022, the first phase of the Rainbow Wing opened – The Rainbow Door. Instead of a simple rainbow, the design of the Wing’s entrance was rooted in history. For example, the paint colours, donated by Benjamin Moore, reflect the original Pride flag’s symbolic colours. A later phase expanded the design to include the colours of the Progress Pride flag and embraced the full spectrum of 2SLGBTQI+ identities.
The third phase, now in progress, is the “Legacy Wall” – in collaboration with local artists, Walter Segers and Lou Losier. A permanent, educational tribute that walks through 2SLGBTQI+ history, honouring Two-Spirit perspectives and includes a Land Acknowledgement. One section features an encased Charles Street Whistle, symbolizing queer solidarity and activism in Toronto from the 1970’s.
The “Legacy Wall” – in collaboration with local artists, Walter Segers and Lou Losier.
An encased Charles Street Whistle, symbolizing queer solidarity and activism in Toronto from the 1970’s.
A Broader Vision: A Second Rainbow Wing
Rekai plans to open a second Rainbow Wing at its new Cherry Place location in Toronto’s Distillery District. By expanding into different areas of the city, it opens up options for people.
For example, not every organization needs a full wing. Some homes have said, “We can’t do a Rainbow Wing.” To which, Barbara responds, “That’s okay! Do a nook. Make space with buttons, flags, stickers. Focus on things that let people feel seen. Just make sure the education comes with it.”
Not Just Symbols
“Symbols matter,” says Barbara. “But you have to back them up!” That’s why Rekai’s approach to 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion isn’t seasonal, it’s structural, long-term and sustained.
Ongoing education and Champion training is a key piece of this puzzle for Rekai. The Champion training, led by inclusion specialist, Martin, emphasizes accountability and continuity. This program is not just about getting a pin and calling yourself a Champion, the group comes together every six months to check-in and hold each other accountable.
There are now about 50 Champions across Rekai’s two LTC homes – 30 of whom have been around since the beginning and each bringing their own gifts and strengths. “You can’t do this work alone,” Barbara emphasizes. “It takes a team. It takes organizational support. We’ve had full support from our CEO and Board since the beginning.”
More Lessons from Rekai
Barbara doesn’t sugar-coat the journey that Rekai has been on – highlighting once again that this work is highly emotional and sensitive; but “good things take time!” This work is continuous. “We often get invited to do training by other organizations in June,” Barbara shared, “but we say no. June is for celebration! Book us in January. Book us in March. This work is year-round, year over year.”
Another powerful lesson that Rekai has learned is the importance of engaging directly with community. This means forming genuine partnerships with community organizations, like Rekai has built with The 519, Casey House, and Toronto Senior Pride Network. It also means listening deeply to individuals with lived experiences, including residents and community members.
“The Ontario Ministry of Long Term Care is very interested in the work being led by the Rekai Centres”, stated Sue. “There are many LTC homes who meet the needs of various ethnic, linguistic and religious groups, but the Rekai Centres is the first LTC home to create a Rainbow Wing in North America, according to MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam.”
While Rekai’s work has attracted provincial and national attention (hosting provincial ministers, appearing on The Social, speaking at the CARF accreditation workshop in Tucson, Arizona, and producing a video project with Trent University), the real impact, for Barbara, comes from listening: “It’s about humility. I’ve never lived in your shoes. Help me learn.” Invite community members regularly to share stories with staff and residents alike. When you hear someone’s lived experience, it helps people think about things, learn and grow.
The Progress Flag being raised at Rekai Centres.
This spirit of learning, humility and community engagement is what continues to shape Rekai’s path forward. It’s also what makes their annual Pride Celebration – taking place this year on Saturday, June 14 – so meaningful. It’s a moment to celebrate progress, but also to reinforce Rekai’s purpose and commitment to change.
Want to Learn More?
Rekai Centres’ journey towards building inclusive and affirming long-term care continues – and there’s much more to explore:
- Join Rekai Centres for their annual Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Wellesley Central Place. All are welcome!
- Take a look at the Rainbow Wing’s newly refreshed Mission and Values.
- Check out Rekai’s recent video project with Trent University, 2SLGBTQI+ Long Term Care at The Rekai Centres.
- Catch the Rekai Centres story on The Social: LGBTQ2S+ seniors in long term care.