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Life in Long Term Care

Living With Pride at Rekai Centres

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The Rainbow Wing shows what can happen when long-term care is shaped by inclusion, community and care.

The Rekai Centres, Toronto, ON

At The Rekai Centres in downtown Toronto, belonging starts with something simple but vital: making sure every resident feels safe, respected and free to be themselves.

That commitment helped lead to the creation of what is believed to be the first Rainbow Wing in a long-term care home in North America. The idea began in 2008 with a conversation between a resident and a staff member. From there, it became clear that more was needed to support 2SLGBTQI+ seniors and create a space where people could live without fear of judgment.

This spring, their work was recognized with an Ontario Long Term Care Association Heart Recognition Award. The award honours quiet, meaningful leadership that reflects the heart of long-term care and makes a difference for residents, families and colleagues. At Rekai, that leadership has taken shape through listening, partnership and a deep commitment to person-centred care.

The Rainbow Wing is more than a space. It shows what is possible when care is shaped by community.

After hearing the voices of 2SLGBTQI+ seniors and allies, Rekai committed to making real change. They connected with local community partners like The 519, Casey House, Pride Toronto and the Senior Pride Network to learn how they could do better, and they listened closely. Residents, staff and community members joined an advisory group to imagine what a truly inclusive space could look and feel like.

The result was the Rainbow Wing. Its entrance is painted in the colours of the original Pride flag, reflecting the care and intention behind the space. Every detail was shaped through conversation, research and compassion.

The work did not stop there. Rekai launched a Rainbow Champion program to help staff become confident allies. Today, about 50 Champions across Rekai’s homes are trained to support residents and speak up for equity. Staff continue to meet, learn and reflect together.

Inside the home, the Wing features a Legacy Wall created with local artists. The installation honours queer history and activism. It includes a land acknowledgement, Two-Spirit perspectives and symbols such as the Charles Street Whistle, used in Toronto’s early days of queer activism.
The Rekai team received their OLTCA Heart Recognition Award, honouring the meaningful leadership that helped bring the Rainbow Wing to life.
The Rekai team’s OLTCA Heart Recognition Award is now displayed in a memory box in the Rainbow Wing, recognizing the care, leadership and commitment behind this inclusive space.
David Bernhardt, a resident at the WCP, has witnessed the progression of the Rainbow Wing and shared that he has had a much happier time at the Rainbow Wing. He also states “it's more that I have become part of the whole establishment and feel at home.”
The Rekai Centres staff recognises the challenges 2SLGBTQI+ residents face and are trained to help to break down systemic barriers in long-term health care.
“The WCP (Wellesley Central Place) Rainbow Wing provides 2SLGBTQI+ residents a safe space to live authentically, with staff that are trained to take care of their specific needs. It's been long overdue and so important being located near the Church-Wellesley village.” says B.L., staff & champion at the Rekai Centres.
Artist Walter Segers has been visually transforming the Rainbow Wing by implementing a Legacy & History Wall with the help of the community and especially The ArQuives, Canada's LGBTQ2+ Archives in Toronto. Segers' commissioned queer Mi'kmaw artist Lou Losier to paint a mural representing the Two-Spirit and Indigenous Experiences.
Rekai Centres strive to support 2SLGBTQI+ community members by providing a safe space to foster and discover their chosen family. Their mission is to embolden residents to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.

This is what person-centred long-term care can look like: care that listens, adapts and responds to the people who call a home their community. Residents in long-term care homes need 24/7 nursing care, but care is about more than health needs alone. It is also about dignity, identity, relationships and belonging. At Rekai, Pride is not limited to one season. It is part of an ongoing commitment to creating a home where people feel seen, valued and included.

To learn more about the Rainbow Wing at The Rekai Centres, visit their website.