is a welcoming community for Mandarin-speaking international students, new graduates, and newcomers in Toronto who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive space where members can connect, share experiences, and access sexual health resources.
Our services are open to Mandarin-speaking international students who are gay, bi, or men who have sex with men
Program Goal & Activities
The International Students Rainbow Connection (ISRC) supports Mandarin-speaking international students, new graduates, and newcomers in Toronto who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Our program aims to reduce social isolation, strengthen community belonging, and promote sexual health knowledge and HIV prevention.
This year, we continued to prioritize community-building, peer connection, and accessible HIV prevention education. We hosted weekly drop-ins in both Downtown Toronto and Scarborough, expanded our outreach presence on campuses and social media, and provided personalized sexual health navigation to support PrEP access and HIV/STI testing.
What We Do
- Community Building: Weekly drop-in sessions in Downtown Toronto or Scarborough to help members connect, make friends, and build supportive networks.
- Education & Awareness: Annual workshops on sexual health and HIV prevention, offering practical knowledge and resources.
- Outreach: Online and in-person outreach at schools and on social media to raise awareness and welcome new participants.
- Personalized Support: One-on-one counseling about HIV prevention and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), plus referrals and accompaniment to clinics to ensure members get the care they need.
- Volunteer Engagement: Opportunities for volunteers to work closely with the community, gain valuable experience, and support ISRC’s initiatives.
👤 Contact: Yunyi Gu, International Students Project Coordinator
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Instagram: @israinbowconnection
🌐 Linktree: linktr.ee/acas.isrc
Participant Reflections
“ISRC really felt like a place where I could show up and immediately feel welcomed. The movie
night was such a warm, low-pressure way to meet people and actually talk… I’ve felt a lot less
isolated and more connected to people who get it.”
“一開始來完全沒有認識的人,透過小紅書知道ISRC認識到很多朋友,一起玩遊戲、聊天、出外活
動,在大大的加拿大減少了孤獨感。”
“When I first came, I didn’t know anyone. Through ISRC, I made many friends and joined
activities that helped reduce loneliness in such a big country.”
“ISRC helped me settle in when I first moved to Toronto. I made new friends going through
similar situations, and I’m very grateful. Having friends really matters when you’re going through
difficult times.”
“希望能夠每個月月初提早公布活動,也希望能夠有多一點名額讓更多人參與。”
“I hope events can be announced earlier each month, and that more people can join.”
“Through ISRC, I learned about PrEP and HIV prevention in ways that were practical and
culturally relevant. I now feel confident about where to get tested and supported.”
“ISRC的Workshop除了認識朋友之外,還能增加相關知識。例如Prep講座讓我了解如何保護自己
,以及在多倫多地區相關的診所。”
“The workshops not only help me make friends but also learn about HIV prevention and how to
access PrEP and local clinics.”
“Dirty Talk 那期探索到了很多不一样的可能性。”
“The Dirty Talk workshop opened up new ways of thinking and communication.”
