Niagara Queer Archive

Tag: community

  • Niagara Transgender Action Coalition (NTAC)

    pflag Niagara is a proud supporter of the Niagara Transgender Action Coalition (NTAC)

    NTAC is a group of community members and service providers who are committed to supporting and elevating transgender folks in the Niagara region through engaging in advocacy work, providing access to pre and post surgery kits, and planning community events.

    To request resources or inquire about how you can get involved, please email ntac@pflagniagara.ca

  • Mahtay Café & Lounge

    Mahtay Cafe is a community-oriented cafe and lounge in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario. The cafe, which opened in 2011, is known for its inclusive environment, local products, and diverse events. 

    Location and atmosphere

    • Address: 241 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
    • Vibe: It is described as a safe space for all people with a quirky, art-filled, and comfortable atmosphere. Local artwork is frequently displayed and sold on the walls.

    Events

    Mahtay Cafe regularly hosts a variety of events, including: 

    • Drag brunches
    • Art and craft markets
    • Meetings for local groups, such as Pride Niagara 

    Contact and hours

    • Website: https://www.mahtaycafe.ca/
    • Phone: 905-685-4040
    • Email: hello@mahtay.ca
    • Hours: Vary by day but are often open in the morning and early evening. It is best to check recent listings or their social media for the most current schedule. 

  • Little Red Coffee

    Type: Community Space / Business
    Time Period: 2022-Present
    Location: 46 Queen St, Fort Erie, Ontario

    Description:
    Little Red Coffee is an independent café in Fort Erie that quickly became a welcoming hub for the local LGBTQ2S+ community. Beyond serving coffee, the shop created a safe and inclusive gathering place—hosting events, supporting community initiatives, and building connections across Niagara.

    Significance:
    As a Trans & Queer owned business, Little Red Coffee represents both visibility and resilience. It has offered a space where people could be themselves openly, where community members met, and where Queer presence in small-town Niagara became part of everyday life.

    Events:
    – Niagara Queer Archive story telling events
    – Arts and culture events

    Tags: 2020s, Business, community, safe space

    Municipality: Fort Erie

  • Les Lakewood

    Type: Personal Story / Organizer
    Time Period: 2000s–present
    Location: Fort Erie, Ontario

    Description:
    Les Lakewood is an entrepreneur, community-builder, and advocate for LGBTQ2S+ presence in Niagara. Known for running Little Red Coffee as well as years of work in web development and local initiatives, Les has helped create spaces where Queer identity is visible, celebrated, and connected to wider community life.

    Significance:
    Les’s story reflects resilience and leadership: building inclusive spaces, amplifying local Queer voices, and ensuring that Niagara’s LGBTQ2S+ history is not just preserved but lived.

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