EAST H.E.A.R.T 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Program
EAST H.E.A.R.T. (Health, Education, Art, Resilience, Together) program is a by-and-for youth program for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Scarborough ages 18-29, and uses the universal medium of arts and creativity to encourage healthy, innovative forms of self-expression; foster a sustainable, enriching relationship with the arts; teach broadly based transferable life skills about relationships and sexual health; provide new and engaging social experiences.
All workshops are free and open to all 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Scarborough ages 18-29. Programming runs each year from February to June, with a call for applications beginning in December of each year. Find out more and keep updated on upcoming programming below. The Toronto Urban Health Fund and Delta Gaming and Bingo generously fund EAST H.E.A.R.T."
EAST H.E.A.R.T. Team April-June 2024
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Leon Tsai
EAST H.E.A.R.T Peer Mentor
Leon Tsai (She/They) is a Taiwanese trans-femme and settler-immigrant storyteller (un/re)learning in Tkaronto. From the University of Toronto Scarborough’s women and trans centre, the sexual violence prevention and support centre, LGBT Youthline, the A.M.Y. project, the TRIP! project, as well as now - Scarborough Arts, she continues to seed softness working across communities through grief, art, and madness in solidarity. They invite the world on this journey together: planning, caring, and preparing for the softest revolution yet where no one is left behind. May we blossom softer, so we don’t break further.
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Maneesa Veeravel
EAST H.E.A.R.T. Peer Mentor
Maneesa Veeravel (they/he/she) is a creative storyteller with over a decade of experience in community-based arts creation, facilitation and anti-oppressive spacemaking. They are a mad, queer, Tamil, gender fluid, chronically ill survivor settled on the stolen, traditional and ancestral lands of the Wendake-Nionwentsïo, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Haudenosaunee, and Anishinabewaki territories. Maneesa's work reflects intergenerational wits, wounds and wisdoms as it pertains to land, body and the notion of home. The process of using art and pedagogy as forms of healing and connection allows them to access grounding, alignment and collective resistance.
2023 Program
Things that Go Bump
in the Night
EAST H.E.A.R.T. Year 3 explored public art development and creative output. Led by artist, @jaredoslever, and EAST H.E.A.R.T. leaders Jega Delisca (Youth Coordinator), Sky Ffrench (Peer Mentor), and Rainée Nelson (Peer Mentor), youth participants conceptualized and painted a new design for the Scarborough Sign as part of their culminating project.
Titled “Things that Go Bump in the Night” this captivating artwork embraces the horror genre to celebrate Scarborough's 2SLGBTQ+ community. Through evocative imagery and mesmerizing aesthetics, the mural challenges stereotypes and empowers individuals as resilient, captivating monsters. With bold strokes, vibrant colors, and haunting symbolism, it invites viewers to embrace the diverse and powerful nature of the community. The artwork serves as a compelling reminder of the struggles faced by queer individuals in Scarborough, while also highlighting their strength and resilience. It ignites a conversation about the role of public art in provoking thought, fostering community, and celebrating the unique spirits that dwell within us all.
Past EAST H.E.A.R.T Programs
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2022: SYSTEM UPDATE
SYSTEM UPDATE is a digital arts and new media-making program for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth based in Scarborough. This digital arts and new media-making program ran from January to May 2022, led by Jega Delisca, with support from Peer Mentors Sky Ffrench and Kyana Graham. Participants learned a variety of digital techniques including illustration, graphic design, gif & meme-making, and new media creating.
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2021: EAST Zines
EAST Zines was facilitated by emerging queer Haitian-American Toronto-based painter Jega Delisca, alongside musician and poet Sky Ravinn Ffrench, and queer sexual health educator Kyana Graham.
This program was for 2SLGBTQ+ visual artists (all levels of experience) aged 15 - 27 who reside in Scarborough. Participants received art supplies and workshops from professional artists in various mediums. Participants also received 2SLGBTQ+ specific sexual health + wellness workshops.
Past EAST H.E.A.R.T Team
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Sky-Ravinn Ffrench
EAST H.E.A.R.T. Peer Mentor
Sky-Ravinn Ffrench is an up and coming queer Jamican-Canadian musician, and the lead singer and bass player in Pigeon the Band. Building on their roots in slam poetry, photography, and zine making their art is motivated by uplifting the queer voice and journey.
They have been working with youth for 4+ years with Bravo Academy’s Musical Summer Camps and various musical productions, Centauri Arts Summer Camp, and currently a peer mentor with Toby’s place a drop-in centre for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Being a self taught musician from a low income household Sky hopes to build a space for youth in the future, to help make a passion in the arts more accessible. To hear some of Sky’s work check out Pigeon the band on all major streaming platforms, and listen to their new single 287.
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Jega Delisca
EAST H.E.A.R.T. Youth Coordinator
*Dedicated to Scarborough Community | Award-Winning Community Builder and Emerging Artist
📍 Scarborough / Montreal, Canada | 🎓 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Concordia University
Dedicated to the community in Scarborough and beyond, for the past ten years, I have committed my life to fostering community connections through the transformative power of the arts. My journey has been marked by collaboration, creativity, and a tireless commitment to making a positive impact. As an artist and community advocate, I have had the privilege of working with some of Canada's most esteemed cultural institutions, including The Art Gallery Of Ontario, Art Gallery of Burlington, The Agnes Gallery in Kingston, The Art Gallery of York University, and the Art Gallery of Ottawa, among many others.
Recipient of the prestigious Community Organizing Award from R.I.S.E Edutainment, Jega Delisca is an emerging artist currently based in Montreal, best known for his award-winning community-building initiatives, with a particular focus on Scarborough. With a strong commitment to using the arts for community growth, he has successfully tailored art programs for 2SLGBTQ+ youth as the Youth Coordinator, and team member at Scarborough Arts.
Additionally, Jega has showcased his work internationally, with a recent exhibition in London, UK. Join Jega on his journey to bridge art and the Scarborough community, where creativity meets meaningful social change.
Jegadelisca.com
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Rainée N
EAST H.E.A.R.T. Peer Mentor
Rainée N is a writer rooted in Scarborough, aiming to inspire, create a powerful impact, and establish deep connections through their words. Their recent years have been devoted to providing essential peer support to youth in Ontario, especially within the vibrant Toronto queer community. In addition to their writing, Rainée possesses a profound passion for film, art and music. Their unyielding pride for Scarborough is also evident, symbolizing a genuine love for their community.
Upcoming Dates & Public Workshops
This program is funded by the City of Toronto, Toronto Urban Health Fund, and Delta Gaming and Bingo.