Why was GYRSG created?
Unlike Toronto, in York Region there are very few social venues and events that are renowned as gay-friendly. Our social group was created in 2006 to enable members of our LGBT community to socialize and meet each other in an environment where they know that their sexuality will not be an issue.

Do I have to be gay or lesbian to join your group?
We welcome members of all genders and sexualities. We only require that all our members are fully accepting of others, irrespective of sexuality and gender identity.

Do I have to live in York Region to join your group?
No, but the vast majority of our events are located within York Region. It would therefore only make sense for you to join if you are within sensible travelling distance.

I am not 'out' and need to be discrete. Is it safe for me to attend a GYRSG event?
Yes. Over the past five years we have hosted more than 70 events, but never has our group been a focus of attention at any event venue. Rarely is anyone aware of the nature of our group apart from our event attendees and venue staff.

Will I have to mix with others of different age groups?
It depends on the event. Presently our events are mostly open to all age groups. The distribution of our members across different age groups is shown on the left. In the future, it is likely that we might arrange more events that are limited to specific age groups.
In York Region, there is also the Fusion Youth Social Group (Newmarket) and the Rainbow Youth Support Group (Richmond Hill) that cater specifically for youth up to the age of 26. Quite a few GYRSG members are also members of these groups.

Will it be a big ordeal to attend my first event on my own?
No. The majority of our event attendees come on their own. And many know from experience how difficult it can be at first, to socialize alone without having friends aware of their sexuality to accompany them. As a result, we go out of our way to make newcomers feel welcome.
Most of our events are at venues that are open to the general public. So, if you prefer, you can even start by sitting at a nearby table and eavesdropping on us, and then join us when you feel comfortable. You certainly won't be the first person to have done that!

Whereabouts in York Region are your events?
We try to schedule our events at various different locations to suit members who live in different parts of the region. We also try to favour event venues that are close to major transit links, e.g. Viva, for the benefit of those who do not have the use of a car.

Can non-members attend GYRSG events?
It depends on the individual event, as indicated at the top right corner of the event details shown when you click on an event in the event calandar.
Most of our regular monthly social events are open to all members of the LGBT community and their friends. But attendance at a few of our events is restricted to GYRSG members and their guests, in which case non-members can only attend as guests accompanying one of our members.
Usually our events are held in public venues such as bars or restaurants that are known to be gay-friendly. We cannot then control who else might also be present in the same establishment at the time of our event. However in this situation we normally reserve an area or group of tables for our own exclusive use. During York Region pride week, we additionally arrange one or two public events in partnership with York Pride Fest and these events can be attended by anyone.

Can I bring guests to an event?
Absolutely.

How many people attend an average event?
It varies and we have found it impossible to accurately predict attendance for any event. But, for our regular monthly events, the average is probably around 8 and it's almost always between 5 and 12 - except for June (pride week) when it usually exceeds 30.

How would I find the social group in a restaurant or bar?
At this type of venue we always label our tables with posters showing the GYRSG logo, as it appears at the top left of this screen. Additionally, the owners of these establishments are always aware of our location and they or their staff would be able to direct you to our location.

Will it cost me anything to become a GYRSG member?
GYRSG is a non-profit group operated by GayYorkRegion.com and membership is entirely free of charge. We are however grateful to receive small donations to help us cover various administration expenses. Donations can be made online at GayYorkRegion.com.
Most of our events are free to attend, but occasionally we may need to charge for event attendance. Event details shown on this website will clearly indicate whenever event admittance is not free.

Do you provide free food and drink at your events?
Very rarely. Normally we would expect you to pay for your own food and drinks.

Do I need to bring anything to your events?
At ALL events where alcohol is available, in order to purchase or consume it, you may be asked to produce id as proof that you are 19 or older.

Can I chat online with other GYRSG members, using this website?
No, we are not an online dating or social networking service. We are a real-life social group. For gay or bi guys who wish to find other guys online, we would recommend that you make use of the website guyslink.com. This web site is also free of charge and it allows you to very easily locate others in your own locality.