About Our Home

The house gathers for a communal dinner on Nov. 30, 2021 that was prepared to celebrate the 34th anniversary of Don (centre left) and Bill's (centre right) relationship. Don and Bill, having been couch surfing hosts for over two decades, opened their Toronto four bedroom house to some of the newcomer refugees whom they were part of privately sponsoring.

Don and Bill pose for a photo as they lay in bed following their usual late night routine on Nov. 28, 2021 of checking messages and emails on their phones. Working in health consulting, the couple run their business from their home office, adjacent to the sunroom that has now been turned into their bedroom. They both nod in agreement they have gotten used to sleeping on a sofa bed after few years of practice after giving up their bedroom to someone who was staying with them.

While entertaining guests on Nov. 6, 2021, Don holds his phone to show the group page of the WhatsApp chat group that keeps everyone in the house connected on updates and upcoming events.

Don and Bill make their way home after a stop at the local farmer’s market to set out a weekend brunch at home organized for close friends on Nov. 6, 2021.

Food is a love language in the shared house, whose guests oscillate throughout the year. Don begins chopping some vegetables for a potato and leek soup for the weekend brunch as Bill prepares some coffee in the background on Nov. 20, 2021.

Bill greets friends who are arriving for the weekend brunch on Nov. 20, 2021. Brunches used to be an open for all invitation before the pandemic at Don and Bill’s house. As restrictions lifted on indoor social gathering, the couple brought back the weekend brunches for a much smaller gathering of close friends.

Bill takes a pause to acknowledge Sushi, a friend’s dog and also a regular visitor to the house, as Don cooks a pot of soup in the kitchen on Nov. 6, 2021.

Don and Bill prepare foods in the kitchen for their guests on Nov. 6, 2021. Don explains, "I think what we are doing is sharing what we have". The couple who have been vegan for many years have hosted guests from all over the world at their home. The international flavours and cuisines are also reflected in the assortments of the foods served at many of the gatherings.

Don and Bill are pictured as guests sit down to eat on Nov. 6, 2021. Often food is left on the table for others as guests make their way to the main floor throughout the day. Much of the activities around the house and socializing is organized around food and the hardwood dining table in the dining area of the main floor of the house.

On Trans Day of Remembrance, the trans flag flies in the gentle breeze on the front porch of Don and Bill’s home. That evening, on Nov. 20, 2021, everyone in the house gathered in the living room area to watch the live streaming of events by a local organization to commemorate the day.

Don and Bill get on a video call with Zunayd (not their real name) their private sponsor applicant on Nov. 28, 2021. The conversations with Zunayd over the video call range from having informal English lessons--like discussing the difficulty of pronouncing "sq" sound in "squirrel"--to conversations about Zunayd's career aspirations when they arrive to Canada.

In the basement, Don folds freshly laundered towels used by everyone in the house and some clothes on Nov. 6, 2021.

Bill sits down to listen to the story of Zara, not their real name, who faced violence and imprisonment for being trans before arriving as a refugee in Canada. Don admits, for the most part, they just try to be good listeners. Bill explains, upon their arrival many queer newcomer refugees may require immediate health supports or services, not just for physical checkup but to also address consequent mental health issues for the traumas they have experienced during their journey.

Zara gets ready for a night out in their bedroom to join events set to celebrate World AIDS Day with friends on Dec. 4, 2021.

Personal possessions of Zara are pictured on Dec. 4, 2021.

On Nov. 6, 2021, Don passes tea to Noor, not their real name, a Government-Assisted Refugee who arrived in Canada. Don talks about the desperation of some of the asylum seeking migrants he has had contact with over the past decade, and the feeling of guilt for not being able to help them all.

A special meal is prepared for Don and Bill’s 34th anniversary on Nov. 30, 2021.

Don tries on a wig during the couple’s 34th anniversary dinner with friends on Nov 30, 2021. Don and Bill both talk about the importance of creating a queer-positive space in their home where the newcomer refugees can be freely themselves.

Don arranges flowers brought by a friends on Nov. 28, 2021.

Don and Bill sit at their neighbourhood cafe in Toronto on Nov. 20, 2021 following their recent traditions of going on long walks at dawn. Living in a different time zone than refugee applicants whom they are part of sponsoring means early mornings are often spent catching up to emails and messages from abroad while enjoying their cup of coffee.