The ARCG chose this name because, at the time, the majority of its members were retired. Since then, our association has diversified and now brings together gay men aged 50 and over. Some are still in the workforce, either full-time or part-time.
Some members join us to take part in activities together, while others seek support and companionship.
The mission of the ARCG is to help senior gay men break isolation and remain active in the community. To achieve this, the ARCG offers a wide range of sociocultural, sports, and recreational activities tailored to their interests and abilities.
The diversity of activities allows any gay man aged 50 and over to participate, regardless of his level of independence or financial situation. Physical fitness is an objective for some of these activities, while for others, the focus is on social connection.
The ARCG also offers a support program for members who are highly isolated or experiencing a loss of autonomy.
The ARCG helps improve members’ quality of life in many ways, well beyond the benefits of social activities that enhance physical and psychological well-being.
In addition to supporting the maintenance of independence so members can continue playing an active role in the community, the ARCG contributes to the development and upkeep of both a social network and a mutual support network among its members. For some, the ARCG is also a welcoming space for exchange and personal growth. Through participation in activities, members socialize with one another and build long-term friendships.
The ARCG is founded on member involvement in running the organization and its social activities. It is therefore also an opportunity for each member to contribute to a collective effort, support the gay men’s community, and leave a legacy.
A weekly newsletter provides details about upcoming activities, links of general interest to members, and other member-focused features.
Membership in the ARCG offers many additional advantages and benefits beyond activities, including discounts at restaurants and shops.
There are also occasional social outings (restaurants, museums, theatre, Christmas party, sugar shack, etc.) organized for members.
We have a program that supports participation in activities for individuals who are facing severe financial hardship. This program exists thanks to donations from members who wish to “pay it forward.”
No. Since each member of the couple receives the same services and benefits as all other members, and the ARCG’s operating expenses remain the same, there is no special rate. The membership fee amounts to approximately $0.50 per week and does not justify a discount.
Visitors are welcome at most ARCG social activities. They may attend three different social activities, once each.
This allows them to become familiar with the activities that interest them, meet the members, and determine whether the ARCG meets their expectations and needs—and whether they would like to become members.
Although visitors may generally show up without registering for most activities, we can guarantee a warmer welcome if you let us know in advance (by email or phone).
You are right not to consider yourself “old.” Studies have shown that age is an abstract and arbitrary concept. In fact, physical activity, intellectual stimulation, and social interaction all help keep us fit both physically and mentally. You might be surprised to find that some members over 80 are probably in better shape than you.
Currently, members range in age from 50 to 90, and some spouses of members are even younger. Many are men who retired at a relatively young age, while others are still in the workforce, either part-time or full-time.
No problem! The ideal way to start is to join us at the Sunday brunch, at the welcome table, where we always reserve seats for visitors and new members. This will allow us to connect you with people who share your interests.
One of the projects we are currently working on aims to improve the welcome and integration of new members.
If you are especially interested in a particular activity, contact us, and we will gladly inform the activity leader so you can be introduced.
Les Règlements de l’ARCG permettent de faire des exceptions. Il suffit d’en faire la demande.
To accommodate the diverse needs and circumstances of current and prospective members, the ARCG takes a flexible and attentive approach. Send an email or a letter describing your situation, your reasons for wanting to join the ARCG, and the specific exception you are requesting. Address it to the President of the ARCG for consideration.
Each member chooses the activities that interest them based on their level of autonomy. Some activities are less physically demanding (such as card games), while others are moderate (like pétanque, where some participants use magnetic sticks).
Unfortunately, some of the venues we use are not wheelchair accessible. For example, at the LGBTQ+ Community Centre, where we hold several activities, there are about a dozen steps at the entrance. For other activities, we strive to find venues and restaurants that are accessible to everyone. We hope, eventually, to secure enough funding to have our own fully accessible facilities.
The ARCG has a very diverse membership, with each person bringing their own personality. All that is needed is the ability to socialize in order to participate in activities. In fact, the more you socialize, the more natural it becomes over time.
The ARCG operates entirely thanks to the volunteer work of its members. Members are invited to take responsibility for leading an activity, while others prefer to help with administrative tasks.
The ARCG also welcomes volunteers who are not members.
We have a strong need for volunteers—simply contact us to discuss how you can get involved.
All members share one thing in common: they are senior gay men. Beyond that, there is a great diversity in personality, careers, age, income, and level of physical or psychological autonomy.
The ARCG accepts members without discrimination based on race, religion, ethnic origin, social background, or political affiliation.
Even if you can’t attend in-person activities, membership in the ARCG can still offer benefits. You can receive our weekly newsletter, stay informed about events, resources, and news relevant to the community, and feel connected to a network of peers.
For those who are isolated geographically, the ARCG also offers opportunities for virtual participation in some activities, and provides support and social connection through phone calls, email, or other remote means. Membership helps you remain part of a supportive community, even from a distance.
No. In fact, about 13% of our members do not have Internet access. While they do not receive the weekly newsletter, we communicate with them three times a year to share important information, such as the seasonal activity calendar and the membership directory.
The vast majority of these members have developed connections with others who keep them informed about activities and other ARCG news.
One of the projects we are currently working on aims to improve communication and follow-up for members without email.
We always aim to introduce new activities at the ARCG. Our way of operating means that it is the members themselves who organize and take responsibility for them.
Absolutely! You just need to present your project to the activities coordinator, who can assist you through the relatively simple process (what, where, when, and how).
However, we do not host activities, lectures, or presentations for commercial purposes, whether for promotion or profit. We also do not organize any activities using a therapeutic approach.
Don’t hesitate to contact us by email at info@arcgai.org or by phone at 514-730-8870 for any questions. Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person, who will get back to you promptly.
Please contact the ARCG via email at direction@arcgai.org, explaining the purpose of your request. The Executive Director will get back to you.
Please contact the ARCG via email at info@arcgai.org with a detailed description of your project, and an ARCG representative will get back to you within 48 hours.
Absolutely! The ARCG’s regulations allow a younger spouse to become a member when they are the partner of a current member. You just need to submit a request for an exception.
You are never too old to connect, interact with others, and participate in activities. In fact, some of our members are approaching 90 years old.
Phone Number
(514) 730 – 8870