Filmmakers from all over the world visit Toronto for the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival, and our Homestay Program is a very special part of our Festival hospitality, and a great way for our local community to not only meet guests, filmmakers and artists but also be involved in our festivities!

During the extra exciting 30th edition of the Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival, Toronto will be welcoming filmmakers from all over the world and we could use your help to make them feel at home, in your home. Our Homestay Program is a very special part of our festival hospitality and it’s a great way to meet the artists attending.

Do you have a home or extra room that will be available to a filmmaker May 21-June 1, 2020? Any availability is great – one night, two nights, or even the entire run of the festival!  All hosts will be gifted tickets to selected screenings and parties at this year’s festival, as well as our undying gratitude!

If you are interested in becoming a host please fill out this form and we will be in touch.

How does the Homestay Program work?
Matching guests with the hosts is a customized process. We compare completed questionnaires from hosts and guests. The best match is created considering needs, expectations, requirements, pet allergies, transportation, and any other additional information you might provide. The more specific you are in your questionnaire the better.

Will I receive any perks for hosting a filmmaker or special guest?
Absolutely. Stay tuned on this page for updates on hosting benefits!

Can I host if I live outside of downtown Toronto?
Yes, you can. We will consider all submitted applications for hosting. However, we would prefer to keep all guests as close as possible to the Festival’s main venues. When you complete your questionnaire please mention if you live close to a subway line.

Who is staying with me?
We will send you an email with the name of your guest, their contact information, and their affiliation with the festival. We ask our guests to contact their homestay hosts first. But, as a host please do not hesitate to get in touch with your guest(s) directly. Cancellations and substitutions may occur unexpectedly right before the Festival begins. We thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility.

How will I meet with my host?
We will send you an email with the name of your host and contact information. We ask our guests to contact their homestay hosts first. Cancellations and substitutions may occur unexpectedly right before the Festival begins. We thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility.

Should I feed or entertain my guests?
It is not your responsibility to provide meals, transportation, or entertainment during their stay. All Festival guests will have access to complimentary snacks and meals at the designated Festival Lounge.

What can I expect from my host?
You will enjoy interacting with your host. Please note that it is not your host responsibility to provide meals, transportation, or entertainment during your stay. All Festival guests will have access to complimentary snacks and meals at the designated Festival Lounge.

I signed up to host, will my housing definitely be used?
It is not guaranteed. We truly appreciate every offer but our demand for accommodations varies from year to year. If no guest is assigned to your accommodation, we will let you know as soon as possible.

I signed up for Homestay accommodation, will I have it?
It is not guaranteed. The accommodation offerings we receive vary from year to year. If we are not able to match you with a host, we will let you know as soon as possible.

What about transportation?
We prefer to keep all guests as close as possible to the Festival’s main venues. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Uber, and Lyft are highly recommended options to move around when you are in the downtown area. We are able to provide rides to/from Pearson International Airport, Toronto Island Airport, and Union Station. Advance notice is required.

I have another question.
Please send us an email.

TRANSPORTATION

TTC. The Toronto Transit Commission is the public transport agency that operates bus, subway, streetcar, and paratransit services in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Recommended if you need to go from A to B without dealing traffic in downtown Toronto, especially during rush hours. ttc.ca
Uber & Lyft. This is the answer if you are looking for a ride. You need to have the app on your cell phone.
UP Express. Perfect ride to/from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (25 minutes each way).

 

EAT & DRINKS

Milagros Cantina
La Carnita
General Assembly
Sweet Jesus
00 Gelato
Wahlburgers Toronto
Pai
Khao San Road
Bar Hop
Dublin Calling
Roxy on King

List of Sponsors (TBD)

If your favourite cafe/bar/restaurant is not included in this list please let us know the name. We will do the rest.

 

INSIDE OUT EVENT VENUES

TIFF Bell Lightbox
Glad Day Bookshop
Buddies in Bad Times
Church of the Holy Trinity
Gladstone Hotel
Thompson Hotel
Filmmaker’s Brunch Venue

 

EXPLORE

The Village. The Gay Village, or “The Village” as the locals call it, is a predominantly gay neighbourhood nestled within Toronto’s downtown core. Centred at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets, the area is packed with cafés, restaurants, gay-oriented shops and a vast array of hot bars and nightspots. $$ – $$$

St. Lawrence Market. It is the major public market in Toronto, Ontario. Named the world’s best food market by National Geographic in 2012. Overcrowded on Saturdays. $ – $$$$

Chinatown. A variety of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese restaurants that range from dim sum and pho to modern fusion. The animated Asian open-air markets and shops along Spadina Avenue offer fresh fruits and vegetables, along with herbal medicine and souvenirs. $ – $$

Kensington Market. The best place in Toronto for vintage stores, authentic hole-in-the-wall food spots, street art and people watching. A vibrant, diverse, and pedestrian friendly neighbourhood next to Chinatown. $ – $$$

Harbourfront Centre. An innovative, non-profit cultural organization which provides internationally renowned programming in the arts, culture, education and recreation, all within a collection of distinctive venues in the heart of Toronto’s downtown waterfront. All year round. $ – $$$

Toronto Islands. An instant escape from the city! The island community is the largest urban car-free community in North America. The islands are home to parkland, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, several yacht clubs, a residential area, and several beaches. The main beach is along the south shore and the beach on the west shore is clothing-optional. $

Find out more about the city here.

*Cost breakdown
$ Cheap
$$ Reasonable
$$$ Expensive
$$$$ Very expensive

These recommendations are based on personal experiences. The cost breakdown is subjective and it may not be 100% accurate.