New Community Spot for LGBTQ+ Friends in Toronto

In a city where queer spaces seem to be dwindling, and nightlife often means loud bars and long nights, one biweekly gathering has quietly become a key part of Toronto’s LGBTQ+ social scene, known as the Queer Pool Club.

Started by 35-year-old Bárbara Corrêa Pontes, the Queer Pool Club regularly attracts up to 150 attendees – and over 300 during Pride month – showing that community is about more than flashing lights and drinks.

For Pontes, who most folks in the queer community call “Barb,” the idea sprang directly from her own journey of creating a life in a new country.

“I moved to Toronto in 2018 from São Paulo, Brazil. At first, my main goal was to become a chef and experience life in another city, but immigration changed me in ways I never anticipated,” Pontes shares with blog TO.

Immigration brought along feelings of isolation. Pontes faced the tough task of building a community from nothing, explaining that “the experience gave me a new perspective on loneliness, belonging, and how vital intentional spaces are.” That sense of disconnection ultimately inspired the creation of Queer Pool Club.

“I felt like Toronto lacked social spaces that weren’t overwhelming. Something laid-back, fun, and without pressure where you didn’t need to drink heavily or dance all night or already know people to feel at ease,” she recalls. At the same time, Barb observed how few queer social options existed outside bars and clubs.

“Sporty queers, casual queers-people who enjoy activities but aren’t necessarily athletic-had limited choices. Queer Pool Club came out of that gap.”

The outcome? An event that combines activity, conversation, and community without any pressure to show off.

And it’s clear that this approach resonates with attendees.

So what is it about this event that strikes a chord with participants?

“The biggest feedback I get is how safe everyone feels. Being in an exclusively queer environment really shifts how people relax, flirt, communicate, and just exist,” Pontes explains. Her hands-on involvement is crucial for keeping this vibe alive. She assures us she’s always there at every event to ensure no one feels uneasy or disrespected. 

A pool-focused queer gathering might seem niche at first glance; however, Barb views it differently-and she makes a solid point.

“Pool games are social by nature. You typically need someone else or end up sharing space with others so conversations flow naturally. There’s no need to perform or impress anyone,” she notes.

An important aspect was making sure the evening felt welcoming for those attending solo.

“Pool halls are generally calmer settings where people can chat comfortably without feeling rushed or overstimulated-which is significant if you’re coming alone,” she emphasizes.

Each event also includes a special table for single players designed for those attending solo who want an easy way into the game. While that’s popular among attendees, another unique feature keeps people buzzing (and it’s all good!): the traffic light bracelet system.

The bracelets help folks express their boundaries and intentions clearly. “Last September during cuffing season I introduced color-coded bracelets-it helps everyone understand each other’s intentions without awkward talks or assumptions,” Pontes explains further.

“For instance: green means someone is single and open to making out; pink means non-monogamous but also open to flirting-it’s optional but has been well received,” she adds.

No doubt about it-the bracelet system has made flirting clearer while being safer and more respectful overall. 

“Knowing that Queer Pool Club can be somewhere people feel safe welcomed means everything to me,” says Pontes regarding all the positive responses after each gathering. Beyond safety and connection concerns remain central to how they operate their events.

“Everyone’s facing financial struggles these days-but we still need places where we can gather joyfully,” Pontes comments. Each event charges $10 for entry which covers discounted pool tables along with DJs and on-site security details. Tickets can be bought directly through RA or at the door.

At its heart,Queer Pool Club is about freedom:freedom to socialize or not; flirt if you wish; simply exist as you are-and according Barb-that’s what keeps attendees returning time after time!




  
   

“You can come alone play some games watch others just hangout here.”

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