Kyle Andrew Smith Scanlon was a beloved community leader, friend and colleague. A pillar of the LGBTQ community, Kyle was an inspiration to those who knew him, and a wonderful son and brother. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
The projects, initiatives, programs and organizations to which Kyle contributed are numerous. Kyle served as the Trans Community Services Coordinator and subsequently as the Research, Education and Training Consultant at The 519 Church Street Community Centre leading intiatives such as the Trans Access Project and Project Open Door. Kyle was a proud member of the Trans Pulse team, was active in his work with Bereavement Families of Ontario and the Gay/Bi/Queer Transmen Working Group.
Originally from Hamilton, Kyle formerly served as the Executive Director of the Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line - the first openly transgender man to be the ED of an LGBTQ organization in Cananda.
Kyle's portrait is featured in the National Portrait Gallery at the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, he is survived by his father Richard Lloyd Smith, his brother Richard Michael Smith and many close friends.
A community memorial will be held Thursday, July 19th at 7PM in Cawthra Square Park.
This memorial will feature speeches, video, performances and opportunities to share in celebrating and remembering Kyle.
This event is being coordinated by Kyle's friends and colleagues with the support of The 519.
For many years Kyle supported our training process and built awareness in HEYY youth phone line volunteers. Having just learnt of his passing, we join others in sharing condolences and celebrating the contributions he made. He will be a missed element in our training sessions. Tanya Gerber, Interim Executive Director
Neighbourhood Centre, HEYY Youth Line 17 January, 2013
I worked with Kyle in the capacity of an educator with young students at the college level. Kyle was always there for us as he recognized the importance of lifting the veil that keeps people isolated and lonely. My heart continues to be heavy as he was an exceptional person, educator, community organizer - he truly had a heart of gold. I will miss you, my friend. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. Valerie Packota
Valerie Packota 8 September, 2012
I have known Kyle for a long time. I have lectured with him in the past I have worked with him around the province from here in Ottawa, and in Toronto. I just found out to day from a friend Dan Irving. It was a shock. Kyle was a leader and suporter. Now that he is some where else I hope that he is still advocating on out behalf. Rest in Peace my friend. Joanne Law
Joanne Law 14 August, 2012
Although many of us did not know Kyle personally, some of us have been fortunate participants of his workshops over the years. Kyle’s diligence in planning and presenting workshops on trans issues was much appreciated as he was a remarkable and open presentor and a most thoughtful advocate. What we admired most about Kyle was his ability to shine truth gently, the thoughtful way in which he listened to colleagues and his remarkable generosity of spirit that put the community at the center. It is such a loss to lose Kyle and we can only begin to imagine the grief of the community. York Rainbow Support Networking Group
Lyn Thompson-Alcock 13 August, 2012
My deepest sympathies to Kyle’s family and friends... I had the privilege to have met Kyle through work and was inspired. Kyle was compassionate and an amazing advocate for the LGBTQ community. Toronto and our community have suffered a great loss with Kyle gone. Much love.
Chris 30 July, 2012
