A voice built by community, for community.
Founded in 2022 and federally registered in Canada (No. 1789809-6).
Our Story
Sawtona began in 2022 as a response to a clear and urgent need: Arabic-speaking LGBTQIA+ newcomers arriving in Canada often lacked culturally-attuned, language-accessible, and safe first points of contact. A small group of community members and advocates came together to build one.
Current Vision · 2026–2028
Over the next three years Sawtona will grow across Canada as the trusted first point of arrival — expanding safe gatherings, referral networks, and volunteer programs in every major province.
Long-Term Vision
Advocacy, Cultural Production, and Human Storytelling — a future where Arabic queer voices shape narratives, policies, and art.
Our Mission
To provide safety, information, community, and voice — meeting Arabic-speaking LGBTQIA+ newcomers where they are, in their language, without judgment.
Our Core Values
Governance
A volunteer board of directors and community advisors guide our strategy, safeguarding, and accountability.
Transparency
Financials, policies, and annual reports are shared openly with our community and partners.
Why Sawtona?
Because language, culture, and safety are inseparable — and no one should have to choose between being themselves and being safe.
Legal Information
Sawtona Organization is a Canadian federally registered non-profit, Registration No. 1789809-6.