Heartwarming Stories of the Power of Love to Transform Lives

Iconic Ossington dog friendly bar, Sweaty Bettys teams up with Toronto's top dog Photographer to create community, connection and love this Valentine’s Day

Toronto, February 7, 2024:- May Brand, owner of beloved bar Sweaty Betty’s and celebrated dog photographer Jack Jackson are inviting local businesses to join them in an outpouring of love for their local queer and trans community this Valentine’s Day. Jackson and Brand are inviting businesses to sponsor individual ‘Rescued by Love’ portrait sessions of 2SLGBTQ people and their rescue dogs that will be featured in an exhibit at Sweaty Betty’s for Pride.

Rescued by Love (formerly the Don’t You Want Me Project), is a non-profit photography and storytelling project, co-founded by Jackson to promote positive representation of queer and trans people and their rescue dogs and to show how love has the power to transform lives. "By having local businesses sponsor individual project sessions, I am able to create and gift beautiful pieces of artwork and pay marginalized people in the community to assist in the session. This is all about businesses and communities helping and lifting each other up. The portraits that we create are a celebration and reminder of queer and trans people's resilience, joy and strength, and a permanent reflection of how love, support and connection have the power to transform lives."

Local businesses interested in sponsoring an individual project session can find out more here. 2SLGBTQ individuals interested in participating in the photography and storytelling project should contact Jack via his website.

Sweaty Betty’s owner May Brand, "We are excited to bring the whole community together in a celebration of love and diversity. Sweaty Betty's has always been a space that welcomes everyone, both human and their 4-legged friends. This collaboration with Jack involves two of my biggest passions and allows us to amplify the voices of the 2SLGBTQ community through a collection of portraits and stories that highlight the intersection of love, identity, and the unconditional bond between rescue dogs and their owners.’

Local businesses interested in sponsoring an individual project sessions can find out more here. 2SLGBTQ individuals interested in participating in the photography and storytelling project should contact Jack via his website.

Next on the agenda for Rescued by Love will be a tour of B.C commencing March 31, 2024 to coincide with Trans Day of Visibility.

Media Contacts:

For more information, to schedule an interview or request more images, contact:

Jack Jackson, Jack@jackjacksondogphotography.com, 416 871 3425

About Rescued by Love

Rescued by Love (formerly the Don’t You Want Me Project), co-founded by Jack Jackson celebrates the bond between queer and trans people and their rescue dogs, cultivating empathy, understanding and admiration through photography and storytelling.

About Sweaty Betty’s

Considered one of the most famous (infamous) bars in Toronto, Sweaty Betty’s is a true neighbourhood gem. Owner, May Brand is committed to being an active community member and someone who is dedicated to making Sweaty Betty’s a champion of safe spaces, whilst maintaining a quintessential dive bar atmosphere.