Toronto resident's experience as newcomer led to start of huge queer social club
In a city where queer spaces can feel like they're shrinking, and nightlife is often equated with loud bars and late nights, one biweekly event has quietly become a cornerstone of Toronto's LGBTQ+ community, and it's called the Queer Pool Club.
Founded by 35-year-old Bárbara Corrêa Pontes, the Queer Pool Club regularly draws up to 150 people — and more than 300 during Pride month — proving that partying is about more than strobe lights and alcohol.
For Pontes, who most people in the queer community know as just "Barb," the idea came directly from her own experience of building a life in a new country.
"I moved to Toronto in 2018 from São Paulo, Brazil. At the time, my main goal was to become a chef and experience life in a different city, but immigration ended up changing me in ways I didn't expect," Pontes tells blogTO.
Immigration brought with it a deep sense of isolation. Pontes had to navigate the immense challenge of building community from scratch, noting that "the experience gave me a new perspective on loneliness, belonging, and how important intentional spaces are." That feeling of disconnection ultimately planted the seed for Queer Pool Club.
"I felt Toronto was missing spaces that were social but not overwhelming. Something chill, playful, and low-pressure, where you didn't need to drink a lot, dance all night, or already know people to feel comfortable," she recalls. At the same time, Pontes noticed how limited queer events had become outside of bars and clubs.
"Sporty queers, casual queers, people who like activities but aren't necessarily athletic, they were kind of left without options. Queer Pool Club came from that gap."
The result was an event that blends activity, conversation, and community without pressure to perform, which clearly resonated with people.
So what is it that clicked with attendees?
"The number one thing I hear is how safe the space feels. Being in a queer-only environment really changes how people relax, flirt, talk, and exist," Pontes says, and her hands-on approach plays a major role in maintaining that atmosphere. She confirms that she's always present at each event, ensuring that no one is uncomfortable and feels respected.
At first glance, a pool-centred queer event might sound niche, but Pontes sees it differently, and I think she has a point.
"Pool is social by nature. You usually need a partner or end up sharing a table, so conversations start organically. There's no pressure to perform or impress," she says.
Another key priority was making each night welcoming, especially for those arriving alone.
"Pool halls are already calmer spaces, where people can talk, laugh, and move at their own pace. You don't feel rushed or overstimulated, which makes a big difference, especially if you're coming alone," she points out.
Each event features a dedicated single-player table, designed for solo attendees looking for an easy way to jump into a game. Another popular feature that often leaves people talking is the traffic light bracelet system.
"Last September, during cuffing season, I introduced colour-coded bracelets. It helps people understand each other's intentions without awkward conversations or assumptions," Pontes says.
"For example, green and purple mean someone is single, monogamous, and open to making out. Pink and purple mean non-monogamous and also open to making out. It's optional, but people really embraced it," she adds.
"Knowing that Queer Pool Club can be a place where people feel safe, seen, and welcomed means everything to me," says Pontes, referring to the positive feedback she receives after each event.
Beyond safety and connection, accessibility remains central to how the event operates.
"Everyone is struggling financially, but we still need places to gather and feel joy," Pontes notes. Each event has a $10 cover, which includes discounted pool tables, DJs, and on-site security. Tickets can be purchased directly through RA or at the door.
At its core, Queer Pool Club is about freedom: to socialize or not, to flirt or not, and to simply exist. And that, according to Barb, is what keeps people coming back.
"You can come alone, play a game, watch others play, or just exist in a queer space without pressure. That freedom is what makes the night special," Pontes signs off.
The Queer Pool Club meets biweekly, and its next event takes place on Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. The club meets at Rivoli, located at 334 Queen St. W.
Bárbara Corrêa Pontes
