Photo Credit: The 519 & EVERMORE

Yesterday, award-winning actress and GLAAD honoree Ruby Rose spent her 30th birthday volunteering at The 519’s Sunday drop-in program for the LGBTQ community in Toronto. Rose chose to spend her birthday serving food, visiting the Youth program, and walking through the AIDS memorial, saying that if she couldn’t be with friends and family on her birthday, she wanted to spend it with her community. 

GLAAD worked with the 519, a city agency and charity that provides services for LGBTQ people as well as a free space where people and groups can gather to work towards common goals, to connect with Rose for her birthday. On Sundays, they host drop-in hours when LGBTQ people who may be experiencing poverty or who are under-housed can come by for a meal, counselling, and other LGBTQ-specific resources. 

Rose is an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community and will be honored with the GLAAD Stephen F. Kolak award at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 2, 2016. The award is presented to an LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance. Rose, who has been very active in advocating on behalf of transgender and gender nonconforming people, is an important voice in the LGBT community and her presence at The 519 was very much appreciated yesterday. Here’s a look at Rose’s birthday festivies:

@RubyRose spent her B-day @The519 Ruby said if she couldn’t be home with family, she wanted to be with her community pic.twitter.com/pYLSfzhzxy

— The 519 (@The519) March 20, 2016

So much fun. ❤️ t.co/jcsPhKxyTD

— Ruby Rose (@RubyRose) March 21, 2016

Thanks for having me. You guys do an amazing job. t.co/Pf36MKbqxK

— Ruby Rose (@RubyRose) March 20, 2016

(3) photos of @RubyRose at The 519 (March 20) pic.twitter.com/BZkzZcu3hs

— Ruby Rose Updates™ (@officRRupdates) March 21, 2016

It’s great to see Rose interacting with the community that supports her and looks to her for advocacy and representation. We’re proud to be honoring Ruby Rose at the GLAAD Media Awards and wish her a happy birthday!