For decades, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes has been forming alliances and building bridges between the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GBLT) community and the rest of Toronto.

As the Senior Pastor at Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto for nearly thirty years, Rev. Dr. Hawkes has been a spiritual leader to a faith community of more than 500 people.  In addition, as a volunteer, he has served the community at large with distinction, working tirelessly in the service of justice for the GBLT community while educating and cooperating with others to create a more peaceful, compassionate and egalitarian society. 

Since the 1970’s, Rev. Dr. Hawkes has been a constant lobbyist at all levels of government, advancing the cause of human and equality rights for all citizens and especially the GBLT community in Canada, which has led to many advances in equality for this community at all levels.

For many years, he has delivered training sessions to police cadets and offices, to make them more sensitive to issues surrounding the GBLT community.  He currently sits on the Toronto Police Chief’s Community Advisory Council representing the interests of the GBLT community. 

Rev. Dr. Hawkes is known for having undertaken many courageous and public acts in the service of human rights. In 1984 he handcuffed himself to the Gallery of the Legislature to protest the defeat of legislation which would have allowed sexual orientation to be included in the Ontario Human Rights Code.  In 2001, after September 11th, Rev. Dr. Hawkes was the first religious leader in Toronto to call for calmness and urge no-one to target Muslims.  In 2001 he was the first pastor to legally marry same-sex couples in Canada.  In 2006, he coordinated a peaceful demonstration at Ryerson University regarding the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Margaret Somerville. 

He has constantly challenged churches to examine important issues including prejudice against gays and lesbians, inclusive language, and the ordination of women.  He has played a significant role in promoting the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act.   

Throughout his many years of service, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes has worked selflessly to promote equality and justice in Toronto’s diverse community.