The Summer '99 Project was an interdisciplinary theatre/visual art community art project for queer youth under 25. It was conceptualized and carried out in partnership with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and Arts Starts Neighbourhood Cultural Centre .

The six main objectives of this project were to offer at-risk youth summer employment in a creative arts/community program; to help these youth develop skills in the arts; to teach young lesbian, gay and bisexual people about their community and cultural history; to provide youth with access to adult role models and mentors; to increase youth visibility within the broader lesbian and gay community.

The project began in July 1999, with Franco Boni and Florencia Berinstein as the two lead artists, and Andrea Ridgley as the youth support worker. The 11 youth selected to participate in the project came from varying backgrounds and life experiences and ranged in age between 16 and 24. Over an eight-week period the group researched significant people and events in Toronto's queer history, workshopped with professional visual and theatre artists, and created their own work. The result was the creation of 13 theatre pieces and 2 visual art installations - all inspired by people, places and events in Toronto's queer history.

The visual arts component had two main products. The first product was twelve historical placemats. Each group member chose a historical event to commemorate in placemat form. These were used at the Devon Restaurant and Woody's restaurant (both queer historical sites). The second product was a set of twelve poster panels. Each person chose an issue or theme concerning gay, lesbian and bisexual rights, and created a poster using the many techniques learned in the workshops. These were displayed at the 519 Church Community Centre for two weeks.

The theatre component culminated in thirteen performances at twelve different sites in and around Toronto's queer community. The walking tours were guided by Sarah Stanley , former executive director of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, and Rick Bebout , founder and writer of The Body Politic.

The project and final shows were covered by local and national media, including: the CBC National radio, City TV news, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, NOW Magazine, and the front cover of Xtra! magazine.