© Photos courtesy of Pride Toronto
Pride has been a long time in the making, from a small gathering of dedicated activists fighting for their right to love and be seen, to the vibrant celebration we know and love today.
Since 1970, Pride Toronto has been supporting 2SLGBTQ+ communities in the pursuit of the unequivocal right to be heard, understood, accepted, and respected.
From the first picnic organized by Toronto’s first queer activist organizations that became “Gay Day Picnic,” to the first Toronto Pride Week march in 1974, to the addition of the Trans March in 2009, Pride Toronto celebrates the communities that have continued to gather and celebrate the beauty and confidence that comes from being your truest self.
Pride Toronto was founded on the fundamental truth that love prevails and we are all deserving of it, and continues a legacy that is deeply intertwined with the rich, progressive history of Toronto’s queer community.
Pride Toronto’s 40th Anniversary Programming Lineup includes over 70 individual events showcasing more than 150 2SLGBTQ+ artists, 14 party collectives, and seven community committee programs.
On June 1st, the City of Toronto kicks off the celebrations by proclaiming June as Pride Month and raising the Rainbow and Transgender flags on the podium at City Hall.
Tune into Pride Live on June 19th and 26th, celebrating Toronto’s incredible scene of 2SLGBTQ+ vocalists, musicians and performers. Listen in on panels and live podcast recordings all month long, where 2SLGBTQ+ thought leaders share their stories, knowledge, and experiences.
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy so make sure to mark your calendar. Don’t let someone tell you, see it yourself.” —Sherwin Modeste, Executive Director of Pride Toronto
The full month of programming will conclude with two Festival Weekends on June 18-19-20 and June 25-26-27. As well, the digital Pride Parade, a one-hour production highlighting key Toronto talent and fostering community, will air online Sunday, June 27th at 2 p.m. at pridetoronto.com/watch.
The 2SLGBTQ+ communities, especially Indigenous and racialized people continue to be among the most vulnerable in Canada, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Supporting Pride Toronto means amplifying these voices and prioritizing local, community-focused advocacy.
Text GIVE to 647-362-8701 to make a donation and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and find the full Festival lineup online at PrideToronto.com/PrideGuide.
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Pride Toronto supports our communities in the pursuit of our unequivocal rights to be known, be heard, be understood, be accepted, be respected, and to celebrate the beauty of who we are.
