PRIDE

Celebrating the 55^th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, PRIDE events celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community!

‘Pride Season’ is a term that refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when 2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. 

Pride Day is June 28^th, 2024.

We're publishing a ‘Fact a Week’ about PRIDE throughout PRIDE season and we will focus on Canadian and Ontario-specific references to draw your awareness, inspire allyship, and to educate:

Origins of PRIDE 

PRIDE commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which began on June 28, 1969. The riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This event is considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

First PRIDE Parade 

The first PRIDE parade was held on June 28, 1970, to mark the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It took place in New York City and was known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day March.

Rainbow Flag

The rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, was created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Each color in the flag represents a different aspect of the LGBTQ+ community: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony, and violet for spirit.

Global Celebrations 

PRIDE is celebrated in many countries around the world, with events varying from parades and festivals to educational workshops and cultural activities. Each celebration reflects the unique cultural context of the LGBTQ+ community in that region.

Significance of June 

June is recognized as PRIDE Month in honor of the Stonewall Riots. Many major cities hold their PRIDE events in June, although PRIDE celebrations can occur at different times of the year depending on the location.

Intersectionality in PRIDE 

PRIDE celebrates the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, including intersections with race, gender, disability, and other identities. Recognizing intersectionality ensures that PRIDE is inclusive of all experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individua

Legal Achievements 

Many significant legal advancements for LGBTQ+ rights are celebrated during PRIDE, such as the decriminalization of homosexuality, the legalization of same-sex marriage, and the implementation of anti-discrimination laws.

Challenges Faced 

Despite progress, LGBTQ+ individuals still face significant challenges, including discrimination, violence, and unequal rights in many parts of the world. PRIDE serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

PRIDE as Protest and Celebration 

PRIDE serves dual purposes: it is both a protest against ongoing inequalities and injustices and a celebration of the progress and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

PRIDE Symbols 

Beyond the rainbow flag, other symbols are associated with PRIDE, including the pink triangle (originally used to identify LGBTQ+ individuals in Nazi concentration camps) and the lambda symbol (adopted by the Gay Activists Alliance in 1970).

PRIDE and Mental Health 

PRIDE events provide a supportive environment that can positively impact the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals. Visibility and acceptance during PRIDE can help combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community and belonging.

Youth Engagement 

PRIDE plays a crucial role in empowering LGBTQ+ youth by providing them with role models, resources, and a supportive community. Many PRIDE events include specific programming for young people to ensure they feel included and celebrated.

Toronto's First PRIDE March 

Toronto held its first PRIDE march on June 28, 1981. This event was organized by the group Toronto Gay Action to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and to protest police harassment.

Operation Soap

In 1981, Toronto police raided four gay bathhouses in an event known as Operation Soap. The raid resulted in the arrest of over 300 men and sparked widespread protests and activism, becoming a significant moment in Canadian LGBTQ+ history.

Egale Canada

Founded in 1986, Egale Canada is a national LGBTQ+ human rights organization based in Toronto. Egale advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ people through litigation, education, and research.

Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage

Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage on July 20, 2005. The first same-sex marriage license in Ontario was issued to Michael Leshner and Michael Stark on June 10, 2003.

Rainbow Railroad

Founded in Toronto, Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ individuals escape persecution and violence in their home countries. The organization provides travel support and resources to help individuals find safety in Canada and other welcoming countries.

Trans March in Toronto 

Toronto's Trans March, which started in 2009, is one of the largest annual events of its kind in the world. It aims to raise visibility and celebrate the diversity of the transgender community.

Ontario Human Rights Code

In 2012, Ontario amended its Human Rights Code to include gender identity and gender expression as protected grounds, making it illegal to discriminate against transgender and non-binary individuals.

First PRIDE Flag in Ontario Legislature

In 2014, the PRIDE flag was raised for the first time at the Ontario Legislature, symbolizing the government's support for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition of PRIDE Month.

Toronto PRIDE Month 

Toronto's PRIDE celebration is one of the largest in North America, attracting over a million attendees annually. It includes the PRIDE Parade, Dyke March, and numerous cultural and educational events throughout June.

Ottawa's Capital PRIDE

Capital PRIDE in Ottawa is a major annual event that celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion. It features a parade, festival, and various community activities, drawing participants from across the region.

Bill 7

Passed in 1986, Bill 7 amended the Ontario Human Rights Code to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ rights in the province.

Blackness YES!

Blackness YES! is a Toronto-based committee that organizes Blockorama, a PRIDE event celebrating Black LGBTQ+ communities. The event provides a platform for Black LGBTQ+ artists, performers, and activists

Accessibilty Initiatives 

Toronto PRIDE has implemented various accessibility initiatives to ensure that events are inclusive for people with disabilities. These include ASL interpretation, accessible viewing areas, and efforts to make digital content accessible.

These facts highlight the significance of PRIDE in Canada, especially in Ontario, in promoting awareness, celebrating diversity, and advancing the fight for equality. The events, organizations, and milestones mentioned demonstrate the progress and ongoing efforts of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in the region. PRIDE is not just a series of events but a powerful movement that has transformed and continues to transform the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals around the world.