June is Pride Month in Toronto and no organization is busier than Pride Toronto. Founded 40 years ago following the 1981 Toronto bathhouse raids, but with origins from a decade earlier, Pride Toronto is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to bring people together to celebrate the history, courage, and diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Normally in‑person celebrations would dominate Pride Toronto’s June calendar, culminating in the annual Pride Parade, the last Sunday of June, which has historically attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the streets to celebrate Toronto’s rich and diverse queer community.

As with all other organizations, COVID19 has had a significant impact on Pride festivities.  Last year the Trans March, Dyke March, and Pride Parade were all cancelled with limited online events put in their place.

This year, with the benefit of months of planning, Pride has a full calendar of virtual events found here.  Pride Toronto is particularly excited about Indigenous Day Live, scheduled for June 21, 2021, featuring a circle discussion led by Elder Blu Waters with 2S & Indigiqueer leaders from 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations Leadership Building Initiative – Kiley May, and Shane Lyon; traditional Anishinaabe singing from Kiyana Johnston; and Anishinaabe dancing from Nenookaasi. Another Indigenous focused event, Catalyst is a Virtual Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Variety Show showcasing contemporary Indigenous storytelling, art, and performance.

The Pride Parade will go ahead this year with a remote version honouring Pride Toronto’s 40 year history, highlighting key Toronto talent, and fostering community.  Be sure to tune in by clicking the link here.

At Iler Campbell LLP we are proud of our relationship with Pride Toronto. They were our client years ago and came back in 2020. We strengthened the connection again in 2021 by delivering some board training. We’re here when they need us for all their legal needs. If your organization would like to learn more about Pride Toronto, get involved and be part of future events, please reach out.

Happy Pride everyone!

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