City of Toronto raises Progress Pride flag at City Hall, celebrates Pride Month with extensive programming
Mayor Olivia Chow will officially proclaim June as Pride Month in Toronto and raise the Progress Pride flag at Toronto City Hall in celebration of the history, courage and diversity of Toronto’s Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (2SLGBTQ+) communities.
Mayor Chow will be joined by Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre) and representatives of Pride Toronto to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month.
The City of Toronto will also hold Pride flag-raising ceremonies on Monday, June 3 at 9 a.m. in Albert Campbell Square at Scarborough Civic Centre and at Etobicoke Civic Centre. A ceremony was held in Mel Lastman Square at North York Civic Centre on Sunday, May 26.
“Toronto is home to a diverse and vibrant 2SLGBTQ+ community and I am proud to officially proclaim June as Pride Month in our city. This month, we have an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of the community and recognize there is still more work to do to build a city where everyone belongs. I’m looking forward to participating in the festivities this month and I wish everyone a safe and happy Pride.” – Mayor Olivia Chow
Here’s what’s happening in Toronto during Pride Month
The Toronto Sign in front of City Hall will be lit in rainbow colours for the month of June.
This year’s Pride Festival, one of the largest in the world, will run from Saturday, June 1 until Sunday, June 30, culminating in the beloved Pride Parade, a vibrant celebration of Toronto’s diverse 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Members of the Toronto Public Service will be marching in the Pride Parade, including Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedic Services and long-term care residents in the Seniors’ Contingent.
Torontonians are encouraged to explore Pride Month programming available at Toronto History Museums across the city this month, including:
Pride Flag Raising at Montgomery’s Inn
From 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, participate in the Pride flag raising ceremony during the Montgomery’s Inn Farmers’ Market (4709 Dundas St. W).
Family Pride Celebration at Colborne Lodge
From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2SLGBTQ+ families and allies are invited to an afternoon of outdoor games, activities and crafts, including a Drag Queen Storytime hosted by Lucy Flawless, at Colborne Lodge Museum (11 Colborne Lodge Dr).
Pride Month Knitting at Gibson House Museum
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, knitters are invited to show pride in their craft and celebrate Pride Month by adding to the rainbow flag decorations on Worldwide Knit in Public Day at Gibson House Museum (5172 Yonge St).
Family Pride Flag Workshops at Montgomery’s Inn
Design and decorate a flag to share how you and your family celebrate Pride. Families will participate in a workshop led by artist Yahn Nemirovsky using pre-made flags and various materials and paints. Workshops run from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, Sunday, June 9, Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 at Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W).
Family Pride Festival at Spadina Museum
From 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, listen to children’s stories read by The 519 Glitterbugs program, learn about Toronto’s Queer history and plan to spend the day enjoying cotton candy and treats for children of all ages while celebrating Pride at Spadina Museum (285 Spadina Rd).
Visit Toronto History Museums’ Exhibits & Events webpage for more information about Pride Month programming.
Health resources
Toronto Public Health will share sexual health information and resources at the Toronto Pride Street Fair from June 28 to June 30. To locate a sexual health clinic near you, visit the City’s Sexual Health Clinics webpage.
The Sexual Health Infoline Ontario (SHILO) is a free, anonymous and inclusive eChat and phone service for Ontario residents. For more information, visit the City’s Health & Wellness webpage.
Pride Parade Information
More information about the City’s Pride Month celebrations is available on the City’s Pride Month webpage. Details about the Pride Parade and other Pride Month events are available on Pride Toronto’s website.
source: City of Toronto
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