Pride month is an entire month in June that is dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the voices of those part of the LGBTQ+ community. This month commemorates the years of struggle for civil rights and the fight for equal treatment under the law for LGBTQ+ individuals. Across the world during the month of June, there are parades, performances, live theater, and more.
History of Pride
The first Pride marches were held in a few major American cities in late June of 1970, a year after the Stonewall Uprising. The Uprising was a series of events at the Stonewall Inn in New York between police and LGBTQ+ protestors that spanned over six days and changed the nature of LGBTQ+ activism in the United States. Thousands of protestors gathered at the Stonewall and in the surrounding area to protest the mistreatment and inequality of individuals part of the LGBTQ+ community. The rainbow flag, created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978 is used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. Each colour has its own meaning, red symbolizes life, orange is healing, yellow is sunshine, green is nature, blue is harmony, and purple is spirit.
Why Pride is Important
Over the years, Pride celebrations across the world have grown in numbers and popularity. However, people are often still discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and gender identity and in some countries identifying as part of this community is illegal. Pride celebrates love and acceptance and gives people the freedom to express themselves however they choose. It is also a chance to become educated about the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride Parade Toronto
Pride Toronto started in June 1981, and since then it has evolved into a huge celebration in the city. It is a celebration of the diversity in the LGBTQ+ community in the GTA and is one of the largest pride festivals in the world. In the past, the parade has seen about 1.2 million attendees and over 536 thousand people attending pride month official events. The main parade takes place around Church and Wellesley and makes its way to Yonge-Dundas Square.
LQBTQ+ Rights
Quebec was the first province in Canada to pass a gay civil rights law, the law made it illegal to discriminate against individuals of the LGBTQ+ community in housing, public accommodation, and employment. Ontario became the first province to make it legal for same-sex couples to adopt children, with British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia following suit. In June 2003, same-sex marriage became legal in Ontario and in July 2005, it became legal in all provinces and territories in Canada. Despite these events happening many years ago, the LGBTQ+ community is still fighting for rights in many parts of the world and often face discrimination, hate crimes, and prejudice.
Pride events are open to everyone and are a great way to celebrate and learn about the LGBTQ+ community. Celebrations begin on June 1st and continue throughout the entire month. To find information about events simply google “Pride Events Toronto” and there will be many to choose from.