Who does Pride celebrate?
Pride celebrates the identities, achievements and resilience of people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus).
It’s called ‘Pride’ because it is meant to encourage the community’s self-affirmation, increase its visibility, and honour the activists who have and continue to fight for the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.
Pride celebrations include parades, workshops, classes, shows, concerts, and other events that occur annually in June here in Ontario and many other parts of the world. The month consists of both political activism and a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ culture.
What’s the history of Pride?
Pride happens in June to remember the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. In New York City, USA, police violently raided a bar called Stonewall Inn, where 2SLGBTQIA+ people often gathered, with the intent of assaulting, humiliating, detaining, and arresting patrons.
At that time, police attacks on 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces were common, but this time, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community fought back. The uprising lasted several days and became a symbol of queer resistance to discrimination and persecution.
The following year, the first Pride march was organized in New York to commemorate the historic events.
Currently, Pride is both a celebration and assertion of the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people as well as a time to bring attention to the discrimination and violence still experienced by many around the world.
The month of Pride reminds us that these challenges have not been resolved and that Canadian society must continue to commit to fighting for the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
How is Pride celebrated in Ontario?
There is no one right way to celebrate Pride! Many people partake in large gatherings such as the annual Pride parades (these include events like the Trans March and Dyke March).
Even though same-sex marriage was legalized in 2005 in Canada, there are many ongoing issues that 2SLGBTQIA+ people face to this day. For example, trans and queer youth are more likely to struggle with suicide ideation and attempt than cisgender and straight youth.
Despite protective laws, marriage equality being legalized in Ontario, and the increase in Pride events and celebrations, there is still a social stigma associated with being a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. If you feel unsafe or unable to fully express your identity openly, please see the list of resources below to access support.
You may prefer smaller community events such as workshops, parties, drag shows, poetry slams, concerts or art displays. Though most events are held in June, queer organizations often host events throughout the year. Check out your local community organizations to stay updated about possible upcoming events.
If I don’t identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, how can I be an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?
To support the queer and trans community, read and learn about the ongoing issues that still affect them. Ensure you respect people’s pronouns (e.g., they/them, she/her, he/him). There are also many organizations that focus directly on the issues faced by the queer community that you can support or volunteer at.
For further readings and resources, check out the links below:
- Glad Day Bookshop - The oldest queer bookstore in the world. Offering the widest possible selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and queer literature.
- The ArQuives - Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Archives
- Egale Canada Resources - Research and information for 2SLGBTQI communities and allies.
- You Are Among Friends [PDF] - A collection of stories, experiences, resources, and information by and for LGBTQ+ newcomers communities in Ontario. From Access Alliance Multicultural Health Centre.
To get support for yourself or a friend, check out these queer-focused organizations: