It’s Pride Month and that means Gay Pride Toronto is around the corner. It’s one of the biggest pride events in the world and we wanted to start our Pride Month Series with a bang! Toronto Pride 2015 takes place from June 19th to 28th this year. It’s quite an extravaganza and takes over the bustling Canadian city each and every year. It’s a convenient setup with most events are in the vicinity of Church and Bloor streets in Toronto.
Events and Special Guests
It’s going to be lots of fun and include some incredible guests. Even Celina Jaitly the Bollywood Star who works with the United Nations will be there. Celina has been named as one of Toronto Pride’s International Grand Marshalls.
Infamous Russian girl group Pussy Riot is also making an appearance. You know those ones who were sent to jail in Moscow for standing up in what they believe in. If you’re not familiar with their music, check out their video for “I can’t Breathe” below:
Due to Pussy Riot’s courageous actions and quest for equality, they have also been named International Grand Marshalls for the event.
You’ll also see the 80’s pop queen Cyndi Lauper in attendance, working with her True Colors Fund charity that helps homeless youth. She’s always been accepting of everyone and is a great ambassador for the young people of all genders, sexual orientations and color. The line-up of special guests does not end there! Elton John’s husband David Furnish is another Grand Marshall and Furnish is the global ambassador and chairperson for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Remember folks be safe!
The festival will include an opening party with MTV’s Toddrick Hall. Everything starts at 8pm EST on the BIA Stage on Church Street. This anticipated concert will be a blast and features an incredible dance music line up.
The next day will have the Pride and Prejudice: Our Human Rights conference which will discuss the trial and tribulations that pansexuals and LGBT youth have had to face as well as a heavy discussion on the 2015 Pan Am Games. Register online at the Pride Toronto Website and visit University College at the University of Toronto, Room 140 to take part.
Saturday June 20th events close with The Freedom Party with Raja, who won the last episode of RuPaul’s drag race. Come on by as it supports the Rainbow Railroad!
There are more parties as well as other events and conferences that deal with other issues faced by the LGBT community. Review the complete festival schedule to stay up-to-date. Luckily for you you’ll have a chance to rest and reflect a bit between the parties by attending the Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday June 22 at Noon. Also, don’t forget to pay your respects during the AIDS Candlelight Vigil at 9pm on June 23rd. There is also lots of Burlesque to enjoy so make sure you take advantage! One amazing thing to note is that Toronto Pride also provides a magnificent drug and alcohol free place for straight edge kids to party. Maybe this year fewer of us will be in rough shape come Monday the 29th!
“Attention festival-goers: Pride Toronto reports bear sightings!”
A completely gay event Bear Garden takes place on Saturday, June 27th at OLG Central Stage. Meet up with bears, otters, cubs and seals! Find your soulmate or have some wild fun!
It wouldn’t be Pride unless we talked about the big Parade. For Toronto Pride, we wanted to outline the multiple Parades and Marches happening this year.
The Parades
Trans Pride
On Friday June 26th the Trans Pride March will take place as members of trans community in Canada and beyond gather for solidarity and fun. The Rally begins at 7pm EST while the March itself starts at 8pm EST.
Dyke March
Interested to see what all those lesbians are doing during Pride? The Dyke March is a perfect time to catch up! It takes place on Saturday June 27th. The Dykes will be lining up for the March at the corner of Church and Bloor at 1pm EST and the March itself starts at 2pm EST
Pride Parade
The “granddaddy” of Canadian Pride Parades is the Toronto Gay Pride Parade. This year it takes place on Sunday June 28th and like previous years also starts off at the corner of Church and Bloor streets. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
If you’re visiting Pride Toronto have a blast! It’s packed with fun and it never seems to stop. Take time to remember your roots and give yourself time to grow! Let’s go Toronto!
