Author: Sabrina Rosa

 

History and What Pride Is

Pride Month’s origins stem from those who paid homage to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City that gave rise to the queer rights movement. These were a series of public protests by members of the queer community in response to unjust police action and harassment. These protests served as the catalyst for the modern gay rights movement that we see today.

This month is in support of 2SLGBTQI+ is an acronym which stands for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex individuals. The addition sign represents individuals who are gender-fluid, non-heterosexual, or whose gender identity is not fully established yet. The group brandishes a rainbow flag as the official symbol for the pride movement, which was chosen to represent the many differing groups within the queer community.

Today, celebrations of Pride Month fall from June 1-June 30 and attract participants all around the world. There are many ongoing events internationally which include parades, parties, symposia, concerts, and picnics. 

Ottawa

If you’re in Ottawa, Pride Parade returns on August 25, 2024 at 1 pm. You can also celebrate the Street Festival on Bank St, on August 24-25 from 12-8 pm each day!

Toronto

If you’re in Toronto with us, you can celebrate with us in the city with parades and marches including the Dyke March, Trans March and a schedule of kid friendly programs as well.

Pride month kicks off with flag-raising ceremony at City Hall and runs all through June. This years theme is:

Our Right to be. 

United, we fight to exist without adversity. 

Our place to be. 

Holding space for another, we create safety in the communities we build. 

Our time to be. 

We celebrate the triumphs of generations before us. We continue their legacy for a future that allows us to be ourselves.

Be is to proclaim our existence. To say, ‘we are here and always will be.’ Our call to simply Be.

Pride weekend in Toronto will be June 28-30, this year with the famous parade starting June 30th. If you’re interested in participating or volunteering you can join here!

There are so many activities and events happening this month as well if you can’t make it for the festival. Take a look at the events that are happening this summer for pride in Toronto here. We recommend checking out the below:

  • June 19 – 5 pm: Skates & Sounds: Roller Drag Ball, 444 Yonge St. Toronto, ON. M5B 2H4
  • June 21-30: TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Bloor-Yorkville & various venues
  • June 22 – 12 pm: Rose Picnic (Summer Soltice and the Rose’ Picnic), Hotel X – 111 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto, ON
  • June 23 – 10 am-5 pm: Pride on Market Street, St. Lawrence Market
  • June 25-27, 10-5 pm: Queer Fest, St. Lawrence Market

 

We are so pleased to confirm that Legal Direct celebrates Pride Month and all throughout the year. If you have any questions about us and our business, please feel free to reach out to info@legaldirect.ca or call us at 905 787 2296.