As huge crowds converged on downtown Toronto for Canada’s largest pride weekend, Nellie’s played a part in the joyful celebrations.

All weekend long, Nellie’s had a bright and cheery booth at the street fair on Alexander Street where we handed out information and flyers, accepted donations and took the time to mingle and laugh with everyone who stopped by. And on Saturday, along with more than 45 women from our community (and even some of their children and grandchildren), we were colourfully decked out as we chanted, celebrated and marched with thousands of others in Toronto’s annual Dyke March.

“I was surprised to see how many people came to support us. Especially since many of the community members were older women, it meant a lot to have them come out on such a hot day, and march with us to the end,” says Sarah Pynisky, Nellie’s Community Support & Outreach Worker.

“We had some women from the shelter march with us as well. Afterwards they told me they had gone around to many booths and explained who they were, what organization they were with, and proudly supported us. We provided fun costumes and things to wear during the march, as well as Nellie’s Flags, and Nellie’s t-shirts. It was lovely to see all the women from both the shelter and community come together with their support.”

Pride organizers estimated that it was the largest turnout in the march’s history.

Having an information booth at Pride weekend is also a long-standing tradition for us at Nellie’s. We advocate for all women experiencing oppressions, such as violence, poverty and homelessness so it’s important to us to celebrate Pride with the LGBTQ2+ community.

“When I was at the booth, a lot of people who stopped by were already familiar with Nellie’s so they just stopped by to say hello,” says Sarah Pynisky, Nellie’s Community Support & Outreach Worker.

“Taking part in Pride weekend is important to us, it’s just one of the really important ways we take a stand together for violence against women,” says Sarah. “And the response from everyone is always so amazing. People know us and they cheer for us.”

We had an amazing time at Pride Toronto 2019 and are already looking forward to next year’s events!