Pride Month is in full swing across the city of Toronto and in many major cities around the world. With a jam-packed calendar of events throughout June (including the Pride Parade, the Dyke March, the Trans March, and a full schedule of kid-friendly programs), Pride Toronto is one of the largest pride festivals in the world. 

But Pride is so much more than just a rainbow-filled, action-packed festival. Every event, performance, talk and march are about uplifting 2SLGBTQ+ voices, celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ culture, and supporting 2SLGBTQ+ rights. It’s a month-long opportunity for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and allies to reflect on the past and push together towards an inclusive and supportive society for all. At Nellie’s, we advocate for all women experiencing oppression, such as violence, poverty and homelessness, so it’s important to us to celebrate Pride alongside the 2SLGBTQ+ community; it’s one of the really important ways we take a stand together against gender-based violence.

Joining the annual Pride celebrations is one of our favourite community events of the year — don’t miss our bright and cheery Nellie’s booth at the street fair on Church Street all Festival Weekend long! We’ll be handing out information and flyers, accepting donations, and taking the time to mingle and enjoy the celebrations.

We encourage all Canadians to learn more about 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Canada, and to learn how they can be supportive allies. Here are a few ways you can do this:

• Learn about the history of Pride: Did you know that the first Pride was a riot? Read about the Stonewall Uprising which started it all, and the history of the Pride movement. The Pride Toronto website also has an excellent timeline of the history of Pride in Toronto.
• Be an ally and fight for 2SLGBTQ+ rights: Allyship can look like attending or supporting an event that might be protested, or actively addressing anti-2SLGBTQ+ misinformation or hateful rhetoric when it arises — in conversations and on social media. Remember that being an ally isn’t a badge you wear, but an act of consistent doing, all-year long.
• Attend Pride Month events: Check out the 2023 Pride Toronto events calendar for the full list of official events and activities throughout June, concluding with the annual Festival Weekend on June 23-25.
• Read: With over 3,500 books, movies and magazines of interest to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, the Toronto Public Library has an incredible Pride collection, which includes recommended reading lists for adults, teens, and children.
• Watch: Featuring a wide range of stories about identity, family, community, and everyday life, the National Film Board of Canada hosts an extensive collection of films and documentaries which explore 2SLGBTQ+ experiences in Canada and abroad.
• Support: Volunteer with local 2SLGBTQ+-led charities and support local artists and businesses in the queer community.