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³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø Celebrates 2SLGBTQ+ Pride

June is Pride Month at the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø! It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness among all staff and students about the rich culture and history of our 2SLGBTQ+ community. ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø school communities are encouraged to hold intentional sessions with their students about issues related to 2SLGBTQ+ communities as well as the impact of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia on ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø students, staff, and community members. 

Queer and Trans Pride is the concept that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersexed, and two spirited (2SLGBTQ+) people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The movement has three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; that diversity is a gift; and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered. The use of the abbreviated Gay Pride and Pride have since become mainstream and shorthand expressions inclusive of all individuals in various 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

The modern "Pride" movement began after the "Stonewall Riots" in 1969. Instead of backing down to unconstitutional raids by New York Police, drag queens and queer street kids fought back. While it was a violent situation it also gave the underground community the first sense of communal pride in a very well publicized incident.

From the yearly parade that commemorated the anniversary of the Stonewall riots began a national grassroots movement. Today many countries around the world celebrate pride.

The Pride movement has furthered the cause of queer and trans rights by lobbying politicians, registering voters and increasing visibility to educate on issues important to queer and trans communities. Pride advocates work for equal "rights and benefits" and "respect and dignity" for queer and trans persons.

As the event known as Pride has grown in popularity, so has its commercialization and its corporate and government sponsorships. Many in queer and trans communities deeply criticize sponsors' interference with Pride's original and intended political roots, and view freedom of expression as central to the event.

The Gender-Based Violence Prevention Office and Equitable and Inclusive Schools encourage everyone to have a safe, celebratory and political Pride! Staff are strongly encouraged to take this opportunity to use the curriculum resources to educate and promote equity for diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

We look forward to celebrating Pride 2024 with all our 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, and allies!

Pride Poster Image

Pride is here!

Join US at the 2024 Pride Parade! We are thrilled to invite students, staff and their families and friends to join the loud and proud ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø contingent as the Toronto PRIDE parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Once again Pride Toronto is working to become more environmentally friendly and to go “greener.” It is important to note that due to new regulations put in place by Pride Toronto the size of the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø float will be much smaller than in previous years with reduced rider capacity. Pride Toronto is encouraging marchers this year- bikes, scooters, rollerblades or any of other energy efficient mode of transportation- are welcome! 

We're asking all walking ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø participants to gather between 1:00 to 1:15pm at Asquith Green Park (west side of Church St.,1 block north of Bloor) Map 1

  • ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø staff will be waiting at the park to direct everyone to our mustering point (Ted Rogers Way and Charles Street)

  • ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø Participants will have the option of marching in the Parade or riding on the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø float.

  • The parade will begin moving from Church St and Bloor at 2:00pm. The parade will head west then turn south on Yonge Street then RIGHT this year on Dundas St. The parade will be end at Nathan Phillips Square at 7:00pm. Please see Toronto Pride Parade Map: Map 2 below

  • Please remember to stay hydrated and plan ahead to bring anything necessary to keep you comfortable in the summer sun

  • Please bring water, sunscreen and food to get you through the day.

  • On parade day, follow all the fun via Twitter #Pride³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø For more information, please contact Jim Spyropoulos at Jim.Spyropoulos@tdsb.on.ca or Melanie Pearce at melanie.pearce@tdsb.on.ca

PRIDE Toronto is making attempts to become more environmentally friendly, and is encouraging participants to bike, scooter, rollerblade or use any of other energy efficient mode of transportation! 

 

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø Marchers gathering point: Map 1

Map 1 ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø Marchers gathering point. Marchers meet between 1:00 pm and 1:15 pm at Asquith Green Park, 19 Park Road, between Church Street and Park Road, north of Bloor Street.

 

Toronto Pride Parade Map: Map 2

Map 2 Pride Toronto 2024 Festival Map. The parade will start at Church Street and Bloor Street East, proceed westbound along Bloor toward Yonge, before turning south along Yonge Street toward Dundas Street. The festival will take place along Church Street between Bloor Street and Dundas Street.

 

Pride T-Shirt Design Showcase

Take a look at the unique designs created by our talented students for our Pride celebration. Each artwork reflects our students' creativity and commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion.