Latest news with #KojoModeste
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
‘Our festival will go on,' says executive director, as Google, Home Depot drop Pride Toronto sponsorship
Two more major corporate sponsors have pulled their funding for Pride Toronto. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Lahodynskyj) Pride Toronto has faced another setback, losing two more major corporate sponsors — Google and Home Depot — just days before Pride Month begins, its executive director Kojo Modeste told CP24 on Saturday afternoon. This recent news follows a number of other corporate sponsorship losses and/or funding reductions Pride Toronto experienced in recent months. The non-profit in charge of the 2SLGBTQ+ festival is facing a shortfall of around $700,000 as a result of all the most recent withdrawals, Modeste said, adding that organizers are urgently working to address this unforeseen challenge. 'Every dollar lost directly affects the programming we can offer. This includes our ability to hire artists, build accessible and safe stages, and create space for meaningful representation of 2SLGBTQI+ voices, particularly those from equity-deserving communities.' he said. Loss of funding a 'wake-up call' for Pride Toronto, says executive director Calling these losses of support 'an unfortunate development that compounds an already challenging year for us' and a 'wake-up call,' Modeste said they first heard about Google's withdrawal on May 1, while Home Depot's decision was disclosed to them last Wednesday. No reasons were provided for the termination of sponsorships by either company, he added. 'They both agreed that they were going to be part of the festival this year. They gave us a verbal commitment. In one case, they gave us a written commitment,' said Modeste. 'It was not a signed contract. So, it was very unfortunate to lose both these sponsors.' Pride Toronto has numerous contracts with artists and vendors from across Canada, so there won't be any major changes in the planning of the 2025 festival, he noted, but things could look very different by next year, if this trend continues. 'We do hope that we're going to be able to recover from the loss that we currently have,' Modeste said, attributing these changes to the influence of the political climate in the U.S. and the direction taken by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. 'Pride Toronto has been in other hard positions in the past, and they recover. And I can assure you, I want folks to know that they're coming and should expect nothing but the best from Pride Toronto.' In a written statement provided to CP24, Modeste added that the individuals and institutions they 'believed were committed allies to our community have shown themselves to be, at least in part, swayed by external political pressures.' 'That's deeply disappointing; not just for our organization, but for the communities we serve,' he said. 'More than anything, this moment underscores the importance of values-based leadership. Pride has never been easy or convenient; it is about visibility, equity, and justice - even when it's politically unpopular. We remain committed to those principles. And we're calling on partners, new and longstanding, to show that their support is not conditional.' Toronto Pride Parade 2023 TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 25: People take part in the 2023 Annual Toronto Pride Parade on June 25, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by) Home Depot provided a written statement to CP24 indicating that it works with an 'extensive network of nonprofits made up of thousands of local and national organizations to amplify our support to the communities we serve.' 'We continually review our nonprofit giving and decided not to contribute to this event this year with no agreement in place to do so,' the company said. 'We continue to participate in Pride activities throughout Canada and look forward to working with Toronto Pride on future opportunities.' Google, however, has not responded to CTV News' request for comment. Merck Canada, which has reduced its funding for this year's festival, said it is 'dedicated to fostering belonging and empowerment, and supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities is an important focus of this commitment.' 'We are proud to continue our support for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations across Canada with a particular focus on Montreal, where our headquarters and most of our employees are located, to create a positive impact and facilitate participation to key community events,' a spokesperson wrote to CP24. 'We cannot comment on the support provided to Pride Toronto, as discussions with the organization are still ongoing.' Toronto stepped up with extra support for Pride Toronto amid loss of sponsorship The City of Toronto, in a written statement, reiterated that in 2025 it is providing $350,000 to Pride Toronto through the Cultural Festivals Funding Program (CFFP), which it said 'represents an increase of $90,000 or approximately 35 per cent from Pride's 2024 CFFP grant of $260,000.' Spokesperson Imane Boussaid added that Pride Toronto will be eligible to apply for the Special Events Stabilization Initiative (SESI) , which she noted offers funding to festivals and event organizers for safety, security and production expenses. 'The City recently announced that the budget for SESI would be increased by $750,000 to a total of $2.1 million in 2025, recognizing the need for greater levels of support to ensure the safe delivery of festivals and events,' it said. Applications for this grant open in mid-Jun. 'Beyond direct funding, the City continues to support the safe planning and execution of the festival through City staff assistance and in-kind services. Staff are already working closely with Pride Toronto to plan for a successful 2025 event,' Boussaid wrote. '[We remain] committed to advocating for increased support for festivals from the private sector and from other government partners, recognizing that the majority of tax revenues generated by events accrue to the provincial and federal governments.' A man holds a flag on a hockey stick during the Pride parade in Toronto on June 25, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch A man holds a flag on a hockey stick during the Pride parade in Toronto on June 25, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch Pride Toronto will host activities beginning June 1. Pride Month officially launches in Toronto on Monday with a flag-raising at Toronto City Hall at 5 p.m. 'Our festival will go on. It may look different in some ways, but its spirit remains rooted in resilience, fuelled by the community we serve,' Modeste assured, thanking sponsors who 'continue to stand by us - our evergreen partners, who show up year after year with truly meaningful commitment.' He also thanked new sponsors who have stepped up duing the festival's time of need, notably The Ballroom Bowl, Freddie, SEIU, UBC Built, and Academy of Learning. 'Their solidarity affirms that our work matters, and that the community will not be left behind,' Modeste said.
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
It's Pride Month in Toronto. Here's what you need to know
Grab your rainbow flags and get ready — Pride Month has arrived in Toronto. Despite reduced corporate sponsorship, Pride Toronto is pressing ahead with a full lineup of events. From the iconic Pride Parade to drag queen storytelling at the zoo, here's what you need to know to celebrate and protest in the city this month. When is Pride Toronto's festival weekend — and what's happening with sponsors? Events will take place across the city all month, with Pride Toronto's festival weekend running from Thursday, June 26, through Sunday, June 29. The non-profit behind the city's 2SLGBTQ+ festival is marching on despite corporate sponsors pulling out or reducing funding, moves that Pride Toronto executive director Kojo Modeste said are tied to corporate backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the U.S. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Home Depot, Google, Nissan Canada and Adidas are among the companies that have dropped out, while pharmaceutical giant Merck, Tim Hortons and the Abnormal Beauty Company (owned by Estée Lauder) have lowered their contribution amounts. Star Exclusive Pride Toronto loses two more corporate sponsors just weeks before festival launch The massive Toronto festival says it unexpectedly lost two more sponsors — Home Depot and Google — just weeks before festivities are set to kick off. Star Exclusive Pride Toronto loses two more corporate sponsors just weeks before festival launch The massive Toronto festival says it unexpectedly lost two more sponsors — Home Depot and Google — just weeks before festivities are set to kick off. City Hall flag-raising On Monday, City Hall will hold a flag-raising ceremony to mark the start of Pride Month, the city announced. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. at 100 Queen Street West and will include appearances by Mayor Olivia Chow, city council members, and representatives from Pride Toronto, along with performances by drag queens and queer musicians. Flags will also go up at Mel Lastman Square in North York and Montgomery's Inn in Etobicoke on Wednesday, plus Albert Campbell Square on Thursday, the city said. Toronto police will also fly a flag at their headquarters all month, the force said in a post on X. Business Pride Toronto facing loss of corporate sponsorship dollars amid DEI backlash It is unclear if the companies are withdrawing funding because of anti-diversity, equity and inclusion sentiments. Business Pride Toronto facing loss of corporate sponsorship dollars amid DEI backlash It is unclear if the companies are withdrawing funding because of anti-diversity, equity and inclusion sentiments. When and where is the Pride Parade? As for the big event: the Toronto Pride Parade will run on Sunday, June 29 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. More than 25,000 marchers and 250 groups are expected to pack Toronto's core for this year's Pride Parade, the city said on its website. The route will run from Rosedale Valley Road and Park Road, west on Church Street and south on Yonge Street to Nathan Phillips Square on Sunday, June 29. Gta The world's oldest LGBTQ bookshop is in Toronto and it's moving Its new temporary home will be at 32 Lisgar St. Gta The world's oldest LGBTQ bookshop is in Toronto and it's moving Its new temporary home will be at 32 Lisgar St. Other Pride events in the city Pride Toronto's Drag Ball: Enjoy a free, nine-hour event featuring more than 70 drag acts from Toronto and beyond. The event will run from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. at TD Main Stage at Nathan Phillips Square on June 28. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Church-Wellesley Neighbourhood Gay History Walk: Prime Timers Toronto, a social group of queer men, is running 45-minute tours that spotlight historically significant community spaces, including Woody's and the AIDS Memorial. The walk will start at the Allan Gardens Palm House on June 6, 12 and 20 at 2 p.m. Toronto Zoo Drag Queen Storytime: Drag performers will take to the Wildlife Marquee from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on June 14 to read animal-themed stories with lessons of inclusion, self-love and respect. The storytime is free with zoo admission. With files from Ana Pereira
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Toronto's Pride month kicks off. Here's what to expect
Pride Month kicks off June 1 in Toronto, and the city will be filled with events celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community. As the largest Pride celebration in Canada, the city's annual events attract millions of visitors every year. From flag raising ceremonies to the big Pride Parade weekend, Pride Toronto's executive director Kojo Modeste says there are events for everyone. "We have a lineup that is going to be spectacular, that's going to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but will also send a very strong message that we are all in, that we are here and we are here to stay," Modeste told CBC Toronto. Modeste says this year's Pride month will highlight the transgender and non-binary community, and that it's important to use Pride as a platform for visibility, education, and advocacy. "We're very deliberate to really showcase that the 2SLGBTQ+ community stands with the trans community because we have seen the attacks that have been directed especially to our trans siblings," said Modeste. According to data from Statistics Canada, police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation, sex and gender increased each year from 2019 to 2023. Pride Toronto is working with city agencies to ensure the events remain safe for everyone, says Modeste. "At Pride Toronto, we take safety of both the participants or community visitors very seriously," said Modeste. "Pride has a track record of being a safe event and we are going to be maintaining that." Modeste says Pride Toronto will have a 99 per cent Canadian lineup to send out a message about local representation. This year's Pride Toronto theme, "All In," is meant to celebrate the city and reflect the core values of Canadians, Modeste adds. Throughout the month of June, the festival will showcase over 400 performers, eight stages and over 300 hours of programming. The executive director of the Church and Wellesley Village BIA, Jaret Sereda, says Pride events bring plenty of visitors to the area, which in turn helps local businesses. "We love the increased foot traffic," Sereda told CBC. "We want to support all our local businesses and we encourage everybody to shop local." The Church and Wellesley Village BIA will host its 11th annual VillageFest from June 20 to June 22. Sereda says this year's festival has been revamped, and will take place in the parking lot across from Woody's and SAILOR restaurant. He says the show will be filled with Canadian talent and is encouraging people to attend it and support it. "It doesn't matter what sexuality you express and who you are. We invite everybody. This is an event for everyone," he said. The city has provided the full list of Pride events. Here are some of them: Flag-Raising events: Mayor Olivia Chow, Members of Council and representatives from Pride Toronto will kick off Toronto's Pride month at Nathan Phillips Square on June 2 at 5 p.m. with performances by Sanjina DaBish Queen, Trash Panda Brass, Tempo Choir & DJ Blackcat. North York Civic Centre Flag-Raising on June 4 at 9 a.m. Etobicoke Flag-Raising at Montgomery's Inn on June 4 at 4 p.m. Scarborough Civic Centre Flag-Raising at Albert Campbell Square on June 5 at 9 a.m. Nathan Phillips Square events: Pride Toronto's Opening Night on June 27 at 6 p.m. Attendees can expect a lineup of 2SLGBTQ+ dance artists including Rebecca Black, Kiesza, Priyanka and Singing Out Choir. Pride Toronto's Drag Ball on June 28 from 2 p.m. to midnight. The drag event will return with over 70 drag acts from Canada and beyond. Pride Toronto's Closing Night on June 29 at 2 p.m. Pride Parade will close out the night with a party at Nathan Phillips Square. Street events: Gay History Walk at Church-Wellesley Neighbourhood on June 6, 12 and 20 at 2 p.m. St. Lawrence Market Street Pride at Market Street on June 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Church Street Pride Fair on Church Street on June 27 to 29. Trans March on Church Street on June 27. People will rally at 7 p.m. and march at 8 p.m. Dyke March on Church Street on June 28. People will rally at 1 p.m. and march at 2 p.m. Pride Parade from Church and Bloor Streets to Nathan Phillips Square on June 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. Family and youth events: Drag Story Time with Gila Münster at the Toronto Botanical Garden on June 1 at 11 a.m. TRANScendTO at Toronto Metropolitan University Student Centre on June 6 at 12 p.m. Family Pride at Church St. Public School on June 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Youth Pride at Church St. Public School on June 28 at 6 p.m.
CBC
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Toronto's Pride month kicks off. Here's what to expect
Pride Month kicks off June 1 in Toronto, and the city will be filled with events celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community. As the largest Pride celebration in Canada, the city's annual events attract millions of visitors every year. From flag raising ceremonies to the big Pride Parade weekend, Pride Toronto's executive director Kojo Modeste says there are events for everyone. "We have a lineup that is going to be spectacular, that's going to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but will also send a very strong message that we are all in, that we are here and we are here to stay," Modeste told CBC Toronto. Modeste says this year's Pride month will highlight the transgender and non-binary community, and that it's important to use Pride as a platform for visibility, education, and advocacy. "We're very deliberate to really showcase that the 2SLGBTQ+ community stands with the trans community because we have seen the attacks that have been directed especially to our trans siblings," said Modeste. According to data from Statistics Canada, police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation, sex and gender increased each year from 2019 to 2023. Pride Toronto is working with city agencies to ensure the events remain safe for everyone, says Modeste. "At Pride Toronto, we take safety of both the participants or community visitors very seriously," said Modeste. "Pride has a track record of being a safe event and we are going to be maintaining that." Pride events to celebrate Canadian talent Modeste says Pride Toronto will have a 99 per cent Canadian lineup to send out a message about local representation. This year's Pride Toronto theme, "All In," is meant to celebrate the city and reflect the core values of Canadians, Modeste adds. Throughout the month of June, the festival will showcase over 400 performers, eight stages and over 300 hours of programming. The executive director of the Church and Wellesley Village BIA, Jaret Sereda, says Pride events bring plenty of visitors to the area, which in turn helps local businesses. "We love the increased foot traffic," Sereda told CBC. "We want to support all our local businesses and we encourage everybody to shop local." The Church and Wellesley Village BIA will host its 11th annual VillageFest from June 20 to June 22. Sereda says this year's festival has been revamped, and will take place in the parking lot across from Woody's and SAILOR restaurant. He says the show will be filled with Canadian talent and is encouraging people to attend it and support it. "It doesn't matter what sexuality you express and who you are. We invite everybody. This is an event for everyone," he said. City events The city has provided the full list of Pride events. Here are some of them: Flag-Raising events: Mayor Olivia Chow, Members of Council and representatives from Pride Toronto will kick off Toronto's Pride month at Nathan Phillips Square on June 2 at 5 p.m. with performances by Sanjina DaBish Queen, Trash Panda Brass, Tempo Choir & DJ Blackcat. North York Civic Centre Flag-Raising on June 4 at 9 a.m. Etobicoke Flag-Raising at Montgomery's Inn on June 4 at 4 p.m. Scarborough Civic Centre Flag-Raising at Albert Campbell Square on June 5 at 9 a.m. Nathan Phillips Square events: Pride Toronto's Opening Night on June 27 at 6 p.m. Attendees can expect a lineup of 2SLGBTQ+ dance artists including Rebecca Black, Kiesza, Priyanka and Singing Out Choir. Pride Toronto's Drag Ball on June 28 from 2 p.m. to midnight. The drag event will return with over 70 drag acts from Canada and beyond. Pride Toronto's Closing Night on June 29 at 2 p.m. Pride Parade will close out the night with a party at Nathan Phillips Square. Street events: Gay History Walk at Church-Wellesley Neighbourhood on June 6, 12 and 20 at 2 p.m. St. Lawrence Market Street Pride at Market Street on June 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Church Street Pride Fair on Church Street on June 27 to 29. Trans March on Church Street on June 27. People will rally at 7 p.m. and march at 8 p.m. Dyke March on Church Street on June 28. People will rally at 1 p.m. and march at 2 p.m. Pride Parade from Church and Bloor Streets to Nathan Phillips Square on June 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. Family and youth events: Drag Story Time with Gila Münster at the Toronto Botanical Garden on June 1 at 11 a.m. TRANScendTO at Toronto Metropolitan University Student Centre on June 6 at 12 p.m. Family Pride at Church St. Public School on June 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Youth Pride at Church St. Public School on June 28 at 6 p.m.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Pride Toronto faces another setback as Google, Home Depot pull sponsorship
Two more major corporate sponsors have pulled their funding for Pride Toronto. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Lahodynskyj) Pride Toronto has faced another setback, losing two more major corporate sponsors — Google and Home Depot — just before Pride Month begins, Pride Toronto executive director Kojo Modeste told CP24 Saturday afternoon. This latest setback follows several other sponsorship losses Pride Toronto experienced in recent months. Modeste spoke to CTV News about those earlier losses in February. The non-profit in charge of the 2SLGBTQ+ festival is facing a loss of around $700,000 in corporate sponsorships as a result of all the withdrawals, he said. Modeste and the Pride Toronto team first heard about Google's withdrawal on May 1, while Home Depot's decision was disclosed on Wednesday. However, no reasons were provided for the termination of sponsorships by either company, he said. 'They both agreed that they were going to be part of the festival this year. They gave us a verbal commitment. In one case, they gave us a written commitment,' Modeste said. 'It was not a signed contract. So, it was very unfortunate to lose both these sponsors.' Pride Toronto has numerous contracts with artists and vendors from across Canada, so there won't be any major changes in the planning of the 2025 festival. However, Modeste stated that things could look very different by next year if this trend continues. 'We do hope that we're going to be able to recover from the loss that we currently have,' he said. Modeste attributes these changes to the influence of the political climate in the U.S. and the direction taken by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. 'Pride Toronto has been in other hard positions in the past, and they recover,' he said. 'And I can assure you, I want folks to know that they're coming and should expect nothing but the best from Pride Toronto.' Google and Home Depot have not responded to CTV News' request for comment. Pride Toronto will host festive activities beginning June 1, when Pride Month begins. The Pride Parade will take place on June 29.
