Latest news with #PrideToronto
CTV News
2 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Toronto raises Pride Flag at city hall to mark start of Pride Month
The City of Toronto officially marked the start of Pride Month on Monday, raising the Pride Flag outside City Hall. (CP24) Toronto officially marked the start of Pride Month on Monday, with the raising of the Pride Flag outside City Hall. Mayor Olivia Chow was joined by several city councillors and members from Pride Toronto for the ceremony, which kicks off a month of activities and events leading up the official four-day festival from June 26 to 29. 'Pride Month is both a celebration and call to action,' Chow said ahead of the official flag raising. 'A reminder of the ongoing work needed to make sure that we have equality, safety and belonging for everyone, no matter gender identity [or] sexual orientation.' This year's Pride Toronto theme is 'All In. The raising of the Pride Flag comes just days after the organization lost two major corporate sponsors, Google and Home Depot, following a number of other corporate sponsorship losses and/or funding reductions in recent months. The non-profit in charge of the 2SLGBTQ+ festival is facing a shortfall of around $700,000 as a result. 'We've all seen the depressing news,' Chow said. 'Pride Toronto has lost some corporate sponsors because they just don't know who they are. They're short sighted… don't shop at Home Depot, guys.' The city has increased it's funding for the festival this year, providing $350,000 and committing to increased funding for the next two years. 'You cannot be supporting pride only when it's convenient to do so,' Toronto Centre Coun. and chair of the 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, Chris Moise, said at the flag raising ceremony. 'I would encourage all of our true allies to step up and continue to support Pride Toronto in their mission. Show us the money. Put your money where your mouth is.' Home Depot provided a written statement to CP24 over the weekend, writing in part, 'We continually review our nonprofit giving and decided not to contribute to this event this year with no agreement in place to do so.' 'We continue to participate in Pride activities throughout Canada and look forward to working with Toronto Pride on future opportunities.' At today's ceremony, Pride Toronto's executive director Kojo Modeste said they will not be quick to forgive sponsors that pulled out of this year's festival. 'I am very sorry to say that if at this point in time you're turning your back on us, when you come back, the locks of the house will be changed and the key that you have will not work,' he said. With files from CP24's Joanna Lavoie and CTV's Aarjavee Raaj
Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Pride Toronto insists it's 'full steam ahead' after corporate sponsors jump ship
Toronto's Pride Parade winds its way through the city's streets on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Photo by Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS Executive director Kojo Modeste said Pride Toronto is disappointing that two more sponsors — Google and Home Depot — have dropped out in the last month, but that the setback shouldn't affect this year's festivities that launched Monday night with the raising of the Pride Month flag at City Hall. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'We already have our commitments with our artists and so for 2025, we're full steam ahead and we do hope that we will able to recover some monies where the shortfall is,' said Modeste. 'At this time, there is no additional changes to the festival.' Next year, said Modeste, is still 'definitely up for debate right now in terms of what we can expect next year in terms of changes.' The non-profit first heard about Google's withdrawal May 1, while Home Depot's decision was disclosed to them May 28. Modeste said neither sponsor said why those decisions were made and queries to both companies from the Toronto Sun went unanswered by Monday evening. 'Just for these two, we're looking at $77,000 (less),' said Modeste. 'It's $47,000 for Google and $30,000 for Home Depot. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It was more disappointed (than surprised) with the timing of the withdrawal. We had a verbal commitment from Google, but we also had an email confirming Home Depot would be returning as a sponsor.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Modeste said Pride Toronto is looking at a $700,000 overall shortfall due to other corporate sponsorship losses or funding reductions in recent months. He sees it as part of a trend with a lot of non-profits in North America fearing backlash from the Trump administration in the U.S. 'Speaking to some of my colleagues in the U.S., they're seeing the same thing,' said Modeste. 'I believe that a lot of this has to do with the decisions coming out of the White House, I think, with regard to the queer community. These American-based companies are strongly afraid of the backlash that they will receive from the current administration. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It also sends a very clear message as to who is with us genuinely versus those that are in just as a window dressing. You know, who are these corporate sponsors? Who are pink-washing? Who are those that are just there for the performance? It's a very performative act. They're only in it when it's 'pretty.' But now because it's less pretty in the U.S., folks are turning away.' Modeste confirmed the City of Toronto is providing a $90,000 grant for 2025 through its the Cultural Festivals Funding Program in addition to the $260,000 it already approved for a total of $350,000 to date. Pride Toronto is the largest festival of its kind in North America, second only in the world to Brazil with three million people expected to visit the city in June and the Pride Parade final weekend drawing about two million people. 'For individuals, corporations, Canadians who have not donated in the past, this is great opportunity and maybe they would like to support and can reach out,' said Modeste. Read More Toronto Maple Leafs Olympics Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Celebrity
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.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Google, Home Depot pull sponsorship from Pride Toronto weeks before festival
Canada's largest pride parade is facing yet another setback, after two more key sponsors pull sponsorships from Pride Toronto. With the festival just weeks away, it's created more disappointment and frustration. Lexy Benedict has reaction from the community and organizers.
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
