4 days ago
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- 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.
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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.
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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
