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The City of Toronto recognizes the 2SLGBTQ+ community’s contributions to the cultural fabric of our city and is committed to making Toronto a welcoming place where everyone is valued. It was founded in 1981 by a grassroots collection of organizers, activists and advocates in the community who worked together to demonstrate against the infamous bathhouse raids in the city. Pride Month is time to show support to the 2SLGBTQ+ community by participating in the programming and learning more about what this year’s celebration has to offer. The Pride parade began as a protest and continues today to create community, celebrate achievements and honour the history of the community. This year marks the return of in-person Pride celebrations that features a special month long program of new events and familiar festival favourites including the annual parade. The month also provides an opportunity to recognize and protect the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and the work that still needs to be done to ensure the equity and safety of all of our residents. The month long celebration is one of the largest in the world. WHEREAS June marks Pride Month in the City of Toronto to honour and celebrate Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. The City recognizes that 2SLGBTQ+ communities comprise some of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations in our city and the COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the mental/physical health and financial well-being of many across these communities, particularly trans people, as well as Black, Indigenous and racialized members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, as a result of their intersectional identities. The City is committed to addressing the unique challenges facing 2SLGBTQ+ communities to build a more inclusive and equitable city.
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Torontonians are encouraged to reach out, connect to support each other and celebrate together. Pride Month brings Torontonians together to celebrate the history, courage and diversity of Toronto’s Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, communities (2SLGBTQ+). The Progress Pride flag will also be raised at all civic centres today to kick off Pride Month. This was the first in-person flag raising ceremony for Pride Month since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 1, 2022, Mayor John Tory, Members of Council and representatives from Pride Toronto raised the Progress Pride flag at City Hall to proclaim Pride Month in Toronto.