Recommended Events in Toronto:
Pride Toronto

Each year at the end of June, Toronto plays host to Pride Toronto, which is a ten-day-long queer celebration comprising the largest cultural festival in Canada, and the third largest Pride festival in the world!. Come out and meet some of the one million people that crowd the downtown for the festivities.

2009 is a big year for Pride Toronto, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and it also marks four decades since the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada. The theme for Pride Toronto this year is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” which signifies the communities gains in the fight for equality but acknowledges that there is much more that needs to be done in Canada and abroad.

Joining the Pride Toronto celebrations are over 350 artists performing over Pride Weekend (June 26-28). Notable names include are divas Deborah Cox, Divine Brown, and Esthero as well as other performers including Regeneration Tour, Addictiv, Kids on TV, Gentleman Reg, Carole Pope, Adam Joseph, Sofonda Cox, Ultra Nate and many more talented individuals and groups.

And of course, Toronto’s 29th Annual Pride Parade will kick off on Sunday, June 28th at 2pm, winding throughout the Gay Village. Discover your dreams coming true in a Pride experience that is as big as your heart and courage!

Other big events: The Dyke March on Saturday, June 27th at 2pm. It’s a grassroots event where women and trans people in LGBTTIQQ2S communities take over the streets of Toronto. The Dyke March is not so much a parade; it’s more of a political demonstration of critical mass; a moment seized to revel in the strength, diversity and passion of LGBTTIQQ2S women and trans folk.

Another biggie to consider: Pride Toronto’s 5th Annual Gala & Awards on Wednesday June 24th, which is a ceremony to honor individuals and groups who, through excellence in their work, have created a positive impact on the lives of or perception of Toronto’s LGBTTIQQ2S* communities. The night includes a paired dining experience, a silent auction, fabulous entertainment and much more.