Pride Toronto is one of the largest Pride celebrations in North America because they sure know how to keep the momentum going all week long. Pride Toronto is from June 19-28th and the festivities officially start out with an opening party at BIA Stage. Host Ryan G. Hinds, Bad Times and Super Queero will help folks kickoff the festivities. You’re gonna be want to be there at 8pm to see Youtube personality and viral sensation Todrick Hall. Pride Toronto should take a lot of pride in how they built their website because you can RSVP and register for anything that isn’t free (most of it’s free) by viewing the full schedule here.
Early the next day the Pride and Prejudice Human Right’s Conference gets serious for a moment to talk about life in the Pan American region. This conference takes place at the University of Toronto room 140 from 9am-6pm and is a platform to explore the community struggles.
Later on the evening pride participants are going to want to be at Sugar Beach for the Sweetness Beach Party at We Play. Tel Aviv native King Aron is headlining this waterfront event. Also check out London’s own Jodie Harsh and Toronto native Jeremy Khamkeo. There will also be pink umbrellas everywhere. Sounds like the kind of party that you want to witness for yourself.
On the 22nd explore an evening with John Walters at Ryherson Theatre. This lecture from the film maker and big personality explores his stories and experiences within the pride community. This is a part of John Walter’s lecture series “This Filthy World” and being that space is limited, you can grab your tickets here.
At twelve the mayor John Troy joins the festivities with community leaders and government officials at City Hall to raise the flag for Pride Week.
On the 23rd the highlight of the day is the AIDS/HIV candlelight vigil at 9pm at Barbara Hall Park. This annual vigil is held to remember and celebrate the lives lost and the people affected by AIDS/HIV. Participants light a candle in the spirit of getting to zero in the fight against AIDS/HIV.
June 24th has a Cabana Pool Party that sounds all types of fun. Folks meet up at Cabana Pool Party to jam out to DJ Delicious, have sweet cocktails and a few games of water polo. The party runs from 6pm all the way to 1am. The suggested donation for this event is $10.
Ireland’s Panti Bliss and Trixie Mattel from RuPaul’s Drag Race season seven are headlining on June 25 at Barbara Hall Park. Also expect appearances by Speakeasy Electro Swing’s Don Mescal and Toronto’s own DJ Mado Lamotte.
This year’s theme is Trans Awareness. So June 26th stops for a second to focus on all things Trans Awareness. There’s a Trans Pride March and even a Trans Pride Fair that has resources and information for support in the Trans Community. The parade starts at 8pm on the North Stage and is the largest annual Trans event in Canada. This is a rally advocating for solidarity in the Trans community. After the march, hangout with Chaz Bono in Yonge-Dundas Square for the largest celebration of Trans Pride in North America.
The highlight on the 28th is Drag On. This event at Yonge-Dundas Square from 2-11pm celebrates the 35 years of Toronto Pride with 35 drag performances. This eight hour event features electro house beats from the fierce Kitty Glitter and is hosted by Bianco Del Rio.
Also during that time slot is Northern Stage. Northern Stage gives spoken word artists a platform to perform on. You’ll hear lots of stories shared through words, music and movement. This event is from 2pm-11pm and is on North Stage.
Finally on the 28th you’re going to want to be everywhere and unfortunately you can’t be. You’re going to want to check out Pussy Riot at The Final Play Event in Yonge-Dundas Square but you’re also going to want to go Blockorama at TD Wellesley Stage. These events overlap each other and you’re going to want to check out Sharaya J and Destra Garcia as they perform. Blockorama celebrates the black queer community. You also don’t want to miss the Pride Parade at 2pm at the corner of Church and Bloor Street. There are over 150 participating groups and so much art and costumes and music.
Make sure you eat and drink a lot because if you’re like me you’re going to want to go to everything and you’ll be sad and happy that the week is over so you can get some sleep and go back to life before Pride Week.
