by Jenn Reid
Happy Pride month! Toronto is celebrating Pride for the whole month of June, with all kinds of ways to participate: parties, parades, vigils, talks and marches. Whether you want to get political, look back at LGBT history or let loose and have fun, there’s a Toronto Pride event that’ll suit your needs. Check out some of the top can’t-miss events from Toronto Pride 2017. [Photo credit: Scott Corman]
Pride Parade
Obviously! The parade is often seen as Pride’s main event. Starting at approximately 2 pm, the festivities start at Bloor and Church, head along to Yonge Street and down to Dundas. There’s massive floats, lots of music and usually a freebie or two tossed out to the crowds. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! Make sure to check out Church & Wellesley during the weekend of the parade! There’s vendors, food and pop-up parties galore.
Night at the Aqueerium
Ripley’s Aquarium is getting in on the Pride action with a late-night party. DJ Cozmic Cat will be providing the music, plus there will be live entertainment, food, drinks and a chance to check out all the colourful fishes. This event is 19+ only.
Family Pride
A lot of Pride events are for the older crowd, but don’t forget about the kids! Family Pride has programming for kids of all ages, from babies to pre-teens, with sports, games, performances, crafts and more.
An Evening with Tony Kushner
Author and playwright Tony Kushner is at Pride for an in-depth conversation and Q&A. Kushner is best known for the play Angels In America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, which was also adapted into an award-winning mini-series. This event is part of Pride Toronto’s Icon Series, which brings queer icons from all industries to the city to discuss their lives and work.
Dyke March
Dyke March is a march, not a parade! The political demonstration for women and trans people starts with a rally at Church and Hayden, followed by a march up to Bloor, across to Yonge and down to Carleton, finishing at Allan Gardens. The vibe usually continues in the park with drum circles, speeches and a chance to hang out and talk to other marchers.
Blockorama
If you’re looking for a party, this is it. Blockorama is one of the biggest and most popular Pride events, celebrating the Black, Caribbean and African communities in Toronto. African writer Lali Mohamed and performance artist Zinduru host the festivities, with music from Cakes Da Killa, Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King, DJ Black Cat, Craig Dominic and more.
Friday Night Live at the ROM
The ROM’s weekly Friday night party is a popular event any time of year, but the Pride edition is always extra-popular. You can check out the exhibits after-hours, take part in special art installations like a digital spray paint wall, have snacks and drinks and, of course, dance the night away. This event is 19+.
Trans March
The trans march is a chance for trans and nonbiary folks to walk in solidarity and pride. The march goes from Church and Hayden to Bloor, then South on Yonge to Carlton. After the march, participants will end up at Allan Gardens for the Trans Pride Community Fair. Trans organizations, groups and businesses from the GTA will be on site.
Nuit Rose
Those of us familiar with Nuit Blanche will enjoy Nuit Rose, the late-night art festival focused on queer art and artists. Local and international artists are participating, with work at Pegent Park, Church Street, Kensington Market and Queen West. There’s also a Light Parade, where everyone is invited to walk with a light-emoting object: flashlight, lighter, glow stick, whatever you like! There’s also a free lantern-making workshop beforehand for those who like to DIY.
Pink Market
The Gladstone Hotel hosts Pink Market twice a year, an arts & crafts market with queer creators. The Pride edition of the event will have vendors selling crafts, fashion and art, plus a literary fair.
Yes Yes Y’all Block Party
The founders of Yes Yes Y’all saw a need back in 2009 for an inclusive dance party in the city, and they’ve been throwing ragers ever since. The Pride party will have hip-hop, dancehall, R&B and soca from DJs and musicians like Murderposse, Coco Supreme, MikeQ and Nina Sky, plus special dance performances. This event in 19+.
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