Pride Toronto has officially kicked off its 2025 festivities, announcing several performers, events, and more activities to look forward to for the upcoming June celebrations.
As the largest Pride celebration in Canada, Toronto’s annual celebrations of the 2SLGBTQ+ community attract millions of attendees every year.
However, earlier this year, several sponsors pulled funding from Pride Toronto, leaving the organization short about $300,000 and at risk, but last month, the city stepped up to provide additional support for the festivities, totalling $350,000.
On Thursday morning, organizers shared that they have curated celebrations that include 100 events throughout the city spread out throughout June, and 28 major cultural events.
Meanwhile, cultural events include a special Pride edition of ROM After Dark scheduled for June 13, which will allow attendees to enjoy the museum exhibits after hours, and take in drag and musical performances, dance parties, refreshments, and more.
The Youth Pride Prom is another cultural event returning this year. Set for June 24, the prom will take over Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, creating a special occasion for 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 21 and younger.
This year, Pride Toronto is only hosting one signature event, its annual Pride Pool Party. The party will take over Cabana Poolbar on June 19 from 6-11 p.m. for an event headlined by RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 star Lexi Love. Other performers include Sanjina DaBish Queen, Young Teesh, Sophie Jones and Ms. Myles.
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The following day, the 10,000 people rally will see community members and allies gather on the lawn outside of Queen’s Park for a powerful protest focusing on solidarity and resistance, while calling attention to the growing oppression and discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, Black, POC, and immigrant communities.
The festival weekend, set for June 27-29, will boast eight different stages, including TD Main Stage, the Mill Street Wellesley Stage, and the OLG Central Stage. Festival weekend attendees can also enjoy hundreds of performances from various artists, including Rebecca Black, Priyanka, Kaleena Zanders and Haviah Mighty. The annual street fair will return with various vendors, while several events, including the Sober Oasis, Family Pride, and The 519’s Greenspace, are also scheduled to make a comeback on festival weekend.
The annual Trans Rally, celebrating transgender and gender diverse communities, is scheduled for June 27. The Dyke March, honouring dykes and lesbians, will be held on June 28. Meanwhile, Toronto’s iconic Pride Parade is set for June 29.
PRIDE IS A PROTEST
Organizers shared that this year’s theme, All in, is a call to action and solidarity, a rallying cry for connection, and a celebration of the queer community’s shared strength in the face of current adversity.
While Toronto knows how to throw a hell of a party to celebrate its queer community, Pride has always been rooted in protest. Officials with Pride Toronto highlighted that the current political climate in North America makes that activism more important now than ever.
“The attacks on the trans community, we need to send a loud and clear message, this is not just happening in the U.S.,” Toronto Pride Executive Director Kojo Modeste told the audience.
Speaking about Monday’s federal election, Modeste explained that many people were worried about what the results would be, and what this would mean for 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada.
“Many of us were glued to our TV because we were hoping that the election results in Canada would not be repeating what we saw in the U.S.,” he explained.
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“We were worried. When leaders in this country are saying to us that diversity, equity and inclusion are something of the past, you know where they are going.”
Modeste shared that despite this, seeing platforms that include protections for queer communities and Pride, that for him is progress.
“We are going to be bruised, because I am telling you, I do not have enough money to put on Pride. But you know what? We’re going to make it happen,” he said, adding that the festival has also gained new sponsorship.
Toronto City Councillor Chris Moise echoed those sentiments, saying that the community will continue to
“We always step up and support each other when needed, and we will continue to do so.”
“These are difficult times, and I take solace in knowing that Toronto is a sanctuary city where all are welcome,” Moise continued, adding that Toronto Pride is a beacon of hope for 2SLGBTQ+ people worldwide.
“In my role as councillor, I make sure that everyone from our community across the world knows that our doors are open and they are welcome.”
The organization recognizes ambassadors for different groups within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, with a single ambassador selected to represent each of the following communities: dykes, newcomers, BIPOC, transgender people, two-spirit people, those who are sober, youth, people who identify as bi+. But during this time of political persecution, Pride Toronto has named four Trans Ambassadors for this year’s event, including Fae Johnstone, Cattleya Sage Keb, Lula Abdo and Pepper Espin.
Also timely, this year’s charity of choice is Canvas Programs, an organization providing empathy-based education on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and consent in schools, community spaces, and workplaces.
