The big Pride weekend takes over Toronto today and it’s going to be loud and proud, baby! With so much to do, Pride can be a bit overwhelming, so we reached out to four of the queer community’s most prominent (and fabulous!) figures for their top tips to help guide us through it all.
Diamond Rings, musician (above)
What to wear: Sunscreen! If you’re going to be outside all day, make sure you protect your skin because a big red burn never looks good on anyone.
What to see: Music, fashion, friends. Pride is all about being yourself and doing what you want, so don’t get hung up traveling with a big group. Go off and do some exploring on your own.
Where to go: Obviously the parade is the big deal, but if you’re not into crazy crowds head to west end bars like The Beaver or Henhouse for queer positive partying without all the cop cars.
What not to miss: You’re always going to miss something so the less you stress about it and just go with the flow the more fun you’ll have. Just keep it real and live in the moment.
What to try: Something new! Take a risk and do it different. Whether it’s a new outfit or a new drink, try it on and see how it fits!
Peaches, musician
What to wear: The more outlandish the better.
What to see: Just open your eyes.
Where to go: Kensington Market.
What not to miss: Vazaleen at Wrongbar on Saturday, July 2nd.
What to try: A slurp ramp.
Image: Angel Ceballos
Riviera, DJ and producer
What to wear: If I see another sailor striped shirt I might die! As for myself, vintage cut-off denim shirt and waxed black cotton shorts, accompanied by my gold tooth and Sperry sneakers.
What to see: The Pride parade of course, and the Quentin Harris and House of Monroe vogueing battle at the Wellesley Stage on Sunday!
Where to go: Smith restaurant to see myself, and Dirty Dale, DJing all of Sunday on the street — they have amazing food and great cocktails!
Image: Kyle Lasky
What not to miss: The Supermarket pride kick off party and the Bovine closing party.
What to try: Try not to punch out the Jesus freaks that will be out and about, and definitely try to find the horse fetish man with his saddle and carriage so you can take a picture with him.
Fritz Helder, performance artist
What to wear: Whatever fits your mood at the moment. Dressing should elevate you; it’s Pride after all!
What to see: The parade (if it’s not raining) or the bounty of short shorts and batty riders on bountiful young girls and guys.
Where to go: Wrongbar for the final blowout, AND Sugar Beach!
What not to miss: Don’t worry about missing stuff because it’s going to happen no matter what, there’s just too much to see.
What to try: Everything, just play safe!
Image: Justin Broadbent