It all started in 1969 when Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau uttered those famous words, “the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation,” and the federal government decided to decriminalize homosexual acts. Since then, the LGBT community has come a long way. The Pride Parade is a direct result of the efforts put forth by those in support of equal rights for all people, not to mention the fact that it has exploded onto the Toronto summer festival scene to become one of the city’s most popular and successful events.
The idea began with a Gay Pride Picnic in 1971 at Hanlan’s Point, and because of the success, it sparked a movement. The picnic became an annual event, attracting hundreds of people, eventually evolving into Pride Week, but for the next decade it was an on-again, off-again event until things got very political with the legendary Barracks bathhouse raids that galvanized the community.
The Pride events gained momentum and took on a more political tone that culminated in 1984 when Church Street was closed down for the first time.
Another important milestone was in 1991 when, finally, the city actually officially proclaimed Pride Day for the first time.
During the current 10-day Pride Week period, June 19 to 28 this year, attendees celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities as well as honouring those of different cultures, religions, and histories.
Pride events actually overlap with Father’s Day, and many attend to support family members.
The Pride Parade is the main attraction slated for June 28. This year’s grand marshal is David Furnish, a Toronto native and filmmaker who happens to be married to Elton John. No word yet if the Crocodile Rocker will hit the after-party stage.
