June is Toronto Pride month, and it seems to be off to a great start! Haven’t been to any of the events yet? Don’t worry, because there are still a lot of great events to attend over the next two weeks! In light of recent events surrounding the Orlando Shooting, it is more important than ever to get out and show our pride.
Here are a few upcoming events that you shouldn’t miss:
Libido: Presented by Dyke March & Manifesto
Libido is a music event being held at the Gladstone Hotel ( 1214 Queen St. W.) on June 16 starting at 9 p.m. The DJ line-up, which includes LGBTQ artists, will be released soon and all proceeds will go towards dyke, queer, and youth initiatives hosted by Manifesto and the Dyke March. Manifesto is a youth organization that helps emerging hip hop artists in Toronto. Tickets will be pay-what-you-can between $10-$20 upon arrival.
Club Babylon
The popular drama TV show, Queer as Folk, has a famous and popular fictional nightclub that will come to life on June 17 at 10:30 p.m to celebrate the iconic TV show. The legendary event will occur at Fly 2.0 (6 Gloucester St.), a gay club in Toronto, and the venue for the fictional club on the show. There will be go-go boys wearing the original Queer as Folk costumes, and Randy Harrison, who played Justin on the show, will be hosting the celebration.
TIFF Family Pride Screening
If you are looking for an event to attend with the kids, a family Pride movie is a great way to eat popcorn and teach an important message at the same time. The TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W.) is putting on a compilation of live-action short films that advocate for LGBTQ inclusive themes on June 19 at 1 p.m. The films are recommended for ages seven and up. Films include Looks, Wini & George, Exclamation Mark, and the Boy with Chocolate Finger among many others.
Two-spirit Rainbow Pow Wow
The Two-Spirit Indigenous community is proud to feature art, culture and music around the two-spirit identity at the TD Village Stage (77 Wellesley St. E.) on July 1 at 7 p.m. Two-spirit dancers will be showcased, alongside DJ Sub who will be spinning First Nations’ electronic dance beats. Juno award winning group, Digging Roots, and famous two-spirit artist, Shawnee will also perform. The pow wow will include drums and traditional first nations dancing.
Pride Parade
Toronto’s Pride Parade is the main event of Pride month and it is a busy and fantastic experience. The pride parade is coming into its 35th year. The parade begins at 2p.m on July 3 at the corner of Church and Bloor St. and will march southwards. The parade features over 100 different organizations that support LGBTQ rights and celebrates this community in a healthy and fun way. Definitely worth attending!
The second half of Pride month is full of stellar event choices that vary from family flicks to club nights with go-go boys. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and it all concludes with the ever-amazing Pride Parade.
What event are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below.
