June marks the start of Pride season in Canada, which marks an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions made by members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
TD has a long-standing commitment to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This month and every day, TD is proud to support a range of initiatives and Pride events that highlight this diverse community through the TD Ready Commitment (the Bank's corporate citizenship platform).
At a time when we're seeing an erosion of rights and protections across the globe and a rise in harmful rhetoric targeting the most vulnerable members of society, TD remains unwavering in its support for 2SLGBTQ+ people.
If you're looking to show your support for equality and celebrate Pride 2023, and you're not sure where to start, here are events and initiatives happening across Canada!
ATLANTIC
Halifax Pride Festival (July 20-30, 2023)
In 1988, approximately 75 people marched through Halifax's North End in the city's first-ever Pride March. Today, Halifax Pride boasts more than 100,000 participants throughout its 11-day festival, which features more than 150 events at the end of July.
QUEBEC
Fierté Montréal Pride (August 3-13, 2023)
The Montreal Pride festival is a massive, city-wide event. Various local organizations, clubs, businesses and more join together to highlight the realities of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and celebrate together. The festival includes numerous events, including marches and a parade along Boulevard Rene-Levesque on Sunday, August 13.
Fête Arc-en-ciel de Québec (September 1-3, 2023)
Fête Arc-en-ciel, or the Rainbow Party, is the Pride Festival in Quebec City. Along with hosting this annual Pride event, the Alliance Arc-en-ciel de Québec works to fight homophobia and protect the rights of people of sexual diversity and gender plurality (DSPG). In addition to organizing the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Quebec City (May 17) and Pride, the Alliance is developing several projects to help educate the public about the issues and realities facing people of DSPG.
ONTARIO
Pride at Union Station (May 31-June 29)
TD is proud to celebrate Pride at Union Station with free concerts and more. This year, the events are focused on recognizing what was, celebrating what is, and working towards what should be, in addition to highlighting the milestones of progress of 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Pride Toronto (June 1-25, 2023)
From a small gathering of activists fighting for their right to love and be seen, to clashes with the government and police, to the vibrant celebration we know today, Pride Toronto has been a long time in the making. Visit the Pride Toronto website to find the schedule of events, including the Pride parade along Bloor and Yonge Streets on June 25.
Toronto Blue Jays' Pride Weekend (June 9-10)
TD is a presenting sponsor for the Toronto Blue Jays' Pride Weekend at the Rogers Centre on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. As part of Pride Month, Blue Jays fans are encouraged come together to show their support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community through a unique concourse activation, as well as numerous pre-game and in-game activations and fan engagements.
Pride London Festival (July 13-24, 2023)
The London Pride Festival began in 2003, following the closure of HALO, an event venue and gathering space for the 2SLGBTQ+ community from the 1970s until 2000. Seven members of the community joined to start the city's annual Pride festival. The 11-day festival features numerous events, including three days of music and activities in Victoria Park.
Capital Pride Festival (August 18-21, 2023)
Ottawa Prides begins with the Capital Pride Pageant on Saturday, August 19, a popular drag competition. Festival weekend runs from August 25-27, and concludes with the annual Pride Parade on Sunday August 27.
PRAIRIES
Pride Winnipeg (May 26-June 4, 2023)
Dozens of performers, including singers, dancers, drag queens and comedians help Winnipeg celebrate Pride. Pride Winnipeg organizes five major events, both somber and celebratory, including an annual vigil as well as Pride parade and festival on Sunday, June 4.
Saskatoon Pride Festival (June 9-18, 2023)
The Saskatoon Pride Festival features events for participants of all ages, from parties and markets to arts shows and a golf tournament. The annual festival recognizes, values, celebrates and supports Two Spirit, queer, lesbian, gay, trans, bi, and other gender and sexually diverse people and their families.
Edmonton Pride (August 18-26, 2023)
Edmonton Pride's mission is to support members of the city's 2SLGBTQ+ community to be their authentic selves; to be respected, accepted, understood, and acknowledged. On August 24, Edmonton Pride will host its first-ever Two-Spirit Powwow, along with numerous other events throughout the festival.
Calgary Pride (September 1-4, 2023)
The events during Calgary Pride are meant to celebrate and uplift the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The annual Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, September 3. The Calgary Pride Festival will be on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3 at Prince’s Island Park with detailed programming expected to be announced closer to Labour Day weekend.
PACIFIC
Vancouver Pride (August 4-6, 2023)
Pride Vancouver announced a new, more accessible location for its 2023 parade and festival. Its signature event, the parade, attracts over 100,000 attendees and features over 100 local community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses and more showcasing their support for the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The Parade includes three accessible viewing zones, six superstar hosts, and a VIP viewing area.
Kelowna Pride Week (June 2-11, 2023)
Kelowna Pride is the largest Pride event in the British Columbia interior. It began 25 years ago and brings together over 12,000 people to celebrate love, diversity and inclusivity. Events include parties, drag shows, Trans pride celebrations, and an all-ages festival on June 10 with performances, vendors and kids' activities.
Victoria Pride (Jun 29-Jul 9, 2023)
Victoria Pride is all about community connection, celebration and activism. Events include a memorial drag baseball game on July 1 (which usually has 1,000 spectators); the Big Gay Dog Walk on July 6, the Pride is the Word Literary Festival on July 8; and a parade and family-friendly festival on July 9.