(AGENPARL) – Mon 02 June 2025 City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release
June 2, 2025
City of Toronto kicks off Pride Month with Pride Flag raising ceremony at Toronto City Hall
Later today, the City of Toronto will officially kick off its Pride Month celebrations by raising the Pride Flag at Toronto City Hall, reaffirming the City’s commitment to visibility, inclusion and equity for Toronto’s Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (2SLGBTQ+) residents and communities.
Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee, will be joined by City staff, representatives from Pride Toronto and residents to mark the start of Pride Month following Mayor Chow’s official proclamation of June as Pride Month in Toronto.
The event will include remarks and performances that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities and reaffirm the City’s commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging.
Throughout the month of June, the City will host and support a variety of events and programs that uplift 2SLGBTQ+ voices, histories and communities. The Pride Flag will be raised at all Civic Centres and the Toronto Sign will be lit in rainbow colours in honour of Pride Month.
Additional Pride Flag raising ceremonies will take place at the following City locations:
– Mel Lastman Square on Wednesday, June 4 at 9 a.m.
– Montgomery’s Inn, Etobicoke on Wednesday, June 4 at 4 p.m.
– Albert Campbell Square on Thursday, June 5 at 9 a.m.
This year’s Pride Month runs from Sunday, June 1 to Monday, June 30, culminating in the Pride Parade, a vibrant celebration of Toronto’s diverse 2SLGBTQ+ communities, on Sunday, June 29 from 2 to 6 p.m., travelling along Yonge Street from Aylmer Avenue to Nathan Phillips Square.
More information about Pride Month programming and events across the city is available on the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/pride-month/.
Pride has been a vital celebration of community and a platform to raise awareness of the inequities still faced by 2SLGBTQ+ people. The City will continue its work to create a more inclusive and equitable Toronto, supported by partnerships with community organizations and internal programs such as:
– The Pride Network, an inclusive employee group supporting 2SLGBTQ+ staff.
– The 2SLGBTQ+ Council Advisory Body which provides input to ensure City programs reflect the needs of the community.
– Ongoing funding and partnerships with organizations such as The 519 and Pride Toronto.
Health resources
Toronto Public Health (TPH) will share sexual health information, harm reduction supplies and inclusive health resources at the Toronto Pride Street Fair from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29. TPH will also participate in Family Pride on Saturday, June 28, an event for parents, caregivers and children (up to age 12) to connect and celebrate Pride.
The Sexual Health Infoline Ontario (SHILO) provides free and tailored information and referrals for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, including PrEP, PeP, HIV, STI testing and safer sex information. Service is provided in multiple languages and more details are available on the City’s website: toronto.ca/SHILO.
Mpox continues to circulate in Toronto. Eligible residents are strongly encouraged to start or complete the two-dose vaccine series for the best protection. Visit toronto.ca/mpox to learn more and book an appointment.
To locate a sexual health clinic near you, visit the City’s Sexual Health Clinics webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-clinics/sexual-health-clinics/
Quotes:
“Toronto is a city where everyone should feel free to be themselves, to be safe and to be celebrated. Pride Month is a joyful celebration of love, community and a powerful reminder of the work still ahead of us. I’m proud that we are raising the Pride Flag at City Hall today and continuing to stand with 2SLGBTQ+ communities every day of the year.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Pride Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, solidarity and action. As we raise the Pride Flag once again at City Hall, we honour the progress made and recognize the work that still lies ahead to ensure safety, dignity and equity for all 2SLGBTQ+ Torontonians.”
– Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee