Starting June 1, the rainbow flag will fly high over U of T’s Varsity Centre on Bloor Street to signal the upcoming celebrations of Canada’s Pride Month.
The flag also signals U of T’s continued support for the LGBTQ+ community. The university’s internationally recognized Positive Space campaign, which raises the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, was started 21 years ago. Since 1999, U of T's Sexual and Gender Diversity Office and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education have greatly expanded training, programs and events.
“U of T also has so many LGBTQ+ student groups and has a long history of activism – the first on-campus LGBTQ+ association in Canada was created at U of T in 1969," says Allison Burgess, the sexual & gender diversity officer with Human Resources & Equity. "So many campus departments and groups, including KPE, have worked to collaborate and increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty. ”
KPE has also developed Athlete Ally, a Varsity Blues program committed to ending homophobia and transphobia in sport, and supports Equity Movement, a student-led group that organizes inclusive initiatives throughout the year.
"Not only does this event link to our academic mission and signify the beginning of Pride month, it also shows our dedication to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion at all levels – in research, education and our broad spectrum of co-curricular physical activity and sport programs, and student-driven initiatives," says Professor Ira Jacobs, dean of KPE.
Continuing in this tradition, here are our top five tips for celebrating Pride at KPE and U of T.
Pride Flag Raising
June 1
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Varsity Stadium, 299 Bloor St. W. (entrance off of Devonshire Place)
Come celebrate the beginning of Pride with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office. Free cupcakes!
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U of T Pride Pub
June 9
4 – 8 p.m. Community Fair and BBQ
8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Dancing Under the Stars
Hart House Quad, 7 Hart House Circle
There’s something for everyone at Pride Pub! Learn about LGBTQ+ resources at our community fair, play games like giant Jenga, make buttons and listen to amazing music.
Featuring: Raging Asian Women Taiko Drummers, Cozmic Cat (Cherry Bomb, Queer Nation) and Sammy Royale (Yes Yes Y’all)
This is a family-friendly event. All ages until 9 p.m., 17+ after 9 p.m.
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Display your Pride
June 22
8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Show your creative flair and fabulous colours by decorating your office or student space in support of Pride. Be sure to tweet your photos with the #DisplayYourPride and #UofT hashtag (as well as your campus’ hastag: #UTSC, #UTM and #StG) and follow online. Don’t have a Twitter, Instagram or Facebook account? Don’t worry – just send your photo to sgdo@utoronto.ca with your details and we’ll tweet it for you!
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Pride Remembrance Run
June 24
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Corner of Church and Wellesley
Once again this year, the U of T Pride and Remembrance Run Team will hit the pavement in support of local LGBTQ+ charitable organizations. The 5km run (or 3km walk) circles twice around Queen’s Park Crescent (once for the walkers) and then finishes back at the corner of Church and Wellesley streets.
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Trans March, Dyke March and Pride Parade
June 23, 24 and 25
Represent the U of T community in Toronto’s Pride celebrations. Join us for the Trans March, Dyke March, Pride Parade, or all three!
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The Sexual & Gender Diversity Office will continue to update the Pride calendar, so check back to learn about more Pride events.
Students can also join Equity Movement, a student-led group supported by KPE that organizes inclusive initiatives throughout the year.