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TDSB Celebrates 2SLGBTQ+ Pride

June is Pride Month at the TDSB! It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness among all staff and students about the rich culture and history of our 2SLGBTQ+ community. TDSB school communities are encouraged to hold intentional sessions with their students about issues related to 2SLGBTQ+ communities as well as the impact of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia on TDSB students, staff, and community members. 

Queer and Trans Pride is the concept that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersexed, and two spirited (2SLGBTQ+) people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The movement has three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; that diversity is a gift; and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered. The use of the abbreviated Gay Pride and Pride have since become mainstream and shorthand expressions inclusive of all individuals in various 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

The modern "Pride" movement began after the "Stonewall Riots" in 1969. Instead of backing down to unconstitutional raids by New York Police, drag queens and queer street kids fought back. While it was a violent situation it also gave the underground community the first sense of communal pride in a very well publicized incident.

From the yearly parade that commemorated the anniversary of the Stonewall riots began a national grassroots movement. Today many countries around the world celebrate pride.

The Pride movement has furthered the cause of queer and trans rights by lobbying politicians, registering voters and increasing visibility to educate on issues important to queer and trans communities. Pride advocates work for equal "rights and benefits" and "respect and dignity" for queer and trans persons.

As the event known as Pride has grown in popularity, so has its commercialization and its corporate and government sponsorships. Many in queer and trans communities deeply criticize sponsors' interference with Pride's original and intended political roots, and view freedom of expression as central to the event.

The Gender-Based Violence Prevention Office and Equitable and Inclusive Schools encourage everyone to have a safe, celebratory and political Pride! Staff are strongly encouraged to take this opportunity to use the curriculum resources to educate and promote equity for diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

We look forward to celebrating Pride 2025 with all our 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, and allies!


Join Us at the 2025 Pride Parade!

We are thrilled to invite students, staff, and their families and friends to join the loud and proud TDSB contingent at the Toronto PRIDE Parade on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

This year, Pride Toronto is once again working to become more environmentally friendly and “go greener.” Due to new regulations, the size of the TDSB float will be smaller than in previous years, with reduced rider capacity. As a result, Pride Toronto is encouraging more participants to march — bikes, scooters, rollerblades, or any other energy-efficient modes of transportation are welcome!

Meeting Details:

We’re asking all walking TDSB participants to gather between 1:00 and 1:15 p.m. at Asquith Green Park (west side of Church Street, one block north of Bloor). Please see Map 1 (Marchers Gathering Point) below.

TDSB staff will be at the park to guide everyone to our mustering point at Ted Rogers Way and Charles Street.

Participation Options:

TDSB participants will have the option of either marching in the parade or riding on the TDSB float (limited capacity).

Parade Route:

The parade will begin moving from Church Street and Bloor Street at 2:00 p.m. It will head west, then turn south on Yonge Street, and turn right this year onto Dundas Street, ending at Nathan Phillips Square by approximately 7:00 p.m. Please see Map 2 (Toronto Pride Parade Map) below.

Helpful Reminders:

  • Stay hydrated and prepare for the summer sun.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and food for the day.
  • Dress comfortably and consider wearing TDSB or Pride colours.

Follow the fun on parade day via X and Instagram at #PrideTDSB.

For more information, please contact:

  • Jim Spyropoulos – Jim.Spyropoulos@tdsb.on.ca
  • Melanie Pearce – Melanie.Pearce@tdsb.on.ca

Let’s celebrate inclusion, equity, and diversity together — see you at Pride!

Map 1 - Marchers Gathering Point


Map 1 TDSB Marchers gathering point. Marchers meet between 1:00 pm and 1:15 pm at Asquith Green Park, 19 Park Road, between Church Street and Park Road, north of Bloor Street.

Map 2 - Toronto Pride Parade Map




 

Pride T-Shirt Design Showcase

Take a look at the unique designs created by our talented students for our Pride celebration. Each artwork reflects our students' creativity and commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion.