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!