Celebrating Pride Season in Canada (June to September)
Pride Season in Canada is a time to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and resilience of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities and their allies. While Pride 2025 celebrations and events take place in cities across Canada, Toronto hosts the largest Pride event in North America every year in June. Pride events also happen throughout the year in many communities. Learn more about the history, relevance, and Pride 2025 events and celebrations.
What Does 2SLGBTQI+ Mean?
2SLGBTQI+ stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and additional sexual orientations and gender identities.
Two-Spirit (or 2 Spirit or 2S) is used by some Indigenous people to describe a person who has both feminine and masculine spirits.
Asian men holding a rainbow flag at a Pride parade.
Why Do We Celebrate Pride?
Pride is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of Canada’s deep commitment to human rights. Every individual has the right to live free from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Canada is recognized as one of the most inclusive countries in the world for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. According to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:
Same-sex relationships are legal
Hate crimes and hate speech are illegal
Employers can’t discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity
Same-sex marriage is legal, with full rights and benefits
Doctors or health care professionals cannot refuse treatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity
While today’s Pride events are festive and celebratory, they began as protests demanding justice and equality. Events continue to honour that legacy while celebrating progress, resilience, and inclusion.
Since 1981, Pride Toronto has grown into one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals. The city has officially recognized June as Pride Month since 2016.
Calgary’s Pride began in 1990. In 2022, the parade highlighted the intersection of immigration and LGBTQ+ identity, showcasing newcomers from countries like Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Iran.
Canada’s promise of equality makes it a nation of choice for individuals fleeing countries where sexual orientation is a crime. As noted by the Human Dignity Trust, 65 countries still have laws targeting LGBT people, some carrying penalties as severe as imprisonment or death.
Services and Support for Newcomers
Recognizing the unique needs of LGBT newcomers, many Canadian cities now offer specialized services. LGBTQ+ and multicultural organizations are collaborating, especially in urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Support services include:
Settlement planning
Housing and legal assistance
Financial and employment support
Refugee claim guidance.
Scotiabank and The 519: A Partnership for Impact
In 2024, Scotiabank and The 519—a leading 2SLGBTQIA+ service provider—launched a $750,000, three-year initiative through ScotiaRISE to support LGBTQIA+ newcomers. The Project Unlock program offers:
Your First Weeks in Canada | Developing Your Action Plan
Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.
DIVERSEcity | LGBTQ+ Newcomer Services (Surrey, British Columbia)
MOSAIC Services for Newcomer LGBTQIA+ Refugees(Vancouver, British Columbia)
People raising rainbow flags at a Canadian Pride parade.
Happy Pride Canada!
Wishing a joyful and safe Pride season to all 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, newcomers, and allies! Let’s continue building inclusive, welcoming communities where everyon can thrive!