I am so happy that we can celebrate Pride season in person this year! Each June we celebrate the vibrancy of the 2SLGBTQ2+ community. In Toronto, this culminates with a festival this weekend and the Pride Parade on Sunday. Gathering together for Pride is a celebration of how far we’ve come, but also serves as a reminder of its roots as a protest. Recent decades have seen great progress, but I recognize there is still more work to be done.
Since forming government I am proud of the advancements we’ve made alongside the 2SLGBTQ2+ community who advocate for a fairer, more equitable Canada. Some these achievements include:
Banned the harmful and medically discredited practice of conversion therapy by making it a criminal offence;
Issued a historic apology to individuals harmed by federal legislation and policies that led to discrimination against LGBTQ2 people in Canada;
Unveiled a LGBTQ2+ National Monument to begin construction next year;
Introduced changes so passport holders have been able to identify themselves as gender "X";
Established Canada’s first LGBTQ2 Secretariat to fund community organizations and ensure queer perspectives are included in the development of federal policy;
Introduced legislation to protect transgender people and prevent against discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression; and
Funded research for Canadian Blood Services to implement a sexual behaviour-based model of screening blood donors, rather than use questions about sexual orientation or gender.
Just this month, a Rainbow Wing was opened nearby at the Rekai Centre at Wellesley Central Place. This is the first dedicated space for LGBTQ2 residents in a long-term care home in Canada.
Below you can find some local pride events, local 2SLGBTQ2+-owned businesses and 2SLGBTQ2+ resources.