News
Jody Brimacombe
Posted on June 28, 2020
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pride day canada

This is how people in Canada celebrated Pride Day across the country

News
Jody Brimacombe
Posted on June 28, 2020
Report Inaccuracy

Happy Pride Day, Canada! From rainbow flags to virtual concerts to drool-worthy cakes, Canadians across the country banded together to celebrate LGBT2Q+ communities today.

Although the U.S. and other countries celebrated Pride Day earlier this week, many Canadians chose to celebrate on June 28 since it marks the anniversary of the Law on Civil Marriage passing through the House of Commons.

When the bill passed into law just under a month later, Canada became the fourth country in the world to officially recognize same-sex marriage.

On Sunday, Pride Toronto kicked things off with a day of virtual celebrations, ranging from musical performances to a Drag Ball to a surprise guest appearance from Halsey.

The city of Toronto was bathed in bright colours, including a gigantic rainbow flag unfurled in a park, rainbow murals and a festive rainbow decal outside of a local bank branch.

Canadian residents took to social media to share photos of themselves proudly donning rainbow masks and flags, including Mayor John Tory.

And it wasn't just Ontario that got involved.

Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Winnipeg aren't scheduled to have their Pride parades until later this summer, but that didn't stop other cities from joining in.

And although the sky was overcast, a little bad weather didn't stop this Alberta Queen from celebrating Pride Day.

Even a few figures in the Canadian entertainment industry participated in the day's events.

Beloved Canadian TV series Schitt's Creek wished people across Canada a happy Pride on Twitter, sharing how the television show set out to make a better, more inclusive world.

"I do feel like when someone who has opposing beliefs sits down in front of their TV and watches, we're not teaching them a lesson," co-creator Dan Levy says in the clip. "We're showing them what life could be like."

And Canadian superstar Shania Twain reached out on Saturday to wish the country a happy Pride Day.

While Canadian singer Lights shared a snap of her rainbow-coloured pin to Twitter.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau similarly wished Canada a happy Pride Day on Saturday, encouraging Canadians to gather online this weekend to celebrate.

"I know we all wish we were marching together today, but I'm so glad we're finding new ways to celebrate because it's so important that we continue to show our support for the LGBT2Q communities," Trudeau said.

On Sunday, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Theresa Tam also acknowledged Pride Day, saying that she's inspired by the "innovative ways Canadians are showing their pride loudly and vibrantly."

"LGBTQ2+ communities face unique health challenges, including stigmatization, exposure to violence, food insecurity and barriers in access to care," Tam said in a statement.

"In light of Pride, I would like to acknowledge not only the health and social challenges you face, but to commend and celebrate your resilience."

Lead photo by

Kellie Parker
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