By Asha Collins, Parade Day: June 24 – LGBTQ+ Newcomers group with multiple signs describing how pride accepts all people, and supports newcomers in their journeys starting in Canada.
As Toronto Pride 2018 has come to an end, and we all slowly come down from the hype and excitement that it brings to the Southern Ontario; we have an opportunity to reflect and think about what Pride means to our communities, and how it shapes our personal thoughts and experiences…
By. Asha Collins, Parade Day; June 24 – The Winners, Homesense, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, employees and volunteers walking behind their float, waving the Pride flag with White Hearts in the center.
This year’s theme –
35 years of AIDS Activism – was a powerful one. We were challenged to think about, and celebrate, the progress achieved since the mid-1980s. This progress would not have been achieved without the commitment and resilience of our communities. Theme also reminds us to remember the stories of our personal and collective loss and that our commitment and resilience can be a hopeful beacon for those who are still struggling.
By Asha Collins, Parade Day; June 24 – Poster written with the statement saying “I am not DYING I am HIV positive / LIVE PRIDE / End HIV STIGMA!”
Pride Toronto Executive Director, Olivia Nuamah powerfully evoked resilience as a critical characteristic of our community when she said: “
Pride Toronto honors those that continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of all of the LGBTQ+ community. We do this by reflecting on the achievements of the past, honouring those that we have lost, and celebrating the future of our growing and diverse community.”
By Asha Collins, Parade Day; June 24 – TD Float with dancer, and open, coloured doors representing The ArQuives and several other local non-profits in the Village.
By Asha Collins, Parade Day; June 24 – Gay Fathers Toronto marching in the parade holding signs saying “40 and Fabulous” and rainbow flags.
By. Asha Collins, TD Booth; June 24 – At the TD booth, sending mail to The ArQuives through their booth, and providing supporting donations provided from TD to The ArQuives
Our communities are strengthened by learning about the stories of others and acknowledging the shared experience we have. Pride means different things to different people, and we hope that this visual snap shot of Toronto Pride 2018 will help you in the celebration of your PRIDE! And The ArQuives invites you to explore the stories of past Pride Events, which represent a colourful part of our permanent collection.
By Asha Collins, Parade Day; June 24 – This particular float depicts the theme of Pride 2018 of the celebration of 35 of HIV & AIDS activism. The banner across the float reads “Colour of Resistance”. The Red Ribbon for HIV and AIDS awareness in the background of the banner.
The resilience of our communities is strengthened by learning about the stories of others and acknowledging the shared experience we have in common. Pride means different things to different people, but we hope that this little glimpse into Toronto Pride 2018 from our point of view helps in the celebration of your PRIDE!
By Asha Collins, Glad Day Bookstore; June 24 – Erin Brockobic performing at Glad Day Bookshop’s weekly Drag Brunch. Erin is wearing a fabulous rainbow leotard, while in a bent-back position with her fan extended.
By. Anthony Brum, Night time; June 22 – During the night, sprawls of people going about their evening, enjoying the various nighttime activities throughout the Village.
By Asha Collins, Parade Day; June 24 – Parade participants in the the South East Asian group walking with traditional oil-paper umbrella show off their honour, flare, and support in promoting awareness of the diversity of LGBTQ2+ folks in Pride.
