Pride Month 2022

June is Pride Month. Born out of the fight for equal rights for LGBT2SQ communities, Pride is a global movement and celebration that brings together people from across the country to acknowledge their history, hardships endured, and the progress that has been made in the name of inclusion, diversity, and equality.

History of Pride in Ontario

Soon after the passing of national Bill C-150 in 1969, which decriminalized same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults in private, the first Pride celebration was held in Toronto.

In 1986, sexual orientation was added to the Ontario Human Rights Code as a prohibited ground for discrimination, and “prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, services and certain other activities in the public and private sectors.”

A decade later, the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) was amended to include sexual orientation as a protected group. Overseen by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the CHRA guarantees “the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment and an environment free from discrimination in employment and the provision of goods, services, facilities or accommodation within federal jurisdiction.”

Today, Pride Month is celebrated by millions of people across Ontario who come together to support LGBT2SQ communities, inclusivity, diversity, respect, dignity, and equality. While Ontario has made great strides to increase the visibility, acceptance and equality of LGBT2SQ communities, there is still work to be done to reduce the social stigma and prejudice. This Pride month and every month, we band together for the respect and inclusion of all LGBT2SQ individuals and those who support their communities, and positive action for the future.