Why Pride should be a priority

The GTA has long been recognized as a welcoming space where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, and 2-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) people can be their authentic selves. And for that reason, I, personally, am proud to call it my home.

But despite the incredible progress that’s been made towards equality, the recent killings in Toronto’s LGBTQ2S+ community, and the “Until We’re Safe” march that concluded Sunday’s Pride Parade, have made it clear that we have a long way to go before our communities feel safe — let alone welcoming and inclusive — for everyone. 

We also know that some LGBTQ2S+ people still struggle to find a sense of belonging. This is certainly the case for those who feel excluded not only from our broader society, but also from the LGBTQ2S+ community because of their gender, ethnicity, age, race, religion, income level, or ability. While many have found a home away from home in the LGBTQ2S+ community, much more can be done to support that community further still, so all of its members can enjoy the sense of belonging it’s meant to provide.

Taking Pride In Our Diversity

In my experience, Pride celebrations are one critical way we can pave the way for a future where diversity — in all of its facets — can be honoured as the asset it is. We know that now, more than ever before, we must all stand firmly behind what’s right: behind inclusion, diversity, and making everyone feel safe and valued. I’m happy to say that YMCA volunteers, staff, and members have been eagerly participating in the festivities all month:

• We marched in this year’s Annual Pride Parade, either as proud members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, or as their proud allies.
• We spent the entire weekend of the Parade participating in the first-ever Wellness Zone, expanding our reach beyond the walls of the Toronto Central YMCA that’s been at the centre of this community for over thirty years.
• Throughout the month, our YMCA Pride committee has been collaborating with The 519 to host workshops on the theme "Brave Spaces, Being our Authentic Self.” By promoting open conversations and the exchange of knowledge and experiences, these annual sessions are one of many important ways that the YMCA creates inclusive spaces. 

Celebrating Pride Year-Round

Until we live in a society where diversity is celebrated each and every day, I believe it’s crucial we take the time to honour our community members with special events like the Pride Parade. But at the YMCA, Pride doesn’t end on June 30; supporting the LGBTQ2S+ community is a cornerstone of the work we do daily.

At the Y, diversity and social inclusion are the underpinnings of what we stand for and what we do. Whether it’s our Health & Fitness centres, Child Care sites, camps, youth programs, or newcomer services, every one of our offerings is structured to make people feel welcome — no matter their gender, ethnicity, age, race, religion, income level, sexual orientation, ability, size or shape.

But one initiative I’m especially proud of is YMCA Sprott House, the first transitional housing program for LGBTQ2S+ youth in Canada. It’s so much more than a shelter; by offering easily accessible resources, case management, and programming, YMCA Sprott House helps its participants reach their full potential. They leave after one year knowing their rights, able to advocate for themselves, and with the confidence to pursue their goals. We were even honoured with a nomination for an Inspire Award this year — a recognition of all the work we’re doing to make the Greater Toronto Area a better place for LGBTQ2S+ people of all ages and backgrounds to call home.

Pride month has left all of us at the Y feeling inspired to keep striving for equality and inclusion. Over these past weeks, we’ve been deeply moved by the incredible crowds who’ve joined together to celebrate the progress that’s been made — and to show their support for a more inclusive future. It’s my hope that the beautiful celebrations we’ve all been enjoying will continue to propel us forward, providing our communities with the momentum they need to heal and flourish into the welcoming, safer spaces they should be.