quick snapshot

VISION

To make York Region the ultimate destination for 2SLGBTQ+ experiences.

To inspire positive change through human connections, support, and education, while providing 2SLGBTQ+ focused events that highlight our queer culture and the importance of creating inclusive spaces within and beyond York Region.

MISSION

Destination,
York Region

1.2 Million people within nine cities and towns. Our diverse communities speak over 120 languages, with an estimated 120,000 2SLGBTQ+ residents.

Objectives.

» Continue to create opportunities for our community to experience unity

» Celebrate, encourage and welcome the diversity of our community

» Provide educational opportunities to learn how to build safer spaces in the community

» Continue to strengthen voices and support the advocacy of the community

We Will.

» Provide enriched educational and social programming that inspires transformational experiences

» Include and encourage representation of all people through outreach to underrepresented groups

» Create a platform for celebrating and promoting arts that are reflective of our vision

» Partner with organizations and institutions to deliver relevant, "real stories" and experiences reflective of the history and current landscape of the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Pride is our people, our voices, our right to be heard, be recognized, and be respected.

York Pride is one of the biggest regional prides in Ontario. We continue to celebrate the power and beauty of diversity in one of Canada’s most vibrant and growing regions.

Photo: Pride on Riverwalk Community Fair

Digital Programming

In 2020 York Pride launched Digital Pride to ensure arts and culture programming could continue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our festival will continue to explore implementing digital streaming capabilities into signature events to improve these services to ensure the community can always connect to the programming to reduce accessibility barriers for all our participants.

Where's the Focus?

We are working to better our relationship with the Indigenous and two-spirit communities to strengthen our connections and reflect their creativity and advocacy throughout the entire festival more authentically.
We intend to create events that magnify our diverse community, emphasize marginalized artists, and give better visibility to various forms of 2SLGBTQ+ creativity and innovation.
Continuously recognizing and removing discrimination by changing systems, adjusting organizational structures, policies and practices so that power is restructured and shared equitably.
Creating safer spaces has always been a key priority at all our events. Working with our community to ensure they feel safe and included is an ongoing goal for our festival, especially with the rise in hate crimes in the past few years.
Our goal is to enhance pre-existing partnerships with community organizations to ensure the youngest and the elders are taken care of as well as included in our programming. Supporting those whom paved the way and those about to walk the journey.