Toronto celebrates Gay Pride for a 10 days in late June and into early July (June 22 through July 1, 2012), in part to honor what many consider to be one of the key events in the LGBT history, the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969. One of North America's leading gay destinations, Toronto has been holding Pride observances since '70s, and events have been held annually here since 1981. These days, Toronto Pride's most prominent event, the Pride Parade (slated to take place Sunday, July 1, 2012), draws more than 1.2 million spectators and participants annually, making it one of the top such draws in the world.
The key Toronto Gay Pride events take place in the city's Church Street area, around the intersection with Wellesley Street - a neighborhood also known as the Gay Village. One more exciting bit of news to keep in mind: Toronto has been selected to host WorldPride 2014.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Toronto during Gay Pride.
Details about Toronto Pride 2012 will appear here as they're released. Here's a look at last year's event:
The official Pride Toronto Gay Pride Week comprises a series of parties an events - check the official calendar for a full schedule, from the Official Pride Launch Party to the Inspire Awards Gala. Here's a look at what you can expect at this year's Toronto Pride celebration:
The Pride Community Street Fair and Marketplace runs throughout Pride Weekend. This is a showcase for hundreds of artists, retailers, community organizations, food vendors, and more. It takes place right in the heart of the Gay Village, along Church Street and intersecting Wellesley Street East, and it runs from 6 pm until midnight on Friday, 11 am until midnight on Saturday, and from 11 am until 11 pm on Sunday. There are also eight different entertainment stages set up throughout the Gay Village over Pride Weekend. Here's a map of the festival grounds.
Family Pride takes place on the grounds of Church Street Junior Public School over both days of Pride Weekend; activities includes crafts, games, children's entertainment, a picnic on Saturday, and family brunch on Sunday. The hours are 11 am until 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The much-anticipated Toronto Dyke March is held on Saturday, at 2 pm. It begins on Church and Hayden streets and continues west along Bloor, south down Yonge, east on Wood, and back up part of Church Street.
The festival culminates on Sunday with the Toronto Gay Pride Parade, a hugely attended procession that commences at the intersection of Bloor Street East and Church Street. It then heads west to Yonge Street, south to Gerrard Street, and east back to Church Street (here's a map of the parade route). Participants are eligible for a number of parade awards, from "best costume design" to "best special effects" to "best overall float vehicle" - there's a lot of fabulousness going on.
Note that in recent years, a newer alternative to Toronto Gay Pride, the Queer West Fest, has taken place in the city's eclectic and arsty Queer West Village, in the city's West End, centered largely along Queen Street West, in the 1100 through 1700 blocks. The event has been moved this year to take place in early August.
Additionally, numerous Toronto gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers, such as Xtra Toronto, for details. For more comprehensive information on visiting the city, check out the excellent GLBT travel site produced by Toronto Tourism.
