June is Pride Month – We’re All In! 

_{June 10, 2025
By Pallavi Suresan, Community Health Worker – 2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer Initiatives, & Marco Campana, Knowledge Mobilization and Social Action Coordinator, Access Alliance}

Our Among Friends program, in operation since 2007, is dedicated to serving two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) newcomers. We recognize that 2SLGBTQI+ people who are new to Canada face particular challenges including language barriers, lack of information about systems/services, social isolation, poverty, and barriers to employment. They also face discrimination because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. 

What is Pride Month? 

Pride is about celebrating 2SLGBTQI+ communities, contributions, and talents. It’s about fighting to protect 2SLGBTQI+ rights, to defend against stigma, shame, discrimination and abuse and stand together for equity, inclusion and freedom. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the leadership, resistance, and joy of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. It is also a time to recognize the long-standing and ongoing transformative advocacy work of 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada. 

We celebrate Pride during the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, a series of protests that took place in 1969 in New York City after police raided The Stonewall Inn, a well-known gathering place for 2SLGBTQI+ people. Patrons of the bar were used to police raids, but that night, tired of the ongoing harassment and violence from police, they fought back. Most of the Stonewall patrons were the most marginalized in the 2SLGBTQI+ community, including people of colour, and homeless youth kicked out of their homes due to their sexuality They were fighting back, defiantly saying that they were tired of being abused and assaulted.

The protests mobilized the 2SLGBTQI+ community and their allies, who protested for two nights against the criminalization of their sexuality, and sparked a movement advocating for 2SLGBTQI+ rights across the world In Canada there have also been protests against police brutality, abuse and targeting of 2SLGBTQI+ people, including the Toronto Bathhouse Raids in 1981, which led to Toronto’s first Pride celebrations. 

Unique challenges facing 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers 

For 2SLGBTQI+ people of colour, especially Black and Indigenous peoples, violence and inequities can be more extreme, and there are often less supports available. 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers can often struggle with their sense of belonging. Many are still exploring their own sexuality and gender, or are unsure how they fit into Canadian ideas around what it means to identify as 2SLGBTQI+. For others, they are learning how to navigate the complicated ways that homophobia and transphobia manifest in this country while simultaneously dealing with other issues linked to race, immigration status, poverty, disability, and mental health. 

2SLGBTQI+ newcomers can often have trouble trying to figure out how their sexuality or gender fits in with their culture and religion. Throughout history, 2SLGBTQI+ people were acknowledged, supported, and honoured in many different parts of the world. European colonization brought in homophobic and transphobic laws and beliefs that still exist in many countries and cultures today. In some countries, this has escalated to introducing the death penalty for 2SLGBTQI+ people. It is a horrifying reality for 2SLGBTQI+ people across the world that simply existing as they are puts their lives in danger every day. Despite this, 2SLGBTQI+ people continue to advocate for their rights and their communities, even under the threat of death.  

All of this means that many people come to Canada seeking safety. But many 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers can feel a sense of conflict between their sexual orientation and their cultural, ethnic, and/or religious communities. This might mean not being open with their families, because doing so could mean losing them. It’s a difficult place to be, addressing those feelings of worry and fear while also working to live a life of freedom and dignity, while embracing their true selves.  

Read more in this 2023 article – 2SLGBTQ+ Newcomer Pride: Celebrating Identity, Resilience, and Inclusive Communities – from Among Friends’ staffer Pallavi Suresan who provides more information about Pride, how we’ve celebrated, why it’s important, and the work our Among Friends team does every day to support 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers. 

Join us in June as we celebrate Pride Month!  

Celebrate 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer & Intersex Pride in the park! Join us from 3 to 7 pm on June 12 at Taylor Creek Park, Picnic Area #5, for music, dancing, art, games, nature walks, bike rides AND a BBQ! This is a friendly outdoor space for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers. 
In case of rain, we’ll meet at 3079 Danforth Ave. Register here to reserve a meal.

Celebrate 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer & Intersex Pride in the park! Join us from 3 to 7 pm on June 12 at Taylor Creek Park, Picnic Area #5, for music, dancing, art, games, nature walks, bike rides AND a BBQ! This is a friendly outdoor space for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers. On June 20th join us from 1-3 pm on June 20th at Queen’s Park as we gather with our community to push back against rising hate and go ALL OUT to defend 2SLGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers, for a future where everyone can live in safety and dignity, without fear.  

On Sunday, Jun 29th, join us at Toronto’s Pride Parade! “The parade kicks off at 2 PM, with over 25,000 marchers and more than 250 groups participating, all united in the mission to promote diversity, acceptance, and inclusion. It’s not just a parade; it’s a vibrant display of pride, strength, and solidarity. Be sure to find your preferred spot along our Pride Route, which starts at the intersection of Rosedale Valley Rd. and Park Rd. and culminates at Nathan Phillips Square. Don’t miss our spectacular Closing Night, packed with live performances, vibrant entertainment, and unforgettable moments that will leave you inspired and energized.” 

More information and useful resources 

The following resources aim to spark reflection, ongoing learning, and action during Pride, and also throughout every day of the year. 

Thursday Program 

Our Thursday Program focuses on building 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer connections and community, mental well-being, learning about settling in Canada, advocacy, stress management and community resources.  

The Program runs every Thursday at our Danforth location, 3079 Danforth Avenue, from 5 PM – 7 PM. 

Webinar Wednesdays 

Anyone in need can access our virtual drop-in “Webinar Wednesdays”, twice a month on Zoom, from 5 PM – 6:30 PM. You don’t need to be a registered client to join us online. If you would like to receive information and updates about our programming, including our online sessions and special events, you can sign up for our mailing list. 

One-on-One Settlement Sessions 

Our 2SLGBTQI+ Community Health Workers meet with clients one-on-one to identify their settlement needs, make referrals inside and outside the agency, and support clients through the refugee process. Support is provided for housing, legal issues, financial insecurity, employment and questions about refugee claims. 2SLGBTQI+ Community Health Workers also connect clients to community resources. Interpretation services are available for all appointments.  

You can call 416-693-8677 to book an appointment or for more information contact us at amongfriends@accessalliance.ca. 

Volunteer Opportunities 

We have many opportunities within Access Alliance and the 2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer Program to share skills, build community, and learn new things. Access Alliance welcomes 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers to volunteer in our various programs. You can find more information about volunteering here.