Celebrating Pride Month: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

As June dawns upon us, the New Canadians Centre is happy to join in the celebration of Pride Month—a time to honor and uplift the 2SLGBTQ+ community, celebrate diversity, and advocate for equality and inclusion for all. We stand firm in our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression—feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

Pride Month holds a special significance as we come together to recognize and celebrate the resilience, courage, and contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities worldwide. It is a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality and acceptance for all.

At the heart of Pride Month lies a rich tapestry of history, activism, and solidarity. It is a time to honor the trailblazers and activists who paved the way for progress, while also reaffirming our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations. From the rainbow flag to the diverse array of Pride events and parades, Pride Month serves as a vibrant symbol of love, acceptance, and pride in one’s identity.

This Pride Month, we encourage you to learn more about the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Here are two ways you can start:

  1. Do you know what 2SLBGTQ+ stands for? Check out this infographic from the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity
  2. Check out the National Film Board of Canada’s selection of films and documentaries for Pride Month – it includes films for all ages and the 2021 documentary Someone Like Me about a gay asylum seeker in Canada and a group of queer community members supporting his resettlement in Canada.

You can also visit the Pride Parade in Toronto on June 30, the largest pride parade in Canada!

Locally, Peterborough Pride hosts a parade and celebrations in September. They are currently looking for volunteers. You can also check out their events calendar for other activities.