Today marks the beginning of Pride Month—a time to honour the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which were led Black and POC trans women like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, sparking the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation. Pride is a celebration of identity, love and resistance – a reminder that our ongoing struggle for equity, safety and justice.
June 1 also marks the start of National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, heritage, diversity and resilience of Indigenous Communities across Kanata. Indigenous Peoples and the 2SLGBTQ+ community share a history of resisted erasure and being disproportionately affected by HIV.
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) recognizes this month as a time to honour and celebrate the contributions of these communities, and remember the advocacy, courage and leadership of people living with HIV. It’s also an important time to remember those who have dies of HIV and AIDS and celebrate people living with HIV. From the fierce activism of groups like AIDS Action Now! and the iconic protests and die-ins of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in Toronto, to Canada’s nationwide mobilization for equitable healthcare during the AIDS crisis, the resilience and determination of queer communities have profoundly shaped our history.
This month invites us to reflect on the progress made, honour those who bravely led the way, and recommit ourselves to a future where every person can live openly, authentically, and safely. The OHTN recognizes that colonialism, racism, transphobia, biphobia and homophobia are all interconnected and we celebrate everyone in the ongoing pursuit of liberation, justice and equality.
No matter where you are in your journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, know that you deserve to take pride in who you are and who you love.
This year’s Pride theme, “All In,” is a powerful call to unity. It urges us to come together in unwavering solidarity—to show up for one another every single day and actively advocate for a world free from stigma, discrimination, and injustice.
“All In” also captures the expansive, collective spirit of Pride, welcoming people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and justice—core values at the heart of Pride Toronto’s mission.
At the OHTN, we recognize that Pride is not only celebratory but also deeply political, particularly in times of rising anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiment both internationally and here in Canada. At OHTN, our dedication to Pride Month aligns with our recent support for initiatives like the AIDS Vigil Committee at The 519, and reflects our ongoing partnerships with 2SLGBTQ+ communities, advocates, and researchers. We remain deeply committed to meaningfully contributing to this important month through impactful internal programming and sustained external collaborations that advance equity, health, and well-being for all 2SLGBTQ+ people.
This Pride Month – and every month – we stand with you, united in our commitment to the health, well-being, and rights of 2SLGBTQ+ communities.