Thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Toronto on Sunday as the city hosted its annual Pride Parade, celebrating diversity, inclusion and equality in one of Canada’s largest public events. Rainbow flags, colourful costumes and festive music transformed the downtown core as residents and visitors joined the celebrations alongside political leaders and community organizations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first appearance at Toronto’s Pride Parade since taking office last year, joining Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow in greeting spectators along the parade route. The two leaders walked through cheering crowds on Yonge Street, stopping to shake hands, pose for photographs and exchange greetings with participants.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Prime Minister playfully encouraged parade-goers carrying water guns to spray him as he marched. Laughing as he was soaked with water, Carney continued along the route with his pink shirt drenched, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
The Prime Minister marched alongside Pride Toronto volunteers carrying signs bearing the names and photographs of the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the tragedy in which 49 people were killed and 53 others injured. Organizers said the tribute honoured the victims while reaffirming the ongoing commitment to equality, remembrance and inclusion.
The parade began shortly after 2 p.m. following the assembly of participants along Rosedale Valley Road. Thousands of spectators lined the route while community organizations, businesses, performers and volunteers took part in the colourful procession.
Many attendees reflected on how Pride has evolved over the years. Long-time participant Chris Collens said the event has grown from a movement for equality into a widely celebrated festival where members of the LGBTQ+ community can openly express themselves. He recalled attending Pride in earlier years while keeping his identity private and said it was meaningful to now participate openly with the support of his employer.
For others, Pride has become a cherished family tradition. Gabrielle Ogchet said she has attended Toronto Pride every year since childhood with her mother, Felicia, describing the annual event as an opportunity to celebrate acceptance, diversity and unconditional support. She said sharing the experience with her family has deepened her appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community.
First-time attendee TL Sutherland described the celebration as both a personal journey and a tribute to friends lost over the years. Identifying as non-binary, Sutherland spoke about the challenges faced while growing up in a religious household and emphasized the importance of greater mental health support for LGBTQ+ and transgender youth. The event also served as a moment to remember friends who had struggled with mental health issues.
Toronto Pride remains Canada’s largest Pride festival and one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. This year’s theme, “We Won’t Stop,” highlights the ongoing pursuit of equality, human rights and inclusion while recognizing the progress achieved by the LGBTQ+ community over the decades.
Pride Toronto Executive Director Kojo Modeste said the theme reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining momentum in advancing equality and ensuring that every individual feels respected, represented and included. Despite financial challenges in recent years resulting from reduced corporate sponsorships, organizers said the strong public participation demonstrates the continuing importance of Pride as both a celebration and a call for greater inclusion across Canadian society.