April 2013
LGBTQ Pride 2013
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Visible signs of union pride are extremely important for smaller towns and communities across Ontario. Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) identified workers and their families are very often invisible or, if out, at serious risk of harassment in their workplaces and their communities.
Over the past forty years, the labour movement can be proud of our work to ensure full legal rights for the LGBTQ workers and their families. We fought for collective bargaining rights and stood with our members through legal battles in achieving legislative equality.
A record 24 centres across Ontario are working hard right now to mark PRIDE this spring and summer. Most are relatively new and therefore vulnerable.
In these difficult economic times, we must ensure that human rights do not become a causality of the recession. The economic downturn has very real repercussions for marginalized groups. We know that in hard times tension rises and harassment increases.
The more unions that assist members in creating a visible presence at picnics, marches and parades the better. This support is crucial, particularly in the smaller towns.
Unions are strongly encouraged to work with local labour councils and contacts wherever possible. For example, support at Thunder Bay’s 3rd Pride celebration, THUNDER PRIDE, will be critical this year because of the high cost of airfares from the south. Your assistance will be appreciated.
Scroll down or click here or an up-to-date list of LGBTQ Pride dates and events as of mid-May. Updates will be posted as they become available.
Let us know what your union is able to do this spring and summer. We’d love to know and to receive your photos and YouTube posting. However small, be assured all workers will appreciate your support.
In Solidarity,
Nancy Hutchison
Secretary-Treasurer
2013 Ontario Pride Listings
MAY
May 6-11: Guelph Pride
www.guelphpride.outontheshelf.ca
May 23-June 2: Tri-Pride: Kitchener/ Cambridge/Waterloo
www.tri-pride.ca
May 31 – June 2: Elliot Lake Pride
www.ELPride.ca
May 31 – June 8: Pride Niagara (St Catharine’s)
www.prideniagara.com
May 31- June 9: Pride Durham
www.pridedurham.com
JUNE
June 1-16: Kingston Pride
www.kingstonpride.ca
June 1: Perth Pride
http://lgbtlanark.com/events/pride-in-perth/
June 2: Halton Pride
www.haltonpride.org
June 4-16: Thunder Pride
www.thunderpride.ca
June 10-15: Hamilton Pride
www.hamiltonpride.org
June 14-16: Grey Bruce Pride
htpps://facebook.com/#1/GreyBrucePride
June 15-23: York Pride
www.yorkpridefest.com
June 15: Brantford Pride
tbuchanan3953@gmail.com
Mohawk Park Lower Pavillion
June 21-30: Pride Toronto
www.pridetoronto.com
June 22-24: Gananoque Pride Festival
http://1000islandsganoque.com/lgbt-summer-solstice
JULY
July 14-21: Sudbury Pride
www.sudburypride.com
July 19-28: Peel Pride
www.peelpride.ca
July 19-21: Port Stanley Pride
www.portstanleypride.ca
July 20: Brockville Pride Walk
https://sites.google.com/site/brockvillepride
July 21-28: Muskoka Pride
www.gaymuskoka.com
July 20-28: Pride London
www.pridelondon.ca
AUGUST
August 2-10: Simcoe County Pride
www.simcoepride.com
August 8-11: Windsor-Essex Pride Festival
www.wepridefest.com
August 16-25: Capital Pride
www.capitalpride.ca
SEPTEMBER
September 21-27: Peterborough Pride
www.peterboroughpride.ca
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Scroll down or click here or an up-to-date list of LGBTQ Pride dates and events as of mid-May.
