We celebrated Pride all summer long, and we couldn’t be happier!
With Prescott-Russell, Lanark County, and Renfrew County celebrating Pride in June, and Ottawa celebrating in August, our summer was filled with rainbow flags, good music, and opportunities to connect with the community.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to be heard, included, supported, and celebrated for who they are. We are stronger when we come together to affirm and value the diverse experiences and identities that make our communities vibrant.
We kicked off Pride Month in Lanark County on June 6 by attending the Perth Pride Parade and Community Fair, organized by Pride in Perth and supported by Queer Connection Lanark.
Our next stop was the Renfrew Pride Picnic on June 13. We were proud not only to attend but also to sponsor the event, which raised funds for Renfrew Pride and PFLAG Canada Renfrew County. It was a lively day filled with music, games, and a community BBQ.
We joined our friends at TD for their Pride in the Plaza event on August 27 to kick off Capital Pride weekend. The evening featured music from DJ BLK PRL and drag performances by Karamilk, Hazel, and Kiki Coe.
Our final stop of the summer was the Capital Pride Parade on August 30. We had a fantastic time marching alongside community members, partners, and allies. Every step was a celebration of love, inclusion, and the ongoing pursuit of equity.
Ottawa celebrates Pride in August to honour the 1971 We Demand protest on Parliament Hill, the first large-scale demonstration for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Canada.
We are proud to work alongside partners across our region, including organizations such as Ten Oaks Project, and many others, to support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in meeting their diverse needs. Through advocacy, storytelling, and community partnerships, we will continue to stand alongside 2SLGBTQIA+ communities today and every day.
To learn more about United Way East Ontario’s ongoing work to advance equity and inclusion, please visit our Equity and Reconciliation page.
