Pride month is coming in hot! June marks the city’s annual festival of love and self-expression, celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community with a series of exciting events, many of which are taking place in the District. From captivating films screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, to celebrating with Sports Fans at the ballgame, there’s no shortage of fun ways to show your pride this month!
Inside Out Film Festival
May 26th to June 5th
TIFF Bell Lightbox
Each year, Inside Out brings Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community together in celebration of the best queer film from Canada and around the world.This year’s festival will be hybrid, both in-person and online. In-person screenings will take place in Cinema 1 at TIFF Bell Lightbox from May 26 to June 5. For full Festival details, check out the 2022 Program Guide. Or, read our recent blog to learn more.
Deep Focus: Reframing Documentary Interviews with Chase Joynt
Wednesday, Jun 1st, 6:00pm
TIFF Bell Lightbox
Deep Focus is a free workshop series that invites film lovers and emerging creators to explore the many facets of film as a medium for creative self-expression, skills development, and social connection in a supportive environment.As part of TIFF’s Pride Month programming, Chase Joynt, director of Framing Agnes (2022) and co-director of No Ordinary Man (2020), will host a workshop inspired by Joynt’s reflexive and collective approach to reimagining trans history on screen. Blending fiction and non-fiction practices, and connecting individuals across time, these films widen the frame of personal narrative to embrace a multiplicity of experiences. Following a conversation with Joynt about the art of engaging subjects and creating safe spaces during interviews, participants will be invited to share their own stories through creative activities and small-group discussion led by a facilitator. Check out what else is happening this month during the TIFF celebration of Pride, “Queer Becoming”.
Afterwork Pride month Kickoff
Friday, June 3rd, 10:00pm
The Rec Room
AfterWerk is back at The Rec Room to kick off Pride Month! Join in after Pride Night at the Dome for some dancing and epic drag shows with the incredibly funny and talented Beardra Bidness and Aurora Matrix with music by DJ Sofia Fly all night long! In-house photographer Mitchel Raphael will be on hand to capture your fierce pride looks.
Blue Jays Pride Weekend
Friday June 3rd – Sunday June 5th
Rogers Centre
Kick-off Pride Month with the Blue Jays on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 when Pride Weekend presented by TD returns to Rogers Centre.
Beginning pregame and running throughout the game there will be interactive activities in the WestJet Flight Deck that Fans are encouraged to arrive early for. On Friday, June 3 ONLY, the first 15,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a Blue Jays Rainbow Towel Giveaway presented by TD. In addition, Pride Weekend festivities will continue through Sunday, June 5 celebrating with a special Jr. Jays Sunday focused on kindness and inclusion
Sofonda’s Birthday Bash at The Porch
Saturday June 11th from 2:00pm – 7:00pm
The Porch
Don’t miss Sofonda’s Birthday Bash at the Porch on Saturday June 11th from 2PM – 7PM!
Live performances by Sofonda and guest Devine Darlin! Live DJ set by Josh Karmin. This is a Pride Official Event. $5 of every ticket will be donated to The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention charity.
Chic – Le Freak, Pride Drag Brunch
Sunday, June 12th
Black CAP presents Chic – Le Freak.A Pride Drag Brunch Extravaganza staged in a room fit for royalty, at the Fairmont Royal York. With none other than Ongina, the Drag Queen extraordinaire, from RuPaul Drag Race. It will be a Pride brunch experience unlike any other. Get classy and indulge in this one-of-a-kind Pride experience!
The Pride of Comedy
Fri Jun 17, 7:00pm
The Rec Room
Hosted by Tamara Shevon. Appearances by Al Val, Brandon Ash Mohammed, Clif Knight, and Brendan D’Souza. Comics seen on CBC Comedy, Just For Laughs, JFL42, Comedy Central, SiriusXM.
Night at the Aqueerium
Friday, June 17th, 8:00pm to 12:00am
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Kick off your Pride celebration under the sea with drag performances by Tiffany Boxx and DJ sets with John Caffery and Pleasure. Sip cocktails* and get up close and personal with 20,000 marine animals. It’s a Pride party you won’t forget! Remember to get your ticket online in advance of your visit so you don’t miss out on this sea-riously great night!
Playdate Pride Palooza
Saturday June 18th
Rendez Views
PlayDate is Toronto’s largest outdoor Drag Brunch hosted by Tiffany Boxx. Celebrate Pride at Rendez Views June 18th, with performances by the talented and fabulous Tiffany Boxx, Jada Shada Hudson, Baby Bel Bel, Krēme Inakuchi, Miss Fiercalicious and Erin Brockobic. Get tickets here!
Astrid Tanton Pride Celebration Concert
Fri, Jun 24 – Saturday, Jun 25 at 8:00pm – 2:00pm
The Rec Room Toronto
Join rising Canadian pop sensation Astrid Tanton & her band at The Rec Room Toronto for an evening of Astrid’s band playing her new hits, fav’s you love, and a drag queen dance party celebration in partnership with Pride Toronto 2022 and The Rec Room. Featuring performances with Toronto drag queen I’ll Have The Steak (@illhavethesteak) and an opening set by Toronto’s own Mission Vision Purpose Dance Company (@mvpdanceco). Join Astrid Tanton’s Toronto debut concert filled with original music, fun covers, drag performances, and incredible dance performances!
Doors open @ 8:00 PM for all ages. Enjoy the show till 11:00 PM and stick around for our PRIDE Toronto celebration late-night clubbing scene for everyone over 19!
JAYU Presents, Last Tuesdays: Drag Cabaret
Tuesday, June 28 at 7:00pm
401 Richmond St. W, Room 380
Hosted by Ocean Giovanni, join JAYU’s first ever Drag Cabaret! Featuring performances by Dank Sinatra, Tygr Willy, Krēme Inakuchi, and Gay Jesus – this will be a night you won’t want to miss! Celebrate Pride Month virtually or in-person (tickets are limited).
