Marking World Aids Day

Marking World Aids Day

The 1st of December is an important day, marking not just the beginning of the holiday season for many, but the recognition of World AIDS Day. This important date is a time to recognize those who have been lost to the HIV/AIDS pandemic over the past four decades, as well as to celebrate life, activism, and continued progress toward a cure and combating stigma.

A United Nations study found that, by 2020, between 27.2 million and 47.8 million people have died as a result of AIDS, and that another 37.7 million are currently living with HIV. Luckily, thanks to years of scientific work and public health campaigns, as well as activist efforts, the death rates and stigma around HIV/AIDS have plummeted

Why is Pride Month in June? A look back at the Stonewall Riots

Why is Pride Month in June? A look back at the Stonewall Riots

By Mike Ott
Why do we celebrate Pride Month in June? Why is Pride marked by a parade? Why do we so often hear about Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and other LGBTQ2S+ heroes this time of year? These are common questions that many have, and they all reach back to the same root answer: the Stonewall Riots. 

In June of 1969, an event took place that is considered by many to be the igniting spark of the modern queer rights movement. 

Here’s what happened: In the very early hours of June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a Greenwich Village institution on Christopher Street that served as a popular gathering place for queer people. Finally having had enough, patrons and other community members fought back, resisting police aggression and violence.  

This resistance effort, now known as the Stonewall Riots, extended into the following days and nights, eventually culminating in the formation of several activist groups fighting for the right to live openly and legally regardless of sexual orientation. 

One year later, in 1970, members of

The Pulse Nightclub Shooting Anniversary: What Lessons Did We Learn?

 The Pulse Nightclub Shooting Anniversary: What Lessons Did We Learn?

By Mike Ott
June 12th marks the anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting in Orlando, USA, and one of the darkest moments in LGBTQ2S+ history of the last decade. There are many days in the year to remember and celebrate the achievements of the queer community and its progress toward equality and acceptance, but there are also times when we must reflect and mourn for the days that have been dark.

Seven years ago, on June 12th, 2016, a lone gunman opened fire in the Orlando nightclub, killing 49 people and wounding 53 more. The venue was a popular queer space, and many of the victims were

Flag Raising at City Hall for IDAHTB

Flag Raising at City Hall for IDAHTB

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Toronto Pflag families and volunteers gathered at Toronto City Hall Podium Green Roof courtesy flag pole to raise the Progress Pride Flag to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHTB).

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia raises awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community and in 2023 the International Theme selected by May17.org: "Together Always: United in Diversity" serves as a reminder for

OP ED : Transgender Day of Visibility

OP ED : Transgender Day of Visibility

Transgender people have been in the headlines frequently in the past few years. You’ve probably been hearing disinformation about their medical care and watched as school board meetings have been protested and disrupted. You may think that this doesn’t affect you or anyone you know, so today, on this Transgender Day of Visibility, as a family member, ally, and fierce mama bear, allow me to introduce you to some real, live transgender people.

Transgender people are our friends, siblings, aunts, uncles, parents, children, grandchildren, neighbours, and colleagues. We love them passionately and unconditionally. They are artists, healthcare providers, writers, accountants, IT professionals, movie producers, chefs, and scientists. They enrich every walk of life you can imagine. However, by simply living their lives as their true selves, they’ve become targets of discrimination and hate, and they are

Trans Day of Visibility 2023

Trans Day of Visibility 2023

Trans Day of Visibility is an annual awareness day celebrated around the world. The day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice.

Many trans women, trans men, and nonbinary folk find joy and euphoria just living our everyday lives as our authentic selves; some of us choose to be more visible, to help build awareness.  But trans people are leaders in many fields, and are changing the world.  In entertainment, we have