One of my favourite aspects of Pride Toronto is how it unites us and transcends generations, bringing together everyone, both old and young.  As we make great strides toward equality in recent times, I have always been impressed with the efforts of today’s youth to bring forth a more inclusive society.

Today on The Sonic City I have Brighid Fry, a passionate young artist and advocate of the LGBTQ community who sets a great example for today’s youth.  At age twelve, Brighid is already a four-year veteran of Girls Rock Camp Toronto, and has previously played at Pride Toronto with the band The Unicorn Patrol.  With an upcoming EP in the works for release at the end of the summer, Brighid is very excited to be playing the Fruit Loopz Stage on Saturday June 27th at 4:30pm and the Clean, Sober and Proud stage on Sunday June 28th at 2pm.

Casey: Welcome Brighid! We’re very excited to have you join us on The Sonic City.  To begin, tell us a little bit about your favourite musical artists, and your sound.

Brighid: Well, I have many favourite musicians, but lately I have been listening to a lot of Metric, Taylor Swift, and Lorde. Though I don’t feel these musicians influence my music at all, they definitely inspire me to keep on writing music. Over the last few years, I have also listened to a lot of Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor, and Serena Ryder. I feel that these musicians have had more of an impact on my sound, and style. To be honest, I have no Idea how to
explain or classify my sound. I kind of just write about what I feel or something that pops into my head, and then it just becomes a puzzle of finding the right melodies and lyrics to go with what I have. Because of this, I think most of my songs are kind of unique from my others with their own feel and vibe.

Casey: What does Pride Toronto mean to you?

Brighid: I have been going to Pride since I was a baby, and to me, it’s an event where a strong and diverse community comes together to celebrate uniqueness and compassion. I have grown up in a community of many people who identify as queer, and for me, it’s also just a time to meet up and have lots of fun with friends.

Casey: What are you looking forward to most about performing in the festival this year?

Brighid: I am looking forward to the amazing crowds. Last year when I played at Fruit Loopz it was the most enthusiastic and friendly audience I had ever experienced. So much love at Pride! I am also looking forward to sharing the stage with Deanna and Sabrina from Pins & Needles. They are amazing.

Casey: Any other artists performing that you’re excited to see play at Pride Toronto?

Brighid: As I previously mentioned, I am excited to see Deanna & Sabrina from Pins & Needles. My amazing and talented music coach and mentor Kritty Uranowski is part of a band playing at the Alterna-Queer stage. I am intrigued by Pussy Riot. My family is excited about Cyndi Lauper, but that is before my time.

Casey: Any final words, or advice for other young artists who would like to begin performing?

Brighid: Pride is amazing. The queer communities in Toronto and around the world are accepting and supportive. My advice to other young artists is to just get out there and share your gifts, because most people will be grateful and supportive. Every time you perform it gets easier.

Casey:  Thank you, Brighid!  We’re all very excited to see your performances next weekend. I’m sure they will be awesome!  Keep up the great work!

For our readers, be sure to catch Brighid Fry’s performances at the Fruit Loopz Stage on Saturday June 27th at 4:30pm, and the Clean, Sober, and Proud stage on Sunday June 28th at 2pm.

Also visit BrighidFry.ca for links to YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the Author

Casey Robertson is a genderqueer human rights activist, musician ,composer, and graduate student researching musicology and cultural theory. In recent years he has been involved with the committees of LGBTQA projects such as the Durham Pride Prom, Allies for Equality, and Queerstock Canada. He also served as a member of the board of directors for PFLAG Durham Region from 2012-2014, where he was a member of the peer2peer support team and a facilitator for monthly sharing evenings. Casey currently resides in the Church-Wellesley Village of Toronto and enjoys spending his free time scoring independent film projects and playing with his band Liberty Street, while on the constant search to discover new artists of all expressive forms. Follow Casey on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at CaseyRobertson.net