theBUZZ Features
Pride Toronto 2023 theme is “Here, There, Everywhere” – initial performers announced
Pride Toronto is back for its 43rd year and continues to be the most exciting and most inclusive festival in Canada, and one of the largest 2SLGBTQI+ festivals in the world!
The organization has announced this year’s Festival theme as “Here, There, Everywhere,” which is equal parts protest as it is party. Focused on the present moment, we are Here to proclaim and celebrate our existence. We are Here against all odds, and continue to endure. We are Here to stay. We take action by being There for each other. We relentlessly advocate for our community, and champion safe spaces in times of need and in times of joy. As we revel in and learn from our differences, we come together as one universe. We are together because we are Everywhere.
June is the start of Pride Month and this year’s Festival Weekend will take place on June 23 to June 25, 2023.
Confirmed Entertainment
- renowned gay rapper Saucy Santana
- the amazing music of bisexual artist Lights
- the noteworthy trans icon and drag queen Sasha Colby, from RuPaul’s Drag Race S15
Pride Toronto will also be hosting a series of world class Signature events to help kick off Pride Month. For the drag lovers out there, June 2nd will be Royal Tea, a Pride Month Kickoff Party full of exciting international queens! June 10th will be Pride Toronto’s highly anticipated ‘Til Sunset: Beach Party, and June 16th will be the famous Pride Pool Party.
Pride Toronto continues a legacy that is deeply intertwined with the rich, progressive history of Toronto’s queer community. From a small gathering of dedicated activists fighting for their right to love and be seen, to clashes with the government and police, to the vibrant celebration we know today, Pride Toronto has been a long time in the making.
“With Drag Storytime events targeted by the far-right, the ever-present risk of violence against 2SLGBTQI+ people in our own spaces, and the rising tide of homophobia and transphobia in communities across the country and around the world, this year’s Pride festival is a reminder that 2SLGBTQI+ people have each other’s back and will not be silenced,” said Grant Gonzales and Yuri Hernandez, Co-Chairs, Board of Directors, Pride Toronto.
“ We are excited at Pride Toronto to celebrate the 2023 Festival. This year’s Festival theme, “Here, There, Everywhere,” which is equal parts protest as it is party, speaks to making sure we never forget our history and roots of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. We are proud to be a part of a community that has led the fight for human rights around the world and honoured to celebrate this as we strive to ensure that our hard fought gains are not lost,” said Sherwin Modeste, Executive Director, Pride Toronto.
About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.