Thousands took to Church Street on Saturday to celebrate Pride, returning after a two-year hiatus over COVID-19.
Church-Wellesley Village was a sea of color, packed with people from all walks of life to enjoy the festivities.
Organizers said they hoped to showcase more than 300 2SLGBTQ+ artists and 25 community curators at six exclusive events. The Dyke Rally and March kicked off the celebration on Saturday at 1 pm The Gay Pride Parade is scheduled for Sunday at 2 pm.
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Hundreds of vendors lined the streets. Among them were companies looking to recover from the pandemic on limited revenue. Others were crucial services in the queer community.
Sarah Midnight, a local business owner based in the area, said the return of Pride is proving to be the boost she and her store needed.
“Last night was already amazing, so I’m sure the rest of the weekend will be amazing money-wise as well,” she told Global News. “Thank God, after the pandemic we need a good boost!”
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For two years, Pride Toronto, one of the city’s iconic summer events, was canceled with Church Street quiet for the summer.
The lifting of most public health measures related to COVID-19 has allowed the festival to return to full capacity.
“After two long years, we are beyond excited to bring together, in person, the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Toronto and beyond to celebrate the 2022 Gay Pride Festival, Grant Gonzales and Yuri Hernandez, co-chairs of the board of Pride, said in a statement. Toronto Pride.
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Love was in the air, along Church Street. People walked hand in hand in the blazing heat. The atmosphere was lively, full of smiles, music, dancing and food.
Stephanie Lindsay, one of the thousands celebrating, came out in 2016, but 2022 was her first Pride experience.
“I feel very empowered,” they said. “My first time in public was very scary.”
There were people from all walks of life at the event, including many who traveled from far and wide to enjoy it.
“Just be yourself and have fun,” said one person who had traveled with a friend from North Bay, Ontario.
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Reference-globalnews.ca