Here are some ways you can celebrate Pride Month in Oakville

Published June 7, 2023 at 11:14 am

June marks Pride Month and there's plenty of ways local residents can show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Oakville. TOWN OF OAKVILLE PHOTO

The month of June in Oakville is a busy one and there’s plenty to celebrate the unofficial kick-off to summer.

While a long list of events are planned to help mark National Indigenous History Month, Senior Month and Recreation and Parks Month, the arrival of June also brings Pride Month.

Dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride, Pride Month features activities and events that help uplift 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and show support for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.

Oakville is also celebrating Pride and is encouraging citizens to show their support of diversity and inclusion.

The rainbow flag is being flown at Town Hall all this month in recognition of support of Pride Month and Oakville’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Residents can also display or wear a rainbow to show your pride and/or support. This can be done anytime of the year.

Or show your support by walking with pride along one of Oakville’s rainbow crosswalks located on Lakeshore Rd. at the intersections of Navy St. or Bronte Rd.

The Oakville Public Library actively celebrates 2SLGBTQ+ voices and experiences through programming, collection displays, reading recommendations, and sharing community support services resources.

“OPL has always supported diversity and values belonging, in thought and in the communities that make up Oakville,” the OPL said on its website. “There will always be a safe, welcoming, and respectful space at our library for our 2SLGBTQ+ community – within our branch walls, our virtual spaces, and in the discussions and relationships we share.

“As a library, OPL values equity and social inclusion, and we will always celebrate our community’s diversity.

Programs this June at OPL include:

Big Dreamers – Elton John – Celebrate the stories and achievements of these diverse and inspirational individuals who each started out as a child with a dream.
Pride Book Club – Me, Myself, They: Life Beyond the Binary by Luna Ferguson
Fay and Fluffy Family Storytime
Fay and Fluffy – Drag Queen Storytime for Teens
The Art of Allyship – Presented by Drag Academy
Big Dreamers – Billie Jean King – Celebrate the stories and achievements of these diverse and inspirational individuals who each started out as a child with a dream.

Books and Learning Guides

2SLGBTQ+ Studies – Guides at Sheridan Library & Learning Services
Sheridan College’s PRIDE Guide
Sheridan College Podcast series, SuperQueero
The Canadian Gay and Lesbian Archives Our ArQuives – collections of people’s personal papers
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity CCGSD | For a world without discrimination

Community Resources

Sheridan College’s student union is offering students an opportunity to take a trip to the Toronto Pride Parade with them on Sunday June 25.

The planned bus trip will offer the chance to explore Toronto’s iconic Church St. and then watch the parade as it marches through Yonge St. You’ll also get a SSU Pride Swag Bag filled with gifts and goodies for the day.

The event is open to Sheridan students of all ages and they can invite a non-Sheridan student to join them. Each person must have their own ticket to attend.

Tickets are $18 each. The bus will leave the HMC Campus (meet at the giant S) on Sunday, June 25 at 11 a.m. and will pick up students at Toronto City Hall at 6 p.m. sharp for the ride home.

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