Toronto’s annual Pride Parade drew large crowds along Yonge Street on Sunday, celebrating queer culture while commemorating the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the tragedy that claimed 49 lives and injured 53 others.

Prime Minister Mark Carney participated in the parade for the first time since taking office last year, joining Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow in the procession. Carney interacted playfully with attendees, including revelers armed with water guns, who doused him as he marched with a wet pink shirt. He walked alongside Pride Toronto volunteers carrying signs featuring the names and images of Pulse shooting victims. Pride Toronto emphasized the importance of honoring those lost both in grief and remembrance.

The parade began assembling in the morning along Rosedale Valley Road before officially starting around 2 p.m. Among those attending was Chris Collens, who noted the stark contrast between the festivities today and the early 2000s, when he had to conceal his identity and avoid attending Pride openly out of fear of discrimination and job loss. This year, Collens attended with support from his employer, the Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan, which maintained a booth at the festival. He described this level of acceptance as a significant positive change from his earlier experiences.

For others, Pride is a longstanding family tradition. Gabrielle Ogchet attended the event with her mother, Felicia, who has brought her to every parade since she was born, with the exception of the pandemic years. Ogchet expressed gratitude for being able to celebrate queer culture alongside her mother and to offer her support. “It means a lot to me and to be able to support her and her people,” Ogchet said.

First-time attendee TL Sutherland, who identifies as non-binary, described the day as a moment to honor their own identity and remember friends lost to suicide. Raised in a religious household, Sutherland has faced challenges living authentically and stressed the urgent need for improved mental health support for queer and transgender youth. Citing Statistics Canada data showing higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours among LGBTQ youth compared to their non-LGBTQ peers, Sutherland advocated for the implementation of free psychiatric care in Canada.

Sunday’s event blended celebration, community solidarity, and reflection, highlighting both progress in LGBTQ acceptance and ongoing challenges faced by the community.