York Pride is raising the rainbow flag Monday to kick off Pride Week. The annual event begins at 11:30am beneath the flag pole on The Common at Keele campus. There will be 
speeches followed by entertainment and refreshments.
Left: Last year’s raising of the rainbow flag
This year for the first time, York Pride is an official bronze sponsor of Pride Week celebrations in Toronto. Visit its booth downtown Saturday, June 24 (Dyke March Day) and Sunday, June 25 (Pride Parade Day) from 10am to 5pm.
“I think this is a loud statement expressing York’s commitment to celebrating people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities,” says J Wallace, York Pride co-ordinator, Office of the Ombudsperson and Centre for Human Rights.
On June 21, York Pride is also hosting a reception for positive space volunteers at Glendon’s manor from 3 to 5pm.
And as a prelude to Pride Week, the University organization presented a Pride History display June 7 in Vari Hall. Created by the Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives, the exhibit featured lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered, two-spirited, intersexed, and queer Canadian history.
York Pride recognizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, trans-sexual, two-spirited, queer and questioning individuals and celebrates their lives. York welcomes individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and stands for their full inclusion.