The month of June is dedicated to the uplifting of 2SLGBTQ+ voices, celebrating the work of 2SLGBTQ+ activists and the 2SLGBTQ+ culture, and supporting their rights. Pride Month occurs in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969.

Pride in EG!

The Town of East Gwillimbury believes in diversity and an inclusive environment for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We want EG to come together this month to recognize and help celebrate the importance of inclusion and diversity within our wonderful community.

EG Celebrates Pride 2022

Progressive crosswalk

On Tuesday, May 31, together with representatives of Pflag York Region, and the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee of Council, East Gwillimbury raised the Pride flag and unveiled the new Progressive Crosswalk at the EG Civic Centre. 

During the month of June, the Town is encouraging residents to express their messages of inclusion and belonging through sidewalk chalk messages.  

In support of the sidewalk chalk initiative, on June 12, the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee of Council is hosting sidewalk chalk events at the Holland Landing Community Centre at 3 p.m. and at the Mount Albert Community Centre at 5 p.m. 

Residents are also encouraged to participate in York Pride events. Visit the York Pride website for details.  

Read the media release

What is the meaning of the Pride Flag?

2018 pride flag

 

The Rainbow flag is used as a symbol of 2SLGBTQ+ pride and each colour has its own meaning. Red is life, orange is healing, yellow is sunshine, green is nature, blue is harmony and purple is spirit. The flag was altered in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests and those living with HIV/AIDS and those who have been lost. It now incorporates black and brown (for marginalized people of colour), and light blue and pink (to incorporate the colours of the trans community pride flag). The sideways arrows communicates progress being made but the white space is to show there is more work to be done.
How to be an ally and friend 
  1. Listen
  2. Be open-minded
  3. Be open and willing to talk
  4. Be inclusive
  5. Don't assume how someone identifies. Someone may be looking for support in their coming-out process and by not making assumptions, you give them the space they need.
  6. Speak out against Anti-2SLGBTQ+ comments and jokes. Let people know the things said are offensive and harmful.
  7. Confront your own bias and prejudice.
  8. Defend your 2SLGBTQ+ friends and family against discrimination.
  9. Believe that every person should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender identity, pronouns, and sexual orientation.

York Pride Fest

York Region is celebrating Pride month with a full line-up of events. This year's theme is "Reconnecting" and we are so excited to reconnect in person again. Find more information or follow them online below.

Website YouTube channel Facebook page Instagram Twitter

York Pride Events Calendar
Date (2022)EventTime
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 Official Flag Raising Across the Region
Friday, June 3, 2022 Launch Party 6 to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 18, 2022 Pride on Riverwalk 12 to 11:55 p.m.
Saturday, June 18, 2022 Pride Parade 3 to 5 p.m.
Thursday, June 30, 2022 Toodle-Pip Party 6 to 11:59 p.m.