The Toronto Pride Parade marks the culmination of a month’s worth of events intended to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ community, but it was blocked by a pro-Palestinian demonstration
Balloons, confetti and bubbles filled the air as thousands of people came together in downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of the biggest annual Pride celebrations in Canada, although the event abruptly ended as it was close to being over after a demonstration blocked the route.
But late in the afternoon as the parade was nearing the end, Toronto Police posted on social media that a demonstration during the parade had caused a disruption, and that the parade was “paused temporarily.” In an e-mailed statement, Pride Toronto said it respected people’s right to protest, but made the decision “out of our commitment to ensuring public safety.”
This year’s Pride events in Toronto featured many LGBTQ+ newcomers celebrating their first Pride in Canada, including Zhya Aramiy, who relocated to Toronto last year after fleeing persecution for his sexuality in Iraq. The groups included LGBTQ+ organizations such as the African Centre for Refugees and Toronto Pflag, all waving Pride flags and cheering alongside the crowds.
“It’s incredible to see everyone supporting each other,” said Michelle O’Neil, who drove two hours from Trenton, Ont., to celebrate the event with her friends as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s an event that’s all about love and inclusivity, and I just love that.”
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