Contact(s)
Pride is dedicated to honouring the voices and contributions of 2SLGTBQIA+ folks and bringing attention to the issues they still face. It celebrates the identities, achievements and resilience of people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual). It is called ‘Pride’ because it is meant to encourage the self-affirmation of the community, increase its visibility and honor the activists who have and continue to fight for the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.
Pride events may take place at different times of the year depending on the location and community preferences. In Canada, Pride Season takes place over the summer months from June to September, and Pride Month is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. Although special attention is put on the Pride events during the summer months, they may happen throughout the year in many communities.
History
Pride takes place in June to pay homage to the June 1969 Stonewall Riots. In New York City, USA, police violently raided Stonewall Inn, a pub that LGBTQ+ people would often frequent, with the intent of detaining and arresting patrons.
While raids like this were frequent in places associated with LGBTQ+ folks, this time they decided to fight back. The ensuing uprising lasted several days and became a symbol of queer resistance to discrimination and persecution. The following year, the first Pride march was organized in New York to commemorate the historic events.
Today, Pride is both a celebration and assertion of the rights of 2SLBGTQIA+ people as well as a time to bring attention to the discrimination and violence still experienced by many around the world. The month of Pride reminds us that these issues have not been resolved and that there must be a commitment from all sectors of society to fight for the rights of 2SLBGTQIA+ people.
Community Events
The City of Orillia proudly supports local events and exhibitions for Pride, and encourages the public to explore the heritage, traditions, and culture of Indigenous peoples. We invite you to learn more about these communities, their invaluable contributions, and how they continue to help shape our history and community.
To assist residents in accessing resources and experiences, the City has assembled a comprehensive listing featuring various events and information on Pride initiatives within the area. Much of the information is sourced from external sources and partner organizations. Updates will be made on an on-going basis as new information becomes available. For the most current and accurate information, please refer to the host organization’s website prior to attending an event.
Individuals and organizations offering experiential activities to the public, such as workshops, classes, festivals, and other events, are invited to send us details to promote on this webpage. You are also welcome to add your event to the City’s events calendar at https://calendar.orillia.ca/.
Listings should include the following:
- Name of Activity
- Short description
- Date(s)
- Time(s)
- Contact or registration details
- Webpage
| Drag Queen Bingo - Orillia Public Library |
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Date and Time: Friday, June 6, 2025, from 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Location: Orillia Public Library, 36 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A6, Canada
Organizer:
Details:
Get ready to slay the night away at Drag Queen Bingo with the fabulous Haus of Devereaux! Join us at the Library on Friday, June 6 for an unforgettable evening packed with glitz, giggles, and gorgeous games. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., and trust us folks- this is not your grandma’s bingo! Your $15 ticket gets you six fierce rounds of Bingo (cards and dabbers included) plus light snacks, plenty of prizes, and a cash bar to keep things extra fun. This 19+ event is serving adult content and high camp realness, so grab your friends and your fiercest fits! Tickets available now at the Library Check Out Desk- don’t miss your chance for BINGO with a side of sparkle! |
| Pride Flag Raising - Lake Country Pride |
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Date and Time: Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Orillia Opera House - 20 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A6
Organizer:
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| 2025 Annual Pride March - Lake Country Pride |
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Date and Time: Saturday, June 14 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Orillia Public Library, 36 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A6, Canada
Begins at the Court Yard at the Orillia Public Library Ends at the Large Pavilion at Couchiching Beach Park, within the Terry Fox Circle.
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Queer Cabaret – Mariposa Art Theatre |
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Date and Time: Friday, June 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. (19+ event) Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. (19+ event) Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (all ages) Location: The MAT Centre 12 Brammer Dr. Orillia Organizer: Mariposa Art Theatre (MAT) Details: THE 3rd ANNUAL QUEER CABARET Directed By Stevie Baker Join Mariposa Arts Theatre for THREE show-stopping cabaret-style performances, featuring local drag artists, singers, poets & more! We promise you an experience full of entertainment, celebration, and community. Dressing up in your Pride-best is encouraged. Please note the FRIDAY and SATURDAY evening shows are a 19+ event. *NEW* this year is the addition of an ALL AGES matinee on the SUNDAY afternoon! A cash bar and light refreshments will be available at all shows. For more information, visit: https://www.mariposaartstheatre.com/queercab |
| Ongoing Activities |
| In-Person Pride Socials Orillia's In-Person Pride Socials are hosted monthly in partnership with the Gilbert Centre & New Horizons program. Second Tuesday of each month, 3 pm – 5 pm. At Apple Annies Cafe. 101 Mississaga St E, Orillia, ON. Virtual Pride Social Orillia's Virtual Pride Socials are on the first Monday of each month, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Hosted via Google Hangouts. Register here. |
Dates of Significance
| March 31 - Transgender Day of Remembrance |
| The International Trans Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating trans people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
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| April 10 - Day of Pink |
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The Day of Pink is the day to take action on Bullying, Homophobia and Transphobia. As in previous years, members and their students have voluntarily participated in this day. |
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May 17 - Day Against Homophobia |
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The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has been celebrated every year on May 17 since 2004. |
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June 1-30 - Pride Month |
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Pride month is dedicated to honoring the voices and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA folks and bringing attention to the issues they still face. Although special attention is put on the Pride events during the month of June, they happen throughout the year in many communities.
Pride celebrates the identities, achievements and resilience of people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA (2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual). It is called ‘Pride’ because it is meant to encourage the self-affirmation of the community, increase its visibility and honor the activists who have and continue to fight for the rights of 2SLGBTQIA folks.
Pride celebrations include parades, workshops, classes, shows, concerts and other events that often occur annually in the month of June, here in Ontario and in many other parts of the world. The month consists of both political activism and a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA culture.
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November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance |
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Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. |
Resources
Gilbert Centre - celebrating the lives of people living with and affected by HIV and the individuals and families from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) communities
Fierte Simcoe Pride- A leader in the County organizing events and activities
New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults - Creating social support and community connection in Simcoe/Muskoka, North Bay, and the Greater Sudbury area
Saferspaces - Safer Spaces provides organizational assessments, professional development workshops, and consultation services to create more inclusive programs and workplaces for 2S-LGBTQ+ communities.
Organizations engaged in the program can display Safer Spaces poster and stickers to demonstrate their commitment to 2S-LGBTQ+ communities. Click here for a list of designated saferspaces in our community.
