My wife and I settled into a community in the west-end of Toronto. We are surrounded by train tracks, very few through roads and rather unreliable public transit. One of the few affordable neighbourhoods left in the city, it has been gentrifying at a steady pace over the last 10 years. There is a mix of families from various socio-economic, religious, and racial backgrounds. For the most part, everyone knows and looks out for each other.
The affordability and relative safety has meant a lot of queer families have also moved into the area. Surrounded by allies, like-minded people, and other 2SLGBTQAI+ community members, queer families feel safer living in city centres; half of all same-sex couples in Canada live in city centres with 18% in Toronto, 17% in Montreal, and 10% in Vancouver.
When our 6-year-old kiddo entered primary school in 2023 our journey navigating the public school system began. Our school prides itself on creating a safe and inclusive space, no matter your religion, skin colour, ableism, orientation or gender identity.
In June 2023, our school was the target of hate when a handful of individuals affiliated with our kiddo’s school compromised the safety of the students, staff, and families by releasing the name of the school, dates, times, and activities that the school had planned for the month on social media. The principal received death threats and police were stationed outside our school for the week.
In June 2024, our kiddo’s school again raised the Progressive Pride Flag in its annual flag raising ceremony. Allies and queer families were brought to tears. We watched as rows of colour on fabric flew proudly representing the simple notion of inclusivity and safety. A student spoke about each colour and the history of the flag. They spoke about those the community has lost to violence and disease and an idealistic path forward. The month moved along with only a handful of disruptions from a local citizen who protested every week with picket signs stating #savethechildren, book bans, education not indoctrination and other language leaning into conservative rhetoric.
At the month’s end, families were invited to march in the school Pride parade. One by one each child emerged from the school decked out in shirts proclaiming freedom, love and safety, holding rainbow flags and sporting temporary tattoos and face paint. Behind them, tiny handmade colourful and sparkly floats scooted along eager to stand out. It was the sweetest, loveliest show of support a community could ask for. As we emerged from the safety of the school’s chain-linked fence, my heart pounded with anxiety as I scanned the street for danger. With a 69% increase in crimes targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation, it’s easy to understand why.
Although Pride can be a celebration, in recent years it is rediscovering its roots. We’re marching to ensure the next generation of queer kids can find safety more quickly. We march so no child goes unhoused, hospitalised or buried like so many from our community have been. Safe and inclusive schools are a stepping-stone to ensuring safe and inclusive workplaces. Now more than ever companies need to actively promote allyship and safe inclusive workspaces. They need to champion and amplify the queer voices in their workplace and allow them to share their stories to help educate others.