Pride Week Begins in Toronto

The 2006 Pride celebration in Toronto officially begins today. Mayor David Miller will read the proclamation at City Hall today at noon for the Gay Pride Flag Raising Ceremony. The rainbow striped symbol of gay pride will be elevated all week to show the support of the city for the important celebration. The theme for this years celebration is Fearless . Pride's website explains that Fearless is " about the courage to be open about who you are, and to celebrate people in our past and present who make it increasingly possible to live without fear".

Other community events will be held throughout the week including youth group activism, AIDS vigils, art galleries and discussion panels. As for the nightlife, Prism has returned to be the main attraction assembling a 5 part event series. Gabe Shpilt, a promoter for Prism explains "it is important for many people who come to Pride who don't live in metropolitan areas to feel as if they are part of a larger community. The Prism events help unite the community through music and dance in larger venues not usually home to queer events". Prism kicks off on Thursday the 22nd with Ignition at 5ive Nightclub.

Pride Toronto is one of the largest Pride events in the world, and the third largest in North America. The Pride Parade draws in a crowd of millions and this year will be held on Sunday the 25th at 2pm.

For more information of Pride and Prism events, please visit their websites: Pride Toronto and Prism .