As part of the activities organized to celebrate Pride Month this June, the FCJ Refugee Centre’s Youth Network engaged in a meaningful exploration of Toronto’s Pride history, right in the heart of the Church-Wellesley Village, one of Canada’s most historic and vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

The Youth Network joined a guided walking tour through the village, which offered a deep dive into the history, struggles, and achievements of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The members enjoyed their experience. The tour highlighted the significance of the area as a hub for community, activism, and belonging.

Participants visited key landmarks and public spaces that showcase the community’s historical and ongoing contributions. They had an in-depth conversation on identity, inclusion, human rights, and the importance of creating welcoming spaces for all. Many shared reflections comparing Pride in Canada to their own countries, exchanged personal stories, and engaged with the neighbourhood’s history, fostering an atmosphere of learning and respect.

One particularly impactful moment was visiting the AIDS Memorial in Barbara Hall Park. It offered an opportunity to reflect on the power of community gathering and remembrance, honouring the lives of those who were robbed of their futures through systemic failures of governments, organizations, and societies, and how those same narratives can still be seen today. We discussed the notion that “naming is the only way to humanize the scale of loss” during the AIDS epidemic, reflected in the memorial’s plaques bearing the names of those who passed away, dating back to 1988.

This guided tour has been a cherished annual activity for FCJ’s Youth Network for years, reflecting the lasting importance of Pride and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community within Toronto’s culture and history. Overall, everyone enjoyed spending time together outdoors, learning and exploring.