Member Harinderjit Sahota (fourth from right in front of the blue flag) joins MPP Tyler Watt and a strong ONA contingent, some of whom are seen here, including Region 3 Vice-President Karen McKay-Eden (third from right) and Region 4 Vice-President Grace Pierias (far right), for the Toronto Pride Parde on June 28.
Each summer, ONA members join Pride events in their communities to raise 2SLGBTQI voices and celebrate their culture, resilience and diversity.
This year was no different.
The biggest of those events – the Toronto Pride Parade on June 28 – brought together dozens of members, the Board of Directors and staff, who rode and walked – or more accurately danced! – alongside ONA’s brightly decorated float to the roaring cheers of the crowd.
The ONA contingent, many of whom were accompanied by their families and friends, were adorned in our new standout Pride t-shirts, reading either “nurses” or “health-care workers do it better,” available on the ONA Merch Shop.
ONA has a long, rich history with the Toronto Pride parade, having first carried the ONA and rainbow flags in 2007.
“We’re proud to recognize and support the diversity of our members and staff, and to join in the fight against discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity,” says Region 3 Vice-President Karen McKay-Eden, who holds the portfolio of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights, and was all decked out in a bright pink tutu, wig and sunglasses for the Toronto Pride Parade.
“Pride allows us to acknowledge how far we’ve come in raising awareness and championing human rights while acknowledging that there is still much work to be done.”
Member Harinderjit Sahota couldn’t agree more.
Everyone deserves equality and to be treated with dignity regardless of their sexual orientation.
“I joined the Toronto Pride Parade to challenge discrimination and to raise awareness of the barriers 2SLGBTQI people face. Everyone deserves equality and to be treated with dignity regardless of their sexual orientation. It's their right. At workplaces, inclusive practices build trust and provide a safe place to work.”
ONA knows all too well that many still feel invisible and unable to express themselves in their workplaces and communities, which is why “we’re dedicated to ensuring members’ workplaces are safe and respectful while continuing to build more inclusive communities,” McKay-Eden adds.
Despite the serious meaning behind Pride, there is also another key reason members want to join in: to have fun! Just take a look at these photos and video from the Toronto Pride Parade, and you’ll see what we mean!
And perhaps Sahota summed it up best: “most of all, I joined the Toronto Pride Parade to celebrate diversity.”
Read more about Pride, including any end-of-summer events, here.
Stay tuned for additional stories of our members celebrating Pride in their communities. And if you have a story to share on F-Word, please let us know here.
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