Toronto Pride: Celebrate LGBTQ Rights With These Gay Canadian Icons

Beautiful and progressive though Canada may be, our home and native land’s history with LGBTQ rights is problematic at best. Did you know that conversion therapy wasn’t banned in Vancouver until 2018? Or that the right to gender self-identify in Canada wasn’t granted 2017? Let’s face it hunni, privileged Frenchmen and Brits formed our country. The only thing worse than their teeth was their attitudes towards First Nations people, people of colour, and LGBTQ queens. Though “buggery laws” may no longer exist, the pain of their having ever existed remains with us still today.

That said it would be Lohan levels of crazy to not acknowledge how far we’ve come. We cannot fail to mention that Trudeau, our amazing Prime Minister/ unadulterated SNACK, is a true ally to the LGBTQ community in Canada and beyond. We should also acknowledge that Pride Toronto – one of North America’s largest celebrations of lesbian, gay, and trans rights – grows in influence and scope with each passing year. Pride lasts the entire month of June in Toronto. It’s a sassy smorgasbord of rallies, parties, and panel discussions for LGBTQ allies from all walks of life.

This year Toronto Pride culminates on Sunday, June 23^rd with the Toronto Pride Parade 2019. Starting at 2 pm on the corner of Church and Bloor, the colourful and festive procession will travel down Yonge Street before winding up at the Dundas Square stage. Participants will be dazzled along the way with incredible performances, art installations, floats, and the spirit of liberation.

In honour of Toronto’s 2019 Pride celebration, LFI salutes these loud and proud gay Canadian icons. Together they prove that the male, female, and gender non-conforming bosses of the LGBTQ community in Canada can do anything. Be sure to give them a follow and see how they celebrate Toronto Pride in style.

Antoni Porowski – Queer Eye’s Gorgeous Wine and Food Expert

The Polish – Canadian star of Netflix’s Queer Eye is a force to be reckoned with. As the “Fab Five’s” resident food and wine specialist, Antoni’s skills in the kitchen and movie star good looks make the smoldering gay icon an absolute must follow on IG (@antoni). Though he now resides in Brooklyn, his Montreal roots are an undeniably formative part of his personality and inspiration. Beyond his skills in the kitchen and brooding stare, Antoni brings some serious #OOTD fierceness with rocker chic band tees and perfectly fitted jeans. Give him a follow today.

Tegan and Sara – Calgary’s Identical Twin Songbirds

Tegan and Sara, the openly gay twin sister musical duo, are essential listening for anyone who loves jangly and fun indie pop. In addition to releasing Grammy and Juno worthy music, this unstoppable duo advocates for LGBTQ rights in Canada and beyond. They participate loudly and proudly in Toronto’s pride festivities every year. In the wake of the 2016 United States Presidential election, they founded the Tegan and Sara Foundation to fight for economic justice, reproductive rights, and representation for LGBTQ women and girls. There is no stopping Tegan and Sara from bringing music and justice into the world. Follow them on Instagram today (@teganandsara).

Dan Levy – The Hilarious Star of Schitt’s Creek

The Levy’s may not have the same level of clout as the Kardashians. But taken together, Dan and Eugene Levy are Canadian comedy royalty. Dan is best known for his role as the opulent and fashionable queen David Rose in Schitt’s Creek. Outside of that, this low-key style icon brings the #OOTD heat on Instagram with every post. This handsome and fabulous Torontonian is only beginning his amazing career. We can’t wait to see what he does next. Be sure to follow along on Instagram (@instadanjlevy).

Celebrating Toronto Pride 2019 With Notable Canadian LGBTQ Icons

The LGBTQ movement is a central part of Canadian popular culture. Nowhere is that more apparent than in Toronto in June when the entire city erupts in rainbow and unites to celebrate gay, queer, and trans liberation. Aside from celebrating how far Canada has come in the fight for LGBTQ equality, Toronto Pride 2019 reminds how far we still have to go. These incredibly influential gay Canadian icons are just 4 of millions fighting for equality every day. With role models like Dan Levy, Tegan and Sara, and Antoni Porowski, the future of for LBGTQ Canadians has never been brighter.