Timeline of Queer Festivals
in Toronto 1964 to 2009

Historical chronology:

History of Queer Festivals in Toronto. Compiled by Michel F. Paré,
gay archivist, activist. © Copyright 2009

Queer Festivals in Toronto has been in existence in various forms since the late 1970’s The first official gay picnic in Canada, was held at Hanlan's Point on the Toronto Islands on 1 August 1971. Attended by about 300 people,-- already, long known as a gay beach. The first picnic was the precursor to Canada's first gay march two weeks later in Ottawa

1967

Justice Minister Pierre Trudeau proposes amendments to the Criminal Code which, among other things, would relax the laws against homosexuality. Discussing the amendments Trudeau says, "It's certainly the most extensive revision of the Criminal Code since the 1950s and, in terms of the subject matter it deals with, I feel that it has knocked down a lot of totems and over-ridden a lot of taboos and I feel that in that sense it is new. It's bringing the laws of the land up to contemporary society I think. Take this thing on homosexuality. I think the view we take here is that there's no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation. I think that what's done in private between adults doesn't concern the Criminal Code. When it becomes public this is a different matter, or when it relates to minors this is a different matter." (Source: CBC Timeline)

1969

Trudeau's amendments to the Criminal Code pass, decriminalizing homosexuality in Canada. In 1969, during the final weekend in June, drag queens and queer street kids rioted at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The Stonewall riots marked the beginning of the gay liberation movement that has transformed the oppression of the LGTTQQ2S community into queer pride.

1971

On August 21, 1971 petition was given to the federal government, prepared by Toronto Gay Action and sponsored by Canadian gay groups. It called for law reform and changes to public policy as it relates to homosexuals. On Saturday, August 28, 1971. An Ottawa gay and lesbian march marked the 2nd Anniversary of decriminalization of homosexual acts.

1972

August 19, 1972 – Toronto – The first Gay Pride Week is organized by Toronto Gay Action.

1977

Quebec includes sexual orientation in its Human Rights Code, making it the first province in Canada to pass a gay civil rights law. The law makes it illegal to discriminate against gays in housing, public accommodation and employment. (Source: CBC Timeline)

1978

Canada gets a new Immigration Act. Under the act, being a homosexual is removed from the list of inadmissible classes. The Barracks bathhouse at 56 Widmer Street is raided by Toronto Police on December 9, 1978. 23 men are arrested.

1979

The Canadian Human Rights Commission recommends in its Annual Report that "sexual orientation" be added to the Canadian Human Rights Act. (Source: CBC Timeline)

1980

No organized pride festivals held.

1981 - Setting the Historical Queer Record Straight

On February 5, 1981. One hundred and sixty cops have arrested 286 men in a well-planned raid of the; Club Baths, the Romans II Health and Recreation Spa, the Richmond Street Health Emporium and, for a second time, the Barracks bathhouse in an event called Operation Soap .It was the largest mass arrest in Canada since the October Crisis of 1970 (officially called the War Measures Act).

One night later, thousands of people gather to protest on Yonge Street. The rally was organized by Gay Liberation Against the Right Everywhere (GLARE) and Right To Privacy Committee (RTPC). Later in the year, the two organizations formed the The Lesbian and Gay Pride Day Committee (LGPDC).The raids and its aftermath are today widely considered to be the Canadian equivalent of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City.

"In 2005 Kyle Rae (A Toronto City Councillor for Ward 27, Rosedale, Church St gay village) is being given an award by the Toronto Pride Committee as the "Pride founder." While Kyle Rae was actively involved in the organizing of the Pride events that first year it was not an individual, but a collective event and he was involved in Pride organizing, as a project of Gay Liberation Against the Right Everywhere (GLARE), a left-wing gay liberation group dedicated to fighting the anti-gay, anti-feminist, and racist right-wing. To focus on only one person as the "founder" does a real disservice to our histories." (Source: Gary Kinsman was a member of GLARE, the RTPC, and the Lesbian and Gay Pride Day Committee in 1981. tao.ca/~limpfist/campaigns.html)

1982

On June 28th in Grange Park, located south of the Art Gallery of Ontario and despite opposition from City Hall, a small gay pride event is held, about 2,000 attend. Organized by The Lesbian and Gay Pride Day Committee (LGPDC)

1983

Toronto gay and lesbian residents hold a pride event on June 26th, at King's College Circle, University of Toronto, due to previous complaints from Grange Park area residents.

1984

A Toronto gay pride is held on July 1st, Canada Day, in Cawthra Park with thousands celebrants. For the first time Church Street is closed and people dance in the street.

1985

Toronto gay pride day is held June 30th. Mayor Art Eggleton refuses to proclaim Lesbian & Gay Pride Week. Thousands attend the festivities in Cawthra Park on Church St.

1986

The Toronto pride theme for this year is "Forward Together." Mayor Art Eggleton refuses the proclamation.

1987

Sexual orientation is included in the Ontario Human Rights Code Mayor Art Eggleton refuses to issue a proclamation.

1988

The temporary AIDS Memorial is installed in Toronto's Cawthra Park. Official gay pride proclamation is refused by City of Toronto Mayor Art Eggleton.

1989

Pride in Gay Toronto theme is "Vision 20/20: Setting Our Sights," to remember the 20th an anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. While thousands of people attend, official proclamation is again refused.

1990

Mayor Art Eggleton refuses to proclaim pride week. AIDS Action Now, holds a parade and Die-In. Some marchers, lay on the street, their outline is chalk marked, as they move on.

1991

Toronto City Council proclaims Pride Day for the first time.

1992 November

The federal court lifts the country's ban on homosexuals in the military, allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the armed forces. (Source: CBC Timeline)

1993

Estimated 150,000 people take part in Pride Day in Toronto. In the U.S., about one million lesbians, gays and transgendered people attend the March On Washington with Canadians making up the largest international contingent.

1994

Queer Toronto gay Pride Week's is "The Best is Yet To Come." The theme, chosen the previous fall, proves correct as provincial MPPs defeat Bill 167 recognizing same sex spousal benefits in Ontario after NDP Premier Bob Rae puts it to a free vote. Liberal opposition leader Lynn MacLeod flip flops, first supporting, then voting against the bill. Third party Progressive Conservative leader Mike Harris opposes the bill.

1995

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transsexual, and Transgendered Pride Committee of Toronto."Incorporated in 1995 .Now refered to as simply Pride Toronto (Source: www.toronto.ca/legdocs)

The Supreme Court in May rules on the case involving Jim Egan and Jack Nesbit, two gay men who sued Ottawa for the right to claim a spousal pension under the Old Age Security Act. The Court ruled against Egan and Nesbit. However, all nine judges agreed that sexual orientation is a protected ground and that the protection extends to partnerships of lesbians and gay men. (Source: CBC Timeline)

An Ontario Court judge finds that the Child and Family Services Act of Ontario infringes section 15 of the Charter by not allowing same-sex couples to bring a joint application for adoption. He rules that four lesbians have the right to adopt their partners' children. Ontario becomes the first province to make it legal for same-sex couples to adopt.

1996

The federal government passes Bill C-33 which adds "sexual orientation" to the Canadian Human Rights Act.

1997

"Queer By Nature" is the theme for Pride Toronto Week , running June 23rd-29th.

1998

"Mega Pride" is the theme for the first pride week celebration in the newly amalgamated "mega city" of Toronto, June 22nd-28th.

1999

Gay Toronto pride theme is "One Pride Fits All." Young people raise their profile at Pride, with a large contingent in the annual street parade on Yonge St.

2000

Gay Toronto pride theme is "Heroic Past, Proud Future" - a time to look back on all that LGBTQ communities have accomplished in central Toronto.

2001 to 2004

Part of Toronto's fast growing gay and lesbian population, begins splitting away from the traditional village on Church St., in the late 1980's to west side of the city. Queer West Toronto is more of an attitude than an identity—new and radical with a thriving underground scene, that queers love so much. Gay West Community Network is founded in west end in January 1, 2001. They begin, to hold their own West Toronto Pride Festivals. The events were not associated with the commerical organization, Toronto Pride. History of Gay Toronto and the Birth of Queer West Village

2005

Toronto's first Pride Bicycle Ride 2005 and Parkdale Pride Party

On June 11th a dozen riders left Sunnyside Cafe shortly after 10 A.M. on their way to the Eastern Beaches, as part of the 1st annual Pride Ride. Despite the plus 30 degree temps, we all made it. Once we reached our destination in the Beaches we had a great lunch on the boardwalk to fuel up for our ride back west. This was the first Pride Ride and from all accounts from those in attendance it was a great success, with many looking forward to the next one on the second weekend of July. It was leisurely paced with us arriving back in the Parkdale area shortly before 3pm, an hour before Parkdale Pride began.

The Queer West Fest (Parkdale Pride Party) began at 4pm after a few musical and BBQ technicalities. It was a fun filled afternoon of activities for everyone, drawing the biggest crowd yet. There were performances by Tantrum, Broadband, Last Nerve Productions, and I Furiosi Baroque Ensemble along with musical interludes by local DJ's of course the great BBQ, salads (courtesy of The Drake Hotel) and pastries (courtesy of Dufflet's) were a hit again this year, along with the excellent array of raffle prizes donated by local area business owners. A good time was had by all in attendance.

2006

From 2001 to 2005, Michel F. Paré organized and managed various festivals calling them: Pride Toronto West and Parkdale Pride Party, in 2006 Paré then renames it, Queer West Fest. Everyone, including the media seems quite interested...and positive about what Gay West Community Network was doing with Queer West Fest...changing the name (dropping the word Pride from festival name) really peaked alot of interest.

The 1st Annual Toronto Queer West Arts Festival took place on Saturday June 10th 2006, coordinated by Gay West Community Network. The event is sponsored by Xtra newspaper, and QueerPlanet. It was full day of activities planned starting with the annual Pride Ride at noon followed by a Community Fair with over 20 participating organizations.Mix and Mingle Community Fair provided an opportunity to visit various community organizations offering services such as travel, health, lifestyle, sports, literature and more. The Dance Party was aimed at bringing various members of the community together to celebrate the beginning of summer, and act as a prelude to the Toronto Pride festivities.

Michel Paré donates $500 to host the event. Paré and three volunteers organize it.

2007

Gay West Community Network and bevy of volunteers again bring Toronto its 2rd alternative Festival for queer arts and artist. Having successfully coordinated several queer focused events over the past several years, 2007 marks the first year that a series of events are being presented over the course of one week as part of the new Queer West Arts Festival.

Michel Paré donates $800 to host the event.

The events range from a community fair, bike ride, and guest speaker presentation to the pulsating opening and closing night parties. These events are open and welcoming to individuals of all genders and sexualities. Many come out, get involved, have some fun and it was a great kick-off to summer!

2008

Gay West Community Network Inc., a not-for-profit charity organization incoporated April 28. A Board of Directions is elected. Queer West Fest managed by the Board, runs from Thursday June 12 to Tuesday June 24th., a 10 day festival .

The 3rd alternative queer arts festival was held in Toronto 2008, organized by new Board of Directors from Queer West, making it the 2nd largest gay and lesbian festival in the city. Having successfully coordinated several queer focused events over the past several years. A series of event were presented over the course of one week as part of the new Queer West Fest. There is never a parade along West Queen West. Rather, there are events at a handful at many queer and queer-friendly businesses in the neighbourhood.

Paré loans Board $1000 to host the event. $1000 donated by Cool Beer for festival. Queer West Fest receive $560 Pride and Diversity grant from Pride Toronto as grass roots project for the Queer Eyes and Queer Ears June 18 Gladstone Hotel

Queer West Fest holds it's First annual Queer West Film Festival outdoors on Wednesday June 18 in the back lot of Good Catch General Store, Parkdale. Close to 100 attendees settle in for great 2 hour event, organized and managed by Forest Lightbody. ACT Toronto donates use of DVD projector.

“It was an eye-opening experience for many people to see such diversity and acceptance”, said Chris Mitchell, Marketing, Publicity & Exhibitions Manager, Gladstone Hotel.

2009

In February Queer West Fest organizers contact Tracy Sandilands, Executive Director of Pride Toronto to collaborate on one or two events, since both festivals overlap in June. First Ms. Sandilands said yes. "What a wonderful idea", then changed her mind on May 13 and said no.

Next day, May 14, 2009 following Sandilands no reply May 13, more pressure is put on the Corporation. The former Queer West President Bryen Dunn TX Productions, a promoter for Pride Toronto, sent five intimating letters suggesting, Paré (interim President) fold the Corporation and go back to days of Paré and Dunn running Gay West. A second letter said Gay West was empty shell. Dunn was prepared to carve up the organization (Java Knights Public Forum, Queer Peers, The Bicycle Club, Queer West Fest and Film Festival) and turn them businesses. The Board consulted a lawyer.

The lawyer said "when a Board Member leaves that's it, it's done, no other using of names and such to further his own dealings. The Corporation owns all the programs and services, not individuals." Paré said no, all of Dunn's requests. Dunn became angry and revengeful, created duplicate programs, stirred up trouble with Pride Toronto.

Paré tried to offer understanding a number of times, but was rebuffed. Friends said Dunn was unstable and could become dangerous. Better to break it off. There's two step process for legal action, if he continues to harass the organization. The six year working friendship ends late May, 2009.

Festival Organizers had booked June 17 Granny Boots (concert) and June 23 at Gladstone Hotel Artbar, for a Java Knights Queer Womens Human Rights conference. Only to learn on June 4 (Street edition Pride Guide), that Dunn had cancelled both spaces and booked them for Pride Toronto instead. Queer West Fest ends June 20. Pride Toronto uses Queer West's corporate program name, without permission. Labels their on June 23 event, Queer West Fest Community Reception and Panel Discussion (PDF file) for advertising and promotion purposes. Both Bryen Dunn and Tracey Sandilands, Pride Toronto refused to apologise, for the hurt they caused Queer West.

The Queer West Festival ran from Friday June 12 to Saturday June 20, 2009 again marks the fourth year that a series of events was presented over the course of more than one week, as part of the new Queer West Fest.

Queer West Fest holds it's second annual Queer West Film Festival at Fix Point Theatre on Saturday June 20. The Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention (ASAAP) loans the film festival a DVD Projector.

Gay West Community Network Inc. Queer West West 2009 Mix and Mingle Community Fair dropped (lack of volunteers) and the planned Java Knights, Global Human Rights panel discussion June 23rd, for Queer Women, had to be cancelled at last minute, due to disagreement with Pride Toronto. Other QWF booked events for the 10 day festival, go ahead as planned. Despite all this, Queer West Fest has a moderately successful year.

Queer West Fest 2009, officially ends Saturday June 20.

In the summer of 2009, a new Queer West Arts Collective is founded The Collective will be responsible for performing arts events, educational workshops, interactive public forums, art shows including the annual Toronto Queer West Arts and Culture Festival and Queer West Film Festival. The Board will be responsible for governance and funding only.

Tuesday, September 08, Pride Toronto bids for World Pride in 2014.

Sept 29. Two new Business Consultants (Names available upon request) approaches Arts Collective with an offer to help with grant writing, legal matters and publicity for the next three years, with no up front fees.

Oct 15 Consultants create an elaborate 12 day plan for the Festival in 2010 far beyond the capabilities of the collective, it receives reluctant approval.

Oct 18 Toronto wins World Pride 2014 bid.

Tuesday Nov 10 Consultants pressure, to begin on funding proposals. Consultants resign Nov 18 says "their time constraints are all consuming." Organizers reapproach consultants with a five day plan, the answer is still no. Collective is devastated. Committee ascertains the reasons consultants left, was consulting fees would be less, if seeking funding, on a three to five day festival. It's unclear what the future of Queer West Fest or QueerWest.org will be.

See also the History of Gay Toronto by Michel F. Paré
See also the Birth of Queer West the Organization 2000 to present. by Michel F. Paré

Showing Toronto pride in creating new & exciting gay and lesbian Queer Festivals

About the Festivals: Overview | Festival 2005 | Festival 2006 | Festival 2007 | Festival 2008 | Festival 2009 | Festival 2010

About our Film Festivals: Overview | Film Festival 2008 | Film Festival 2009 | Film Festival 2010

Copyright 2010 Gay West Community Network Inc.