Pride Month and Indigenous History Month: My Journey Through the Cultural Mosaic that is Toronto

This past weekend, at the start of Pride Month, I happened to be in Toronto, Canada. As I explored the city, I felt a strong sense of support for the 2SLGBTQ community. The ‘2S’ stands for Two-Spirit, a term used in Indigenous communities to describe individuals who embody masculine and feminine traits. June is also Indigenous History Month in Canada, and the infusion of Indigenous culture and 2SLGBTQ pride created a positive energy in the air. For example, I saw an Indigenous festival featuring Pride art – a beautiful integration honoring both communities. The city honors the month in a way where each culture feels respected and recognized.?

Two fun facts I learned about Toronto as it relates to Pride month: it’s home to the largest Pride parade in Canada (3 million visitors last year), and it recently made history for having the longest?rainbow walk?in the world. Although I missed seeing it in person...I have all the more reason to come back to Toronto!

Toronto’s multiculturalism is alive in its retail, food, and people. When I referred to it as a melting pot, I was quickly corrected by Canadians ?who prefer the term, 'cultural mosaic.’ Unlike a melting pot, which blends everything into a uniform mix, a mosaic maintains the integrity of each piece, highlighting the unique aspects that contribute to the whole.

Not only during Pride/Indigenous History Month but every month, let’s ‘paint it forward’ by using our professional canvas with the vibrant colors of inclusion. We stand together, celebrating every hue of individuality and every spectrum of success. Here's to creating workplaces where diversity thrives and talents shine, not in spite of who we are, but because of it.?

Last but not least, I would like to thank my incredible husband?Anthony Williams, MBA?for gifting me this experience of leaving for a work trip a bit earlier than normal to have the space to explore the most diverse city in the world.

Here are some images capturing the spirit of Pride in Toronto.