“35 years on, Pride Toronto is all grown up and taking on the world.” Kristy Hoffman, The Globe and Mail

“Pride Toronto presented what is being talked about as the biggest and best Pride Week that marked the 35th edition of the internationally popular festival.” Amoryn Engel, National Post 

“After last year’s wildly successful WorldPride festivities, the organizers at Pride Toronto wanted to keep the momentum rolling. With Canada’s largest ever drag show, sunny pool parties, lush beer gardens, and massive dances they seem to have risen to the occasion.” Julia Stead, BlogTO

What an incredible year we’ve had! Pride Toronto hosted another banner festival of unforgettable performances, marquee events and iconic headliners that has once again cemented our status as a world leader of Pride celebrations and Toronto’s largest festival.

Our 35th year was one of transformation and progress. We were thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Mathieu Chantelois, who, along with our staff and volunteers, built on the energy, excitement and legacies from last year’s WorldPride. We also moved into our shiny new headquarters at 55 Berkeley Street, a location that will accommodate Pride Toronto for years to come as we continue to expand our festival footprint. We also reached out broadly to develop our recently launched 2016–2021 Strategic Plan to guide the organization over the next five years. The future is bright and the possibilities are endless for Toronto’s Pride festival!

This year was special for Pride and for our city, as the host of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games. Pride Toronto’s Come OUT and PLAY! theme welcomed everyone to our inclusive city. This year was also notable for the dialogue about our community’s rights in the Pan-American region and for the largest contingent of sports groups in the history of our Pride Parade. We also celebrated the return of Toronto’s Mayor to Pride; and we extend a very special thanks to Mayor John Tory for his outstanding support!

Pride Toronto forged new community partnerships in 2015. We worked with the Church Wellesley BIA to co-host our opening weekend kickoff event; we developed a new partnership with The 519 and Green Space Festival to co-host the much-anticipated Starry Night extravaganza; and were honoured to work alongside 11 other organizations to deliver the PrideHouseTO initiative during the Pan Am Games. We look forward to partnering with the community in dynamic new ways to increase the scale, scope, and impact of our festival in years to come.

The Board of Directors is very pleased to close another year with a financial surplus. We enjoyed incredible participation in the festival this year, despite Toronto’s largest rainfall in the past five years during our closing weekend. With umbrellas, rain ponchos and smiles, every individual proved Pride is a celebration that matters to our city, our culture and our future.

Pride Toronto is grateful to all of our sponsors, especially our platinum sponsor, TD Bank Group. We thank our public funders at the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada. Of course, our most heartfelt gratitude goes to the more than 1,750 volunteers who made this a year to remember.

As we prepare for our 2016 festival, we remember Toronto’s 1981 bathhouse raids as the catalyst for mass protests and the spur for the development of our organization. We’re confident that 2016 will further entrench Pride as a celebration of our community’s victories and serve as an essential platform for promoting awareness of issues that require our commitment and focus. We look forward as we acknowledge the past, stand together in the present and welcome you to the future of next year’s festival.  

Aaron GlynWilliams and Alica HallCo-Chairs, Board of Directors

Message fromour Board Co-Chairs

Pride Toronto would also like to thank: Salah BachirScott Mullin 

The United Nations Free and Equal CampaignThe Elton John AIDS Foundation

The 519Ryerson University

Thank you sponsors!

The 35th edition of Pride Toronto’s festival proved that NOTHING can rain on our parade. Instead, we conjured up a different kind of storm that overtook Toronto!

Our festival was met with an outpour of support from our largest-ever team of devoted volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the months leading up to and the full 10 days of the festival.

Our stages and events—DRAG ON!, Bend It Like Bombay and Blockorama among others—were supercharged with artists from around the world and packed with energetic festival-goers celebrating our incredible community, despite the challenging weather. With their very presence, each individual made a clear statement about the meaning and the importance of Pride.

With our longest-ever Trans* March to date, we saw the largest celebration showcasing Trans* Pride in North America, featuring Chaz Bono and Mx Justin Vivian Bond, in addition to proudly hosting the first Trans* Pride Community Fair.

Over 200 of Toronto’s thought leaders joined us at the University of Toronto for our second annual Human Rights Conference, in partnership with The Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies and PrideHouseTO, with the support of Rainbow Railroad, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. This sold-out discussion about our community’s rights in the Pan-American region received accolades from attendees and presenters alike.

International Grand Marshalls Pussy Riot, Celina Jaitly and Cyndi Lauper, along with Grand Marshall David Furnish, Brendan Jordan (Pride Toronto’s first-ever Youth Ambassador), and PrideHouseTO as our Honoured Group, raised awareness of our victories and struggles as we celebrated together in the Pride Parade.

Like the parade, it was shoulder-to-shoulder with Mayor Tory and Toronto City Councillors at the City Hall flag-raising. The soirée with John Waters and the magnificent Cabana Pool Party stood out among many memorable weekday offerings this year.

Planning is now well underway for our 2016 festival. Fuelled by the undeniable power and beauty of our community’s diversity, we will tell stories, create platforms and continue to make a cultural, social and political impact in Toronto and beyond. Be assured, we’re hard at work and no one will want to take a rain check in 2016!

Mathieu ChanteloisExecutive Director

Message from ourExecutive Director

Celina JaitlyINTERNATIONAL GRAND MARSHALL

“It makes me so happy to be a part of this great celebration of human beings… it’s another wonderful platform for me to come and be the voice on behalf of people in countries where people do not have the rights to go and celebrate themselves, to say we’re all human beings first.”

Celina Jaitly, in the Toronto Star

Pussy RiotINTERNATIONAL GRAND MARSHALLS

“The anti-propaganda laws [passed in Russia] are very harmful to the gay community. When you come into the streets carrying a rainbow flag, people are free to beat you. And our governments don’t prosecute those people, they just encourage them…. If you have the voice, you have the responsibility to help people who don’t have that voice.”

Nadya Tolokonnikova, in NOW Magazine

2015HONOUREDPOSITIONS

David FurnishGRAND MARSHALL

“I want to draw awareness to the fact that there are 81 countries in the world where it is still criminalized to be gay, where LGBT people don’t have rights. When 1.2 million people come together for Pride Toronto that’s great, but we now need to start paying it forward and thinking about the rest of the world.”

David Furnish, in the Toronto Star

Cyndi LauperINTERNATIONAL GRAND MARSHALL

“With the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Pride will be extra special this year, for sure. It’s a big celebration… we all get to celebrate our differences. It’s inspiring. As a gay friend and family member, I feel it’s still a relevant and an important day. There’s always a reason to party and have fun!”

Cyndi Lauper, in the Toronto Sun

Brendan JordanYOUTH AMBASSADOR

“Coming out isn’t something that’s easy for everyone because the first step is accepting yourself; because you have to accept yourself before anyone can really accept you…. Coming out was amazing because it literally feels like chains have been taken off of you.”

Brendan Jordan, in Daily Xtra

PrideHouseTOHONOURED GROUP

“As an out athlete, I think it’s very important for athletes who aren’t necessarily out or who are struggling to have a place where they feel safe and to perform at their best. I think [PrideHouseTO] is an important message for not just Toronto but Canada to send to the world.”

Erin McLeod, in The Globe and Mail

for-profi t businesses with more than 2 outlets or with international presence19for-profi t businesses with 2 or fewer outlets in Canada14large unions(over 25,000 members)7non-profi ts, charities, small unions, government agencies, student groups, political groups

82

37 motorcycles 83community groups

2015 BY THE NUMBERS

On the street

PARADEMARCHERS10,000

STREETFAIRBOOTHS

232CITY BLOCKSCLOSED

18

DYKE MARCHERS5,000

TRANS* MARCHERS3,000

1 million PARADEATTENDEES Source: CP24

Arts & CultureHOURS OFEVENTPROGRAMMING216ARTISTS ANDMUSICIANS512

PRIDETORONTOSTAGES9 Volunteers

HOURS15,000

SHIFTS2,450

VOLUNTEER TEAMS28

Social Media

INCREASE INFACEBOOKFOLLOWERS

46%INCREASE INTWITTERFOLLOWERS

14%

Pride Toronto presented the largest-ever Trans* celebration in North America, with Canada’s first Trans* Pride Fair, an extended Trans* Pride March, an expanded Trans* Space, and the Transforming Pride showcase event featuring Chaz Bono and Mx Justin Vivan Bond at Yonge-Dundas Square.

“Thousands took part in the annual Trans* March… an event whose numbers seem to swell by 50 percent each year, a literal manifestation of the march of progress. The Trans* march has quickly established itself as one of Pride Week’s largest and most urgent events.”

Jonathan Goldsbie, NOW Magazine

TRANS* PRIDEFRIDAY JUNE 26

HIG

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Festival-goers were immersed in a riveting and magical world of culture as Pride Toronto partnered with Besharam to show just how vibrant Toronto can be. At the TD Wellesley Stage, the South Asian festival of Holi was celebrated by tantalizing performances from musicians, activists and dancers lasting late into the night.

“Bend it Like Bombay was a huge success! Everything from the talented performers, high energy DJ sets, the colourful and vibrant Holi theme to a powerful message from activist Celina Jaitly, it was an experience I was so honoured to be a part of.  It was both exciting and moving to see Toronto come out to support multiculturalism within the LGBTQ community.”

Pooja Handa, CP24 News Anchor and Bend It Like Bombay host

BENDIT LIKEBOMBAYFRIDAY JUNE 26

Our marquee signature event celebrated our 35th festival with 35 drags taking the stage. Hosted by headliner Bianca Del Rio, DRAG ON! featured music by Australian queen Kitty Glitter and a marathon of performances, including Miss Fame and Katya, from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Our local queens stole the show, including unforgettable performances by Carlotta Carlisle, Farra N Hyte, Vitality Black and Jenna Syde.

“This drag event of the year was not to be missed!”

Ryan English, Daily Xtra

DRAGON!SATURDAY JUNE 27

HIG

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TS

The 2015 Pride Parade, on the final day of festival celebrations, featured over 175 participating community and ally groups who shared their stories through art, costumes and choreography.

“Cold temperatures and a constant drizzle didn’t seem to cool celebrations at Toronto’s 35th annual Pride Parade… the largest event of its kind in the country.”

Canadian Press

PRIDEPARADESUNDAY JUNE 28

REVENUES SponsorshipsGrantsPermits and FeesDonations and FundraisingBeverage Sales

EXPENSESMedia and promotionEntertainment and eventsSalaries and benefitsFestival InfrastructureOffice and administrationBeverage cost of salesOccupancyVolunteer costsCommunity outreach, fundraising and bursariesInsuranceCommunications and securityAmortization of capital assets

Excess of revenues over expenses

Accumulated surplus, beginning of year

Accumulated surplus, end of year

$ 2,052,718 551, 920204,120170,546125,602

3,104,906

876,876546,641518,504331,239

239,244173,169160,77459,49050,30241,44740,83424,800

3,063,320

41,586

747,919

$ 789,505

$ 2,789,1151,383,890

339,117483,023

316,221

5,311,366

1,528,1361,491,244

569,741478,340194,869255,578162,938

71,075361,44645,40332,031

24,943

5,215,744

95,622

652,297

$ 747,919

Audited Financial Statements

2015 2014

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

Aaron GlynWilliams (Co-Chair), Alica Hall (Co-Chair), Paul J. Saguil (Secretary), Chris Tremeer (Treasurer), Kerry Bell, Rachel Lauren Clark, Shelley Craig, Carolynn Gludish, Lauryn Kronick, Michael Mirpuri, Dana Suvagau, Tatum Wilson.

S TA F F

Executive Director – Mathieu ChanteloisDirector of Development – Ben FreemanDirector of Operations – Jaime MartinoArts & Culture Manager – Taylor K. (TK) GesnerVolunteer Program Manager – Matthew HalseOffice Manager – Pam PaulsenCommunications Manager – Victoria SchwarzlCommunity Outreach Coordinator – Sachil PatelGraphic Designer - Etienne DicaireSite Logistics Assistant – Alanna O’ConnorProduction Manager – Sara MalabarTechnical Director – Heather KilnerYonge-Dundas Square Coordinator – Umu Sowe Accessibility Coordinators – Nicole Cormier, Frank Folino Pride Toronto Interns – Dua Ali, Alexandra Andriano, Olivia KwiecienMedia Relations Assistant - Andrea DelgadoBookkeeper - Kinga Wnuk

V O L U N T E E R T E A M L E A D S

Accessibility - Samanta Jaramillo, Marjorie Richards Artist Relations & Hospitality - Elise Milani Beverage Gardens - Dawn Allen, Francine Elliot, Kevin Martins Blockorama - Craig Palmer, Nik Red, Syrus Ware Clean, Sober & Proud - Sarah McDougall, Michael W. Communications - Robert Carbonell, Ben Langille Digital - Joey Fascio, Charles Kouri Donations - Gabriella Foganholi, Michael Sin Dyke March - Julie Jean, Al Stanton-Hagan Environmental Sustainability - Atish Pereira, Tyler TalbotFamily Pride - Sallyanne Hadzalic, Kevin StephneyFestival Outreach - Frank FolinoInternational Grand Marshall - Jacqie Lucas, Vijay RamkumarMedia Relations/PR - Cole Douglas, Frances SesayPride Events - Alyssa Abbassi, Lucas Beaver, Marc LalondePride Guide - Ben LangillePride Parade - Joanna Eaton, Justin Kusnir, Brent Simpson Pride Week Partners - Michael CrampProgramming - Bryen DunnPublic Safety - Martin Kuplens Ewart, Hugh Switzer, Taylor VanderweyResearch - Dave Kim, Eugenia Silina Site - Matt Dobie, Jen Neilands, Nicole RowanSocial Media - Ibrahim Hasan, Ferdinand Ngo Streetfair - Amar Al-Sbayi, Amanda Gallant, Patricia TucciTrans* Pride - Christin Milloy, Luka SidaraviciusVolunteer Food & Beverage - Brian WilsonWeekend Volunteers - Calvin Barr, Amay Bhumak, Sara PsenickaWelcomes Centres - Sarah Bang, Wendy Borrison, Jason Tonna

P H O T O G R A P H E R S

Joey FascioBavleen Kaur Saini Indeana UnderhillAndrew Conlon Olena SullivanRuth GillsonPaul Kinnis Cecilia ChanNajin Lim Jay HanPierce McCleary

V I D E O G R A P H E R S

Patrick BillerGwen Brydson