Today, Mayor Olivia Chow marked the beginning of Pride Month by raising the intersex-inclusive Pride flag at Nathan Phillips Square, continuing a City tradition spanning more than 30 years. The ceremony celebrates the resilience, diversity and contributions of Toronto’s Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning communities. The Pride flag will fly throughout June at City Hall and all Civic Centres as a visible symbol of the City’s commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and welcoming Toronto for all residents.
As part of the flag raising to celebrate Pride Month, Mayor Chow presented the Key to the City to faith leaders in support of marriage equality, in recognition of their courage and advocacy in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. The presentation took place on the podium roof of City Hall.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of a defining milestone in Toronto’s history, when faith leaders officiated same-sex marriages at a time when marriage equality was not yet recognized under provincial law. In January 2001, same-sex couples were married at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto through the reading of the banns. The marriages prompted a legal challenge, ultimately contributing to landmark court decisions affirming the right to same-sex marriage.
To honour this anniversary, Mayor Chow presented the Key to the City to Reverend Deana Dudley, Reverend Dr. Cheri DiNovo, C.M., Rabbi Shalom Schachter, Imam El-Farouk Khaki, Dr. Sivasiri Visuvanatha Ranganatha Sarma, Elder Blu Waters and Elder Aina-Nia Ayo’dele, who accepted it on behalf of the faith leaders whose bravery helped secure marriage equality, as well as to those who continue to champion inclusion and human rights across Toronto.
More information about Pride Month programming and events across the city is available on the City’s webpage.
About the Key to the City
The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto, and who have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City is Toronto’s highest honour granted by the Mayor to an individual or a group.
More information, including a list of past recipients, is available on the City’s Key to the City webpage.
Quotes:
“Twenty-five years ago, courageous faith leaders helped make history in Toronto by standing up for love, equality and human rights. Their leadership helped pave the way for marriage equality in Canada and demonstrated that faith and inclusion can go hand in hand. Today, we honour those pioneers, as well as the faith leaders who continue to champion inclusion and equality in their communities. It is a privilege to present them with the Key to the City in recognition of their lasting contributions to our city and our country. As we celebrate Pride Month, we reaffirm that Toronto will always be a place where everyone is free to be who they are and love who they choose.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.