Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week

Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week takes place this year from September 15th – 24th. This is the 21st year of Pride in Peterborough.
“LOVE. OUT. LOUD.” is the theme of Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week 2023.

It’s a set of values or conditions that tell the world that “we’re here, we’re queer, get used to it”! “Love out loud” describes how queer folks aspire to exist in communities worldwide. It’s a rallying cry for visibility and safety as the 2SLGBTQIA+ community faces threats from those who wish to silence us.
To love who we want, openly and visibly and have our voices heard. Our community calls for compassionate love, bodily autonomy, and celebration. We invite everyone to embrace the theme of Pride Week, take action and make it your own.
In 2003, a group of bold and courageous individuals organized Peterborough’s 1st Gay Pride parade and Mayor Sylvia Sutherland officially proclaimed September 13th as Gay Pride Day. On that occasion, over 300 people participated in the parade.
This year, 20 years later, plans are in the works for over 30 community run virtual and in-person gatherings that folks can participate in safely during Pride Week. Participants are welcome to wear masks at events to help protect themselves and others. Pride Week events will continue to provide space for participants to gather, share ideas, speak their minds, support each other, and have fun in a safe and accepting environment.

The Pride Parade will be on Saturday September 23rd starting at 2pm from City Hall. Please be advised these road closures will be in effect on the day:
● Full Closure of George Street from McDonnell to Murray and Murray Street from Aylmer to Water Street closed at 12pm noon until 3:00 pm
● Rolling closures along George Street south to Sherbrooke Street and King Street east over to Millennium Park from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
“Peterborough Pride” exists to support & celebrate people of all sexual orientations and gender identities; honour and give thanks to those who have come before us and contribute to the resilient spirit and courage of the present struggle for our human rights. We promote a justice seeking future through education and advocacy so that all may participate fully in the life and work of the City of Peterborough and surrounding area with safety, dignity & respect!
There will be no parking on George Street between McDonnel and Murray Street from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and south along the parade route from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
We invite everyone to show their Pride and express their feelings by decorating their homes and businesses to signal that they are part of a welcoming community where nobody needs to feel alone or unsafe. Everyone should be able to live and love as they wish with dignity and without fear. Freedom from oppression and discrimination of any sort should be a basic human right that all humans can enjoy.
The annual Pride Week celebration is the product of considerable time and dedication from many volunteers and support from the City, community organizations, unions, local businesses, and the broader community. That work and support is greatly appreciated.
To learn more about Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week 2023 go to peterboroughpride.ca or find us on Facebook and Instagram. For requests, questions, or to
arrange an interview, email participate@peterboroughpide.ca.
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* 2SLGBTQ+ refers to 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer individuals and is meant to include individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Links to Resources and Background materials
For more about Peterborough Pride and a detailed event listing visit http://www.peterboroughpride.ca . We are also on Facebook and Instagram @PTBOPride.
Listing of the 30+ planned Pride Week events here: http://peterboroughpride.ca/events/