In photos: U of T shows its colours for Pride Month

By Geoffrey Vendeville and Nick Iwanyshyn

The Pride, Canadian and Trans flags fly in a row against a clear sunny sky.

The rainbow flag, Maple Leaf and Trans Pride flag fly at Varsity Stadium (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

The University of Toronto came together to show its support for the LGBTQ+ community at multiple events across the three campuses this month. Here is a selection of images that detail the colourful displays:

A group of people smile, standing at the base of two flagpoles with the Pride and Trans flags attached, ready for hoisting. — *(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)*

The festivities kicked off with the traditional flag-raising ceremony at Varsity Stadium on June 6. “The raising of the Pride and trans flags, along with other campus events, promotes necessary LGBTQ+ visibility, celebrates our differences and emphasizes our support and allyship with our queer and trans communities,” said Kelly Hannah-Moffat (MA 1992, PhD 1997) (fourth from left), U of T’s vice-president of human resources and equity.

The Pride, Canadian and Trans flags flutter against a blue sky, framed by leafy tree branches. — *(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)*

It's the second year that U of T has flown the blue, pink and white Trans Pride flag. Monica Helms, a U.S. Navy veteran and trans activist, designed the flag in 1999 using the traditional colours for boys and girls, with a white band separating the two to represent intersex, gender non-conforming or transitioning people.

Three people sitting in a crowd on bleachers hold up their phones. — *(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)*

People in the audience snap pictures during the flag-raising ceremony at Varsity Stadium.

The courtyard at Hart House is packed with tents, tables and people socializing under the multicoloured Pride flag. — *(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)*

One of the signature events on the Pride at U of T calendar, Pride Pub brings the community together for barbecue, dancing and a communtiy fair with local LGBTQ+ organizations. This year's edition featured Samba Elegua, a percussion ensemble inspired by Brazilian music.

A crowd of people look up at the Pride and Trans flags flying at the top of a flagpole. — *(photo by Tina Adamopoulos)*

The U of T Scarborough community came out in large numbers for a flag celebration.

A man with a cellphone snaps a woman throwing out her arms as she stands in an archway painted to look like a rainbow. — *(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)*

The Instagram-friendly rainbow frame at Hart House was a popular spot for pictures. Pride Pub is organized by U of T's Sexual & Gender Diversity Office and Hart House.

A man in a flower crown tosses a brightly-coloured streamer in the air while standing in a photo booth. — *(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)*

Partygoers could also record their memories of Pride Pub at a photo booth installed for the occasion.

Two moms smile and laugh, holding their small child, who is wearing an Elmo T-shirt and holding a bright plastic flower. — *(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)*

Cuter than the real Elmo? A family poses for a portrait at the photo booth.

A diverse group of students, staff and faculty members stand under the Pride and Trans flags at the entrance to the UTM Student Centre. — *(photo by Drew Lesiuczok)*

The festivities took place on each of U of T's campuses. U of T Mississauga held its flag-unfurling ceremony on June 6 at the UTM Student Centre with representatives from the Equity & Diversity Office, UTM students’ union, OUT @ UTM, human resources, dean of student affairs and the Indigenous Centre.

Angela Lange and Amrita Daniere smile, wearing neon T-shirts and standing behind a tray of cupcakes with brightly coloured icing. — *(photo by Blake Eligh)*

Angela Lange, U of T Mississauga's acting vice-principal, academic and dean, and Amrita Daniere, acting principal, pose with Pride-themed cupcakes.

A person in costume wears a giant white eagle head, a shiny rainbow fedora and a rainbow feather garland. — *(photo by Leslie Seto)*

U of T Mississauga's mascot, Eddy the Eagle, sporting colourful plumage in honour of Pride month.