General Questions

Why a march, and not a parade?
In Toronto, the Dyke March began in 1996 as a means of increasing visibility of the women’s community during Pride. It was – and continues to be – a radical event that sees thousands of women and trans people take over the streets of Toronto. This political march is the largest participatory event at Pride. We encourage people to get off the sidelines and onto the streets. Because the march is largely for the participants, there is not as much of an emphasis on elaborate decorations and displays.

Who can march?
All women and trans people (male and female identified) are encouraged to march! The Dyke March is a celebration of a wide spectrum of people in our community. We retain the name ‘Dyke March’ because of its historical significance, recognizing the spectacular diversity of identities within the LGBTTIQQ2S trans’ and women’s communities.

Do I have to march with a group or community organization?
Not unless you would like to. People march solo, in couples, with friends as well as with community groups. The Dyke March is about expression and participation. It is only loosely organized into sections as a crowd control strategy in order to make sure everyone gets safely on the march route. People can join in at any time during the march, though it helps us with planning if people register ahead of time.

Should I bring placards/drums/noise makers/signs/etc?
Please do! The Dyke March is a space for political expression and celebration.

The Dyke March committee is hosting three activist workshops in the spring where art supplies and silk screening materials will be available to individuals and community groups. We hope people will come out to create outrageous t-shirts, radical noise makers, and clever signs to express whatever is important to you or your group as a woman or trans person in the LGBTTIQQ2S communities. Check back soon for more details, or email the Dyke March committee at dykemarch@pridetoronto.com

Who organizes the Dyke March?
As recently as three years ago, the Dyke March committee shook hands with Pride Toronto, allowing the committee to access a support structure as a subcommittee within the organization. This year, the Dyke March committee is composed of two co-coordinators and a number of committee members.

I’m looking for a way to get involved with Pride – any ideas?
Join the Dyke March committee! We’re always looking for enthusiastic, energetic people to help organize this event. Looking for a smaller time commitment? Volunteer as a marshal! We need over 100 marshals to ensure a safe route. We have social events planned for these special volunteers, and you even get a nifty shirt to take home.

Email us at dykemarch@pridetoronto.com for more details.

Can dogs march too?
Dogs are prohibited on the Dyke March, but not on the festival grounds. Please note: because of the high volume of people at the festival and the high temperatures we can experience in Toronto in June, dogs are often very uncomfortable. Water may not be easily accessible for your dog, and your pet may be frightened by the noise of the sound systems. Please keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to bring along your pup.

Registration Questions

MARCHERS

Who needs to register?
All community groups or organizations who wish to march together as a group should register! We encourage people who wish to march as a group to carry a banner or placards identifying their group and wear distinctive clothing to identify themselves as a group.

Why register as a group?
This greatly helps us to organize the March, the line-up and the music in order to make the March as enjoyable as possible for the marchers. Knowing how many vehicles, sound trucks and marching groups will be attending allows us to give people realistic times when their groups will actually be integrated into the March and reduces crowd control issues that have arisen in the past.

How can I register my group?
Groups can register on-line through the Pride Toronto website under the Dyke March tab. You can also click here. [please insert live link to application]

When should our group register by?
Groups should register as early as possible, but no later than Friday, June 8, 2007.

Are there any fees associated with registering as a group?
No! It is free to march in the Dyke March! The purpose of registering groups in the Dyke March is only for planning and organization.

Do individual marchers have to register?
Individual marchers are welcome to register as it assists us with planning. However, registration is not required, and individuals are welcome to join the march at any time.

VEHICLES

Who needs to register?
All vehicles (other than Dykes on Bikes) must register by June 8 to participate in the Dyke March. Registration forms are available on the Dyke March page under '2007 Dyke March Application' [please create live link to app here]. Please note that for groups, Pride Toronto will ONLY accept registration forms on-line. There are no paper applications available.

Dykes on Bikes may register online or print off the PDF form and submit the form individually or collectively to the Dyke March Committee. Click here for the Dykes on Bikes application [please create live link to app here].

Can I enter a flatbed truck?
No! Flatbed trucks are not allowed due to the size, safety and security issues that are associated with the use of these large vehicles. We encourage you to enter a small pickup truck with a sound system instead. We are trying to remain a participatory march without barricades!

What types of vehicles are permitted in the march?
Pickup trucks and cars are permitted in the March and motorcycles are permitted in the Dykes on Bikes contingent that leads the March. Sound trucks are especially encouraged!

Please Note: All vehicles require first-aid kits to be present on the day of the March. Kits must be available for presentation at all times on the day of the Dyke March.

Is there financial help available to participate in the Dyke March?
Pride Toronto and the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal are proud to present a new fund to support the participation of LGBTTIQQ2S communities in Pride Week. Our aim is to increase access, particularly for diverse and marginalized communities to participate in Pride Week Activities.

Individual artists / activists and LGBTTIQQA Not-for-profit community groups with a budget of under $50,000 are eligible to apply for funds to support their entry into the Dyke March. If you are applying for a Dyke March Grant, indicate that you would like to have an application form sent to you on your Dyke March application.

For more information, please email the Dyke March Committee at dykemarch@pridetoronto.com

Do I need vehicle insurance?
Yes! Appropriate liability insurance must be in effect for all vehicles, and proof of insurance must be available for presentation at all times on the day of the Dyke March. Any vehicle without appropriate liability insurance will be removed.

Is there a registration fee for vehicles?
Not if the vehicle registration is received before the deadline of Friday, June 8, 2007. We require early registration in order to organize our marshals accordingly and plan the March line-up. To encourage early registration, the Dyke March Committee has instituted a fee system. Vehicle registration will be free for all registrations received by Friday, June 8, 2007. Registering after June 8 will require a non-refundable late fee of $50.

What are the requirements for the vehicle driver?
Drivers must possess a valid class of license appropriate to the vehicle they are driving. This license must be available for presentation at any point on the day of the Dyke March. Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances are not permitted in the vehicles during the Dyke March. Any drivers found to be intoxicated or without a proper driver’s license will be removed from the March.

What are “Vehicle Escorts”?
All individuals or groups entering a vehicle must provide one escort for each wheel of their vehicle! (E.g. A four-wheeled pick-up truck needs four vehicle escorts.) The role of this volunteer is to prevent marchers from being endangered by the vehicle. These volunteers may not ride in or on the vehicle, but must remain next to the wheels. Vehicles without vehicle escorts will not be permitted in the March. It is suggested that escorts wear a distinctive type of clothing, so they will stand out in the crowd.

What is a “Dyke March Marshal”?
Dyke March marshals are responsible for ensuring the overall safety of the marchers and the March. Dyke March marshals will be assigned to the area of the March containing vehicles. The presence of marshals is not a replacement for your own vehicle escorts! When recruiting your vehicle escorts, please ensure they have not already made a commitment to be a Dyke March marshal.

Does my group require Dyke March marshals?
Yes! It is mandatory that all registered groups assign two individuals from their organization to act as Dyke March marshals for their group. Group marshals will be assigned to their corresponding organization in the lineup. These individuals will be required to attend a short training session prior to the March. You must indicate who will be assigned as marshals for your group on the registration form.

Where can passengers ride?
Passengers must be inside the vehicle. No person may sit on the outside of a vehicle at any time during the march. Any persons found sitting on the outside of the vehicle will be given a one-time warning and removed from the March for a subsequent offence.

What type of music is appropriate for the march?
We encourage people to use images and music to make a statement during the March. Images and music on all vehicles must be women, dyke and trans-positive. We encourage images and music that celebrate our pride and diversity. Music and imagery that condone violence, hatred, degradation, or negative stereotypes will not be tolerated.

What type of vehicle signage is permitted?
The Dyke March Committee is committed to maintaining a corporate free event. However, we understand that some groups may rely on sponsorships from local businesses in order to fund sound equipment or truck rentals. It is often expected that such sponsorship will be recognized with signage.

However, commercial advertising must play a secondary role to political statement and cultural celebration. Please note that the name, logo, or sign of the business sponsoring the vehicle must be no larger than 150 x 100 cm (59 x 39 inches) in total. (E.g. Three signs, 50 x 33 cm, or two signs, 75 x 50 cm, or one sign 150 x 100 cm.) It is imperative that the name of the community group appears more prominently than that of their sponsor. Signs that do not meet these specifications must be removed before the start of the March.

Questions?
E-mail: dykemarch@pridetoronto.com
Telephone: 416-927-7433 ext. 239