Harm Reduction

Philosophy:

At Pride we believe that meeting people where they are at, in a judgement-free space, is integral to ensuring that everyone can celebrate Pride in whatever way works best for them. And whatever works best for them works best for us. People are in charge of their own lives and all we can do is provide services for folks to be as safe as possible.

Harm Reduction at Pride Toronto:

While Pride Toronto Staff, Volunteers, and Board of Directors have incredible cumulative experience when it comes to planning and executing events for the 2SLGBTQ+ Communities, the truth is we are not a Harm Reduction Agency. However, we are lucky enough to live in the incredible City of Toronto where there are many Harm Reduction agencies interested in partnering with Pride Toronto in order to keep Pride Toronto Festival Guests safe.

Pride Toronto Partners:

Pride Toronto is so honoured and grateful to the following organizations who have agreed to partner with us for Festival Weekend:

John Howard Society of Toronto
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
Maggie’s Toronto
SISTERING
Parkdale Queen West CHC
Casey House
Street Health
COUNTERfit
South Riverdale Community Health Centre
Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention

Harm Reduction Practice:

We will have (among others) the following supplies on the festival footprint:

Naloxone kits
Safer Sex kits
Sharps disposal
Safer injection kits
Fentanyl testing strips
Safer smoking kits
Harm Reduction Training supplies

We are so excited that we are going to be having at least one Harm Reduction Table in a central location as well as Harm Reduction roamers on the festival footprint who will be there in case anyone needs assistance. These roamers, along with the Harm Reduction workers who will be at the tent, will have

Naloxone Kits and Harm Reduction training. They will be wearing bright Yellow Vests and will be accessible via radio dispatch.

Goals:

Our goals are simple, to ensure as much safety as possible, and to as many guests as possible without criticism, intimidation or oppression. To ensure that needs are met in a collaborative, non-discriminatory, human and social justice centred environment, that prioritizes comfort, well-being, and acceptance.

Festival Weekend

Where: The Harm Reduction tents will be at Church and Wellesley and Church and Carlton

When: The Harm Reduction Tents will be open at the following times: