Join host Hollywood Jade and meet the collectives behind the hottest queer events in Toronto for your chance to learn how they do it! Featured collectives include RUDE collective, YOHOMO, Strapped, and Rangeela.

Pride Toronto’s Co-Program Director, Mykel aka DJ Black Cat “The funky dread” got his start working in Toronto & has been a DJ/Promoter, entertaining the LGBT2Q+ masses for more than 28 years. He has been on TV, radio, and magazines including CBC, City TV, Fab & X-tra, Honey & in such papers as NOW, The Globe & Mail & The Toronto Star. You want it, he can play it. This Toronto Canada native is of Jamaican descent & knows his way around all kinds of Music such as Dancehall, hip hop, R&B, dance, soca & his 1st love House (ballroom) music. Along with spinning for College Night Wednesdays, The Rude Collective, & Yes Yes Y`all, he also has his own regular monthly party in Toronto called “GO HARD” a Hip Hop, Dancehall, Soca, R&B underground type party. He just recently joined the team behind the popular hip hop party BIG PRIMPIN. He has opened for Canadian R&B Superstar & friend Jully Black, City Girls & hard-hitting superstar DJ`s like Vjuan Allure & Mikeq. Recipient of the Inspire Awards “Lifetime Achievement Award'' for his contributions to his community & bringing the urban sound to Toronto`s LGBT2Q scene, this Black Cat never sleeps and neither will you if you're at one of his functions & dare to cross his path

The mission of TKBA is to teach youth ballroom arts and to use the ballroom to demonstrate the importance of self-confidence, healthy living, active lifestyle, and bring awareness of the different problems affecting LGBT2Q+ youth and their allies. Officially kicking off in 2010, the TKBA has now 5 active houses and reaches over 75 youth. 

We hope to continue in this spirit, and spread the love throughout this new community we are starting in the city of Toronto.

Carving out an alternative and personal voice for himself, James Baley is a Juno nominated, multi-disciplinary performer and music creator from Toronto who’s unapologetic energy magnetizes audiences

James’ musical journey began in church where he was celebrated for his talents as a young vocalist/ performer but exploration of queerness was discouraged.  Yearning to find an inclusive community in which to honour his identity James began sharing his talents in 2013 through the inter-spiritual community of Sunset Service where he was able to develop and unleash his expression as a queer artist.

PRESENTED BY CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE & YOU CAN PLAY
Join us for a weekly, one-hour conversation with a queer or allied Team Canada Athlete! After the chat, move your coffee table over and join the athlete for an exclusive at-home work out.

This week, participants will experience safety, healing and community. Specific information will also be provided about the benefits of an anti-oppressive approach to communication in creating an LGBT2Q+ friendly work environment.

Join us for a 12 part, four-week interview series while we sit down with a line up of local community legends, rising stars, and community organizations.

Join us for a 12 part, four-week interview series while we sit down with a line up of local community legends, rising stars, and community organizations.

This week, participants will experience safety, healing and community. Specific information will also be provided about the benefits of an anti-oppressive approach to leadership and practical strategies to lead inclusively, skillfully and consciously.

The Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario is a centralized hub for same-gender-loving men of African, African diaspora, Afro-Latino, Caribbean and Black identities, operating from Toronto as an independent and autonomous entity. Their goal is to provide cultural, intergenerational and mentorship opportunities, leadership, self-development and empowerment as well as activism support aimed at improving the lives of Black queer people in Ontario.

Myst Milano is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist best known for being a rapper, producer and D.J. whose high energy, genre-defying sets are their trademark. They have moved crowds across Canada as well as internationally, and shared stages with other artists such as, DMC, Thundercat, Ashanti & Ja Rule, and Lizzo, to name a few. A staple in Toronto’s nightlife scene, you might find Myst booking artists as Music Coordinator and resident DJ for The RUDE Collective, contributing as a Principal member of up and coming collective, label Raven’s Vision (and playing with them on ISO Radio every 3rd Thursday), or playing raw, electrifying shows in Toronto’s downtown core.

Polly Perry is the CEO and Event Director of Polly Perry Events, An Openmind Group and Co-Founder of the Afro-Caribbean Vegan Market. She has been a part of Toronto’s community for over 20 years. She is one of the pioneers of the Black Queer Event Scene in Toronto. In 2000, a time when there were limited options for the Black Queer Community to safely gather, celebrate, socialize and be themselves; Polly and her business partner Janet founded Club Manhattan which was at the time, the only and still is the longest ran weekly Queer Urban Event Space for POC in Canada. Many of today’s amazing stars graced the stage and the dance-floors of Club Manhattan.

Join Snoopy in a safe space workshop where you’ll have the limited opportunity to learn Beginner Vogue.

Emotional regulation and stress management are required skills in becoming an anti-oppressive communicator and creating an LGBT2Q+ friendly work environment. Participants will experience safety, healing and community. Specific information will be provided about how to identify and understand common emotions and trauma “triggers”. In addition,
participants will learn and practice various stress management and relaxation techniques.