Celebrating Pride 2021 with the LGBTQIA2S+ Community

Happy Pride 2021! Do you know how to celebrate Pride this year? Are you aware of what challenges the LGBTQIA2S+ community has been facing during COVID? Read our summary article of our Instagram Live at 5!

How has the LGBTQIA2S+ community been impacted by COVID?

Lack of self-expression and job opportunities:

Due to the lockdowns, artists of the LGBTQIA2S+ community have had challenges to work on their art and self-expression, including performers who earn their income from live performances that have been prohibited during the lockdowns. In addition to the loss of income opportunities, the ways to supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community are more limited compared to supporting other minority groups.

With the consistent lockdowns and the cancellation of the Pride 2021 celebrations, many artists have been adopting technology to continue expressing their art despite the lockdowns such as virtual drag shows, virtual galleries and more. As restrictions lift, some outdoor activities have also started which allows these artists and self-expressionists to showcase their talent.

Mental health challenges and homelessness:

The mental and physical challenges the LGBTQIA2S+ community has been facing during COVID have been significantly difficult. Unfortunately, the LGBTQIA2S+ community still faces the mental health challenges of feeling safe to come out and accepting their identity. Due to these issues, 22% of the LGBTQIA2S+ youth experience homelessness and 30-35% of homeless people are a part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Lack of resources:

Normally there are various resources during Pride that can help educate the community and offer resources for these challenges, however, these resources aren’t as visible this year with the COVID restrictions. Without the public Pride 2021 celebrations this year due to lockdown restrictions, the community that faces these challenges might have the additional challenge of being unable to seek resources and find acceptance.

How is Pride 2021 different this year?

Due to restrictions, there aren’t outdoor celebrations this year that typically happened on Church Street which included information booths to spread awareness about the LGBTQIA2S+ community and live performances for entertainment. However, there are still many online resources the LGBTQIA2S+ community can seek such as the Toronto Pride website. There are also live drag queen shows on social media you can tune in to!

How can we support the LGBTQIA2S+ community?

There are charities that help the LGBTQIA2S+ community with homelessness and education. If you want to contribute to the change, you can donate to these charities. If you are seeking entertaining ways to celebrate Pride 2021, there are many online events that are happening across Canada! For Torontonians, check out the Toronto Pride website.

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