The University of Toronto kicked off the start of Pride month on June 1 with the annual Progress Pride flag raising at the St. George campus Varsity Stadium.
Hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) and the Institutional Equity Office (IEO), the annual ceremony started with remarks from Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, who noted that the month of June is also National Indigenous History Month.
“We are keenly aware of the exclusion experienced by Indigenous people in Canada and their struggle to resist and overcome it,” said Kerr. “This resilience is also a core strength of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and is being relied on today in several battles for inclusivity on the sports field.”
Kerr spoke of KPE’s strong commitment to equity and inclusion across its academic and physical activity spaces.
“In collaboration with U of T's Institutional Equity Office, our Faculty develops training, programing and events to empower and include 2SLGBTQ+ communities,” said Kerr. “In addition to our sport and recreational programs, we are also home to world-renowned researchers in the areas of equity and social justice.”
Kerr said the raising of the Progress Pride flag over the Varsity stadium signals KPE’s continued support for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and serves as a reminder of the kinds of inclusive environments we should all be striving for where homophobia, biphobia and transphobia have no place and every person is supported toward achieving their full potential.
Professor Trevor Young, vice president and provost at the University of Toronto, took the podium next saying he was old enough to remember when being both proud and 2SLGBTQIA+ seemed little more than a fantasy.
“When I was young, I could never have envisioned a moment like this,” said Young. “But now here we are – and I honestly couldn’t be prouder of U of T and of all the students, staff, faculty members and alumni who have contributed to building an institution that is rich with queer history, advocacy, talent, experience and community.”
Reflecting on the University’s commitment to equity and inclusion, Young stressed that this was not new:
The first gay and lesbian group at any Canadian university was established at U of T in 1969.
In 1999, U of T created the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Resources & Programs Office – now known as the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office – which was also the first of its kind at a Canadian university.
In the 1990s, U of T became one of the first major employers in Canada to extend pension benefits to same-sex couples.
And this year, the University is marking the 30th anniversary of the Positive Space Campaign – an initiative that led the way for similar campaigns at universities and institutions across North America.
“Now, I don’t want to make it seem like all of these initiatives came about without dissent or struggle,” said Young. “This progress was hard-won – by our community and allies who paved the path for equity, respect and pride here at U of T.
“Today, I want to affirm the University’s abiding commitment to those values to everyone who happens to look up this month and see our Progress Pride flag flying alongside those of Canada and the University of Toronto.
“Let's never take our freedoms for granted and always be proud of who we are.”
Bobbi-Jo Cronk, head coach of the Varsity Blues women’s rugby team, said she was honoured to be part of the day’s celebrations.
“Growing up in sports that were predominantly male, being a big, strong female was not always something that felt celebrated everywhere I went,” said Cronk. “Rugby was one of the first places where I truly felt embraced for exactly who I was."
That experience had a strong impact on Cronk’s coaching philosophy, including her belief that everybody deserves to feel safe being themselves - in sport, in school and in life.
“When people feel comfortable enough to be themselves, amazing things happen,” said Cronk. “Athletes become more confident, teams become stronger, friendships become deeper and people start to realize they don’t have to change who they are to feel connected, supported or like they belong.”
Cronk introduced the 2026 2SLGBTQ+ community impact honouree, KPE doctoral student Jacob Schwartz, whose research is looking at the effect of gender minority stress and gender-affirming hormone therapies on cardiovascular health in transgender individuals.
“As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and who also loves physiology and research, it’s been really meaningful to combine those parts of myself and use them in a way that can hopefully contribute positively to my community,” said Schwartz, who is studying under the supervision of KPE Assistant Professor Robert Bentley in the cardiovascular physiology lab.
“I’m also incredibly grateful to be able to pursue this work in a country and at an institution where this kind of research is supported, and where events like this — celebrating Pride and raising the Pride flag — can openly take place.”
Schwartz’ speech was followed by the raising of the Progress Pride flag and an invitation from Terry Gardiner, KPE’s director of equity, diversity and inclusion, to everyone gathered to enjoy some gelato, Bubly and a chance to browse the U of T Bookstore popup featuring this year’s new Pride collection.