Pride month arrives in Waterloo Region
Posted June 1, 2026 3:13 pm.
The calendar has now flipped to June which has many starting to feel that summer-time vibe as the weather gets better, and with the kids on the homestretch of the school year.
June is also Pride month which promises to be a busy one in Waterloo Region.
Suzi Taka, Executive Director, Spectrum, told 570 NewsRadio that if there is a Pride event happening this month, they’ll be there.
“Giving out information about all our programs and resources,” explained Taka.
She said they make a point of participating in the major Pride celebrations like Grand River Pride’s annual Cambridge Pride Street Party on June 13 in downtown Galt.
“We will be at the Cambridge one. I know the City of Waterloo has one on June 5. There’s Ayr Pride in the Township of Ayr on July 11. Woolwich Pride, June 13. It is a very busy month,” said Taka.
She explained that a concerted effort has been made to ensure families feel welcome and that there is plenty to do for the kids.
“tri-Pride, Pride in the Park is happening June 6 and Spectrum will be hosting a full family zone there. Last year, an incredible volunteer named Andrew started a bigger more concentrated family section at Pride in the Park so if you find us in the back right corner, there will lots of family-focused kids’ activities.”
Pride flag-raising ceremonies took place around the Region on Monday.
Taka said that while Pride has come a long way since its founding in the wake of the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969, there is still a long way to go.
“There is still a lot of active harm being done. What is not often seen and is the reason for Pride is that the active harm affects people and causes deep internal shame and poor mental health outcomes. And it’s nothing to do with who queer and trans people are; it’s to do with what they’re experiencing in a world that’s not fully accepting yet.”
To mark the beginning of Pride month, the Region of Waterloo announced the Grand River Transit Pride bus has hit the streets.
It’s adorned with artwork by local artist Brannon Moore-Goldmith. In a press release Moore-Goldsmith said, “This design represents a lot of my personal style — tons of patterns, colours, rainbows, and always something to discover.”
The same artwork has also been placed on four of the region’s ambulances and will be used to create a window mural at King and Frederick St. in Kitchener.
For his part, Kitchener Mayor, Berry Vrbanovic issued a Pride Month statement.
Saying, “Kitchener is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, where neighbours look out for one another, where differences are welcomed, and where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in community life. That commitment shows up in big ways and small ones, in policies and programs, and in everyday acts of inclusion and respect. Each of us has a role to play in that work.”
