Rainbow Flag raised at Toronto City Hall 2011

The LGBTQ community and their many supporters gathered today in Nathan Phillips Square for the official reading of the City of Toronto’s Pride Week Proclamation and the raising of the rainbow flag at City Hall today. Absent was the current Mayor of Toronto and many in the square were booing whenever Rob Ford’s name came up in the speeches. Master of Ceremonies Kristyn Wong-Tam asked for and received calm to allow the ceremony to continue and for Councillor Frances Nunziata to read the proclamation on the Mayor’s behalf.

On hand was one ex-Mayor of Toronto (and current Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission) – Barbara Hall, who was loudly cheered by those in attendance. Pride week began June 24^th and continues until July 3^rd, 2011 with some pretty amazing parties and parades and hopefully they can continue to build on the acceptance and support of the LGBTQ communities within Toronto.

My picture of the City’s Pride proclamation shows that it was indeed signed by Mayor Rob Ford. The flag can be found flying on the outdoor garden level, close to Bay Street. 

See more pictures after the jump.

Barbara Hall