To celebrate Pride month, we reached out to FHCI’s GSA with some important questions about Pride. Emily Lindzon, one of the heads at the club, gave some amazing answers!
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride month is a time to celebrate uniqueness and diversity. Though it is fun and celebrated here in Canada, pride month is still a protest. Having a month to acknowledge identities which were criminalized for so long is amazing, but the fight is not over.
Why should we celebrate Pride month?
Celebrating pride month, both as an ally or a part of the LGBTQ+ community, shows support for people embracing who they are. When you show your support for the community, you are making your friends and family know that they are loved and welcome in your life. While celebrating here in Canada, our efforts can spark movements in other places where being gay is illegal and punishable by death.
What are some ways to celebrate Pride month?
You can celebrate by supporting queer creators and charities! Watch some gay movies, donate to the 519, support queer YouTubers, whatever you’re comfortable with! Pride month is also a great time to educate yourself on the origins of the protest. LGBTQ+ history is complex, but worth learning and understanding. Try to look into Canadian pride, and the lengths that the community went to so we could celebrate today!
Why should people join the GSA?
Let’s face it, high school can be scary. Forest Hill’s GSA is a safe space away from all that scariness. It is a club to feel accepted and talk about issues that face the community, both in Toronto and at Forest Hill. If you want a place to hang out with like-minded people and support the LGBTQ+ community, feel free to join our club!
How can people join the GSA next year?
As always, the GSA will have information in the club fair. For questions, I am always happy to talk! Feel free to email me at emily.lindzon@student.tdsb.on.ca. Things are crazy right now, so we don’t really know how the club is going to run next year, but keep an eye out for the club fair!
What is some advice for people who may be facing hardships due to their sexuality/gender identity?
Be yourself. You don’t owe anyone anything. You do not need to come out, you do not need to label yourself. Do what you feel comfortable with when it is safe to do so. You are valid, and nobody gets to decide who you are besides you. You’re allowed to change your labels over time, people change and you shouldn’t feel pressured to decide who you are for life. Just be you :).
Is GSA doing anything to celebrate Pride Month?
GSA paired with other school clubs to celebrate the month using #FHCIpride! We encourage people to check out genderbread for education and donate to the 519 if they want to support the community further. We want to emphasize that who you are is ok, and you are always welcome to reach out to GSA! Happy pride month!