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Scene: Flag Raising at City Hall
Top: Brian Burke addressing the assembled PFLAG supporters. Bottom: Councillor Gord Perks.
WHERE: City Hall rooftop
WHEN: 12:30 p.m.
WHAT: To mark the annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, LGBTQ community supporters gathered at the City Hall flagpole to raise the rainbow flag and show their solidarity. As with yesterday’s Proud of Toronto event, the mayor, his brother, and core supporters on council did not show up—though many other councillors did. In our mayor’s absence, Gord Perks (Ward 14, Parkdale-High Park) read the City’s official proclamation.
Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Maple Leafs and a proud PFLAG dad, did the honours of raising the flag, and chastised those notable for their absence—seemingly referring both to the missing municipal leaders and the mainstream press (there was just a single camera crew present). “Shame on you,” he said. “Let us make fear and shame go away forever.”
Photos and reporting by Miles Storey.