News@Ivey · Communications

Ivey community marches in 2023 Toronto Pride Parade

Jun 26, 2023

Community, joy, support, incredible – just a handful of words consistently used to capture the feeling of this past weekend’s 2023 Toronto Pride Parade where over 100 members of the Ivey community who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ or allies were among those marching.

"I was completely overwhelmed by the positive, celebratory environment at the Pride Parade this weekend,” said HBA2 student Amy Wynne. “I can’t believe I haven’t gone in previous years. It was nothing short of an incredible experience.”

Ivey Pride Club Co-president Jessica Bian, who was also participating in her first Pride Parade, said marching in the parade was “truly an amazing experience filled with joy that brought the community together."

This year, the invite to participate extended well beyond Ivey students to include Western students, Ivey faculty, staff, and alumni. Participants were also encouraged to invite a plus-one for the opportunity to march in the parade with their family, friends, and partners.

“Marching in Pride demonstrates how inclusive the community at Ivey can be,” says Carol Guo, an HBA ’24 candidate who is Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the HBA Association (HBAA).

The HBAA collaborated with the Ivey Pride Club to organize the group, and received tremendous support from Ivey’s Program Services and Career Management, as well as the MBAA and MscA.

“Seeing how much support we have received from fellow students, community members, and especially Ivey's staff and faculty has been really special,” said Guo. “Especially, as we have seen a recent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ movements, it's more important than ever to gather together proudly and show everyone that hatred has no place here. I'm really excited we can continue this tradition for queer students and allies.”