The student way!
Pride Month is all about celebrating love, identity, community and self-expression. While major festivals and ticketed events often grab the spotlight, the student budget comes in real quick and can become a hurdle for many weekend plans. But here’s a secret: you don’t need a big budget to take part in the celebrations.
Whether you’re part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or an ally looking to learn and show support, there are plenty of meaningful and affordable ways to celebrate throughout June. So, here are 10 student-friendly ways to celebrate Pride Month without breaking the bank.
1. Attend a local Pride parade
One of the easiest ways to celebrate Pride is by attending a local Pride event. Toronto’s Pride Festival Weekend runs from June 25 to 28 and features free community events, performances, marches and the iconic Pride Parade on June 28.
This weekend celebration includes everything from art exhibits and drag performances to film screenings and community gatherings, making it easy to find something that fits your interests and budget, so you can make the most out of it while spending the least.
2. Roller skate with pride
Another way to celebrate Pride is through attending local community events. Throughout June, Toronto hosts many free and low-cost community events that celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences, and these events can range from quick info sessions to activities to do for all types of interests. All it takes is a quick search.
On June 17, College Park will host the Roller Drag Ball, a free event featuring roller skating, drag performances, live DJs, and a Pride Market filled with local vendors. Even if you’re not confident on skates, it’s a fun opportunity to enjoy live entertainment and celebrate alongside the community. Plus, free roller skate rentals make this event especially student-budget-friendly.
If you are interested in supporting queer-owned businesses, you can visit Elevate the Rainbow, happening on June 18. This event is a Pride-focused market in the Distillery District that brings together many queer-owned businesses, making it the perfect way to discover and learn about the community.
Looking for history? The annual AIDS Candlelight Vigil at Barabara Hall Park on June 23 offers the perfect way to learn about those lost to AIDS and recognize the ongoing impact of the epidemic.
These events and many more show that Pride can be celebratory, educational and reflective all at the same time.
3. Support local drag performers
Drag has always been an important part of queer culture and Pride celebrations. It challenges gender biases, promotes community visibility and honours many queer pioneers who fought for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
Many Toronto venues host drag performances throughout June, ranging from large shows to intimate community events. Some performances are free, while others are offered at affordable prices for students.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or attending your first show, drag performances are a great way to celebrate creativity, self-expression, and community.
4. Explore queer arts
Art has always been a powerful way for many people to share their stories and life experiences.
During Pride Month, many galleries and cultural spaces showcase exhibitions featuring 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and help them gain more visibility. Exploring these arts can help you learn more about different identities and perspectives while also supporting local artists.
Many exhibits also offer free admission or student discounts, making them the perfect way for you to learn more!
5. Read a book by a queer author
Need a new TBR list? Pride Month is the perfect way to refresh your reading list.
A way to also celebrate Pride Month is to visit your library and check out works by queer authors across all types of genres. Whether you are into romance novels, fantasy or nonfiction— there’s something for everyone. Reading queer stories helps amplify the community’s voice while allowing you to read and understand different perspectives.
And best of all, library books are completely free!
6. Watch queer films and documentaries
Not every Pride celebration needs to happen at a festival or parade. Sometimes one of the best ways to celebrate is by learning more about the history, activism, and stories that have shaped the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Grab some snacks, invite a few friends and host your own Pride documentary night. Many documentaries are available through streaming services or local libraries, making this a budget-friendly way to celebrate.
Here are a few documentaries worth adding to your watchlist:
- Disclosure: A documentary that explores trans representation in films and television.
- The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson: The life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in 2SLGBTQIA+ activism.
- How to survive a plague: A documentary that follows the activists who fought for action and medical treatment during the AIDS epidemic.
- Welcome to Chechnya: A look at activists who helped 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals escape persecution in Chechnya.
Documentaries offer a chance to celebrate Pride while gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles, victories, and ongoing movements that continue to shape queer communities around the world.
7. Volunteer
Celebrating Pride can also be through supporting the community.
While Pride Month may only be 30 days, the organizations that support the community operate year-round. Many Pride organizations, community centres, and advocacy groups rely on volunteers throughout the year. Volunteering allows students to give back while gaining valuable experience, meeting new people, and strengthening their resumes.
8. Connect to nature with pride
Pride celebrations don’t always take place in city streets.
This June, Downsview Park is hosting a free Queer Ecology Hike that encourages participants to explore the natural world through storytelling, reflection, and community connection. The guided experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about queer perspectives while spending time outdoors.
For students looking for a quieter celebration, events like these provide a meaningful alternative to larger festivals.
9. Attend campus events
When looking for events, your post-secondary campuses are always hosting. Whether you are looking for crafts or a single conversation, Humber and UofGH campus events will always have you covered.
Take this chance to celebrate Pride right before or after a class and make it the perfect way to meet new people and connect with resources available to you all throughout the year.
Campus celebrations are free, easy to access and made specifically for students. Perfect!
10. Learn something new
Make this month the ultimate opportunity to learn.
Listen to queer podcasts, follow 2SLGBTQIA+ creators online, attend educational workshops or spend time learning about the activists who fought for the rights many people enjoy today. Learning new things has never been easier.
Understanding the history of Pride helps us truly appreciate how far the community has come and how much work remains. It honours those who fought for rights and encourages new learners to share that motivation.
Education can be one of the most meaningful and intentional ways to celebrate.
Pride is what you make it
Pride Month is an opportunity to connect and support the communities that make Toronto such a vibrant and inclusive city. You don’t need expensive tickets, elaborate plans or a very busy weekend to celebrate Pride; a small, simple act of support and celebration matters just as much!
Pride ultimately is about community, connection and creating spaces where everyone can feel seen and welcomed, and that does not cost a thing.
Feature photo by Raphael Renter | @raphi_rawr on Unsplash
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