Pride 2024: Spotlight on 2SLGBTQ+ Creators and Performers
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Happy Pride! This month is a time for the 2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies to come together and spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. This year’s theme for Toronto Pride is “Be______.” According to Toronto Pride, “Be is to proclaim our existence. To say, ‘we are here and always will be.’ Our call to Simply Be.”
In honour of Pride 2024, we’re spotlighting prominent members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Below, they share how they’re celebrating this year, what they want to “Be” and their everyday essentials available at STC.
When Aurora Matrix (a.k.a. Anton Ling) was introduced to the Drag Race world on season 4 of Canada’s Drag Race, she quickly turned heads with her stunning runway looks that paid homage to her Chinese heritage through the art of drag. However, it was her vulnerability in sharing her story of coming out to as queer to her traditional and conservative Asian parents that really won over everyone’s hearts. With her platform as the runner-up of Canada’s Drag Race, Aurora wants to be a role model for queer Asian youth and be the representation she needed when she was younger.
Last December, Survivor season 41 winner Erika Casupanan came out as queer on Instagram, ultimately making her the first lesbian to win the popular reality show (she’s also the first Canadian and Filipino to win the series’ million-dollar prize). Post-Survivor, Casupanan launched a podcast called “Happy to See Me,” which puts the spotlight on the overlooked and underestimated. In her inspirational interviews, she creates a safe space for guests from all walks of life to share the triumphs, trials and a-ha moments on their paths to today.
“For Pride, I want to Be Authentic. This year is my first Pride as an out queer person. For years, I celebrated Pride alongside my queer friends as a proud ally. I’m a ball of excitement and nerves. I’m proud to be part of the community as a more fully realized version of me. At the same time, I’m nervous. Sometimes I feel that imposter syndrome where I wonder am I queer enough? I know a lot of people who come into their queerness in adulthood can feel this way. So I want to lean into all of it: the joy and the nerves. I know that all of it is a valid part of the journey. There’s no right way to be queer. If anyone else feels that way, you’re not alone!”
iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum (Available at Sukoshi Mart): “Keeps my skin unbelievably soft!”
UNIQLO Ribbed Cropped Tank Top (Available at Uniqlo): “A comfy staple that works with any summer look.”
Dr. Martens Voss Flower Women (Available at Little Burgundy): “A mix of edgy, adorable and easy to wear. Perfect for going from summer days to summer nights.”
You may recognize Miss Moço (who goes by Adam Moco when not in drag) from Canada’s Drag Race season 3 and from her wildly popular Saturday Drag Brunch at The Drake Hotel in Toronto. On top of representing and championing the drag and queer community in Toronto, the Portuguese Canadian performer also created a drag movement in Lisbon, Portugal, by starting a drag pageant called Miss Drag Lisboa.
Marissa Leon-John is one of Canada’s top cooking stars. A two-time finalist on MasterChef Canada, the self-taught chef uses her voice and platform to provide more visibility for other young, Black, 2SLGBTQ+ members of the culinary community. Through her brand, ELLEJAY’s, Leon-John shares her love for food by curating unique menus that are built on the foundation of her Caribbean heritage.
Known for her sassy, loud personality and, well, fierce, looks, Miss Fiercalicious (a.k.a. Paulo Fortes) is truly a force to be reckoned with. A top four finalist on season 3 of Canada’s Drag Race and a contestant on Traitors Canada season 1, Fierce is always unapologetically herself and inspires others to embrace their authentic selves, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Celebrate Pride by showing your support to the 2SLGBTQI+ with these picks that give back to the community.
Whether you’re a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community or an ally, we hope you celebrate who you are and everything you want to be this month and beyond. Happy Pride!
Read More: History of Pride Flags
