Happy Pride Month from all of us at PAPER LABEL!
As the colours of the rainbow fill the streets and our hearts, we’re taking this moment to celebrate love, expression, and identity in all their forms. Pride Month is a time to honour the 2SLGBTQI+ community, reflect on progress made, and recognize the work that still lies ahead in the fight for equality.
At PAPER LABEL, we believe that inclusivity is foundational—not only in fashion but in how we engage with each other every day. Pride is more than a celebration; it's a reminder that everyone deserves the freedom to live fully and authentically, without fear or discrimination.
This year, we focus on learning, listening, and taking informed action. By learning more about the 2SLGBTQI+ experience, history, and voices, we can be better allies and participants in creating meaningful, lasting change.
Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding, broaden your perspective, or simply celebrate the power of queer storytelling, here are a few ways to engage this Pride Month:
READ
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“I'm Afraid of Men” by Vivek Shraya – A powerful memoir by Canadian artist and musician Vivek Shraya on gender, fear, and the intersections of identity.
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“Jonny Appleseed” by Joshua Whitehead – A bold and moving novel by a Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer writer exploring love, trauma, and survival.
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“We Have Always Been Here” by Samra Habib – A memoir of finding strength, identity, and belonging.
WATCH
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"No Ordinary Man" (2020) – A powerful documentary re-examining the life of jazz musician Billy Tipton through a trans lens, challenging how trans histories are told.
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"Pride" (2014) – A British film based on a true story of LGBTQ+ activists supporting striking miners in the 1980s.
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"Disclosure" (Netflix) – A documentary that dives deep into how transgender people are represented in film and media.
LISTEN
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"Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast" – A documentary series exploring Canada’s LGBTQ+ history, including government-led anti-homosexual campaigns and the LGBT Purge, using newly declassified documents.
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“One From the Vaults” – A trans history podcast hosted by Morgan M. Page, covering lesser-known but powerful stories.
ATTEND
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Vancouver Pride Parade (August 3, 2025) – A vibrant, inclusive celebration featuring music, art, and community-led events.
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Toronto Pride Festival (June 26–29, 2025) – One of the largest Pride events in North America with a full lineup of performances, talks, and marches.
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Queer Arts Festival (June 6-28, 2025) – Showcasing boundary-pushing, multidisciplinary art by 2SLGBTQI+ creators.
LEARN
Visit:
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Egale Canada – A national organization working to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI+ people through research, education, and advocacy.
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Pride Canada Resources – A hub for information on Pride events and 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives across the country.
Pride is personal, political, and powerful. However you celebrate—whether it’s marching, reading, watching, or reflecting—we encourage you to explore stories that challenge, inspire, and affirm.
Let’s continue to uplift voices, honour journeys, and foster a world where acceptance isn’t a question—it’s the standard.
With Pride,
The PAPER LABEL Team
Photo by Rob Maxwell on Unsplash