Wednesday, June 04, 2025
Pride Month in Ontario, occurring yearly in June, is an important month when 2SLGBTQ+ communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ people. Although special attention is put on the Pride events during the summer months, they happen throughout the year in many communities.
Historically, Pride gatherings emerged from the first large-scale protests for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. In Canada, the first demonstrations took place in Ottawa and Vancouver in 1971. By 1973, Pride events were held in several Canadian cities, including Montréal, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. Toronto's Pride weekend in June is now among the largest Pride events in North America.
AMAPCEO Vice-President and Equity Committee Chair Cynthia Watt recently caught up with AMAPCEO Pride Caucus Vice-Chair Lina Cimarrusti to discuss upcoming caucus events, the importance of Pride Month, and member participation in the Pride Caucus.
Lina Cimarrusti works at the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs as a Senior Project & Program Coordinator, focusing on regulatory compliance and enforcement, promoting equitable and ethical practices in the field via training and other collaborative projects. As Workplace Representative (WPR) Mentor, she provides advice to new WPRs, as well as to members who have issues in the workplace. She is also a member of her AMAPCEO-Ministry Employee Relations Committee, where raises awareness of workplace issues to Human Resources and the Employer. Lina aims to engage members through different events and is also a Delegate and Community Lead for Western District.
Cynthia Watt: What can you tell us about the Pride Caucus event in June? What are you looking forward to?
Lina Cimarrusti: The Pride Caucus is excited to be part of Toronto Pride 2025, keeping up our tradition of marching alongside the OPS Pride Network (OPN) and The Association of Law Officers of the Crown (ALOC) at the following marches:
We're also excited to march at the Kingston Pride Parade on Saturday June 14, 2025 starting at noon ET and we invite all members to join in!
These marches are about standing together in celebration and advocacy, and making sure the 2SLGBTQ+ community feels seen, supported, and empowered.
With everything happening—especially the challenges facing the trans community in the United States—this moment matters more than ever. Showing up, standing in solidarity, and making our presence known is how we push back against injustice and fight for meaningful change.
We can’t wait to experience the energy, unity, and strength that these marches bring. Connecting with our OPS partners, celebrating resilience, and marching for progress—this is what Pride is all about.
CW: What message would you like to share with AMAPCEO members about the importance of Pride Month?
LC: Pride isn’t just about partying and the big parade—it’s about the ongoing fight for equity, inclusion, and visibility, both in workplaces and society as a whole.
Small actions make a big difference. Whether it’s adding your pronouns to your email signature, attending the Queen’s Park flag-raising, or simply showing up at Pride, it all matters. These gestures tell the 2SLGBTQ+ community: we see you and we stand with you. Showing up to support is especially important for the trans community to see.
Pride reminds us that every worker, regardless of their identity, feels safe, valued, and empowered. It’s also about speaking up when we see inequities—because everyone deserves to work in an environment where they can thrive. And we know that not all members of our community are thriving in the workplace.
CW: Can you tell us about other Pride Caucus events coming up in 2025?
LC: Look out for the Karaoke Pride Pub Night in collaboration with the Young Workers Caucus happening on Monday, June 16. Throughout the year we will continue hosting film clubs and have our regular Pride Caucus meetings.
CW: Can you provide some insight into why it was important for you to continue to be actively involved with the Pride Caucus, either in a leadership or non-leadership role?
LC:. As AMAPCEO says regarding OPS bargaining: we are stronger together when we Stand Together. And that’s the truth for the Pride Caucus as well. Our community spans across all intersections of equity and all types of workers working in the public interest across Ontario. It’s important for people to feel like they have a space to connect that is safe, fun and inclusive. Even if it’s on Teams.
It's very important for me to be a part of Pride Caucus, as it has also given me a space to land, especially in the last few years, when life has been challenging, both personally and in a broader social context. The current chair, Noémie Bergeron, has been supportive in so many ways and she has led the caucus into great inclusive spaces including the karaoke events and the film club!
Members I have gotten to know have become not only supportive colleagues but also friends. AMAPCEO support staff, Timna Ben-Ari specifically, has not only been fantastic in helping us plan events and achieve our goals, but she is a true ally who contributes so graciously to our inclusive spaces. I hope people will continue to find solidarity in not only the values of AMAPCEO at large, but the values of this fabulous caucus.
CW: Finally, what advice do you have for members who may be interested in joining the Pride Caucus?
LC: I think it can be intimidating to join new groups. Especially if you are not out or if you feel like it takes way too much energy to even show up. If you have an interest in joining, you can email our chair Noémie at noemie.c.bergeron@gmail.com or myself at lina.cimarrusti@gmail.com. We also have a private Facebook group that you can join to see what’s going on. Lastly, email PrideCaucus@amapceo.on.ca to subscribe to our mailing list so you can stay informed about upcoming events.
What I really want people to know is that we are here, we exist. Whether you are active in our events or not, you always have a place to go if you want to. If you ever need support, reach out to the Pride Caucus. Let's see what we can do to push for the inclusive and equitable workplace that everyone deserves.