Show Up Toronto - June 24, 2024
Hi comrades,
Happy Tuesday! The heat wave is in full force and I hope you're staying cool. Unfortunately, our unhoused neighbours have little respite from the dangerous heat - the city's lack of adequate preparation and refusal to commit to dedicated cooling centres has been disgraceful. If you are able to, consider picking up a few cases of water and freezies and dropping them off at a community fridge or an encampment around the city.
Thanks for showing up,
Jenny
Take heart: After years of work from the labour movement, a federal anti-scab legislation has finally come into effect last week, preventing federal employers from hiring replacement workers to break a strike or lockout. This protects more than 1 million workers in sectors like banking, telecom, trucking, air, rail, and ports - now we need to target anti-scab legislation at the provincial level.
Take action: It's the final week of Pride month in the year of our lord 2025, and somehow we are not only still arguing about whether cops belong at Pride (no), we are actually calling the cops on queer unhoused neighbours in the name of celebration. If you are looking for an abolitionist take on the true meaning of Pride, I'd recommend A People's Pride: Refusing Genocide, Policing and Fascism on June 29th. They're actively looking for lots of volunteers to help support operations this Sunday if you're free.
⭐️ = events added since the last newsletter
Events this week
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
12-1PM — Rally for Animal Justice (Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen W)
Hosted by Animal Justice - Ontario’s dangerous ag gag law—which punishes whistleblowers and hides animal abuse—is back in court. After a judge struck down much of the law as unconstitutional last year, the province filed an appeal in an attempt to overturn our hard-fought legal victory. Join Animal Justice and friends for a powerful rally outside the Ontario Court of Appeal as they return to the courtroom to defend the ruling.
⭐️ 12-1PM — Teach-in on Palestine (Available upon registration (U of T))
Hosted by FIFSW 4 Palestine - Part 1 of a lecture series on Palestine in collaboration with distinguished scholars from around the globe. Dr. Ilan Pappé will be the first guest. Hybrid option available.
⭐️ 4-6PM — Art Build for Pride March (DM for location)
Hosted by Queers 4 Palestine - Join Queers 4 Palestine for an art build in preparation for the Palestine solidarity contingents at the Trans and Dyke marches of pride. Art supplies and masks provided.
⭐️ 4-6PM — HRAC Open Working Group (College St United)
Hosted by Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective - A special mutual aid match up workshop to share what kind of support each of us need and what kind of help we are able to offer at this time and get matched with each other based on those crossovers of care. Second half of the meeting will be art making to support the DULF fundraiser event. Open to people who use drugs, harm reduction workers, and allies.
⭐️ 5-6PM — Lines Crossed: The US as an Authoritarian State (CSI, 192 Spadina)
Hosted by Canadian International Council - Over recent weeks and months, the world has watched as the United States has increasingly chipped away at the democratic institutions and checks-and-balances. Join CIC Toronto at a sliding scale panel to hear from leading authorities on the subject of authoritarian regimes and their applicable examples for the current situation in the U.S.
⭐️ 5:30-8:15PM — Beneath the Surface: Climate Clues from our Water Systems (Humi)
Hosted by Climate North - Our lakes, oceans and marine life hold powerful clues about the state of our climate and the solutions we need. This month, Climate North brings together an exciting lineup who will dive deep into the intersection of climate science, conservation, and innovation. Come to learn, connect, and explore how what lies beneath the surface can shape what comes next.
⭐️ 8-9PM — Yalla Comedy for Rainbow Railroad (Drake Underground)
Hosted by Yalla Comedy - In honour of Pride month, Yalla comedy is partnering with Rainbow Railroad for a fundraiser show to support refugees escaping persecution from other countries.
⭐️ 8:30-9:30PM — Community Call Out In Opposition of the 519 (Barbara Hall Park)
Hosted by All Peoples Fighting Oppression - Come to Barbara Hall Park for a vigil for those affected by AIDS, in opposition of The 519 and in support of our unhoused neigbours. On June 23 the directors of the 519 called in the cops to forcefully remove our queer neighbours from the park by sweeping up their homes, throwing away belongings, and violently arresting supporters. This was all done in the name of a fundraiser that claims to be in support of the queer community. Please bring flowers and other items to honour those we’ve lost due to systemic oppression and to hold The 519 accountable.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
5:30-6:30PM — Building Solidarity with Queer and Trans Prisoners (Virtual)
Hosted by LGBT Youthline - Facilitators from the Prisoner Correspondence Project will explore the specific challenges that queer and trans prisoners face. With an incarceration rate over twice as high as the general population, these concerns are often left out of the conversation. Learn about strategies to support these folks as well as the bigger picture of prison abolition.
⭐️ 7-9PM — Israel, Iran & Imperialism (427 Bloor St W)
Hosted by International Socialists - Hybrid option available.
Thursday, June 26, 2025
⭐️ 12-2PM — Rally Against Policing in Schools (Queen's Park)
Hosted by SURJ Toronto - Ford is trying to push cops back into our schools - this is a dangerous move that would endanger the safety, health, and well-being of Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth. Join SURJ for a rally at Queen's Park to tell Ford that schools must be safe for all students, which means funding rather than policing.
⭐️ 2-5PM — Park Meal & Donation Drive (Moss Park, Shuter and Sherbourne)
Hosted by Real Change - Real Change is hosting another park meal and donation drive for community members in Moss Park with fresh home-cooked meals, clothing and essential item donations, and harm reduction supplies. Take a look at the event link for a list of donations requested, or reach out on Instagram if you'd like to volunteer or transfer funds directly.
4-5:30PM — Care Not Criminalization (Virtual)
Hosted by Harm Reduction Action Collective - A coalition of harm reduction groups and allied organizations from across the country are hosting a national virtual event, marking a global day of transnational solidarity and action. Speakers from over a dozen groups will address a variety of intersecting themes on harm reduction and the many intersections and communities impacted. PWYC.
⭐️ 7-9PM — How to Cover Up a Genocide in Palestine (WEP Central, 3 Bartlett)
Hosted by The Morris Winchevsky Schools - The war in Iran has plunged the region into unprecedented spiraling chaos, amidst an expanding genocide in Palestine. Join the brilliant activist and author Judy Rebick as she speaks to internationally renowned journalist Jesse Rosenfeld, peeling back the layers of this historic moment.
Friday, June 27, 2025
⭐️ 3-7PM — Free Market Moss Park (Shuter St and Pembroke St)
Hosted by All Peoples Fighting Oppression - Free Market with clothing, shoes, hygiene products, blankets, harm reduction supplies, and food for neighbours in need. Email allpeoples111@pm.me if you are able to donate any of these items or if you have questions.
5-11PM — Trans Rally & March (620 Church St)
Hosted by Pride Toronto - Join Pride Toronto in celebrating the strength, resilience, and beauty of the trans community during the world’s largest trans march. The rally starts at 7pm, and is preceded by the Trans Community Fair which showcases trans community groups; and closes the night with the Trans Afterparty at the Community Stage.
7-10PM — Health and Health Care Inequities Book Launch (Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave)
Hosted by Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education - The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education hosts the Toronto book launch of Health and Healthcare Inequities by author and healthcare worker Arnel Borras, covering the interplay between power dynamics, policy advocacy, evidence-based research, and political economy in health care. Discussion panel will feature health care organizers and labour experts.
Saturday, June 28, 2025
⭐️ 1-3PM — Workers in the Park (South-east corner of Christie Pits Park)
Hosted by Workers Action Centre - Have you ever felt overworked, underpaid, or disrespected at your job? Things can change when we stand together. Join the Workers’ Action Centre Picnic – a space to relax, connect, and talk about what fair work really means.
⭐️ 1-6PM — Dyke Rally & March (Church St & Charles St)
Hosted by Pride Toronto - Join Pride Toronto for the annual Dyke March to come together to celebrate community with the theme ALL IN. This event is a chance to raise our voices, uplift our identities, and show the world that we are unapologetically united. Start the day with inspiring speeches, performances, and sign making. Allies are welcome to join.
⭐️ 8-11PM — Trans Night: A Celebration of Trans Joy (Danu Social House)
A night to celebrate trans joy in the face of corporate pride, centering trans folks, and fostering community. Open DJ decks (bring a USB stick!), art vendors, art making. Theme: fuck gender norms! Open to both allies and queer folks.
Sunday, June 29, 2025
12-1:30PM — Pan-Africanists for Palestine (Virtual)
Hosted by Workshops 4 Gaza - This workshop will identify and analyze the support of 20th-century Pan-Africanists like Kwame Ture, Malcolm X, and Walter Rodney for Palestinian liberation. Free with a suggested donation.
1-6:30PM — A People’s Pride: Refusing Genocide, Policing and Fascism (McCaul & Stephanie)
Hosted by No Pride in Policing Coalition - No Pride in Policing Coalition presents an abolitionist Pride March and picnic - join for an opening ceremony with drumming and chanting at Grange Park, followed by a march, and finally a picnic with food, speakers, drummers, DJs, poets, and more.
2-5PM — Harm Reduction + Naloxone Training (640 Pape Ave)
Hosted by ArtHouseTO - Join ArtHouseTO and Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction for a workshop on what harm reduction is, what an overdose can look like, how to administer Naloxone, and more. This PWYC event will also include a free Naloxone kit for all participants.
6-8PM — HELP HELP HELP: The DULF Story (College Street United, 452 College)
Hosted by Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective Toronto - A national keynote tour presented by Eris Nyx, co-founder of the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF). Drawing from direct experience, public health research, and legal documentation, this event explores the urgent and complex intersection of drug policy, care, and civil disobedience in Canada today. It is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the country’s most visible harm reduction advocates currently facing legal jeopardy for her actions.
Monday, June 30, 2025
⭐️ 4-8PM — Community Care Mondays @ Dufferin Grove (Dufferin Grove Park)
Hosted by Ripple Community Collective - Join Ripple Collective every Monday for an evening of nourishment, connection, and shared stewardship. There will be food prep, a free store and community meal, and park clean up. Care for the community together!
Down the road
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
7-9PM — Ontario Provincial Digital Teach-In (Virtual)
Thursday, July 3, 2025
⭐️ 6-7PM — Know Your Rights at Work Workshop (English) (Virtual)
Saturday, July 5, 2025
1-5PM — Call for Toronto Disability Pride Marshalls (TBA)
7-11PM — Spring Karaoke Night (Available upon registration (Toronto))
Monday, July 7, 2025
⭐️ 1-2PM — Canada Is Burning: What You Need To Know (Virtual)
1:30-3:30PM — Unions x C4H: Building Cultural Power Together (Virtual)
⭐️ 4-8PM — Community Care Mondays @ Dufferin Grove (Dufferin Grove Park)
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
⭐️ 7-9PM — Civic Hacknight - Bikespace Project Updates (Hybrid)
Thursday, July 10, 2025
⭐️ 6-8:30PM — Uptown Climate Futures: (Re)indigenization (Earl Bales Park, 4169 Bathurst)
Sunday, July 13, 2025
12-4PM — 2SLGBTQ+ Self-Defense Workshop (519 Church)
2-3:30PM — Strong Towns Toronto’s Monthly Meeting (The 519, 519 Church St)
⭐️ 5-7PM — Born Sacred: Poems for Palestine (315 Roncesvalles)