At BGC Ottawa, we proudly stand with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, staff, volunteers, families and allies. As Pride Month unfolds, we take this time to reflect on our journey toward equity, celebrate diverse identities and highlight inclusive events happening throughout the city this June.
A Legacy of Equity and Belonging
Equity, diversity and inclusion are not just values at BGC Ottawa – they’re the foundation of everything we do. Guided by our core principles of…
- Belonging
- Respect
- Encouragement and Support
- Working Together
- Speaking Out
we work to ensure every young person feels safe, seen and empowered.
As a community organization, we are committed to ensuring gender-diverse and sexually diverse youth have equal access to opportunities and feel welcome in every Clubhouse.
We’re proud of the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, staff, volunteers and community partners who continue to break down barriers and build inclusive spaces across Ottawa.
Our Inclusive Identity
On March 31, 2021, we became BGC Ottawa, modernizing our name to better reflect who we are. Removing gender from our name wasn’t just symbolic – it was a declaration of inclusion.
We welcome every child and teen. Our new name continues a 100+ year legacy of supporting youth, while affirming our commitment to equity and belonging for all.
Pride at BGC Ottawa — Every Day, All Year
At BGC Ottawa, our commitment to inclusion extends far beyond Pride Month. We work year-round to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth feel safe, respected and empowered in all our spaces.
Programs like Brave Spaces and our Diversity Library offer young people a chance to connect, share and learn in environments that foster understanding and support. These programs also provide valuable opportunities for peers and staff to grow as allies and champions for equity.
Throughout June, our Clubhouses proudly fly the Pride Flag, and our social media channels feature Pride-themed jacks in place of our traditional green. Members take part in special activities focused on inclusion, identity and the importance of building welcoming communities.
We also recognize key Days of Significance – like Transgender Day of Visibility, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia and National Coming Out Day – as opportunities to engage, reflect and act.
Our work is supported by our Staff Equity Working Group, which leads initiatives that strengthen our internal culture, youth programming and community outreach. Together, we’re building a future where everyone feels like they truly belong.
BGC Ottawa’s Board of Directors shares this commitment. They actively engage in learning about the diverse lived experiences of our Members and work to lead with equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of every decision. Their leadership helps guide our organization in building safer, more inclusive spaces for all.
To learn more about our equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, visit:
Pride Events in Ottawa – June 2025
Celebrate diversity and inclusion with these family-friendly events across Ottawa:
🏳️🌈 Queer History of Ottawa Walking Tours
📅 June 1, 8 and 22 | 🕐 2–4 p.m.
📍 Dundonald Park
💰 Pay what you choose ($25–$75)
Explore the city’s rich 2SLGBTQIA+ history on a guided tour led by local drag king Morgan Mercury.
🕺 Capital Pride Youth Pride Prom
📅 June 6 | 🕐 7–11 p.m.
📍 Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park
💰 Free with registration
An inclusive and fun-filled evening of music and celebration for youth aged 13+.
🎉 We Are Family: Queer Family Fun Day
📅 June 8 | 🕐 12:30–4 p.m.
📍 Overflow Brewing Company
💰 $15 per person (kids 2 and under free)
A family-friendly day featuring live music, face painting, games, arts and crafts, and community connections.
📚 Celebrate Pride with Author Emily Austin
📅 June 14 | 🕐 7–8 p.m.
📍 Cours Bayview Yards
💰 Free with registration
Join acclaimed Ottawa author Emily Austin for an engaging Pride Month talk and Q&A.
✨ Mark your calendar: Capital Pride continues Aug. 16-24, 2025!
🎉 Don’t miss the Capital Pride Pageant on Aug. 21, Pride Street Festival on Aug. 23-24, and the Pride Parade on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m.
2SLGBTQIA+ Community Resources
In partnership with Capital Pride, a wide range of community resources are available across the National Capital Region, including:
- Community Organizations
- Healthcare and Mental Health Services
- Sports and Activity Groups
- Trans, Non-Binary and Women’s Resources
- Youth Programs
- ...and much more.
📚 Click here for the full list of resources.
Let’s keep building a community where everyone feels like they belong.
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