TCHC celebrates Pride Month 2025

On June 29, the organizations hosted a watch party at a TSHC building that overlooked the Pride Parade route. Over 60 people attended, including employees from both organizations and their loved ones. The event welcomed everyone, including those who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, their allies, families, and friends. 

The 2025 theme for Pride month is “All In.” It’s a call to solidarity, a rallying cry for connection. It’s also a celebration of the 2SLGBTIAQ+ community’s shared strength in the face of today's challenges.  

You could feel that the message resonated with everyone in the room. People from different backgrounds enjoyed refreshments, listened to music, danced, and waved flags. The patio was the perfect spot to see the whole parade.   

“It’s so important that we continue to build our Pride community, both within TCHC and with partners like TSHC. Co-hosting events like today help create safe spaces for all employees to come to, be themselves, and know that they are respected and valued.” Laudeniro (Junior) Da Silva, one of TCHC’s Pride Network Co-chairs, reflected.

Recognizing Pride across our communities 

This watch party wasn’t the only way TCHC celebrated Pride this year. On June 5, TCHC’s Pride Network hosted a meet and greet. TCHC and TSCH staff joined in on the fun to kick off Pride month celebrations.  

And on May 26, just days before the start of Pride Month, TCHC tenants from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and their allies, gathered to mark the start of the Rainbow Alliance. 

The Rainbow Alliance is a tenant-led initiative supported by Sarah Zerihun, Community Services Coordinator for Engagement West and Co-chair of TCHC’s Pride Network. It’s a concept that has been in the works for some time. Given the diversity of TCHC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ tenants wanted to have a way to meet others in their community and connect.   

Through the Rainbow Alliance, tenants are creating a space where 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies can feel seen, safe, and celebrated. As Jay, Chair of the Rainbow Alliance, shared: “Our first Rainbow Alliance meeting was a beautiful success. We’re excited to keep building a welcoming, vibrant space where more 2SLGBTQIA+ tenants can connect, be heard, and thrive together.” 

As Pride month comes to an end, one thing that continues is the need to connect communities to one another. TCHC will continue to create safe spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community – both staff and tenants – to gather, connect, and be their authentic selves.