Blue Jays host 4th annual Pride Weekend on June 9 & 10
The Toronto Blue Jays are excited to celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ Pride Month this week at the ballpark with its fourth annual Pride Weekend presented by TD, as the Blue Jays take on the Minnesota Twins (June 9 & 10). The event features involvement from various 2SLGBTQ+ organizations across the community, a Blue Jays Rainbow Flag Jersey giveaway presented by TD on Friday, special pregame festivities, live performances, and themed activities and concessions all throughout the ballpark.
TD and Jays Care Foundation are donating a minimum of $40,000 to organizations that support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This includes a $10,000 donation to ACT (AIDS Committee of Toronto) to help reduce new HIV infections and promote the health and well-being of people living with HIV and AIDS and those at increased risk of HIV. ACT also facilitated a training workshop for Blue Jays staff to help continue providing an inclusive ballpark experience for all fans.
Additional organizations receiving funding from TD and Jays Care are The 519, Casey House, Fife House, Friends of Ruby, LOFT, Pride Toronto, Rainbow Railroad, and Sherbourne Health.
The Blue Jays are proud to include demonstrations of allyship with the 2SLGBTQ+ community all month and season long, including Progress flags and banners raised outside of Rogers Centre and “Everyone is Welcome Here” Pride stickers added to all Rogers Centre doors. Pride Weekend is part of the Blue Jays’ commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all fans.
Pride Weekend Event Details
The first 15,000 fans to enter the ballpark on Friday receive a Blue Jays Rainbow Flag Jersey giveaway, presented by TD.
During Friday’s special pregame festivities, 80 volunteers from TD present the Blue Jays Progress flag on field.
Ceremonial first pitches by leZlie Lee Kam (Friday) who has spent more than 45 years working in the 2SLGBTQ+ community as a champion for senior and youth issues, and Damnit Maurie from The Roz and Mocha Show on KiSS 92.5 (Saturday).
National anthems performed by drag queen Jessie James (Friday) and Forte – Toronto Gay Men’s Chorus (Saturday).
Pride-themed activities, photo opportunities, drag queen performances, and celebratory décor and atmosphere around the ballpark, including the exterior roof lit in rainbow colours.
As an additional community giveback, TD’s popular Fan Locker Activation returns, where fans can sign one of eight Blue Jays jerseys and receive a prize. The signed jerseys will be donated to the eight community organizations listed above.
Specialty Pride sangria found at all Outfield District bar locations, and Pride Churros in TD Park Social.
To offer a more inclusive experience for fans during Pride Weekend, the Blue Jays have converted washrooms on each concourse level to gender-neutral.
Blue Jays Pride merchandise, including apparel, headwear, and specialty items, are available all month long at Jays Shop locations.
Tickets are available now at bluejays.com/tickets.