How Irwin is Supporting and Celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ Community this Pride Month

June is Pride month, a time dedicated to celebrating the positive impact that members of the 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and additional sexual orientations and gender identities) community have had on history and society. Pride Month creates space to actively recognize and acknowledge the community’s progress and contributions, learn more about 2SLGBTQ+ history, and celebrate diversity. 

Pride Month is also a time to acknowledge work that’s left to do, and for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies to contribute to creating a more inclusive society through various fundraising events, learning opportunities, and more. 

Here are several ways Irwin is celebrating and upholding our values of diversity and belonging—while fostering an inclusive workplace. 

1. Irwin <> OneEleven Movie Night on June 20th

Celebrate Pride Month with Irwin and OneEleven at our movie night event! Join us on June 20th as we bring you a fabulous screening of the iconic film "Priscilla Queen of the Desert." Entry begins at 5:15 pm, and we will begin the movie promptly at 6:00 pm. 

We’ve partnered with OneEleven to provide a safe and inclusive space for our event. Together, we’re dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can come together and celebrate the diversity—and resilience—of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Immerse yourself in the heartwarming journey of "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" as we follow the adventures of three fabulous performers as they embark on a road trip across the Australian Outback. This cult classic is a celebration of identity, self-discovery, and the power of embracing one's true self.

Entry to this movie night is absolutely free, so mark your calendars and invite your friends and loved ones. If possible, we do encourage attendees to make a small donation to support our 2SLGBTQ+ beneficiaries—any value is welcome. Please note that tax receipts will be issued for all donations of $20 or more. Your generous contributions will directly impact and uplift individuals and organizations within the community.

Join us for an evening filled with laughter, joy, and powerful storytelling. Feel the magic of this beloved film while enjoying the comfortable and inclusive atmosphere provided by OneEleven. It's a perfect opportunity to connect with friends, make new ones, and honor the vibrant spirit of Pride Month. You can RSVP for the event here.  

PS: Please bring your own refreshments as limited quantities will be available.

2. pride & remembrance run

On Saturday, June 24, various members of the Irwin team will be participating in the pride & remembrance run—a 5km fundraising run/walk organized and operated by the philanthropic and athletic-oriented Pride and Remembrance Association.

The pride & remembrance run is the only annual athletic event during Toronto's Pride Week, promoting and fostering community spirit, goodwill, volunteerism, and sportsmanship in the Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The Pride and Remembrance Association is a leading not-for-profit volunteer-run organization dedicated to supporting Toronto's 2SLGBTQ+ community. Each year the Pride and Remembrance Association selects community charities to receive 100% of the charitable pledges that are raised. You can learn more about this year’s beneficiaries here.

If you’d like to monetarily support this cause, you can donate to the Pride and Remembrance Foundation here. The in-person volunteer spots have been filled—but you can always come cheer on our Irwin team members and other participants.

3. Friends for Life Bike Rally

This August, Irwin’s very own People and Culture Manager, Aubrey Pistorius, is participating in the Friends for Life Bike Rally—the only volunteer-led ride that brings people together for an inclusive, supportive, and life-changing challenge that inspires much-needed help for people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Over six days, Aubrey will hop on his bike and depart from Toronto on a Sunday and head east to Montréal, arriving on Friday. You can check out his route here. 

There are several different ways to support this important cause this Pride month. If you so choose, you can donate here. 

Alternatively, you can participate virtually from home. All you need to do is create a fundraiser from home that focuses on what you love doing. Whether it is running, walking, or yoga you’ll make a difference while playing to your strengths. Learn more about virtual participation here.

If you’d like to participate in person, there’s also an opportunity to join the crew as a volunteer that travels with the cyclists in vehicles for the six days of the Rally. Registration is free—learn more about this opportunity here.

If you’re interested in joining a company that is forward-thinking, inclusive, and embraces diversity, head over to our careers page to learn more.