He went on to compare the raid to a strip search, and that it was “one of the clearest cases” of inappropriate law enforcement. It was his opinion that women were entitled to a safe place to explore their sexuality without the imposition of men. On JanuJudge Peter Hryn declared that the five male officers violated the Constitutional rights of the women attending the Pussy Palace event. Protesters waved panties and boxer briefs as well as posters with slogans – “No more raids,” “ ” “Sluts can’t be shamed” and “Fuck you, 52” (slogan used in protests established through Black & Caribbean LGBTQ communities). 28th, the Pussy Palace Panty Picked Protest was held in front of police headquarter, 52 Division.
The raid and charges brought against the Pussy Palace organizers were condemned by the LGBTQ community. September 2000, Pussy Palace Raid – The Pussy Palace Raid so called because the women’s event that night was Named “The Pussy Palace”.
Heroes Sky Gilbert and Michelle Douglas join the parade as Grand Marshals. “Heroic Past, Proud Future” – a time to look back on all that LGBT communities have accomplished and gird our loins for battles yet to be won. In spite of the politically charged atmosphere that year, the day is billed as a time to relax, celebrate, and as “an afternoon of fun and frolic.” 1,500 celebrate Pride Day on Sunday, June 28th, at Grange Park. Lesbian and Gay Pride Day Toronto is legally incorporated. Future mayor Barbara Hall is among the legal counsel defending those arrested.
Activists start working, and the group Gays and Lesbians Against the Right is formed. The names of those arrested are publicized by the police and local media, destroying several lives.Ī major demonstration is held at Yonge and Wellesley the next day by hundreds of Toronto queers and their supporters, closing down the street. For added public humiliation, the “found-ins” are herded into the streets in towels to be processed. Again, extensive property damage is inflicted by police. On February 5, Metro Toronto Police raid various bathhouses – known as “Operation Soap”, arresting 306 men, in the largest Canadian mass arrest except for the October 1970 FLQ crisis.