Peterborough is a city on the Otonabee River in (Central-Eastern) southern Ontario, Canada, 125 kilometres (78 mi) northeast of Toronto. It is named in honour of Peter Robinson, an early Canadian politician who oversaw the first major immigration to the area. Peterborough Pride is held every year sometime during late September. The first Peterborough gay pride was held in the year 2003. In fact it was in 2003 that Mayor Sylvia Sutherland officially proclaimed September 13th as the Gay Pride Day.  Almost 400 people participated in the first edition of the Peterborough’s Gay Pride Parade. This important proclamation was a strong recognition that non-heterosexuals are equal and important members of our community.

The event is organized by the “Pride Parade Committee”. The committee comprises not only of representatives coming from some key organizations that support the LGBT community but also includes dedicated and hardworking community volunteers. Encouraged by the overwhelming support and response the first edition of the festival got , the organizers decided to make it an annual event. As a result the Pride Parade and related events were made an annual celebration with immediate effect and as such, in 2004 itself, the 2nd Pride Parade was held as well. Along with the Parade dances and a family picnic was also organized.

In 2005, a very important bill, called the “equal marriage bill” became law. Parliament proclaimed that all couples, regardless of gender, are equal in value and equal in law in every province and territory of our country. Since the passing of this bill the Peterborough Pride has become even more significant and important than before for the local gay/queer community.

Over the last few years, the participation in Peterborough Pride has steadily been increasing and the pride event is gaining more and more popularity.  People are invited to actively participate in this event and can even have their own float taking part in the gay parade.