Event Details

The Halton Equity Diversity Roundtable is a collaborative network dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Halton region. We bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses who share a common vision: building a community where everyone feels they belong. Our mission is to strengthen the capacity of people and organizations to create equitable and inclusive spaces through learning, connection, and shared action. Together, we work to foster a community where individuals of all identities—across race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and socioeconomic background—are valued and empowered.

This application is for “Pride in Equity 2026”, a multicultural evening celebration taking place on June 19, 2026, at the Art Gallery of Burlington in Burlington. Building on the success of the 2025 pilot event, Pride in Equity is designed as a high-impact immersive cultural experience that brings together residents from across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas to celebrate the diverse cultural contributions of Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Expanding from 200 attendees in 2025 to an anticipated 750 participants in 2026, the project strengthens community connection, shared learning, and visibility through a participatory arts model inspired by large-scale immersive gallery events such as the ROM After-Dark program. The programming includes: (1) Immersive multi-room gallery experience: transformation of seven indoor gallery spaces and one outdoor courtyard into interactive environments themed around the colours of the rainbow and musical decades, inviting audiences to explore the Gallery while engaging with live performances, educational demonstrations, and participatory art; (2) Live performance and cultural showcases: a curated artistic lineup featuring drag, music, and performance art by nationally and internationally recognized artists, including performers from Canada’s Drag Race and Drag Race Mexico; and (3) Outdoor activation at the Rainbow Courtyard: an extension of the immersive experience into the gallery’s outdoor courtyard, featuring additional performances and participatory activities that enhance visitor flow, accessibility, and overall event capacity.