You had to be brave in those days, when a small army of souls set off for TORONTO’s first Gay Picnic, nearly 47 years ago on Sunday, August 1/1971. It was held at HANLAN’S POINT on Toronto Islands, site of today’s clothing optional beach.The first Gay Pride Week in TORONTO took place in 1972. There was a small march along Church Street downtown, followed by the second annual Gay Picnic on WARD’S ISLAND, August 20/1972.ARCHIVAL IMAGES – CLGA, the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, 2nd largest in the world, 34 Isabella Street, 416-777-2755, http://www.clga.caTORONTO STAR – June 23/2019 – big crowds, clear skies, and a day beaming with joy. The Pride Parade brought the city together to celebrate.How far we’ve come – Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU, Mayor John Tory & Premier Kathleen Wynne lead the parade in 2016.TORONTO’s Mayor John Tory and city councillors, 2015 – that was the year when it poured rain.  Everyone got soaked.<TORONTO’s ‘World Pride’, June/2014> <The Flag – July 2011>