TCHC Pride Network employees get social!
TCHC’s Pride Network has over 300 staff members, advocating for a safer, more equitable, and respectful working environment.
On May 16, Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) employees and friends of the TCHC Pride Network gathered at O’Grady’s in Church Wellesley Village. Staff were excited to gather, enjoy appetizers, play games, and unwind after the workday at the Pride Network’s first social event of 2024.
The employee network of 2SLGBTQ+ folks and allies advocates for a safer, more equitable, and respectful working environment at TCHC. Currently, the network has over 300 members. Representation in the organization is a topic that TCHC Pride Network Co-chair, Sarah Zerihun, feels passionate about. “To know that TCHC supports and encourages us to stand tall and proud, within our jobs and with our colleagues, is very empowering and makes such a difference in our feeling seen and valued,” she said.
During the event, members shared what the network meant to them, offered support and encouragement, and spoke about the upcoming Pride Parade on June 30. Afterwards, they played icebreaker games that included get-to-know-each-other Bingo and a Pride and Toronto-based trivia competition.
By the end of the night, attendees had formed new connections and friendships, and members left with a stronger sense of community and knowledge of support services that are available to them. Laudeniro Da Silva, Co-chair of the Pride Network, said that was the intention of the event. “It is important for staff to have a support system, and we love building this community within TCHC,” he said. Sarah agreed and added, “It is incredible for us to continue building on the momentum from every event we hold. We are committed to reaching out to staff in TCHC, and to creating a safe space for conversation, support, and socializing with colleagues.”
If you are interested in learning more about the Pride Network at Toronto Community Housing, visit https://bit.ly/3xrHfze.