We asked, “What is your favourite Pride memory in relation to your time at Metrolinx?”…
Although we each celebrate Pride in our own way every day of our lives, there are probably certain moments and experiences during Pride Month that you’ll never forget. We checked in with some Metrolinx employees to share some of their fondest memories of past Pride events.
Kam Somji: “Coming from a country where being out was not an option, being able to walk in the parade alongside the company float has to be my number one memory. I have to commend Metrolinx for making it possible for me to feel safe every day at work.”
Valeria Leon: “I have been volunteering with the Pride Committee at Metrolinx since 2018. Every year has been different and funny, and I always volunteer with my friend Diane, which is always an adventure. The first year we had to deliver wet, cold pizzas to the GO Bus for the volunteers as it was raining. The following year, we got the speakers for the music; however, we realized that the music was not loud enough to reach the big contingent that we had for that year. But the important thing is that no matter how things go, we always have fun and have a great time together! Here is our picture from the 2019 Pride Parade. I’m so looking forward to marching again in person next year!”
Diane Kolin: “Each time we got to walk together as a group in the Pride parade was a fun memory. The last time was 2019. We have an awesome team and I enjoy the moments we can dance all together to celebrate Pride. I look forward to dancing with our group in person again!”
Natalie Petra: “My favourite Pride memory in relation to my time at Metrolinx is each and every one of our employee resource group meetings. We have a fantastic team of dedicated people, and being a part of these meetings has helped me feel included and welcome. I know what we do matters for people, and I know that we’re making change in the workplace, both for our colleagues and our customers. I was fortunate that my first ERG meeting took place about two weeks after I joined – and across three departments and four managers, that’s remained a constant. I’ve made some great friends and grown as a person and in my activism – can’t ask for a better memory than that. I’ve also attached a photo from York Region Pride 2019 – that was a really great experience for me. I live ~10 min away from Newmarket (Bradford) and I’ve spent a lot of time around the Fairy Lake area, so it was nice to see my employer so engaged in my community, and to be there celebrating the LGBTQ+ experience.”
Josh Nobrega: “Our family attended our first Pride event in 2018. I was taken aback at how much love and positivity surrounds the entire day. It was important for me to ensure my children know that love and acceptance go hand in hand. Looking forward to many more celebrations in the years to come!”
Adam Jagdat: “I was fortunate to have been able to help plan Metrolinx’s Pride campaigns over the last two years, including coordinating our contingent of marchers at the 2019 Toronto Pride Parade. That parade itself is my favourite Pride moment because my mom was one of the 170+ marchers. She got to experience first-hand what I’d been working on, and it was also the first time she and I had been able to attend Pride together. She had an amazing time and got to meet some of my wonderful colleagues and friends. I’ll cherish that forever.”
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