By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Milton is getting ready to light up with love, colour, and celebration on July 20, 2025, as PRISM Halton hosts its third annual Pride Parade and Pride in the Park event. What started as a small gathering of community members eight years ago has grown into one of Halton Region’s most vibrant and meaningful celebrations of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
PRISM Halton, a volunteer-run organization and a proud member of both the Halton Equity Diversity Roundtable and Fierté Canada Pride, was founded by Melanie Tremills after she witnessed a lack of visibility and connection for queer youth while working at a Halton school. Initially imagined as a small social group, PRISM’s reach has expanded across Halton, bringing events to Burlington, Oakville, Georgetown, and especially Milton, where their presence has grown exponentially. “We started with a handful of people at the first flag raising in Milton,” said Tremills. “Now we see over a hundred come out, including both school boards, students, and families. It’s so powerful for youth to witness that support.”
This year’s celebration promises to be the biggest yet. The Pride Parade will feature more vehicles than ever before, including a colourful new float designed and built by the Milton Public Library, and over 300 participants walking in solidarity. Local businesses, sexual wellness groups, churches, and residents are all joining forces to show their support.
“The connections made at these events are incredible, and that’s why we do what we do,” said Tremills, who recalls planning the first parade in just three months back in 2023. “We cried the whole way down the street that first year — it was so emotional and beautiful.”
Following the parade, the festivities continue just steps away at the Milton Fairgrounds, where the Pride in the Park celebration kicks off. With over 50 vendors, free parking, a beer tent, a kids’ corner, food trucks, and all-day entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Performers include local bands, solo artists, DJs, and a children’s performer, with support from community groups like Bandology. For those 19 and over, the celebration continues into the evening with a ticketed drag show featuring Kenadie St. James, Jessie James, Vladimir Black, and more.
But beyond the performances and the parade floats, there’s something deeper happening in Milton. “Every year, someone comes up to me and says, ‘I never knew there was anything like this here for me,’” said Tremills. “One woman came just to watch the parade and ended up crying when we asked her to walk with us. She’s returned every year since. That’s the kind of impact we’re making.”
Tremills, who came to Canada from England in 2007, shared her own journey of coming out later in life and the challenges that came with it. “I hid who I was for a long time. My wife, who grew up in Milton, didn’t feel supported by her community when she came out. But at the first parade, her longtime friends lined the streets to cheer her on. She stood there and felt seen for the first time.”
That sense of belonging, of being truly seen, is at the heart of what PRISM Halton aims to create — not just for queer youth and adults, but for families too. “We always make sure our events are family-friendly. Whether a child comes from two moms, two dads, or is still figuring out who they are, they deserve to feel like they belong,” said Tremills. “Especially in smaller towns where traditional values often overshadow queer visibility, we’re creating safe spaces that didn’t exist before.”
Support for PRISM’s work continues to grow thanks to dedicated community members and organizations. The Milton Public Library has been an incredible partner, and local businesses, including several from Burlington, are also participating in this year’s event. Still, Tremills notes that funding remains one of the biggest challenges. “It’s hard for any gay programming to secure sustainable funding, especially in smaller communities. But visibility is vital. Representation is vital. And we’ll keep going because the need is so great.”
Those interested in participating can visit PRISM’s website to register as a volunteer, walk in the parade, or donate. There are also sponsorship packages available for businesses looking to support the event. Metrolinx is helping spread the word with free advertising, and this year’s event is expected to draw even more spectators, volunteers, and allies than ever before. Local leaders, including the mayor of Milton, will also be in attendance to show their support.
At its core, Milton’s Pride Parade and Pride in the Park are about connection, visibility, and love. It’s about telling queer youth and adults that they’re not alone. “You can’t spell equality without the ‘T’ [the ‘T’ in 2SLGBTQIA+ stands for “transgender”],” said Tremills. “What’s happening to the queer community in the U.S. is affecting us here in Canada too. We want our community to know — we’re here, we’re proud, and we’re not going anywhere.”
To find out more or get involved, visit PRISM Halton’s website or contact Melanie Tremills directly at chair@prism.com.
