At MINI, we believe in a little thing called BIG LOVE, which is our mindset to welcome the world with an open heart and embrace the road with an open mind. That’s why we are so proud to celebrate this year’s Pride festivities alongside our community of Motorers, fans, and partners. With Toronto Pride events taking place this June, we invited our friends Mike Rizzi and Chris Zapata to jump in the All-Electric MINI and show us some of their favourite 2SLGBTQI-owned/operated businesses and hotspots. If you’re going to be in the Toronto area during this year’s festivities, be sure to check out (and support) these gems, and share your favourites that we can add to our map!
483 Church St.
You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tried one of Craig’s Cookies. Launched in 2013, owner Craig Pike has been helping the Toronto Village and Parkdale communities get their cookie fix with tantalizing, mouth-watering treats inspired by his mom’s best recipes. And with over 100 flavours to choose from, Craig’s got something for everyone!
Craig’s Cookies
1164 Queen St E.
Leslieville’s go-to spot for 100% organic seasonal produce, groceries, and unique foods made by local artisans. Co-owned by Amy, Angela, and JJ, Raise the Root has deep ties to Toronto’s east-end community and proudly supports local farmers, foragers, entrepreneurs, and anyone with a passion for organically made goodies.
Raise the Root Organic Market
250 Westlake Ave.
Part general store, part community hub, Old’s Cool has everything from organic, locally produced food goods to novelty toys and hand-made pillowcases. Guided by the principles of the general stores of days gone by, Old’s Cool proudly fosters local talent and regularly sells creations made by the residents of Toronto’s East York neighbourhood.
Old’s Cool General Store
499 Church St.
No visit to Toronto Pride would be complete without a quick trip to the Glad Day Bookshop - the first queer-focused bookstore in Canada and the oldest queer bookstore in the world! Along with representing some of the world’s foremost 2SLGBTQI authors, the store has become a local hub, acting as a space for socializing, local activism, and events.
Glad Day BookShop
1158 College St.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, Miss Pippa’s is your go-to. Offering everything from bath & beauty products to gourmet candy, vintage art prints, and even gorgeous flower arrangements, this cute little College St. shop has something in store for everyone (and even a few things for your furry friends, too).
Miss Pippa’s
1246 College St
Proudest Pony is a femme-owned 2SLGBTQI-positive salon. They don’t price their services by gender, but instead on the work they do. They also partner with Green Circle Salon, who collect, recycle, and repurpose hair clippings, used foils and other waste to divert it from landfills and waterways.
Proudest Pony
Know a great local 2SLGBTQI-owned/operated/positive business?
We want to hear about it! Tell us about them below and we’ll feature them as part of our MINI Guide to Pride.
Who should we add to our map?
We can’t wait to check out your recco and maybe even put it on our map. In the meantime, be sure to stay up to speed on our Pride Month celebrations by following us on Instagram.
FOLLOW THE FUN
Mike Rizzi is a Toronto-based digital producer who creates short-form video content of fashion, food, and lifestyle. Since 2012, he has used his YouTube channel and social platforms to share his life and pull back the curtains on issues facing the 2SLGBTQI community.
MEET MIKE
Chris Zapata is a Toronto-based content creator passionate about photography, video production, and tech. Chris uses his TikTok and Instagram channels as spaces to welcome other 2SLGBTQI people and connect them to relatable content.
MEET CHRIS
Egale Canada works to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues. Their work focuses on informing public policy, inspiring cultural change, and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education, awareness, and legal advocacy. If you’re looking to get behind an organization that’s driving real change for the LGBTQI2S community, we invite you to check them out (and maybe even give a small donation to support their efforts 😊)
MEET EGALE CANADA
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