For the first time in five years, Toronto’s Mayor will be showing some pride.

When asked on Sunday his thoughts on why his appearance at the festival is newsworthy, Tory’s answer was clear and abrupt: “It shouldn’t be.”

“(Pride) is one of the biggest celebrations in our community, period,” he said during a phone interview Sunday. “We are celebrating what I think is at the essence of what makes Toronto a great city: how we live together.”

“And the leader of this city, if you believe as I do, if your core values as a person as mayor are consistent with that notion of embracing and respecting everybody . . . you should be there.”

Pride Toronto co-chair Aaron GlynWilliams referred to Tory’s commitment to participate in the week-long festival as “the start of a new relationship between, not just this festival and the Mayor’s office, but the broader LGBTQ community.”

In advance of Monday’s rainbow-flag-raising ceremony at city hall, Mayor John Tory (open John Tory's policard) posted a YouTube video last week expressing his excitement for one of the city’s largest upcoming festivals.

“It’s that time of year again. But this time, the Mayor of Toronto is back in Pride,” he announces in accompaniment to a trance-themed soundtrack.

Tory then claims Sunday’s signature parade event as “the best time you can have in Toronto with your clothes on.”

Thousands have already converged on Toronto’s downtown core since last Friday. The festival will continue through to Sunday, culminating with the annual parade.

Aside from his own commitment to participate, Tory also encouraged other community and political leaders to show their support as well.

“It takes two hours out of your day, out of your year, to come to the parade and be a visible part of it,” he said. “We are all for one and one for all here.”

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