Pride Week often makes me think of everything from the somewhat clichĂŠd rainbow-coloured flags, to Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, to guys so ripped they make me question my own sexuality. The literary event Proud Voices, in partnership with Word on the Street, was a great way to experience the best of both worlds.You haven't heard storytelling until you've heard it like this - with colour and a contemporary twist.

Hosted by Toronto Poetry Slam veteran Arianna Pozzuoli, there was a stellar line-up of Toronto's literary scene, coupled with crowd-favourites such as Yukon golden child Ivan E. Coyote as well as Christina Starr, activist and queer parent who took us on an adventure through topics covering gender, femininity and fairytales.

I heard the thunderous claps and the stolen gasps from the audience as they savoured every word of poetry and prose that spoke loudly and proudly. Just watching them do what they best was a memorable experience that resonated long after the event was over. Soon after, in fact, I felt inspired to write a piece of my own.

And although Pride Week has wrapped up in the city, I recommend that you take a look at some of the other literary events that are happening around the city featured in our Literary Round-Up from Toronto Poetry Slam to Pedestrian Sundays.

Photo by Oh Lenna