Top 5 Pride Poets to Watch in Toronto & Ontario This Pride Season
Pride season is here, and it's the perfect time to immerse yourself in the powerful voices of queer poets shaping Toronto and Ontario's literary landscape. From intimate reflections to bold calls for justice, these five poets offer a range of perspectives and styles that capture the spirit of Pride in all its complexity.
1. Riley Moon
Riley Moon's poetry is known for its lush imagery and emotional depth, weaving personal experiences with broader themes of identity and belonging. Their work often explores the intersections of queerness and mental health, creating spaces of vulnerability and resilience. Riley is a frequent performer at Toronto's Queer Words Festival and often collaborates with local queer artists.
You can find more about Riley's work at https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/17039234.Riley_Moon
2. Jade Nguyen
Jade Nguyen combines poetic craft with activism, using their voice to highlight issues of social justice, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. Their collection “Resilience & Rainbows” was lauded for its raw honesty and intersectional lens. Jade is also a community organiser and often hosts workshops empowering emerging queer poets.
Find Jade's writings and events at jadenguyen.net.jadenguyen.net+1ca.linkedin.com+1
3. Chris Alvarado
Chris Alvarado's poetry mixes surreal, often haunting imagery with candid reflections on gender, family dynamics, and cultural heritage. His energetic live performances often blend spoken word with music, creating immersive experiences that challenge audiences to rethink identity and belonging. Chris regularly features in Toronto's spoken word venues and has been published in several Canadian literary journals.
See more of Chris's work at chrisalvaradoart.com.
4. Amara Thompson
Amara Thompson is a celebrated figure in the Toronto slam poetry scene, known for her sharp wit, emotional honesty, and celebration of queer joy. Her poetry centres intersectionality and challenges societal norms with a compassionate but unflinching gaze. Amara's performances are empowering and often include themes of healing and community building.
Follow Amara on Instagram at @amarathompson for updates and events.
5. Alex Burton (aka Alexander Paul Burton)
Toronto-based poet and author Alex Burton writes with quiet intensity about rural queer identity, estrangement, and the search for belonging. His work combines storytelling with lyrical reflection, inviting readers into intimate spaces where resilience and vulnerability coexist. Alex has been featured in local readings and is steadily building a following online.
These poets remind us that Pride is more than celebration—it's about stories, visibility, and community. Whether you connect through live events, published collections, or social media, these voices are essential to the vibrant queer literary scene in Toronto and beyond.
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