Former Pride Toronto co-chair alleges plot to force him out

Francisco Alvarez says other board members tried to 'prevent' him from being reelected


Former Pride Toronto co-chair Francisco Alvarez, who recently resigned from the board, is alleging that “scheming” and “duplicitous” behaviour by other board members has forced him out as co-chair.

Alvarez, who declined to be interviewed, sent Xtra a statement detailing his many concerns. (Read the full statement here.)

“Over the past week, I became aware of scheming amongst other board members to block my re-election as co-chair,” he writes. “This went as far as them trying to find a way to prevent me from standing for re-election to the board at the upcoming AGM . . . One Board member met with me last week to ‘hint’ that I should save face by voluntarily withdrawing.

“After serious consideration of my options, I have decided that I cannot continue to work with colleagues who are so duplicitous and unappreciative of my personal contribution to this organization since February 2009.”

Alvarez, who was the longest-serving member of the current board, warns that the remaining members will “try to spin their actions” as necessary for the long-term health of the organization and “to increase gender representation in the board executive.” He asks why “is only one woman being recommended on the slate of candidates for election to the board at the AGM?”

The list of potential candidates has not yet been released. The AGM is scheduled for Oct 24 at Hart House.

PT executive director Kevin Beaulieu declined to comment on the situation. “This is a board matter, so I will refer you to Sean Hillier [the remaining co-chair],” he says.

Hillier also declined to comment on the specifics of the letter. “I have no comment. We are very appreciative of the work Francisco has done and the contributions he made to the organization, and we are sad to see him go.”

Beaulieu did say the organization’s priority remains WorldPride in 2014. “Staff remain focused on working with the board to ensure its success.”

Read More About:
Power, News, Pride, Canada, Toronto, Media

Keep Reading

The new generation of gay Conservative sellouts

OPINION: Melissa Lantsman’s and Eric Duncan’s refusals to call out their party’s transphobia is a betrayal of the LGBTQ2S+ community

Over 300 anti-LGBTQ2S+ bills have been introduced this year. This doesn’t mean we should panic

OPINION: While it’s important to watch out for threats, not all threats are created equally. Some of these bills will die a natural death

Xtra’s top LGBTQ2S+ stories of the year

The best and brightest—even most bewildering—stories from a back catalogue brimming with insight

Elon Musk and Texas attorney general Ken Paxton are suing Media Matters. Here’s why queer and trans people should care

OPINION: When politicians and the rich leverage the power of the state to quell dissent, we all lose