Toronto-based photographer Justin Anantawan has released a previously unpublished series of documentary photographs captured during Pride Toronto 2025. Intentionally held for a year to be presented as a reflective retrospective during Pride Month 2026, the series marks Anantawan’s seventh consecutive year documenting the city’s queer landscape.
Documenting Solidarity Amid Fragmentation
The imagery serves as an intimate record of community resilience at a time when global socio-political shifts present increasing challenges to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For Anantawan, continuing this documentation is both an artistic and personal necessity.
“As queerphobia and transphobia in society continue to increase around the world and basic human rights are eroded, the community tries to maintain a sense of hope and solidarity,” Anantawan reflects. “At times, I feel like I am losing sense of optimism and drive to photograph stories from my community as a gay photographer. However, I will continue on as best I can because I still believe in the right of all 2SLGBTQIA+ persons to be heard and seen.”
Justin Anantawan is an international documentary photographer whose practice centres on illuminating the lived experiences of marginalised communities. Working across Canada, Kenya, Gambia, and Jamaica, his portfolio focuses on 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, refugees, and people living with HIV/AIDS, mental health conditions, and disabilities. His work has previously been featured in PhotoVogue, National Geographic Yourshot, Where Love is Illegal, and KALTBLUT Magazine.
Photography by Justin Anantawan / Instagram: @justin_anantawan
