Celebrating who she is every day
During Pride Month, we are shining a spotlight on Simona Haller, our Operating Unit Clerk in the South East Region.
A Toronto native, Simona joined Toronto Seniors Housing after graduating from Yok University. She takes pride in her job, as well as owning all of who she is.
As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Simona believes Pride Season is an opportunity to depoliticize the “identity.” Simona advises people to try not to ask questions about someone’s identity or sexuality out of curiosity. “It can be alienating, and it isn’t the responsibility of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to educate others about the intimate parts of their identity,” she explains. “Would you appreciate it?”
This year’s Pride Festival theme, “Be _____” amplifies this message. “I hope this message signals to everyone that societal expectations are only enforced because we as a society keep enforcing them,” says Simona. Letting people be themselves – authentically and freely – is the best way to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community all year round.
Witnessing the backlash her community continues to face, Simona has also found strength in their resiliency. “My transgender friends are more mentally resilient, self-aware, and mature than most due to the introspection and inner strength they’ve taken to transition and lose a lot in that process,” she says. “Having such an accepting group of friends is very liberating to me.” In an ideal future, Simona hopes coming out won’t need to be a celebration or an act of strength, because people will have the freedom to love and be who they are without harming anyone.
This Pride Season, Simona plans to be “loud and proud” celebrating with her partner and her friends and enjoying the many dance events around the city.
