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Justin Anantawan's Delayed Pride Series Reflects on Queer Resilience

publication · 2026-06-20

Toronto-based photographer Justin Anantawan has just released a new set of documentary images from Pride Toronto 2025. He decided to hold back this series for a year, but now it’s being presented as a reflective look back during Pride Month 2026, celebrating his seventh year documenting the local queer community. These photos powerfully capture the resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community during turbulent global socio-political times. Anantawan, known for focusing on marginalized groups, has worked in various countries including Canada, Kenya, Gambia, and Jamaica, highlighting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, mental health challenges, and disabilities. His work has been featured in outlets like PhotoVogue and National Geographic Yourshot, and this series is also published in KALTBLUT Magazine.

Key facts

  • Justin Anantawan released a previously unpublished series of documentary photographs.
  • The photographs were captured during Pride Toronto 2025.
  • The series was intentionally held for a year and presented during Pride Month 2026.
  • This marks Anantawan's seventh consecutive year documenting Toronto's queer landscape.
  • The imagery records community resilience amid global socio-political shifts challenging the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
  • Anantawan is an international documentary photographer based in Toronto.
  • His work focuses on marginalised communities including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, refugees, and people living with HIV/AIDS, mental health conditions, and disabilities.
  • His work has been featured in PhotoVogue, National Geographic Yourshot, Where Love is Illegal, and KALTBLUT Magazine.

Entities

Artists

  • Justin Anantawan

Institutions

  • KALTBLUT Magazine
  • PhotoVogue
  • National Geographic Yourshot
  • Where Love is Illegal

Locations

  • Toronto
  • Canada
  • Kenya
  • Gambia
  • Jamaica

Sources