The City of Toronto marked the 45th anniversary of the Bathhouse Raids on February 5, 2026, a significant and troubling day in the city’s history. These raids, part of 'Operation Soap,' were conducted by police targeting gay men at four bathhouses, resulting in nearly 300 arrests. The names of those arrested were released to the media, leading to public outs and significant negative repercussions, including loss of jobs and housing for many. Witnesses recounted police using crowbars and sledgehammers to destroy property, coupled with severe verbal abuse directed at protestors, particularly homophobic taunts.
In response to the police actions, mass protests erupted the following day, with citizens expressing outrage and demanding accountability. Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged the lasting impact of the raids during a commemoration event at The 519, stating, “The bathhouse raids were a horrid mistake and a serious stain on Toronto's reputation. A scar our community feels to this day, 45 years later." She emphasized that it was wrong and shameful and reaffirmed the city's commitment to remembering this dark chapter in history.
The aftermath of the raids catalyzed a spirit of solidarity among community members who fought for change. Alongside public protests, 2SLGBTQ+ groups came together to challenge the legal outcomes of the raids, resulting in most charges being dropped or leading to acquittals. In June 2016, the then-Toronto police chief Mark Saunders issued an official apology for the events of 1981, marking a critical moment of acknowledgment for the community.
Looking forward, a plaque commemorating the events of the raids is set to be erected in collaboration with Heritage Toronto. The specific location and wording will be decided through consultation with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, aiming for installation by June in time for Pride Month. This commemorative effort underscores the shifting dynamics within the city and the ongoing recognition of historical injustices faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
The Bathhouse Raids have frequently been likened to the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York, recognized as seminal in the fight for 2SLGBTQ+ rights and equality. Tom Hooper, a professor and historian at York University, posited that while the Stonewall Riots ignited a broader movement, the aftermath of the Bathhouse Raids further galvanized the Toronto community, fostering a legacy of resistance and allyship. He remarked that resisting severe oppression requires tremendous effort from activists, alongside support from allies, which was evident during the events of 1981.
Hooper reflected on the significant changes that have occurred over the past 45 years, noting that advancements in societal acceptance and freedoms for individuals are credited to the hard work of activists during that era. However, he also pointed out the continuity of challenges, such as ongoing discussions about police accountability and budget allocations that may remain unchanged.
Despite progress, trust between the police and the 2SLGBTQ+ community remains fragile even after all these years. Rev. Brent Hawkes highlighted that trust is not a permanent state but something that requires ongoing effort and commitment to build. He noted the positive impacts of having more women and LGBT individuals in police services, yet he urged that rebuilding trust must include ensuring no one is left behind, emphasizing a more inclusive approach moving forward.
Hawkes expressed concern about the erosion of trust in recent years, reflecting on how much of the progress made disproportionately benefited gay white men at the expense of marginalizing others within the community. He called for a renewed commitment to rebuilding relationships that honor the diversity within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, recognizing that the work ahead is both crucial and demanding.
