Many people may link Pride Month with the Stonewall Riots in the U.S., but Canada has its own history when it comes to the struggle for and eventual celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.

History in Canada
Canada decriminalized homosexual acts between consenting adults on May 14, 1969, with the updated law receiving royal assent on June 27, one day before the Stonewall Riots took place in New York.

People gathered at Parliament Hill for Canada’s First Gay Liberation Protest and March in 1971, petitioning the government for equal rights and protections. Two years later, Pride Week was a national 2SLGBTQIA+ rights event held in several Canadian cities.

History in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community came together for its first public protest in February 1977, picketing CBC headquarters over the local station’s refusal to run a public service announcement advertising the Gay Alliance for Equality’s Gayline.

The city didn’t mark Pride Month until 11 years later, in 1988; the event was primarily a protest over the lack of legal protection from discrimination and the threat of homophobic violence.

The Halifax Pride Festival has since grown into a celebration that includes numerous events that highlight the unique character of Halifax’s diverse community, welcoming more than 120,000 participants every summer.

Connection to health care
Pride Month reminds us of the progress made in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and health care. However, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community still faces significant health disparities, including discrimination, stigma and lack of access to inclusive health-care services.

That’s why Doctors Nova Scotia continues to support its members in creating safe, affirming and inclusive environments for their 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, while also advocating for the expansion of health-care options, including gender-affirming care.

Celebrate in your community!
Consider supporting local Pride events happening in your area this summer. Events aren’t just taking place in Halifax – more than 13 communities across Nova Scotia will be organizing their own Pride festivities! Check out this list for events going on in your community.

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