Pride month is an opportunity that serves as a reminder of the variety of identities, backgrounds, and experiences that make up our global community. It is an opportunity to challenge prejudice and stereotypes while promoting a society that upholds equality, justice, and human rights for everyone. This month is also an opportunity for everyone to acknowledge, honour, and learn more about the countless contributions of Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexually and gender-diverse identities (2SLGBTQ1+).
In addition, June serves as an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges the 2SLGBTQ1+ community has achieved and overcome.
Pride Season encompasses a wide range of Pride events under one umbrella:
- Pride Month is celebrated every June.
- Public Service Pride Week is celebrated annually in the third week of August.
- Pride events are celebrated throughout the summer across Canada.
In honour of the 2SLGBTQ1+ community, here are some of the important events and rights that the community has fought hard to obtain:
May 24, 1969: The Decriminalization of Homosexual Act
August 28, 1971: Canada’s First Gay Liberation Protest and March
- Approximately 100 people gathered on Parliament Hill and presented a petition to the government with ten demands for equal rights and protections.
April 11, 2000: The Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act
- The “common-law relationship” definition included same-sex couples, giving them the same social and tax benefits.
On July 12, 2002: Ontario Superior Court of Justice Recognizing Same-Sex Marriage
- The Superior Court of Justice ruled that prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying was unconstitutional and gave Ontario two years to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.
We encourage everyone to learn more about the history of the 2SLGBTQ1+ community by using the resources listed below:
Pride Season 2023: Celebrating 2SLGBTQI+ Persons in Canada – Canada.ca
Over 50 years of LGBTQ2 activism in Canada – YouTube
By embracing diversity in all forms, we create a space where everyone feels valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are.
