Maritime pride and community groups are gearing up for a busy month with events in July, and many organizations are expanding their schedules this year as interest in their programs increases.
But homophobic and hateful comments towards the LGBTQ2 community are also on the rise – especially online – and organizers say that means their celebrations are more important than ever.
“In the last two years, it’s really taken off,” said Fiona Kerr, executive director of Halifax Pride. “This is really disturbing and upsetting.”
Tania Cheng, co-founder of St. Margaret’s Bay Pride, says that’s why it’s so important for people to “wear rainbows this summer.”
“The most important way to fight hate and advance inclusion is to speak out and show up,” Cheng said.
In Halifax, events begin on July 16 with a parade on July 18.
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“We are preparing to host Canada Pride next summer,” said Kerr.
“So if we can increase it gradually then this won’t be a big logistical pressure for us. But we also want to give people an idea of what will happen in the future.”
This improvement is a shared vision across the region. Saint John Fundy Pride is also growing, with celebrations taking place over two weekends starting July 17th.
“It’s going to get bigger and bigger. This is the first year we’ve had musical guests and we hope it can be one of the biggest festivals in the province,” said Alex Saunders, co-chair of Saint John Fundy Pride.
And as in previous years, their neighbors south of the border in Maine were invited to take part in the event.
“Our stance is that if you want a place to celebrate Pride that is safe, please come here and celebrate with us,” Saunders said.
Smaller organizations, such as St. Margaret’s Bay Pride in Nova Scotia, is also hoping to increase its impact. They first held a Pride event last year, with over 750 attendees.
This year, they have 20 events on the schedule, including a gender-affirming clothing swap, a rowing event, and a silent disco.
Cheng said support was especially important in smaller rural areas.
“I think in rural areas, Pride is especially important because there tend to be fewer resources and services and supports for the queer community,” Cheng said.
“So for many queer people, Pride is one of the first moments or events where they see other people like themselves and feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. And this is especially true in rural communities.”
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