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Minden Pride

Minden Pride

August 24th to 30th, 2020

History

  • Tea Dances
  • The Rainbow Flag
  • Equality Dollar
  • LGBTQ2+! So Many Letters!
  • History of Pride in Canada
You are here: Home / About / History of Pride / History of Pride in Canada

History of Pride in Canada

When asked about the history of pride, often the first thing that comes to people’s minds are the Stonewall Riots. Canada, however, has it’s own rich history and turning points in the struggle for and eventual celebration of LGBT rights.

The most well known of these are the Toronto raids which lead to riots that turned into what is today, a vibrant pride festival. It was not the only turning point in our history, so we present to you a brief timeline of notable events in the history of Pride in Canada. Our history is expansive and this is not, by any means, a comprehensive  list.

MILESTONES IN THE HISTORY OF PRIDE ACROSS CANADA

1969: On May 14, 1969 Canada decriminalized homosexual acts between consenting adults with the passage of the Criminal Law Amendment Act first introduced in December 1968. It receives royal assent on June 27. One day before the Stonewall Riots took place in New York.

1971: In August, the first protests for gay rights took place  in Ottawa and Vancouver, demanding an end to all forms of state discrimination against gays and lesbians.

1973: Pride Week 1973 was a national LGBT rights event held in August 1973 in several Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Programming included an art festival, a dance, picnic, a screening of a documentary and a rally for gay rights that occurred in all the participating cities. This event represented the shift from the homophile movement into the gay liberation movement, showing the emergence of the concept of gay pride, and can also be considered the first pride parade in Vancouver. Homosexuality is removed as a “disorder’ from the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual of mental disorders.

1974: In January, The Brunswick four are arrested at the Brunswick Tavern in Toronto. Some historians believe that the arrest and its consequences was a key incident ushering in a more militant gay and lesbian liberation movement in Canada, much as the Stonewall Inn Riots politicized gays and lesbians in the United States. This was also one of the first occasions that a gay or lesbian topic received extensive press coverage in Canada. The women brought charges against the officers subsequently for verbal and physical police harassment, however the officers were acquitted due to their switching their hats and badge numbers making them unable to be accurately identifed.

1976: Police crackdowns against gay bars in Montreal’s Stanley Street gay village, widely perceived as mayor Jean Drapeau’s attempts to “clean up” the city in advance of the 1976 Summer Olympics, lead to riots.

1977: In October, two gay establishments in Montreal, Mystique and Truxx, are raided. A protest organized the next day attracts 2,000 participants. By December, the province of Quebec becomes the second jurisdiction in the world, behind only Denmark, to pass a law banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The Canadian Immigration Act was also amended, lifting a ban prohibiting gay men from immigrating.

1978: Buddies in Bad Times, Canada’s oldest surviving theatre company dedicated to LGBT theatre, is launched by Matt Walsh, Jerry Ciccoritti and Sky Gilbert.

1979: Montreal and Vancouver become the first Canadian cities to host an official Pride march and festival.

1980: Edmonton holds their first ever Pride Festival.

1981: The catalyst for Toronto’s Pride events was the Bathhouse Raids that occurred on Feb. 5, 1981. Police stormed four gay bathhouses in the city as part of what they called “Operation Soap,” and arrested just under 300 men. For the majority, charges were later dropped or dismissed. Rallies were held in response to the injustice and it was these mass protests that evolved into the first Toronto Pride celebration. To this day, “Operation Soap” is one of the largest mass arrests in Canada and it was 35 years later in 2016 that Toronto’s police chief formally apologized for the raids.

1985: One of Canada’s first programs to combat anti-gay discrimination and violence is implemented by the Toronto District School Board after a hate crime in which their employee Kenneth Zeller is murdered in Toronto’s High Park.

1987: Winnipeg holds its first-ever Pride on August 2, with a turn-out of 250 LGBT community members, supporters, and allies. Some the first participants of this event actually wore paper bags over their heads out of fear of rallying in public. The event has since grown to a vibrant, annual festival with an attendance of 35,000.

1988: British Columbia MP Svend Robinson came out as Canada’s first openly gay member of parliament.

1990: On July 15, Police raid The Sex Garage’s After Party. The violence ignited 36 hours of clashes between Montreal’s LGBT community and the police force, which was accused at the time of harbouring a culture of homophobia. The Sex Garage raid is now widely considered to be Montreal’s Stonewall, after the New York City riots in 1969 that marked a turning point for the LGBT rights movement worldwide. Sex Garage politicized a generation of LGBT activists who would change the Quebec political landscape, uniting gays and lesbians, and francophones and anglophones, in a common front. These activists would establish the Divers/Cité Pride March and political-action groups like La Table de concertation des gaies et lesbiennes du grand Montréal to successfully fight for LGBT civil rights and improve gay life in Montreal.

On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) voted to remove ‘homosexuality’ from being designated a mental disorder in the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10).

1991: City of Toronto officially endorses the Lesbian and Gay Pride Day in Toronto.

1992: The Federal Court lifts the ban on gays and lesbians in the military.

1994: The Supreme Court rules that gays and lesbians could apply for refugee status on the basis of facing persecution in their countries of origin.

1995: The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Section 15 of the Charter — which guarantees the “right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination” — should include sexual orientation, even though it is not specifically named in the section.

Ontario Courts rule that same-sex couples are are allowed to adopt.

1996: Sexual orientation was added to the Canadian Human Rights Act, which covers federally-regulated activities.

1999: The Supreme Court rules in case M. v H., that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights as opposite-sex couples in a common-law relationship.

2000: In February, the Liberal party introduced Bill C-23, the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act, in response to the Supreme Court’s May 1999 ruling. The act would give same-sex couples who have lived together for more than a year the same benefits and obligations as common-law couples. In March, Justice Minister Anne McLellan announces the bill will include a definition of marriage as “the lawful union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.”

On April 11, 2000, Parliament passes Bill C-23, with a vote of 174 to 72. The legislation gives same-sex couples the same social and tax benefits as heterosexuals in common-law relationships. In total, the bill affects 68 federal statutes relating to a wide range of issues such as pension benefits, old age security, income tax deductions, bankruptcy protection and the Criminal Code. The definitions of “marriage” and “spouse” are left untouched but the definition of “common-law relationship” is expanded to include same-sex couples.

The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Vancouver’s Little Sister’s bookstore that gay publications, even sexually explicit ones, were protected under freedom of speech provisions in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The store had filed suit against Canada Customs for repeated seizures of LGBT material.

The problem persists, however, with gay bookstores alleging that Customs guards disproportionately cite the Supreme Court’s 1992 Butler decision against gay and lesbian publications which ruled that material containing scenes of sex mixed with violence and cruelty could be seized.

In September, six male officers from the Toronto Police raided Club Toronto during an all-female queer and trans event known as the “Pussy Palace.” This event resulted in protests and pickets of the Toronto police’s 52 Division. In 2002, an Ontario provincial court judge ruled that police were wrong to raid the party and a 2005 class action lawsuit  and complaint to the Ontario Human Rights Commission resulted in a $350,000 settlement which included a formal apology in writing and required the force to establish cultural compentency training for all members regarding the LGBT community.

2002: The Ontario Superior Court rules that prohibiting gay couples from marrying is unconstitutional and violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The court gives Ontario two years to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.

In May, Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert McKinnon rules that a gay student has the right to take his boyfriend to the prom.

Earlier, the Durham Catholic District School Board said student Marc Hall couldn’t bring his 21-year-old boyfriend to the dance at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic high school in Oshawa. Officials acknowledge that Hall has the right to be gay, but said permitting the date would send a message that the Church supports his “homosexual lifestyle.” Hall went to the prom.

2003: Michael Leshner and Michael Stark became the first same-sex couple to marry in Canada.

2004: The Quebec Court of Appeal rules that homosexuals have the right to marry, and that the traditional definition of marriage is discriminatory and unjustified. The ruling upholds a lower-court decision and follows similar decisions in Ontario and B.C.

2005: Bill C-38 bill became federal law which gave same-sex couples the legal right to marry. This made Canada the fourth country in the world to allow same-sex marriage.

2013: The House of Commons passes Bill C-279 in March, a private member’s bill sponsored by Randall Garrison, which officially extends human rights protections to transgender and transsexual people in Canada.

Kathleen Wynne wins the leadership of the governing Ontario Liberal Party on the 3rd ballot in its leadership election. She is formally sworn into office on February 11, becoming both Ontario’s first female Premier and Canada’s first openly LGBT Premier.

2014: Pride festivals launch for the first time in the Ontario cities of Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.

2016: For the first time in Canadian history, a pride flag is raised on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

The Canadian government lowers the blood donation deferral period, clearing gay and bisexual men to donate blood after abstaining from sex with other men for one year, instead of five. But it did not eliminate the ban.

2017: Bill C-16 is passed by federal government. The bill updates the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code to include the terms “gender identity” and “gender expression.” The legislation also makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender identity or expression.  It also extends hate speech laws to include the two terms, and makes it a hate crime to target someone for being transgender. The bill also amends the sentencing principles section of the code so that a person’s gender identity or expression can be considered an aggravating circumstance by a judge during sentencing.

2018: An electronic petition filed with the House of Commons, E-1589, calls on the Liberal government to stop a practice it says imposes a stigma on gay and bisexual men. Petitioners say the policy also bars Canadian Blood Services — which routinely faces donor shortages — from a potential pool of healthy, safe donations.

2019: On May 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) voted to remove ‘transgender’ from being designated a mental disorder. The WHO will now use the term ‘gender incongruence’ to describe people whose gender identity is different from the gender they were assigned at birth. This term has been added to the sexual health category of the 11th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11).

Health Canada lowers the blood donation deferral period, clearing gay and bisexual men to donate blood after abstaining from sex with other men for three months, instead of one year. But it did not eliminate the ban.

University of Winnipeg launches the first Two-Spirit archives in Canada. The collection — mostly donated by long-time Winnipeg two-spirit activist Albert McLeod is believed to be the most comprehensive collection of two-spirit materials in Canada, The archives will be used by researchers, historians and two-spirit people to tell the story of the movement’s 40-year history.

Source: https://www.queerevents.ca/canada/pride/history

Minden Pride

minden_pride

Celebrating the vibrant diversity in the Haliburton Highlands. Everyone is Welcome.

Looking for something fun (and queer!) to do this Looking for something fun (and queer!) to do this Friday? Head over to the Village Playhouse in charming Bancroft for a Queer Cabaret - followed by a Queer Dance! 
There’s a 50/50 draw & a good chance you’ll have a fabulous time.
7pm
Cash Only, NO COVER. 

Enjoy!
Need a good laugh? Our friends at Ctrl-Art-Del hav Need a good laugh? Our friends at Ctrl-Art-Del have just the ticket! 
When her sister Mina falls ill with a mysterious disease of the blood, Lucy Westfeldt and her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, enlist the help of famed vampire hunter Doctor Jean Van Helsing. Their hunt for the dangerous and sexy Count Dracula is a whip-sharp, campy, gender-bending romp where gothic horror meets Monty Python.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors plays from April 24-26, 7:30 PM, at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion. Get tickets at tickets.ctrlartdel.ca
Today, March 31st, we celebrate International Tran Today, March 31st, we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility — uplifting the accomplishments & offering our gratitude for the remarkable resilience of our transgender and non-binary community. 

Visibility is powerful - it sparks change, fosters understanding and reminds us all that everyone deserves to be seen, heard and embraced exactly as they are. Minden Pride in the Haliburton Highlands is committed to advancing equity for our transgender and non-binary community members. Today & Everyday: We see you. We celebrate you. We stand with you. Your courage, joy and authenticity make our community stronger and more vibrant.

🏳️‍⚧️ You are loved. You are valued. You belong. 🏳️‍⚧️

“Remember this, whoever you are, however you are, you are equally valid, equally justified, and equally beautiful.” – Juno Dawson

Let’s uplift trans voices, share trans stories, and continue working toward a world where everyone can live with dignity and pride. Together We Rise.
Our friends at Aging Together As Community are Wel Our friends at Aging Together As Community are Welcoming Spring with a Super Sunday Social Luncheon.

The Detail:
12PM-3PM • 23 MARCH, 2025
SIRCH BISTRO
49 MAPLE AVE., HALIBURTON

Lunch is provided, so please email peterfquinton@gmail.com to RSVP
Minden Pride in Haliburton Highlands would like to Minden Pride in Haliburton Highlands would like to extend our thanks to the Dysart Council for their decision to fly the Pride Flag during our annual Pride Week Festival August 18th to 24th.

The new flag policy was adopted by Council at their November meeting and the Pride Flag is now a pre-approved community flag that is to be raised annually in Dysart et al during Pride in the Highlands.

While this moment has been long-awaited by many, its arrival is no less powerful. This simple yet profound act sends a clear message: everyone, no matter who they love or how they identify, is valued and belongs here.

While division can so often overshadow unity, the Pride Flag is more than just a symbol for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It is a beacon of inclusion, affirmation and hope for everyone.

This step forward offers an opportunity to grow as a community. To proudly share our values of kindness, respect and dignity. To celebrate our diversity and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where each of us is included. 
A commitment for which all of us at Minden Pride are grateful.

We will continue to build Pride in the Highlands and create a community where Everyone is Welcome. Together We Rise.

- Minden Pride in the Haliburton Highlands Planning Committee
All of us at Minden Pride in the Haliburton Highla All of us at Minden Pride in the Haliburton Highlands are committed to creating and sustaining safe, inclusive spaces both online and offline. 

In light of META’s recent announcement that it will no longer fact-check posts across its platforms or monitor hate speech, and its decision to remove protections for minority groups - including members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community - our use of both Instagram and Facebook will change going forward. 

We unequivocally do not condone META’s new direction. We believe these policy changes compromise the integrity and safety of the online spaces where many of us once found connection and validation. We no longer believe that META’s platforms can serve as safe environments for our community to engage. 

As such, we will be making the following changes to our social media use:

We will be disabling comments and hiding like counts. 
We will no longer engage in chat functions on either platform.

We will continue to post information about community events, our generous supporters and our annual festival. Our commitment to communicate transparently and meet everyone where they are remains unwavering.

Our community’s resilience and solidarity are stronger than any single platform and we will continue to provide trusted spaces where everyone can engage, share their experiences and support one another. As we work to explore alternative communication options and expand our engagement resources you can continue to reach us at connect@mindenpride.ca. 

Thank you for standing with us as we work to uphold the values of dignity, respect and inclusion in every space we share. Together We Rise.

- Minden Pride in the Haliburton Highlands Planning Committee
🌈✨ New Year, Same Pride! ✨🌈 As the cloc 🌈✨ New Year, Same Pride! ✨🌈

As the clock strikes midnight, we celebrate not just the arrival of 2025 but the resilience, love and community that unite us all year round.

This year, let’s keep marching forward - TOGETHER. Whether you’re an ally or a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community your presence makes a difference.

What does your 2025 look like?

❤️Amplifying Voices🧡Celebrating Love💛Supporting Neighbours💚Building Bridges💙Championing Diversity💜

From all of us at Minden Pride, THANK YOU for being part of our journey. As we strive to make the Haliburton Highlands a place where EVERYONE is welcome, your support is essential. 
Let’s make 2025 a year full of pride, progress and possibility! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

#NewYearNewBeginnings #MindenPride #LoveIsLove #EqualityForAll #Pride2025
🌈 As the year comes to a close, we reflect on t 🌈 As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the power of unity, resilience, and love that our community embodies.  In a world that often challenges us, we continue to find strength in each other — in friends and neighbours, in our chosen families and the shared moments that remind us we are never alone. 

🎄 This holiday season, let’s honor the beauty of our diversity and the hope that fuels our fight for equality. No matter how you’re celebrating, know that YOU are part of something bigger: a community that stands together, no matter what.

🌟 And so, from our family to yours: May your days be filled with warmth, peace, and pride. And may we continue to light the way for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

From all of us at Minden Pride in Haliburton Highlands,
Happy Holidays!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

#prideforallseasons #chosenfamily #mindenpride #happyholidays
🎄✨ The holidays are just around the corner, a 🎄✨ The holidays are just around the corner, and we’re excited to announce a Festive Celebration of the popular Sunday Friends Socials hosted by our friends at Aging Together As Community!🌈

📍 Where: Sirch Bistro, Haliburton
📅 When: Saturday, December 15th
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Join us for a warm and welcoming afternoon with your friends - both old and new - featuring a delicious luncheon by the wonderful Sirch Bistro Team. 🍽️

💌 Lunch is Provided!
Please RSVP by December 10th:
👉 Eventbrite or email peterfquinton@gmail.com

Let’s make this holiday season extra special. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎉
We are deeply saddened by the recent act of homoph We are deeply saddened by the recent act of homophobic vandalism at Head Lake Park in Haliburton. Like all public spaces in our community, Head Lake Park is meant to be a place where everyone—regardless of who they love or how they identify—should feel welcome, safe, and respected.

Acts of hate like this remind us that the work of building a truly inclusive community is far from over. Minden Pride stands firm in our commitment to fostering love, understanding, and unity. We encourage our neighbors to join us in rejecting hate and building a future where all people are free to live authentically and without fear.

Minden Pride will continue to work with the local community to ensure that our public spaces reflect the values of inclusion, dignity and respect and the important message that Everyone is Welcome here.
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