Love is Love is Love

It’s almost time for one of my favourite public celebrations of the year: the Halifax Pride Parade. Last year, as a newly minted MLA, I was so honoured to march alongside my daughter and my caucus colleagues to bring the message that Dartmouth loves, supports, and champions its LGBTQ family.

With the turmoil going on in the world today hitting closer and closer to home, I am proud to be part of a community that honours and celebrates all of its residents regardless of gender identity. As a province, we still have a long way to go to true understanding and acceptance, but we will continue to push forward with initiatives like gender neutral identification, a ban on conversion therapy, and the inclusion of diverse identities and perspectives in conversations from the front lines of our communities to policy debates in the Legislature.

I still remember working at the Trident Cafe on Argyle St. in the late 1990s and watching the small but mighty band of demonstrators make their way past in the very early days of the Pride march. There were no spectators to speak of, and many participants had their faces covered or otherwise obscured. I remember the energy, the declaration: WE ARE HERE! We owe so much gratitude to those pioneers. Our city and its citizens are so much the wiser and more understanding for their bravery and advocacy.  

Unfortunately, I’m not able to join the parade this year due to an important family commitment, but I will certainly be with all of you in spirit as we celebrate the truth that love is love is love.

🌈 Pride 2017

Dartmouth Pride Events:

Puppers Pride Parade
Attention all doggos, puppers, and their hoomans: welcome to our annual pooch pride parade in the park! Sport your rainbow collars, bandanas, and leashes and join us at Shubie Park for a woofin’ tail waggin’ walk in the woods!

Ride with Pride & Pride Picnic
Everyone is welcome to head on a relaxed bike ride around Lake Banook. Then enjoy some games, a relaxing day in the park, and freshly cooked pizza with family and friends at the Park Avenue Community Oven. 

Halifax Pride Storytelling Hike
Walk along the beautiful Russell Lake Trail where you will find talented youth storytellers reading and performing LGBT2Q+ inspired stories and storybooks. After your walk, join us back at the library for Pride BBQ, face painting, carnival games, and more.
 

Art Nook: Pride Rocks
Drop in for an afternoon of crafting and socializing with Alderney Gate Library staff and friends as you paint rainbow rocks for Pride Week.