Pride Groups and societies across the Maritimes are gearing up for a busy month of events in July, and many organizations are expanding their schedules this year as interest in their programming grows.
But homophobic and hateful comments against 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 couple of years, it’s really, really grown,” said Fiona Kerr, executive director of Halifax Pride. “It’s really disturbing and kind of disturbing.”
Tania Cheng, co-founder of St. Margaret’s Bay Pride, says that’s why it’s vital for people to “wear your rainbow this summer”.
“The most important way to fight hate and advance inclusion is to speak up and show up,” Cheng said.
In Halifax, events begin on July 16 with a parade on July 18.
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“We’re getting ready to host Canada Pride next summer,” Kerr said.
“So if we can grow incrementally, then it won’t be kind of logistically stressful for us. But we also want to give people kind of an idea of what’s to come.”
Growth is a shared vision across the region. Saint John Fundy Pride is also expanding, with festivities taking place over two weekends beginning July 17.
“It’s going to get bigger and bigger. This is the first year we’ve had a musical guest and we’re hoping to become one of the biggest festivals in the province,” said Alex Saunders, co-chair of Saint John Fundy Pride.
And like previous years, their neighbors south of the border in Maine are invited to attend the event.
“Our position has always been that if you want a place to celebrate Pride where you’re safe, then please come here and celebrate with us,” Saunders said.
Smaller organizations, such as St. Margaret’s Bay Pride in Nova Scotia hope to increase their influence as well. They held Pride events for the first time last year, with more than 750 participants.
This year, they have 20 events on the schedule, including a gender-affirming clothing swap, a rowing event and a silent disco.
Cheng says support is especially important in smaller rural areas.
“I think in rural areas, Pride is especially important because there tends to be less resources and services and support for the queer community,” Cheng said.
“So for many queer people, Pride is one of their first moments or events where they see others as themselves and feel that sense of belonging and acceptance. And that’s especially true in rural communities.”
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