Photo Courtesy of The CTC
Canada’s East Coast is an historic, scenic and culturally rich region, which includes the provinces of Newfoundland / Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
The landing site for some of Canada’s first non-native settlers, “The Maritimes,” as they are known locally, have grown substantially since the Vikings first visited Newfoundland over a thousand years ago, and now make up a region of great diversity, including an active and thriving LGBT community.
Halifax has the largest LGBTQ infrastructure, an established club scene, community organizations, and is host to Canada’s fourth largest LGBTQ cultural festival, Pride Parade and Community Fair. Kicking off a ten-day schedule of events July 17th, highlights include a Proclamation and Flag Raising at Halifax Municipality City Hall, an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage brunch fundraiser, jazz concerts, a Dykes and Divas Softball ISCANS Pride Show with the Empress and her court, Artsy Fartsy Queer Youth Art Show, Annapolis Valley Wine Tour, an Out of Towners Party, Tall Ship Silva Pride Boat Cruise, Pride Festival, Pride Concert, and more.
Prince Edward Island Pride is celebrating “We Are Family” as the theme for their eleven-year anniversary Pride celebrations, with a full calendar of events, including the rainbow flag-raising ceremony at Charlottetown Town Hall, an ever-growing Pride Parade, after-parade gathering in Victoria Park, and the Power Party, with a “Beach Party” theme, to be held at the stylish Confederation Centre of the Arts. The Abegweit Rainbow Collective, ARCPEI, provides GLBTQ supports services, and is instrumental in the organization of Pride, and ongoing community events.
Moncton, New Brunswick, celebrates Pride from Aug. 15 to Aug. 23, 2009, with a full lineup of events, including a Flag-Raising ceremony and reception, White Party, Line Dancing, Volleyball, Softball, Karaoke, Pride Parade, X-Ball and Recovery Party.
On the business side of things, the Atlantic Rainbow Business Association, founded in 2004, was officially launched as an association in 2006, and offers networking opportunities for member businesses throughout the region.
Resources:
www.rainbowhalifax.com
www.arcofpei.com
www.halifaxpride.com
www.fiertemonctonpride.ca
www.portcityrainbowpride.com
www.arba.ca
