Photo Courtesy of The CTC
Canada’s East Coast is a spectacular, culturally diverse region, with a rich history of rugged Vikings, early European explorers, and original Native cultures. This historic landing site for some of Canada’s first non-native visitors includes the provinces of Newfoundland/ Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
Halifax, the capital city of the province of Nova Scotia, is a major port city and naval base, as well as thriving university town. As the largest urban centre in the region, it is no wonder Halifax also 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 an eight-day schedule of events July 18th, highlights of Halifax Pride include a Dykes and Divas softball game, a Proclamation and Flag Raising at Halifax Municipality City Hall, Queer Acts Theatre Festival, Halifax Pride Song Writer Circle, Halifax Pride Habour Cruise on Tall Ship Silva, Halifax Pride 2010 Dance Party, the 23rd Halifax Pride Parade, a Halifax Pride Family Picnic, and more. The Halifax Pride Festival runs July 18 – July 25.
Prince Edward Island is celebrating their 12th annual Pride PEI Festival, with eight days of activities, kicking off with a Pride Baseball game in Charlottetown, and a Pride Kickoff Dance in Summerside, on July 10. A full calendar of events include, an annual Pot Luck in North Tryon, Pride Flag Raisings at the University of PEI, City of Charlottetown, City of Summerside, and Stafford Town Halls, a Youth Pride Dance, Beach Volleyball Tournament, Pride Movie Night featuring MILK, M.A.C. Leather Society BBQ and Bon Fire, 12th annual Pride Parade, Gathering in the Park, M.A.C. Leather Pageant, and the PEI Pride Huge Dance Party on the UPEI campus.
New Brunswick Pride celebrations include Moncton Pride, August 15-22, Fredericton Pride, August 8-15, and Port City Rainbow Pride in Saint John, August 6-15. Pride celebrations in all three cities include Flag Raising ceremonies at their respective City Halls, Pride BBQ’s, Pride Parties, Pride Parades, and more.
Saint John’s Newfoundland celebrates Pride July 15-25, with a Flag Raising at City Hall, Opening Reception at City Hall, Party at Breezeway, a Big Gay Boat Tour, a Big Gay Bonfire, an LGBTQ Pride Citizen of the Year Award ceremony, Guerrilla Queerfare event, Pride Parade, Pride Dance, Drag Races, and a final Pride QueerBQ on Sunday.
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.
Be sure to check out these Atlantic Canada resources for additional information about this fascinating region:
Resources:
www.rainbowhalifax.com
www.pride-pei.com
www.arcofpei.com
www.halifaxpride.com
www.fiertemonctonpride.ca
www.frederictonpride.org
www.portcityrainbowpride.com
www.stjohnspride.ca
www.arba.ca
