25Sep2023
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Funding

It’s that time of year already, we’re starting to hear Christmas songs on the radio and decorations in almost every store imaginable. To join the fun, and maybe show off our new merchandise store, we’ve put together a quick Holiday Gift Guide full of amazing products to give to your family and friends this season.

 Premium Hoodie
This premium eco hoodie is made of organic and recycled materials. With its comfortable fit, front pouch pocket, and double-layered hood, the hoodie is a classic streetwear piece. The perfect piece to keep you toasty warm through the cold Canadian winters. Be an Organization Ambassador and let people know about the research and education efforts done by CPHS. Available in Black or White.

 

Leather Shoulder Bag
Made with high-grade leather, this custom shoulder bag comes packed with both style and durability. It is spacious, comfortable and can accommodate your ideas in crisp detail. Perfect for school, the office, or just your everyday bag. Also available in two sizes to accommodate your laptop needs.

Toque
Is it even a Canadian Holiday Gift Guide without a nice toque? This organic toque is stylish, practical, and eco-friendly, making it an absolute must-have. Thanks to its breathable lightweight fabric, you can wear it both indoors and outdoors. This crisp black, cuffed beanie look will have people asking about CPHS. Perfect for your on-the-go friend, needing something to keep them toasty while out and about.

Enamel Mug
Whether you’re planning your next camping trip, or just wanting to cozy up by the fire with a cup of coco, this is the mug to add to your cabinet. It’s lightweight, durable and multifunctional. Use it for your favorite beverage or a hot meal and attach it to your bag for easy access on a hike. Give it to the outdoors fan in your life this holiday season.

Round Pins
THE staple flair item to customize your denim jackets or school bag! A pin is no ordinary accessory—it’s a globally-recognized statement piece for showing opinions on subjects that matter. These Tecre brand pins feature a steel inner shell, pinned magnetic metal backing, and glossy mylar/UV cover for durability. Available in 4 different sizes to suit your needs, plus 10 packs are available as a great stocking stuffer!

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Awareness

Human Rights Day is marked annually on December 10th, the day the UN General Assembly established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. (UDHR). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a landmark declaration that affirms the intrinsic rights that every person has as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political viewpoint, national or social origin, property, birth, or any other position.

How to Get Involved

Watch a Film
A person or group of people cannot be discriminated against on the grounds of their race, ethnicity, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, family situation, or handicap, according to the Canadian Human Rights Act, which was passed by Parliament in 1977. In this carefully curated playlist, we look at some of the best movies that address these fundamental rights that everyone is entitled to.

Attend an Event
On this day, political gatherings, conferences, meetings, exhibitions, performances, and debates take place. Why not go to one and participate in the neighbourhood? No activity going on? Join forces with a local organisation to hold your own event to raise awareness of some of the global human rights issues that still exist.

Share A Story
There are human rights stories everywhere. View some of the human rights tales from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ Story Collection, both recent and historical. Maybe you could post one of the stories online and engage in dialogue with your followers, friends, and family.

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Awareness

We commemorate National Pansexual Pride Day on December 8th and the efforts made by the pansexual and panromantic community to gain acceptance and understanding. When it comes to their romantic or sexual attraction to others, many pansexual persons now identify as “gender blind,” which is described as “not restricted in sexual choice with respect to biological sex, gender, or gender identity.”

Pansexuality has given the GSRD community and others the chance to challenge how we think about gender, sexuality, and romance. It also keeps the door open and welcome for everyone to explore their own identities.

How to Get Involved

Find a Local Event
To honor various members of the community, some school GSRD clubs or neighborhood pride organizations will host pride days or even a pride weekend. Find out if there are any Pan-Pride Day festivities in your region by contacting your neighborhood community center.

Educate Others
Helping to educate others about concepts like what the term “pansexuality” means and what it’s like to have this sort of identity is one of the simplest ways to commemorate this day. Online resource sharing, discussion about pansexuality with straight and queer acquaintances, and being receptive to inquiries are all recommended.

Highlight Pansexual Voices
Think about prioritizing their voices over your own if you’re not pan but still want to make your pan friends feel more welcomed. Giving someone a voice or a platform to speak about their lives and identities rather than speaking for them is what it means to “center” someone.

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Awareness

Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has outlined and reiterated its commitment to calling for the creation of inclusive, accessible and sustainable societies and communities – most notably with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

It is also central to the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind. The commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice; it is an investment in a common future.

How to Get Involved

Join a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Workshop
The best way to ignite meaningful conversation is to host a DEI Workshop or Training session. Anyone can be affected by a disability, so it is key to open up the dialog of the importance of accessibility to cultivate an inclusive culture.

Improve Accessibility & Inclusion
In your day-to-day life, do an audit of Accessibility and Inclusion. Are there wheelchair ramps and lifts at your workspace, does your local coffee shop have Braille Signage? Use your voice to advocate for spaces that are welcoming to all, it’s important to cater to individuals of all abilities and consider how spaces may impact a disabled person.

Donate to a Local Charity
There are several organizations across Canada that work alongside people with disability to provide tools, information, and care support. Find a local organization and see how you can give back whether that be a monetary or volunteer donation.

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Awareness

Every year on December 1 is World AIDS Day. This is a chance for people all over the world to come together in the battle against HIV, to support those who are living with HIV, and to remember those who have passed away from an AIDS-related illness. World AIDS Day was the first international health day and was established in 1988.

World AIDS Day is significant because it serves as a reminder to the public and the government that HIV is still a serious problem that requires urgent funding, more awareness, the eradication of prejudice, and improved educational opportunities.

How to Get Involved

Wear a Red Ribbon
On World AIDS Day, we have the chance to stand in solidarity with the billions of HIV-positive people around the world. Most people accomplish this by donning a red ribbon to raise awareness of HIV that day.

Get Tested
The only method to determine if you have HIV is to be tested. If you have HIV, getting treatment as soon as possible will allow you to enjoy a full, healthy, and productive life. HIV testing is accessible from NHS sexual health clinics for free and in a private setting. You can also speak with your general practitioner.

Fundraise
To generate money for the National AIDS Trust, you can order a complimentary pack of 100 red fabric ribbons. On this World AIDS Day, we also have a fundraising pack full of suggestions for organising a fundraiser for the National AIDS Trust.

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Funding

This November 29th is recognized as the biggest charitable movement in the world, also known as GivingTuesday. It was established in 2012 with the simple notion of encouraging people to do good deeds such as making someone smile, assist a neighbour or stranger, show up for a cause that matters to them, or donate some of what they have to those in need. It has developed into a worldwide movement over the last nine years, empowering individuals and groups to change their neighbourhoods and the entire planet.

This year, we have two goals for GivingTuesday: volunteer recruitment and monetary donations. In the last year, our team has almost doubled! With that, we’ve been able to scale up some of our research projects, but the more we take on, the more support we need to complete the tasks

Volunteer with the Canadian Pride Historical Society

We are actively seeking volunteers to assist us with documenting the Pride Movement in Canada and leading various functions of the society. We are committed to ensuring our Board of Directors and supporting volunteer base are made up of a diverse group of individuals. We encourage the following groups to get involved with the CPHS:

  • Residents of British Columbia, Northern Canada, Quebec and the Atlantic Coast
  • Trans Identified
  • Non-Binary Identified
  • Female Identified
  • BIPOC
  • People aged 40+
  • French-speaking or other languages spoken besides English
  • Persons with a disability

We are actively recruiting volunteers for the following positions:

  • Bilingual Education Coordinator
    The Education Coordinator is responsible for creating educational materials on the history of the Pride Movement in Canada.
  • Translation Coordinator
    Translation Coordinator is responsible for interpreting written and audio pieces in different languages, making sure to maintain their original meaning, format and tone. Looking for English to French or English to Indigenous.
  • Website Coordinator
    The Website Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the building and maintenance of the Canadian Pride Historical Society (CPHS) website.
  • Data Entry Coordinator
    Responsible for entering in historical research data into the Pride Information Management System (PIMS).
  • Indigenous Research Coordinator
    The Indigenous Research Coordinator is responsible for assisting with pride research initiatives, data, and records for Indigenous Communities.
  • Executive Assistant
    The Executive Assistant will provide administrative and operational support to the Executive of the CPHS.

Apply for a Volunteer Position HERE!

Donation to the Canadian Pride Historical Society

Last year, we successfully launched the Manitoba Research and Education Plan, this year we will be continuing our Research and Education projects, breaking into the Alberta and British Columbia regions. Monetary donations allow us to continue this work, growing a GSRD archive of Canadian history.

Research Project
Our research teams are currently working in Alberta on Calgary and various smaller communities throughout the province and have started their research into BC with Vancouver. Additionally, we are in the process of cleaning up our Pride Information Management System (PIMS), including translating existing data into French. Throughout 2023 we plan to launch our research results for Alberta and begin the oral history project in Manitoba.

Education Project
Our education team is working on developing small 2–3-minute educational videos on our national pride topics as well as an educational browser video game. We are also working on developing a French listing of educational resources that mirror our current English educational resource offerings on our website. Throughout 2023 we plan to launch our education materials for Alberta and publish our educational browser video game and educational videos.

Donate HERE!

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Awareness

Every year on November 20th, the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is recognised internationally. This day was established to commemorate those who died because of prejudice or anti-transgender violence.  The founders and organizers or TDOR established these guiding principles:

  • “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” -Santayana
  • All who die due to anti-transgender violence are to be remembered.
  • It’s up to us to remember them, since their killers, law enforcement, and media often seek to erase their existence.
  • We can make a difference by being visible, speaking out, educating and organizing around anti-transgender violence.
  • Transgender lives are affirmed as valuable.

Ways to Honour TDOR?

  • Candlelight Vigils/Marches
  • Discussion forums with local activists, politicians, or school officials
  • Poetry or spoken word art readings
  • Visual representation of the number of deaths (for example with flowers)
  • Art/Photography Displays
  • Trans 101 trainings for staff or any interested people
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Awareness

The weeklong celebration recognised as Transgender Awareness Week, that runs from November 13 to November 19, aims to increase public awareness regarding transgender persons and address concerns that the community faces. During the week, transgender individuals and their allies take action by informing the public about transgender issues, sharing personal experiences, and promoting activism against the discrimination and violence that afflict the transgender community, transgender persons and their allies work to raise awareness of the community.

  • DON’T TOLERATE HATE
    This could be something verbal like a passing comment or something more something more extreme. Either way, call out the hatred and surround yourself with like-minded allies.
  • RESPECT PRONOUNS
    Appearances are not everything, you cannot always tell how an individual would like to be identified (unless of course they are wearing a pronoun pin or lanyard). If you’re in a situation where you don’t know, just ask! Alternatively, I like using my pronouns in my introduction to someone new, so they know they are in a respected environment to share their preferences.
  • BE PATIENCE WITH THOSE QUESTIONING THEIR GENDER IDENTITY
    This isn’t always a simple answer or switch for people. In some cases, an individual may flip between a selection of pronouns as they connect with them. This process takes time to even identify in oneself, so having allies to support through all steps of the journey is vital.
  • DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT BATHROOMS PEOPLE USE
    I feel like this one could simply be summarized as: Mind Your Business! As mentioned above, you can’t always tell a person’s identity by appearance. Plus, if you ask ANYONE, they would all agree that the worst time to get stopped for a conversation is when you’re heading to the washroom.
  • LISTEN TO TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE VOICES
    There are several ways you can take part in this! Find a local GSRD Panel to attend, find a new podcast, or find a new book. No one story will reflect every Trans or Gender Diverse experience, so open your heart and mind to learn about their experiences.
  • DON’T ASSUME IF YOU CAN TELL SOMEONE IS TRANSGENDER
    People who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender varied don’t all look the same, and many may not be outwardly transgender or non-binary. You shouldn’t put pressure on someone you know to reveal their gender identity. Their body and it’s anomality is a right for all.
  • BE CAREFUL ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY OR ACCIDENTAL OUTING
    You can never be too safe when it comes to an individual’s identity with others in their life. If a friend shares the latest in their gender and identity journey, it doesn’t mean they are sharing this information with everyone in their life. Ensure you are keeping respect of their privacy at the for front of your engagements with them and others.
  • USE GENDER NEUTRAL LANGUAGE
    Now this isn’t an easy task to completely switch up your language but starting in small ways makes a big impact for others in ways you may not understand or know. A switch from “welcome ladies and gents” to “welcome folks” can be the difference in an inclusive experience.
  • LEARNING AND UNLEARNING
    We have been trained to believe that this rigid gender binary is inherent, but there are many diverse gender identities and ways that people can express them. In order to be an ally, you must examine and relearn many of the gender stereotypes you may hold as fact, be receptive to new ideas, and be willing to accept gender diversity as a reality.
  • KEEP IT APPROPRIATE
    I will again refer this one to: Mind Your Business! You and your body are your business, and the same goes for everyone else. It’s not your place to know or questions what any individual’s anatomy may be. Now this covers anything from an individual’s genitalia, surgical or treatment status, or their sex lives. Bottom line: if you wouldn’t ask a cisgender person, don’t ask a trans person either!
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Awareness

Rather than the usual Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, this day was originally established in 2009 to honour and celebrate transgender parents. Today, it is also common for parents of transgender children to engage. Small festivities and providing gifts to parents or carers are customary on this day.

For Parents with a Trans Child

  • ENGAGE
    Get involved! Become interested in their pursuits. That should go without saying, but especially when it comes to actively supporting GSRD causes, gatherings, films, and festivals. Attend any rallies in support of GSRD rights or talk to those around you about how important they are. Speak up for and support the GSRD community.
  • SUPPORT
    For young GSRD individuals, making friends, especially with other GSRD people, can be key. A fundamental sense of community and belonging is provided by having friends, and this promotes the development resilience and stronger mental health. Look into local GSRD youth activities, organisations, or initiatives.
  • ENTERTAIN
    There is a tonne of GSRD-themed films and TV shows, all of which include varied GSRD plotlines. Not only is watching GSRD films a super-cute activity to do, but it can also be a terrific method to learn more about various experiences and get additional knowledge.
  • LOVE
    It seems obvious to end with this one, but it still deserves to be mentioned! Make sure your love for your child is always clear; let no one ever doubt your affection for them or their GSRD identify.

For Children with a Trans Parent

Well depending on your age, reader, if you are still a youth with a transgender parent(s), you may choose to seek out an alternative adult figure to help you execute a day of appreciation and celebration. While I don’t yet have children of my own, my parents always told me the moments that mean the most are the ones that come from the heart. Perhaps a fancy dinner or flowers in not feasible, write a poem or list 100 Reason or Memories that Make You Happy (this was a hit when I was still a young gift giver).

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Funding

CPHS Merch is now available for purchase!

Our store features various items from t-shirts, hoodies, and hats to home items and accessories such as bags and mugs. In addition, we will be adding new items in the future so be sure to check back often.

Every purchase supports our organization and assists us in our preservation of Pride history in Canada.

Shop now for your favourite CPHS swag or make someone smile with a gift from the CPHS Merchandise Store.

Please note that we only ship items to Canadian addresses.

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