Education Project Archives - Canadian Pride Historical Society

Category: Education Project

4 November 2024

Being an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is more than just a trend or a hashtag. It’s a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Here are practical ways you can be an effective ally and help create a more inclusive society.

Educate Yourself

The first step to becoming a better ally is to educate yourself. Take the time to learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology, the history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement, and the challenges these communities face. Read books, watch documentaries, or take online courses. Understanding the challenges and triumphs of this community is key to being an effective ally. Organizations like the Canadian Pride Historical Society offer valuable insights and educational materials that can guide your journey.

Listen and Learn

Listen to the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals without judgment. Engage in conversations that allow them to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Listening actively and empathetically not only validates their experiences but also helps you understand how to support them best.

Use your Voice

Don’t be afraid to speak up against discrimination and injustice. Use your voice to advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in your workplace, community, or social circles. Share articles, amplify 2SLGBTQIA+ voices on social media, and attend Pride events. Being a vocal ally helps normalize conversations around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and demonstrates your commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

Take Action

Allyship is about more than just words; it requires action. Support local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, volunteer your time, or donate to causes that matter. Attend Pride events, fundraisers, or workshops. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

Challenge Discrimination

Confront discrimination when you see it. If you witness harmful behaviour or hear derogatory remarks, address them respectfully. This might feel uncomfortable, but standing up for what is right helps create a safer environment for everyone. Encourage open dialogue and educate others about the importance of respecting all identities.

Celebrate Diversity

The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is incredibly diverse. Celebrate this diversity by engaging with different identities and cultures. Attend events that honour the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Being an ally is a continuous learning and improvement. You may make mistakes along the way, but the important thing is to learn from them and keep moving forward. Be patient with yourself and others.

Allyship extends beyond specific events like Allyship or Solidarity Week—it’s about integrating support into your daily life.

By Dongmei Yu

Education ProjectResearch Project

19 May 2024

Event Details

Date: June 21, 2024

Time: 11:00 am

Location: Murray Library, University of Saskatchewan (3 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, SK). You can also join in virtually on the day of the event via Microsoft Teams.

Event Descriptions

Join us for the Saskatchewan Launch Event, a significant occasion dedicated to unveiling the latest research and education materials specifically designed for Saskatchewan. This event will feature a compelling presentation on the rich history of Pride in Canada and Saskatchewan, offering insightful perspectives and celebrating the progress and contributions of the Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) community.

Our presentation will delve into the historical journey of Pride, tracing its roots and evolution across Canada with a special focus on Saskatchewan. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the milestones and influential figures that have shaped the Pride movement, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage.

Following the presentation, we invite you to join us for a reception featuring light refreshments. This will be an excellent opportunity to network, discuss the materials presented, and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Come be a part of this landmark event as we celebrate our history and look forward to the future with new educational and research resources tailored for our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Get your FREE ticket now!

Special thanks to the University of Saskatchewan for their support for this event!

By Admin

Collage of children's book, with LGBTQ+ theme. Books include "Sewing the rainbow", "Small Town Pride", and "It's Okay to be a Unicorn"

AwarenessEducation Project

1 April 2024

International Children’s Book Day was started in 1967 around Hans Christian Anderson’s birthday to encourage a love of reading amongst children all over the world. This annual tradition is celebrated globally and is meant to highlight children’s books. Celebrate International Children’s Book Day on April 2, 2023 by selecting affirming books from the alphabetized list below that is categorized by grade levels. These selections and links on where to buy them are also listed in the Education Resources section of our website.

Kindergarten to Grade 4

“47,000 Beads” by Koja Adeyoha & Angel Adeyoha

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 6-8) • Theme: Indigenous

Peyton loves to dance, and especially at Pow Wow, but her Auntie notices that she’s been dancing less and less. When Peyton shares that she isn’t comfortable wearing a dress anymore, Auntie Eyota asks some friends for help to get Peyton what she needs.

“Families” by Kerry McCluskey & Jesse Unaapik Mike

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 6-8) • Theme: Indigenous

Talittuq is excited to start his first day of grade two. He is looking forward to the new school year, but as he meets his friends again for the first time after summer vacation, he notices that a lot of his friends’ families are very different from his own. Some have one mom and one dad, and some have only one mom. Some kids live with their grandparents. Some live with two dads or two moms. As Talittuq hears about all the fun his friends have had with their families, he learns that families come in many different shapes and sizes, and what holds them all together is love!

“It’s Okay to be a Unicorn” by Jason Tharp

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 3-6) • Theme: Gender

Cornelius J. Sparklesteed is known among all the other horses in Hoofington for his beautiful and creative handmade hats. But Cornelius is hiding a secret under his own tall, pointy hat: He’s really a unicorn. Hoofington is a friendly place, but its horses pass on lots of mean rumors about unicorns. When Cornelius is chosen to perform for this year’s Hoofapalooza, will he find the courage to show everyone his unicorniness? It’s Okay To Be A Unicorn! is an inspiring story about the rainbow magic of kindness.

“Love Makes a Family” by Sophie Beer

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 0-3) • Theme: Family

This book shows that it doesn’t matter what your family looks like, the only thing that makes a family a family is love! Each page showcases bright illustrations of diverse families doing special activities together, from baking a cake to finding a lost shoe. Your little one will love looking through the pages to see their own family reflected, and of course feel the love your family shares together.

“My Two Moms and Me” by Michael Joosten

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 0-3) • Theme: Family

This sweet board book features a diverse array of families with lesbian mothers going about their daily routines, including playdates, pool-dates, and bedtime reading. Published in 2019 with artwork by an acclaimed fashion illustrator, it’s a welcome follow-up to Heather Has Two Mommies. Don’t miss My Two Dads and Meby the same creators!

“Pink is for Boys” by Robb Pearlman

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 4-8) • Theme: Gender

Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it’s racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow. Parents and kids will delight in Robb Pearlman’s sweet, simple script, as well as its powerful message: life is not color-coded.

“Pride Puppy” by Robin Stevenson

Fiction Alphabet Book (Ages 3-5) • Theme: Pride and Pride Parades

A young child and their family are having a wonderful time together celebrating Pride Day—meeting up with Grandma, making new friends and eating ice cream. But then something terrible happens: their dog gets lost in the parade! Luckily, there are lots of people around to help reunite the pup with his family. This rhyming alphabet book tells a lively story, with rich, colorful illustrations that will have readers poring over every detail as they spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet. An affirming and inclusive book that offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year.

“Rainbow: A First Book of Pride” by Michael Genhart, PHD

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 2-5) • Theme: Pride Flag

A must-have primer for young readers and a great gift for pride events and throughout the year, beautiful colors all together make a rainbow in Rainbow: A First Book of Pride. This is a sweet ode to rainbow families, and an affirming display of a parent’s love for their child and a child’s love for their parents. With bright colors and joyful families, this book celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe. Readers will celebrate the life, healing, light, nature, harmony, and spirit that the rainbows in this book will bring.

“Sewing the Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag” by Gayle E. Pitman

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 5-7) • Theme: Pride Flag

Follow the journey of a boy from a small Kansas town who made his gray life sparkle, unfurling a rainbow of color to galvanize the gay rights movement. Includes a Reader Note that provides more in-depth discussion of the beginnings of the gay rights movement and a more detailed look into Gilbert Baker’s place in our shared history.

“The Boy and the Bindi” by Vivek Shraya

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 4-8) • Theme: Gender

A five-year-old boy becomes fascinated with his mother’s bindi, the red dot commonly worn by South Asian women to indicate the point at which creation begins and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.

“The GayBC’s” by M.L. Webb

Fiction Alphabet Book (Ages 3-8) • Theme: GSRD (2SLGBTQ+) Terms

This alphabet book features bright illustrations and an inclusive message about the beauty of embracing one’s truest self. A playdate extravaganza transforms into a celebration of friendship, love, and identity as 4 friends sashay out of all the closets, dress up in a wardrobe fit for kings and queens, and discover the wonder of imagination. From A is for Ally to F is for Family to Q is for Queer, debut author/illustrator M. L. Webb’s playful illustrations and lively, inclusive poems feature a glossary in the back which offers opportunity for further discussion of terms and identities. The GayBCs is perfect for fans of A Is for Activist and Feminist Baby—showing kids and adults alike that every identity is worthy of being celebrated.

“This Day in June” by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD

Fiction Picture Book (Ages 5-8) • Theme: Pride and Pride Parades

In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBT history and culture, as well as a Note to Parents and Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways. This Day In June is an excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Grade 5 to 8

“Middle School’s A Drag, You Better Werk!” by Greg Howard

Young Adult Fiction (Ages 10-13) • Theme: Drag

Another excellent middle grade novel from the author of The Whispers, this book follows entrepreneurial 12-year-old Mikey Pruitt as he starts his own talent agency and represents clients in the leadup to the big talent show. Among his roster is eighth-grader Julian Vasquez — drag queen name Coco Caliente — who helps Mikey see that he, too, can be openly gay at school.

“Small Town Pride” by Phil Stamper

Young Adult Fiction (Ages 8-12) • Theme: Pride

From acclaimed author Phil Stamper comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Jake is just starting to enjoy life as his school’s first openly gay kid. While his family and friends are accepting and supportive, the same can’t be said about everyone in their small town of Barton Springs, Ohio. When Jake’s dad hangs a comically large pride flag in their front yard in an overblown show of love, the mayor begins to receive complaints. A few people are even concerned the flag will lead to something truly outlandish: a pride parade. Except Jake doesn’t think that’s a ridiculous idea. Why can’t they hold a pride festival in Barton Springs? The problem is, Jake knows he’ll have to get approval from the town council, and the mayor won’t be on his side. And as Jake and his friends try to find a way to bring Pride to Barton Springs, it seems suspicious that the mayor’s son, Brett, suddenly wants to spend time with Jake. But someone that cute couldn’t possibly be in league with his mayoral mother, could he?

“The Whispers” by Greg Howard

Young Adult Fiction (Ages 9-12) • Theme: Identity

A fantastical coming-of-age story about loss, friendship, and identity. The Whispers centers around 11-year-old Riley, who believes in wish-granting fairies known as the whispers. Riley embarks on a journey with his friend Gary to find the whispers and ask for his mom to return, and maybe also for his crush Dylan to like him back.

“To Night Owl From Dogfish” by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer

Young Adult Fiction (Ages 10-13) • Theme: Family

This epistolary novel co-written by two powerhouse authors captures the budding friendship between bookish Avery Bloom and fearless Bett Devlin, whose dads fall in love and send them to sleepaway camp to get to know each other. Witty and heartwarming, To Night Owl From Dogfish subtly portrays two modern families on their way to becoming one.

Grade 9 to 12

Fiction

“Love Beyond Body, Space, and Time: An Indigenous LGBT Sci-fi Anthology and Fire Song” by Various Authors

Young Adult Fiction (Ages 14+) • Theme: Indigenous

“Love Beyond, Body, Space, and Time” is a collection of indigenous science fiction and urban fantasy focusing on LGBT and two-spirit characters. These stories range from a transgender woman trying an experimental transition medication to young lovers separated through decades and meeting far in their own future. These are stories of machines and magic, love, and self-love.

“Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callender

Young Adult Fiction (Ages 14-17) • Theme: Identity

Felix Love has never been in love—and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What’s worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too many—Black, queer, and transgender—to ever get his own happily-ever-after. When an anonymous student begins sending him transphobic messages—after publicly posting Felix’s deadname alongside images of him before he transitioned—Felix comes up with a plan for revenge. What he didn’t count on: his catfish scenario landing him in a quasi–love triangle…. But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself. Felix Ever After is an honest and layered story about identity, falling in love, and recognizing the love you deserve.

“You Should See Me in a Crown” by Leah Johnson

Young Adult Fiction (Ages 12-18) • Theme: BIPOC

Liz Lighty has always believed she’s too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it’s okay — Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor. But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz’s plans come crashing down . . . until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen. There’s nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington. The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She’s smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?

Non-Fiction

“Gender Identity: Beyond Pronouns and Bathrooms” by Maria Cooks, Alexis Cornell

Nonfiction (Ages 12-15) • Theme: Gender Identity

An informative and project-filled book for middle graders to explore the meaning and history behind LGBTQ rights movements, including biographies of key figures in gender and gay/lesbian history, the context behind today’s transgender “bathroom wars” and dozens of activities and research ideas for perspectives and further learning. What does it mean to think of gender as being a range instead of being simply male or female? In Gender Identity: Beyond Pronouns and Bathrooms, middle school readers unpack the cultural significance of gender identity in the United States and around the world. Written using #ownvoices and with editors trained in the sensitivities of today’s gender discussions, the book is filled with interesting facts, primary sources, a range of text features, and more to engage readers.

“Gender Identity Workbook for Teens: Practical Exercises to Navigate Your Exploration, Support Your Journey, and Celebrate Who You Are” by Andrew Maxwell Triska

Nonfiction (Ages 12-16) • Theme: Gender Identity

Discover more about who you are and who you might want to become. Whether you’ve been pondering big feelings and questions about your gender, or you’re just a little curious about it, the Gender Identity Workbook for Teens is an interactive workbook that will walk you through what gender identity actually is. You’ll learn that there are endless ways to express yourself and that there’s no right or wrong way to identify.

“How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity” by Stuart Getty

Nonfiction (Age Range Not Available) • Theme: GSRD (2SLGBTQ+) Terms

This charming and disarming guide unpacks all these questions and more with a fun, visual approach. From a real-deal they/them-using genderqueer writer, this book makes it humorous and easy to learn so that everyone can get it. No soap boxes or divisive comment section wars here. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, always human, this 101 primer is about more than just bathrooms and pronouns. It’s about gender expression and the freedom to choose how to identify. While they might only be for some, that freedom is for everyone!

“It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living” by Dan Savage & Terry Miller

Nonfiction (Ages 14-17) • Theme: Coming Out

Growing up isn’t easy. Many young people face daily tormenting and bullying, and this is especially true for LGBTQ kids and teens. In response to a number of tragic suicides by LGBTQ students, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage uploaded a video to YouTube with his partner, Terry Miller. Speaking openly about the bullying they suffered, and how they both went on to lead rewarding adult lives, their video launched the It Gets Better Project YouTube channel and initiated a worldwide phenomenon. It Gets Better is a collection of original essays and expanded testimonials written to teens from celebrities, political leaders, and everyday people, because while many LGBTQ teens can’t see a positive future for themselves, we can.

“Out North: An Archive of Queer Activism and Kinship in Canada” by Craig Jennex & Nisha Eswaran

Nonfiction (Age Range Not Available) • Theme: Queer History

Out North: An Archive of Queer Activism and Kinship in Canada is a fascinating exploration and examination of one nation’s queer history and activism, and Canada’s definitive visual guide to LGBTQ2+ movements, struggles, and achievements.

“Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens” by Kathy Belge, Marke Bieschke, Christian Robinson

Nonfiction (Ages 14-18) • Theme: GSRD (2SLGBTQ+) Terms

Queer is a humorous, engaging, and honest guide that helps LGBT teens come out to friends and family, navigate their new LGBT social life, figure out if a crush is also queer, and rise up against bigotry and homophobia. Also includes personal stories from the authors and sidebars on queer history.

“This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson

Nonfiction (Age Range Not Available) Theme: GSRD (2SLGBTQ+) Terms

Inside you’ll find the answers to all the questions you ever wanted to ask: from sex to politics, hooking up to stereotypes, coming out and more. This candid, funny, and uncensored exploration of sexuality and what it’s like to grow up LGBT also includes real stories from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, not to mention hilarious illustrations.

References

https://cphs.ca/for-teachers/education-resources/

https://www.ibby.org/awards-activities/activities/international-childrens-book-day

https://www.ibby-canada.org/international-childrens-book-day/

Written by: Laura H.

By Admin

Education ProjectResearch Project

5 February 2024

On the late winter night of February 5, 1981, Toronto police officers rushed into several of Toronto’s gay bathhouses as part of a coordinated raid. The raid had been several months in the making and the intent was to investigate alleged sex work and other activities that officers perceived as indecent at local gay bathhouses. Toronto Police used the code name “Operation Soap” for the investigation. The night would go on to be an incredibly violent and discriminatory event that would help galvanize Toronto’s gay community to stand up to the harassment and be a turning point in the fight for equality.

“Operation Soap” began around 11 pm in the evening when hundreds of Toronto police officers raided several gay bathhouses throughout the city. Witnesses recalled police using crowbars, sledgehammers, and excessive force when entering these businesses. Although many of the gay bathhouses had been operating legally for months and years on end before the raids when police entered the premises, they not only began arresting patrons for such menial and archaic violations as being found in a common bawdy house, but they also trashed the premises of some of the bathhouses. Doors had been knocked in and the environs had been torn apart and destroyed. Some of the men that were arrested were arrested in little more than a towel.

Close to 300 men were arrested that night and their names were published in media accounts of the raid. At that time in Toronto, it was the largest single arrest. Many of the men who were arrested faced devastating consequences after their names had been released to the public, such as discrimination from employers, friends, and family. Although charges for some were dropped years later, the damage had been done.

The bathhouses had been a safe space for many in the gay community and the fact that they had been violently desecrated, and patrons arrested on frivolous charges, enraged the community. The day after the raids thousands of protestors took to the street to protest and march, which was again met by violence from the police.

The protests continued after the raids and culminated in a more formal response to the discrimination and brutality, with the creation of an advocacy group called the Right to Privacy Committee that represented the vast majority of men indicted in the raids. Many of the cases were successfully defended and in the coming years formal apologies were issued by the government. Despite the horrific discrimination that took place, the raid served as a catalyst for change in the ongoing struggle for queer rights.

Sources

https://digitalexhibitions.arquives.ca/exhibits/show/nancy-nicol/-operation-soap

https://historyofrights.ca/encyclopaedia/main-events/1981-bathhouse-raids-toronto/

https://globalnews.ca/news/9888886/what-happened-to-the-1981-toronto-bathhouse-raids/

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/02/05/toronto-bathhouse-raids-40-years/

Written by: Laura H.

By Admin

Education ProjectResearch ProjectVolunteering

30 December 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, we’d like to acknowledge our achievements this past year. It was a busy year for the Canadian Pride Historical Society with many milestones achieved and foundations laid for our continuous progress on our Pride History Research and Education Projects. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers we have much to celebrate as we go into 2024.

Here are some of the things we are most proud of this year:

Launched our Alberta Research and Education Materials
Marched in the Calgary Pride and Pride Winnipeg Parades for the second year
Held our first Drag Storytime event during Calgary Pride
Launched our #CapturePrideHistory campaign to build our Pride Photo Database
Released the first installment of our Pride History Wiki
Grew our volunteer base from 41 to 53
Provided workshops at the National Gathering of Indigenous Education and to the Disability Foundation
Created Drag lesson plans for different age groups
Introduced our CPHS Heritage Minutes YouTube series
Held our very first Canadian Pride History Trivia Night

National Gathering of Indigenous Education

By Admin

Education ProjectResearch Project

2 December 2023

Setting the Stage for Resistance

Many know of the Toronto Bathhouse Raids, which occurred in February 1981, but fewer have heard of the Edmonton Bathhouse Raids which occurred that very same year. By the time these raids occurred, dozens of raids had occurred across Canada between 1969 and 1981, resulting in hundreds of arrests. These raids were far from the first, but this year was different because it had the distinction of being the year that the Canadian queer community began to resist.

How Events Unfolded at Pisces

Beginning in February 1981, pairs of young undercover police detectives — nine in total — were posing as members of Pisces Spa, spending weekend nights mingling, watching, and making copious, detailed notes concerning the activities of the men who gathered there.

Forty members of the Edmonton Police service, six RCMP officers, and two crown attorneys stormed the Pisces Health Spa, a bathhouse used by gay men, on May 30, 1981, at around 1:30 AM. In the raid, 56 men were arrested and charged while an additional six men, owners and employees, were charged with being keepers of a common bawdy house.

The Edmonton raid had two Crown Prosecutors present, surveying the arrests. Everything about the raid had been arranged beforehand in great detail, including having staff ready at the courthouse for an extremely unusual middle-of-the-night arraignment. The men were filed out of the spa and into vans and police cruisers and driven to the courthouse, where a few were pulled aside and questioned, and no one was allowed counsel. It was close to daybreak when the 56 found-ins finally made their way out of the courthouse.

Community Response

The members of the gay community stepped forward in solidarity. Both Flashback and Edmonton’s other principal gay bar, The Roost, offered space for the found-ins to meet and plan their legal strategies. A group of lawyers met the men at the bars to talk them through their options.

As the trials proceeded through the summer months, it became apparent that instead of forcing the gay community to retreat into the shadows, the perceived overreach of the arrests had emboldened the community to resist. Not only was there a protest in front of city hall to draw attention to the injustice, but real outcry came from the frustrated community.

The Formation of Edmonton Pride

After the raid and court cases, what remained was a sense of frustration and outrage that would become a prominent characteristic of the Edmonton gay community. In June 1982, the city’s first Pride events began. There was no parade, but several small events grouped together to honour the theme “Gay Pride Through Unity” attracted 250 people. These events grew into Gay and Lesbian Awareness Week around 1984.

It would be a decade after the raid before the first Pride Protest/Parade would take place, infamously featuring people with bags over their heads to protect their identities. Official support finally arrived in 1993 when Mayor Jan Reimer proclaimed Gay and Lesbian Pride Day.

Additional Resources:

By Admin

Education ProjectResearch Project

23 July 2023

Mark your calendars! We will be launching the latest instalment of our research and education materials during Calgary Pride!

WHAT:
Announcement and release of our Research and Education Materials for Alberta followed by Story Time with local guests Shane Onyou and King Neptune

WHEN:
September 1st, 2023 @ 6pm

WHERE:
Join us virtually on Facebook Live or in-person at Owl’s Nest Books in Calgary, Alberta

This is a FAMILY-FRIENDLY event. Please RSVP if you plan to attend!

By Admin

AwarenessEducation Project

21 June 2023

National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important occasion in Canada that recognizes and celebrates the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples. This day provides an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and honour the diverse Indigenous cultures that have shaped the nation.

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day and how did it start?
National Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly known as National Aboriginal Day, is celebrated annually on June 21st in Canada. It is a day to acknowledge and commemorate the diverse cultures, traditions, languages, and histories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

The origins of National Indigenous Peoples Day can be traced back to June 21, 1982, when the National Indian Brotherhood (now known as the Assembly of First Nations) called for the establishment of a National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. The proposal gained widespread support and was subsequently endorsed by various Indigenous organizations across Canada. In 1996, the Governor General of Canada declared June 21st as National Aboriginal Day, providing an official recognition of the cultural richness and significance of Indigenous peoples. In 2017, the name was changed to National Indigenous Peoples Day to reflect the inclusive nature of the celebration.

How can we honour our 2-Spirit community members on this day?
Within Indigenous communities, the term “2-Spirit” encompasses diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and spiritual roles. The 2-Spirit community holds a unique and valued place within Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Here are some meaningful ways we can honour and support our 2-Spirit community members on National Indigenous Peoples Day:

Education and Awareness: Take the time to educate yourself about 2-Spirit history, culture, and contributions to Indigenous communities. Read books, watch documentaries, or attend virtual events that focus on the experiences and perspectives of 2-Spirit individuals. If you are an educator, consider checking out our lesson plan on the Adoption of the 2-Spirit Term.
Amplify 2-Spirit Voices: Use your platform, whether it’s through social media or in your community, to amplify the voices and stories of 2-Spirit individuals. Share their achievements, challenges, and experiences, and highlight their contributions to art, literature, activism, and other fields. Centering their voices helps combat marginalization and promotes inclusivity.
Support 2-Spirit Organizations: Donate or volunteer with organizations that specifically support the 2-Spirit community. These organizations work tirelessly to provide resources, advocacy, and support services for 2-Spirit individuals. By contributing your time or financial resources, you can help empower and uplift the 2-Spirit community.
Attend and Participate in 2-Spirit Events: Look for 2-Spirit-centered events happening in your area or online. Attend workshops, ceremonies, or cultural gatherings that focus on 2-Spirit identity and the celebration of their unique contributions. By actively engaging with these events, you can show your support and solidarity.
Respect and Recognition: Ensure that you approach conversations and interactions with 2-Spirit individuals with respect and cultural sensitivity. Use appropriate pronouns and honour their self-identified gender. Recognize and value their perspectives, experiences, and expertise.

By Admin

Education ProjectFundingResearch ProjectSocial MediaWebsite

31 December 2022

As 2022 comes to a close we’d like to acknowledge our achievements this past year. It was a busy year for the Canadian Pride Historical Society with many milestones achieved and foundations laid for our continuous progress on our Pride History Research and Education Projects. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers we have much to celebrate as we go into 2023.

In January we revealed our new Accessibility Policy which was developed to help guide the organization on developing an Accessibility Plan to address accessibility and barriers.
On June 3rd, 2022, during the 2022 Pride Winnipeg/Fierté Canada Pride Festival, we launched our extensive Research and Educational Materials that documents the historical account of the Pride Movement in Canada. The Research and Educational Materials were the cumulation of two years of extensive research and development of education resources for the use in schools, and for the general public.
In June we announced that our website was now fully translated into French and could be accessed at www.fr.cphs.ca or by clicking on the “FR” button at the top of the page.
During the summer our Chair and CEO Jonathan Niemczak provided virtual lunch and learn presentations to Red River College Polytech and Norton Rose Fulbright law firm on the history of the Pride Movement in Canada. The presentations covered the various national events throughout Canada from the 1950s to the 1980s that were pivotal to the national Pride Movement, as well as an overview of how the term Two-Spirit came to be and further resources for people to explore the Canadian Pride Movement.
In May we joined Instagram (@CanPrideHistory) to increase our social media presence to share about our collective pride history.
In September we published our new Research Intake Form for individuals that wish to submit historical Pride information directly to us.
In October we launched our new Merchandise Store which features various items from t-shirts, hoodies, and hats to home items and accessories such as bags and mugs. Every purchase supports our organization and assists us in our preservation of Pride history in Canada.
Over the course of the year, we successfully recruited and onboarded additional skilled volunteers to assist us with our work, expanding our team from 25 to 39.

By Admin

Education ProjectResearch ProjectWebsite

22 December 2022

We have news!

We have developed a new Lesson Plan Feedback Form to solicit feedback from individuals who have used our lesson plans. This feedback will be used to improve our lessons plans to ensure they are accurate, engaging, and accessible.

In addition, we have developed a PIMS Guide which provides step-by-step instructions on how to use our Pride Information Management System (PIMS) as well as some helpful hints and tricks for your searches.