About Pride
As we prepare for these events, it’s important that we acknowledge and celebrate the history of Pride. With the current climate around city-wide pride parades and the effect this has on the most marginalized communities at Dalhousie, in Halifax, and in Nova Scotia, we recognize that “Pride” is a positive stance against violence and discrimination towards 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, where individuals promote their self-affirmation, visibility, dignity, and equality.
However, this stance must exist alongside action with and from allied communities, both within and outside of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, to be able to create a truly anti-oppressive society. It is because of this that being proud of who we are is not, and has never been enough, but rather is just one important aspect of creating the society we want.
2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Plus symbolizes the ever-changing and growing identities within these communities, and the idea that individuals’ identities can change over time. It also represents any sexual orientations or gender identities not explicitly named in the acronym as is, such as non-binary, pansexual, polyamorous, folks questioning their identities, etc.)
History of Pride parades
Pride’s roots are tied to police harassment/violence and exclusionary policies. The Pride we know today began as a series of riots and demonstrations against police raids, and eventually the well-documented riot that took place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, during the early morning of June 28, 1969.
More often than not, those who led these protests were the from the most marginalized in these communities, such as trans women of colour; this marginalization continues within and outside of our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities today. These details are incredibly important to acknowledge as we participate in dialogue around the current political climate; we must acknowledge the voices of those who have not been heard in our current dialogue because of fear and other silencing factors.
Dalhousie University sits on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. When we participate in celebratory events, educational opportunities, and resource sharing, we must remember the stories of those who came before us, and how their life is impacted by the events we put on. We would like to acknowledge the Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities of Nova Scotia, and the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance, and strive to prioritize their experiences in our Pride Week programming.
We are truly thankful to the dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, supporters, and those who paved the way in building a more inclusive Dalhousie, including those currently developing a new Queer Studies certificate for Dalhousie. #PrideAtDal
2023 Campus Pride Events
Truro Pride Parade – June 24
The Dal Agricultural Campus will be participating in the 2023 Truro Pride Parade on June 24th with a tractor-pulled float! The parade will leave the Colchester Legion Stadium at 1 p.m. and end at Civic Square to kick off Truro Pride festivities.
The Dal Agricultural Campus Pride Parade Planning Committee invites campus community members to participate in the parade. Friends, family members and pets are welcome! There will be space for people on the wagon, and those who would like to are welcome to walk.
Halifax Pride Parade – July 23
Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Dalhousie University group marching in the Halifax Pride Parade.This year the parade will take place on Sunday, July 23rd and begins at 2:00pm, rain or shine.
Halifax Pride has also created a new parade route, which begins at the corner of Robie Street and Cogswell Road, and travels clockwise around the north commons before making its way down Bell Rd to Spring Garden Rd, ending at Spring Garden / Brunswick St. intersection.
Please note that this will be a walking and biking parade entry with no float, and therefore there will be no storage for personal items. Water and sunscreen will be available. The parade route is about 2 kilometres.
Dalhousie is committed to offering space and activities that feel safe for your participation in Pride Week. While some members of the Dalhousie 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies enjoy participating in the parade, for some it is a complicated experience. We encourage recognizing Pride in the way that feels appropriate to you.
See all the activities happening for the Halifax Pride Festival and Truro Pride.
