“Knowledge is power and I hope it gives them courage to speak up and really understand what solidarity means,” says Shaya Ishaq. Ishaq and Jade Byard Peek are behind Halifax’s first Black Lives Matter reading group. The weekly gathering is free and meets every Wednesday evening at the Khyber Centre for the Arts. “We have […]
Pride
Posted inNews + Opinion
Pinkwashing motion voted down at Halifax Pride AGM
[Image-1] Pride’s role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community is being called into question after a controversial anti-pinkwashing proposal was voted down at the organization’s annual general meeting. “Halifax Pride failed us,” said Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project (NSRAP) board member Ardath Whynacht after the vote. Over 300 people were in attendance for the meeting Wednesday […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
We’re young Jews, and we support Queer Arabs of Halifax
[Image-1] For the past few years, Queer Arabs of Halifax (QAH) have asked Halifax Pride to counter pinkwashing efforts that portray foreign states as queer-friendly tourist destinations, distracting from these states’ human rights violations and the traumas that queer folks of colour have experienced as a result. This year, QAH put forward a motion to […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Halifax Pride draws ire over proposed “pinkwashing” motion
[Image-1] It started as a dispute about whether a pro-Israel tourism campaign should be allowed at Halifax Pride. Now, it’s erupted into a debate over freedom of expression and the role of pinkwashing at the festival. A motion at the Halifax Pride society’s annual general meeting on October 5 would remove “pinkwashing” content from future […]
Posted inArts + Music
Before the parade
[Image-1] It was spring of 1972 when Anne Fulton stumbled upon a poster that read It’s Time for Gay Liberation. That rallying cry appealed to the budding lesbian activist—Fulton was 20 then, maybe 21—and she went to the meeting the poster advertised. This gathering would turn out to be vital, for both Fulton and, more […]
Posted inArts + Music
Mount Saint Vincent University’s pulpy look at the past
Two women lock eyes across a crowded room. Soon, one approaches the other and lightly touches her shoulder… Sounds like a scene from a bad movie, or, at the very least, not something you’d expect to find behind glass in a library. Not according to Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) librarian Meg Raven. As she […]
Posted inArts + Music
Asexual and aromantic folks claim their place at Pride
On the first day of Halifax Pride week, Ky Greyson arrives at a coffee shop sporting a huge smile, freshly dyed cotton candy hair with matching pink eyebrows, and black leggings that read “unavailable.” He’s bursting with enthusiasm when he asks me what gender pronouns I prefer. Although some people don’t like labels, Greyson finds […]
Posted inArts + Music
Five unmissable events at Halifax Pride 2016
Halifax Pride is geared up for another year of rainbow-filled celebrating, announcing their full lineup for the 10-day fest. Here, we’re rounding up the events we’re marking on our calendars—but full event listings are available here. Kate Bornstein presents Trans, Just for the Fun of It! A nonbinary trans author, activist and performance artist, New […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Friday’s 10 things you have to read
[Image-1] 1 Ahh, summer before an election; when a scared party-in-power turns on the money hose and sprays down voters. Peter MacKay today announced more than $20 million in infrastructure investments for several Parks Canada projects in Halifax. The minister of Justice announced the funding on behalf of Parks Canada minister Leona Aglukkaq. Halifax Citadel […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Lessons learned on the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees
[Image-1] In 2005, Iranian queer activist Arsham Parsi became a refugee in Canada. Through his Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees, he’s helped more than 1,100 other LGBTQIA Iranians escape a country where the punishment for having a same-sex relationship is death. In Halifax, LGBTQIA Iranians are supported by the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia. […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
New app offers free legal help for transgender Canadians
It’s been a big year for the visibility and mainstream acceptance of the transgender community. But trans individuals still statistically remain underemployed, more at-risk of incarcerations, with lower incomes and often left alone to navigate a legal system that’s generously described as confusing. Which is where JusticeTrans comes in. The new mobile phone application offers […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Friday’s 11 things to get your read on with
[Image-1] 1 Mayor or marrier? (Sorry.) Later today, 25 same-sex couples will renew their vows under the officiating of Mayor Mike Savage. It’s all to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Canada’s Civil Marriage Act and the legalization of same-sex marriages. Events kick off at Grand Parade at noon, with music by the Maritime Brass Quintet, […]
