When Did June Become Pride Month In Canada

Celebrating Pride Month in Canada: A History and Overview

Origins and Early Events

The first Pride demonstrations in Canada took place in Ottawa and Vancouver in 1971. By 1973, Pride events were organized in multiple cities across the country, including Montréal, Ottawa, Saskatoon, and Toronto. The celebrations aimed to celebrate the 2SLGBTQQIA (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual) communities, advocate for equal rights, and foster a more inclusive society.

Edmonton's Gay Pride Weekend

In 1982, Edmonton hosted its first Gay Pride Weekend, held from June 24th to 27th at Camp Harris. The event's theme, "Pride through Unity," reflected the community's resilience in the wake of the Pisces Bathhouse Raids. The weekend included various activities, marking the beginning of Edmonton's ongoing Pride celebrations.

Pride Season in Canada

Pride Season in Canada spans from June to September and involves a range of events that bring together members of the diverse LGBTQ2 (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Two-Spirit) communities and their allies. These events celebrate the resilience, spirit, and talents of LGBTQ2 individuals while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, equality, and awareness.