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
2024 Campus Pride Events
Truro Pride Parade – June 22
The Dal Agricultural Campus will be participating in the 2024 Truro Pride Parade on June 22nd with a tractor-pulled float! The parade will begin on Lorne Street near the Colchester Legion Stadium and end on the Esplanade at the foot of Inglis Place. There will be a Fun Day taking place from 12-4PM at Civic Square on the day of the parade.
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.
Flag Raising & BBQ - July 9
On behalf of the Office for Equity & Inclusion, Student Affairs, and all the faculty, staff, and students on the Pride Planning committee, we welcome the Dalhousie community to join us as we raise the Progress Pride Flag on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 2:00 pm, in the Studley Quad.
A free BBQ on the Killam Library Podium will follow the flag raising.
Big Gay Film Fest – July 10
Big Gay Film Fest's 2nd annual outdoor screening of the 1999 cult classic, But I'm A Cheerleader, on the Sexton Campus Commons; entrance through: Richard Murray Design Building, 5257 Morris Street. You're welcome to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs! If the weather doesn't cooperate, the film will be shown indoors in the Richard Murray Building Design Commons, same entrance.
Free to the public!
Film will begin at dusk. (Doors open at 8:30PM)
Big Gay Film Fest – July 17
Big Gay Film Fest presents The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) on the Sexton Campus Commons; entrance through: Richard Murray Design Building, 5257 Morris Street. You're welcome to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs! If the weather doesn't cooperate, the film will be shown indoors in the Richard Murray Building Design Commons, same entrance.
Free to the public!
Film will begin at dusk. (Doors open at 8:30PM)
Halifax Pride Parade – July 20
Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Dalhousie University group marching in the Halifax Pride Parade.This year the 2024 Halifax Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, July 20, at 12:00pm, rain or shine. Dalhousie's entry number is B26; our lane (B) is on the north side of the median of Cogswell Street and all marchers in our lane are asked to stand on the grassy median while we wait for the parade to begin. Please join us between 11-11:45am.
Halifax Pride has also created a new parade route, which begins at the north end of Ahern Ave., travels counter-clockwise around the Public Gardens, then proceeds down Spring Garden Rd., before turning left onto Brunswick St, and ending at the Halifax Pride Festival Site (Garrison Grounds). The parade route is about 2.5 kilometres.
The Accessible Viewing Area, Described Viewing Area, and Elders Area will be along the south side of Sackville St; the Low Sensory Viewing Area will be inside the YMCA on Sackville St.
Please note that this will be a walking parade entry with no float, and therefore there will be no storage for personal items. Water and sunscreen will be available.
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 a way that feels appropriate to you.
See all the activities happening for the Halifax Pride Festival and Truro Pride
Big Gay Film Fest – July 24
Dalhousie is proud to present Big Gay Film Fest's main event: an outdoor screening of Fawzia Mirza's The Queen Of My Dreams! Held on the Sexton Campus Commons, entrance through: Richard Murray Design Building, 5257 Morris Street. You're welcome to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs! If the weather doesn't cooperate, the film will be shown indoors in the Richard Murray Building Design Commons, same entrance.
Free to the public!
Film will begin at dusk. (Doors open at 8:30PM)
If you have any questions about the Big Gay Film Fest, please contact oliviafader@dal.ca
Queer Faculty and Staff Caucus logo competition - Closing August 16
The Queer Faculty & Staff Caucus of Dalhousie and King’s is looking for a new logo! For a few years, we’ve been using one with the letters QFSC and a rainbow, but it’s time for a fresh look, and we want your help! The person who designs the winning logo will be contacted and receive $100 on their DalCard.
The contest closes at 11:59pm, August 16th.
For more information, please visit the QFSC webpage.
