Note: We recognize that the terminology in this article may be new to some folks – we’ve linked to resources where you can learn more.

This month, we celebrate the diverse Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (2SLGBTQ+) people and communities

[1] in Chatham-Kent!

The History of Pride

Many people are unaware that pride celebrations started as protests. In June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club, in Greenwich Village, New York. The raid led to six days of riots and protests by residents, staff, and bar patrons, many of whom were racialized trans people. The riots, now known as the ‘Stonewall riots’ were a catalysts for the gay rights movement in the United States, and around the World. In Canada, similar raids happened in Toronto in the early 1970s, leading to protests for rights and protections for 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada. The first pride week was held in major cities across Canada in 1973, and shifted from protests to celebrations and the idea of pride.

Of course, there has been celebration of and resistance among 2SLGBTQ+ people and communities throughout history. And, 2SLGBTQ+ people and communities continue to advocate for recognition, rights, and fair treatment locally, in Canada, and around the World.

Learn about CK Pride’s history!

How is Pride Celebrated Today?

Today, Pride Month takes place in June. This is an opportunity to celebrate, uplift, and remember the work that has been done to support 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Events include parades, rallies, workshops, concerts as well as memorials and commemorations for community members, family, and friends who lost someone due to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.

In Chatham-Kent, Pride is celebrated in August. Learn about local Pride events!

While celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ people and communities is important, we recognize that these communities continue to face barriers and inequities.

Research done in Ontario has shown that people who are 2SLGBTQ+ face stigma, exclusion, and discrimination that can have negative impacts on their lives, including their health, socio-economic status, food security, housing, and access to health services and seniors care, to name a few.

How Can We Create An Inclusive Community for 2SLGBTQ+ people?

We can work together to create a safe and inclusive Chatham-Kent for 2SLGBTQ+ people and communities. We've listed some ways below.

1. Participate in training and learning opportunities.

To understand and use inclusive language and your own biases (we all have them!). Options are offered through Rainbow Health Ontario and by contacting CK Pride.

2. Don’t make assumptions about sexual orientation (who someone is attracted to).

Avoid comments that assume someone is heterosexual, or straight. For example, instead of asking whether someone has a boyfriend/husband, you might ask if they are in a relationship (if you need to ask at all).

3. Use gender-neutral language.

Practice using people, person, parent, customer, etc. vs he, her, man, woman, ladies, gentlemen, Mr. or Mrs. Even if you know the person you are talking with identifies with male or female, using gender-neutral terms signals that you understand that gender is more complicated than the male/female binary and value people who don’t fit in to either one of those categories. More great tips from TransWellness Ontario.

Listen closely to the pronouns (i.e. they, she, he, etc.) people use to describe themselves, rather than assuming. If you make a mistake, apologize, and continue the conversation with their correct pronouns.

4. Understand that there is diversity within 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Because people hold many different identities, no two experiences of being 2SLGBTQ+ are the same. People’s experiences are also impacted by the other identities they hold, including things like race, class, abilities, religion, and more. These identities overlap with people’s sexual orientation (attraction to others) or gender identity (sense of their gender) to shape their experience in the world. So, for example, a Black, Transgender, Straight, Woman may experience racism, transphobia, and sexism and, therefore, have a different experience than a White, Cisgender (sense of gender aligns with sex assigned at birth), Gay, Man. Learn more about the idea of intersectionality.

5. Interrupt homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia.

If safe to do so, do not stay silent when you are witnessing or experiencing homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic comments or jokes.

If you see someone making assumptions, ask questions about it.

[1] Language and terminology change over time. For explanations of these terms and others, see page 8 of the Coalition for Inclusive Municipalities Toolkit for Inclusive Municipalities or Trans Wellness Ontario’s Glossary of Terms.

Resources:

CK Pride: Brings together members of Two Spirit, Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer communities within Chatham-Kent.

Rainbow Health Ontario: Provides relevant and reliable LGBT2SQ health resources for Ontario LGBT2SQ communities, service providers and others with an interest in LGBT2SQ health.

Egale Canada: National organization in Canada that improves the lives of 2SLGBTQI+ people through informing public policy and promoting human rights through research, education, awareness, and legal advocacy.

Positive Spaces Initiatives: Support for organizations serving immigrants and refugees to share resources and increase organizational capacity to serve LGBTQ+ newcomers effectively, they offer free agency trainings.

Queer Events: Provides educational material, upcoming events, promotional material, and resources. Has a Queer Events Page for Queer Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, and Older Adults.