Flag Raising Recognizes Firsts

The provincial pride flag raising ceremony marks a year of increased awareness and equality for members and friends of Nova Scotia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community.

Hosted by the provincial government's LGBTI Network, Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister, Leonard Preyra, along with government employees, community members and allies, gathered at Province House today (June 28) to celebrate and recognize recent initiatives that support the LGBTI community.

"The provincial flag raising is a symbol of our commitment to advance equity in our diverse workforce," said Mr. Preyra. "There have been a lot of firsts for the province in the past 12 months in this regard. Last fall, we amended the Human Rights Act to add protection for gender identity and gender expression, and just a few weeks ago we made funding available for sex reassignment surgery. So there’s a lot to celebrate today."

The ceremony celebrated recent achievements in the province and is one of the first pride events of the summer.

Jamus Dorey is co-chair of the LGBTI Network. He said the flag raising provides an important opportunity for allies to show their support.

"When a colleague, a friend or a family member celebrates the raising of a pride flag, they celebrate me and who I am," said Mr. Dorey. "That's tremendously meaningful."

Formed in 2009, the LGBTI Network is made up of LGBTI public servants and allies who seek to make the public service a positive and inclusive environment for all.

Community pride events are happening across the province this summer: Pictou County, July 8 to 14; Halifax, July 18 to 28; and Cape Breton, Aug. 9 to 18. More information is available at www.halifaxpride.com or www.pridecapebreton.com.