Truro: a matter of pride
Town seen to be an accepting community by many
When Al Mcnutt’s parents first learned their son might be gay, they took him to the doctor. Without the information they needed, the thinking was, a doctor could help him change.
Mcnutt, currently director of the Northern Healthy Connections Society, has seen major changes in the community since then. And he’s proud of his hometown.
“I’ve been at Pride events from Vancouver to Montreal to San Francisco… and Truro has outdone them all, in support,” he said. “People used to say we would never have a Pride parade in Truro, but Pride has taken off and become a great event for the entire community.”
Keltie Jones and her wife, Joy Gal- loway Jones, moved to Truro from California, after an amendment past stating only marriage between a man and a woman was valid.
“People voted for discrimination. It was like a kick in the gut,” she said. “We decided to move to Truro and some people told us we wouldn’t like it here.
“Truro had a reputation around acceptance, but I saw a community that didn’t match what people were saying about it. We’ve been welcomed in the community. People are accepting and comfortable.”
As a young man, Mcnutt tried to conform to what was expected, getting married. Although it didn’t last, he and his ex-wife remain good friends.
“I don’t regret getting married, because I have two wonderful children and a wonderful grandson,” he said.
Mcnutt’s parents were understanding when he talked to them about being gay, though they were concerned about his happiness and safety.
In 1986, he tested Hiv-positive, and was living in Toronto when his partner died from HIV/AIDS in 1993. Three years later, he returned to Truro.
“I found there was a small support group in Truro, and became part of it,” he said. “We would have dances and potlucks. That was nice, because before that, everybody used to go to Halifax.”
Mcnutt organized the first two Pride events in Truro and is excited by what he sees today.
“It’s quite a thrill for me to see how it’s grown. Seeing the support means a lot. We have an exciting parade and we have the flag flying.”
Jones grew up in Bridgewater and was raised with the belief that every- one was equal. She attended Stanford University, in California, but followed the traditional path, marrying and having children.
She was 32 when she met her future wife. “When I met Joy, I knew she was the person I was meant to be with,” she said.
The couple have been in Truro since 2009 and had the opportunity to see positive changes.
“I think, with the same-sex marriage bill passing people really felt that gave them a stamp of acceptance,” said Jones.
“Truro has been great. It’s been an absolute blast to see the Pride Parade develop, and watch Pride evolve.”
Mcnutt’s glad to see the changes but doesn’t want the past to be forgotten.
“I’m happy for the younger generation, but I feel we can never forget the past, and how others suffered to create this pathway.”