South Shore Pride Week being celebrated this month

Growing up as a queer kid in the ’90s in rural Nova Scotia was difficult.

There were no flags flying, rainbow stickers on doors or any other kind of symbolism that indicated to me that what I felt and who I was were okay.

Words like visibility, inclusion or equality were never uttered when I heard conversations about “gays.”

The way I heard people talk about “that lifestyle” sounded like something to be ashamed of, something that should be kept quiet. It was certainly nothing to be proud of, celebrated or embraced.

It wasn’t until I attend university that I met someone who was proudly gay — we became fast friends. I had always assumed when I finally met someone who was ‘out of the closet,’ I would feel the strength to live openly as well. That wasn’t the case.

It took seven years before I finally felt ready to live my truth. My family and friends were incredibly supportive. I lived in Halifax by then and felt better connected to a community of people like me. I am grateful to have had such a welcoming coming-out experience, but I know so many others before me did not.

For many in earlier generations, living their truth left them feeling isolated, afraid, unsafe, unemployed, estranged from family and sometimes even resulted in losing their lives at the hands of others or themselves — a sad reality we sometimes forget.

I am very aware that being able to live openly in 2022 is a direct result of all the hard work, determination and perseverance of the elders within our community. Elder folks who often risked everything to be who they are, all in the hopes that one day, equality would prevail.

I’m 37 now and married to my wife with four kids. Six years ago, we decided to move back to that rural community where I grew up. I think a lot about how different this rural childhood is for my children; growing up in literally the same house, community and school system I did so many years ago.

When two of our kids came out as 2SLGBTQIA+, they did not bat an eye. Saying

“I’m queer” came as easily to them as “I’m hungry.” I was so happy. I’m excited for them, but also envious that they felt so free to be who they are at such a young age.

I reflect on the many changes in the decades since I grew up here that were forged by the elders and allies in this community; and more recently, the changes forged by myself and the board at Pride Lunenburg County, of which my wife and I are founding members.

Pride flags now fly at municipal buildings, retail stores, restaurants, schools and individual residences. There are GSA’S (Gay-straight Alliances) in our education system, 2SLGBTQIA+ recreation opportunities and youth groups.

These changes have allowed so many of those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ to feel safe, included, accepted and celebrated.

But the work in this community is not done. Pride Lunenburg County continues to blaze a trail for more inclusive communities.

This year, we will be hosting a full week of events for South Shore Pride Week,

Aug. 14 to 20. It is our hope that Pride Week will continue to grow over the years.

We dream of finally having a Pride parade here in Lunenburg County to celebrate our identities, how far we have come as a community and to honour those elders who came before us and led the way as we build our hope for the future.

To learn more about Lunenburg Pride and South Shore Pride Week events, visit our Facebook or Instagram page.

Aging Well Corner is brought to you by Community Links. Community Links is a provincewide organization that promotes and supports the development of age-friendly, inclusive communities by connecting individuals and organizations. Our vision is that all Nova Scotians can age well in their communities. Aging Well Coalitions meet regularly to address issues of healthy aging and develop projects that enhance life for older adults in the region.

For more information, visit nscommunitylinks.ca.