NicoTwo years after the partial decriminalization of homosexuality, hundreds of queer Canadians gathered at Hanlan’s Point. What began as a picnic became part of the foundation of Pride in Canada.
The First Pride
Tagged Canada, Community Homophile Association of Toronto, Jearld Moldenhauer, pride, Queer Canada series, queer history, Toronto, Toronto Gay Action, University of Toronto Homophile Association, We Demand
About the Author: Nico
Nico Mara-McKay (they/iel) is a historian, writer, editor, and occasional curator whose work focuses on histories of gender and sexuality through lenses of embodiment and identity. They write about queer and trans history, culture, and community at nicomaramckay.com and ephemeralrecord.com, and share updates on Bluesky @nicomaramckay.com.
Related
Update for July 2026
An update, because June was busier than expected! Queer Canada will be continuing on a more sustainable schedule. I'm travelling across Canada for community consultations, and I have two new exciting archival projects to share.
Rainbow Senior’s Pride 2026
Tabelling for The ArQuives at Rainbow Senior’s Pride, which was held at the Rekai Centre in Toronto on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
Speech at the Pride flag raising in Etobicoke 2026
Yesterday on 3 June, I participated in the Pride flag raising festival at Montgomery’s Inn in Etobicoke. Alongside community members and local leaders, I helped……...