Letter in Support of the Rights and Safety of the Nova Scotian 2SLGBTQI+ Community

To our fellow Nova Scotia MLAs,

We are writing today to all Nova Scotia Members of the Legislative Assembly with a request that we come together in support of the rights and safety of the 2SLGBTQI+ community across Nova Scotia this Pride Season.

Our caucus, particularly through Lisa Lachance as 2SLGBTQI+ Affairs spokesperson, has had the privilege to rise in the Legislature to discuss gender-affirming care, trans-rights, and to celebrate the 2SLGBTQI+ community and its contributions to life in Nova Scotia. This is an immense honour and opportunity which we don’t take lightly. However, the last two years have also been tough for the queer community in Nova Scotia. We encourage the other political parties in Nova Scotia to appoint a spokesperson for 2SLGBTQI+ Affairs.

In recent months there has been a rise in local examples of hatred, threats and acts of violence, homophobia and transphobia in our communities and in our schools. This is unacceptable and not the kind of Nova Scotia we want to build for our friends and families.

As local leaders, we must stand together in support of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and condemn all acts of hatred, aggression and misinformation directed towards these Nova Scotians.

In that spirit, we’re writing today to encourage and implore all MLAs to make a firm stand this year in support of 2SLGBTQI+ people in your districts and across the province. Show your commitment with Pride flags at your local offices, statements of support, and your personal presence at Pride events and parades across Nova Scotia this summer. Stand up directly to hate in your communities, by making public commitments to a Nova Scotia that does not include hate.

As a province, we must condemn the malicious targeting of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and all acts of hatred, aggression and misinformation directed towards them.

We cannot simply say we support the queer community. We cannot just show up for Pride events wearing rainbows and waving at the crowds. As local leaders and decision-makers, our statements must be backed up with sustained committed action.

Specific next steps should include:

• Promote and attend Pride events in your district.
• Commit to ongoing local community engagement with 2SLGBTQI+ stakeholders.
• Declare the month of June Pride Month in Nova Scotia.
• Support ongoing efforts to protect the rights and safety of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Sincerely,

Lisa Lachance, NDP 2SLGBTQI+ Affairs spokesperson and MLA for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island

Claudia Chender NDP Leader and MLA for Dartmouth South

Susan Leblanc, MLA for Dartmouth North

Suzy Hansen, MLA for Halifax Needham

Gary Burrill, MLA for Halifax Chebucto