A New Era of Solidarity: Saint John Pride Welcomes American LGBTQ+ Community
The city of Saint John, New Brunswick, is gearing up for its annual Pride celebration in August with a heartfelt invitation to a new group of participants—Americans seeking refuge from the hostile environment created by President Donald Trump’s administration. As political tensions and anti-LGBTQ+ policies escalate in the United States, Canada has emerged as a beacon of hope and inclusivity. Samantha White, a Pride organizer from Bangor, Maine, expressed the palpable fear within the LGBTQ+ community since Trump’s election in 2016. “Things are really very scary right now,” she remarked, emphasizing the struggle to stay positive amid these challenging times.
Fear and Resilience: The American LGBTQ+ Experience Under Trump
The Trump administration has implemented a series of policies targeting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender and non-binary individuals. These include an executive order recognizing only two sexes, the removal of LGBTQ+ terminology from the White House website, the ban on transgender military members, and attempts to defund gender-affirming care for minors. These actions have been described by White as a “blatant, hateful attack” on the transgender community. She also highlighted the administration’s strategy of overwhelming the community with multiple onslaughts, making it difficult to know where to focus their resistance. Despite these challenges, the LGBTQ+ community remains resilient, with plans to incorporate political activism into this year’s Bangor Pride event, including a letter-writing campaign to raise awareness and support.
Bridging Borders: The Saint John-Bangor Pride Partnership
In response to the growing hostility in the U.S., Saint John Pride has extended an invitation to American LGBTQ+ individuals to participate in their celebration. Alex Saunders, president of Saint John Pride, emphasized the importance of offering a safe space for those who may face protests or restrictions at home. “It quickly became clear to me that it’s possible some Americans may not get to celebrate Pride in the manner they’d like to,” Saunders noted, acknowledging the uncertain and potentially volatile environment in the U.S. This partnership underscores the borderless nature of the LGBTQ+ community, as Vivian Myers-Jones, a dual citizen and Saint John Pride volunteer, aptly stated, “There’s an international border, but it feels like we are all part of the same family.”
A Shared Struggle: Canada’s Recent Challenges and Progress
While Canada is often seen as a haven for LGBTQ+ rights, it is important to recognize that the country has also faced its own set of challenges. Until recently, New Brunswick grappled with Policy 713, which prohibited teachers from using the chosen names and pronouns of transgender and non-binary students under 16 without parental consent. This policy was met with fierce resistance from the LGBTQ+ community and was eventually overturned after the change in government. Myers-Jones reflected on the province’s recent struggles, stating, “We are just coming out of the dismal times of everything involving Policy 713 … all the bigotry that the Higgs government was pushing.” The reversal of this policy signals a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in New Brunswick.
The Power of Pride: A Celebration of Unity and Resistance
Pride celebrations have always been a testament to the resilience and unity of the LGBTQ+ community, and this year’s events in both Saint John and Bangor are no exception. White emphasized the importance of celebrating Pride in the U.S., despite the challenges, as a way to reinforce solidarity and hope. “We’re all going to come together and see that we’re not alone, and feel that we’re in the fight together,” she said. The inclusion of politically focused initiatives in Bangor’s Pride events highlights the dual role of Pride as both a celebration and a call to action. Similarly, Saint John’s invitation to American participants serves as a powerful statement of support and unity.
Looking Ahead: The Path Forward for LGBTQ+ Rights
As the LGBTQ+ community continues to face adversity, the partnership between Saint John and Bangor serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity. By standing together across borders, they demonstrate that the fight for equality and inclusivity is a collective effort. The invitation extended by Saint John Pride not only offers a safe space for celebration but also reinforces the idea that the LGBTQ+ community is a global family. As White so eloquently put it, “They’re trying to come for our trans friends and family, and trying to divide us,” but through unity and activism, the community remains strong and determined to fight for their rights.
