On behalf of Dr. Barrington Walker, Vice Provost Equity and Inclusion 

Equity and Inclusion Office 

June marks the commencement of Pride Month, a time where communities around the world come together to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, celebrate progress, and reflect on the ongoing fight for equity. Pride also serves as an important reminder that many queer and trans individuals continue to face discrimination and oppression for living authentically and expressing themselves openly and unapologetically. 

“If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I’m shortchanging myself.” — Zanele Muholi, South African visual activist 

This quotation reflects the spirit and origins of Pride, rooted in the courage, resistance, and resilience of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who continue to advocate for equal rights, visibility, and liberation. As community members and allies, we all share a responsibility to stand in solidarity and continue the work together toward justice and equity. 

June is also National Indigenous History Month, reminding us that Pride is inherently intersectional. Prior to colonization, Indigenous communities honoured and recognized individuals who embodied both masculine and feminine spirits as niizh manidoowag in Anishinaabemowin which translates to “2-Spirit”. Historically and currently, 2-Spirit people are highly respected within their communities as knowledge keepers, healers and ceremonial leaders, though their importance was dismantled by colonial oppression. The term 2-Spirit was reclaimed in 1990 at the third annual Native American/First Nations Gay and Lesbian Conference in Winnipeg, to affirm Indigenous identities and resist colonial definitions of gender and sexuality. As we recognize both National Indigenous History Month and Pride month, we must continue to honour Indigenous histories, voices, and the contributions of 2-Spirit people today. 

Significant moments of queer and trans activism and progress are found throughout Canadian history. From the first Gay Liberation Protest and March on Parliament Hill on August 28, 1971, to the first Pride Week celebrations in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal in 1973, activists have long fought for recognition and human rights. In 1995, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled to protect sexual orientation under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, marking another important step toward equality. These milestones serve as reminders of both how far we have come and also remind us of how much work remains to be done to sustain and advance progress. 

While Pride is celebrated in June, the work toward equity, inclusion, and safety for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities extends far beyond a single month. At McMaster University, dignity, respect, and inclusion remain at the core of our values. Everyone deserves the right to live and flourish fully and authentically, free from fear, judgment, or limitation. McMaster takes pride in fostering a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community where individuals are empowered to be themselves and love openly and authentically.  

Pride Month is not only a celebration of resistance and hope; it is a reminder that creating a more equitable and inclusive future requires ongoing action, advocacy, and solidarity all year round.  

Check out our A PRIDE History Synopsis to get a snapshot of the history of Pride in Canada 

A PRIDE History Synopsis – Equity and Inclusion Office