Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
Beginning in 1988 with Halifax's first Pride March, members of the city's gay and lesbian community organized Pride Week without the benefit of legal protections. Amidst growing unrest about rampant prejudice and discrimination, the first Pride March was primarily a protest over the lack of legal protection from discrimination, and the all-too-common threat of homophobic violence.
Approximately 75 people marched through Halifax's North End that first year. A handful wore paper bags over their heads out of fear for their livelihoods and their safety. Since then, the Halifax Pride Festival has grown into a celebration that includes numerous events that highlight the unique character of a diverse community, and welcomes 120,000 participants each summer.