Some 2SLGBTQ+ people in N.S. on edge as hateful rhetoric rises at home and abroad

Kai Skinner, the vice-chair of Lunenburg County Pride, has found herself in a difficult position in the past year. Despite working hard to be openly queer and proud of her identity, recent incidents in Nova Scotia have made her consider hiding her queerness to avoid hate.

Last spring, a rainbow Pride staircase at Bridgewater Town Hall was defaced with a symbol associated with Diagolon, a group labeled as an ideologically motivated and violent extremist organization. Since then, graffiti of the symbol has continued to appear in the area, including on a rock face along the highway multiple times.

Skinner expressed her concerns about the increasing boldness of hate towards the 2SLGBTQ+ community, especially under the current political climate. During an interview next to the defaced Pride staircase, a passerby shouted derogatory comments about drag performers, highlighting the need for safety planning during community events.

The incidents have not been limited to Bridgewater, as vandalism targeting 2SLGBTQ+ businesses and individuals has occurred across Nova Scotia. The RCMP in Halifax investigated hate-motivated crimes involving the vandalism of Pride and Every Child Matters flags in Lower Ship Harbour. Additionally, queer and trans-owned businesses like Venus Envy and Glitter Bean Cafe in Halifax were targeted with anti-queer and anti-trans messaging.

The trans owner of an HRM comic book store, Jay Aaron Roy, expressed his heartbreak and exhaustion over the incidents, emphasizing the importance of community support in such challenging times. Despite the fear and uncertainty, Roy believes in the resilience of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the solidarity that emerges in response to hate.

Helen Kennedy, the executive director of Egale, a Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy organization, noted the rise in hate and discriminatory rhetoric targeting the community across Canada. She highlighted the impact of similar rhetoric in the United States and emphasized the need for Canadians to address and combat hate within their own country.

Statistics Canada reported a 69% increase in police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation from 2022 to 2023, indicating a concerning trend. Kennedy stressed the importance of taking responsibility for combating hate within Canada and ensuring the safety and inclusion of all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

In the face of adversity, Skinner, Roy, and advocates like Kennedy remain committed to promoting acceptance, diversity, and equality for all. The incidents in Nova Scotia serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the importance of standing together against hate and discrimination.