As a queer Canadian from rural Nova Scotia, I always felt at home in a curling club
Growing up in the picturesque rural community of Digby, N.S., I often felt like I didn’t quite belong as a gay teenager with big city dreams. However, everything changed when I stumbled upon a community breakfast hosted by the tight-knit Digby Curling Club. Little did I know that this discovery would lead me to find my true home in the sport of curling.
Curling clubs are more than just places to play the sport; they are hubs of community activity where Canadians come together for fundraisers, weddings, political debates, and more. In Digby, the curling club hosted a variety of events that brought the community together, including birthday parties, fundraisers, and volunteer trips. It was within these walls that I found a sense of belonging and acceptance that I had been searching for.
As I moved to different cities in Nova Scotia, including Clare, Kentville, and Dartmouth, I continued to find solace in curling clubs. However, it wasn’t until I discovered the Loose Ends Curling League at the Mayflower Curling Club in Halifax that I truly felt seen and understood. This queer-friendly league welcomed me with open arms and provided a sense of community that I had never experienced before.
Joining the Loose Ends Curling League not only allowed me to connect with other queer curlers but also provided me with the opportunity to represent Nova Scotia at the Canadian Pride Curling Championship. The experience of competing at a national level and being surrounded by like-minded individuals was truly electrifying.
Through my involvement in curling, I have developed lifelong bonds with fellow curlers and found a sense of pride in being part of a pan-Canadian community of queer athletes. The support and acceptance I have received from my curling family have helped me navigate challenges and celebrate victories both on and off the ice.
As I reflect on what it means to be Canadian, I am reminded of the kindness, acceptance, and sense of community that define our nation. Canada is a place where diversity is celebrated, and individuals are embraced for who they are. In the curling community, we refer to the scoring area as “the house,” symbolizing a sense of unity and belonging. Just like the house in curling, Canada is our home, imperfect yet full of pride and resilience.
As I continue to curl, coach, and officiate, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a sport that has brought me closer to my true self and connected me with a community that uplifts and supports one another. In our house, the house of Canada, I am proud to call this country my home.
