Halifax Public Libraries’ 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee will host most of their Honouring Pride programming at multiple libraries in the month of June, as it is celebrated as Pride Month internationally.
"We will, however, still be hosting Pride-themed events in July," says Kassondra Torraville, HPL's Central District Programming Lead, "so keep an eye on the Library’s What’s On calendar, or ask at your local branch!"
The events will take place at several different branches of Halifax Public Libraries, and include an after-hours screening of camp classic But I’m a Cheerleader, a Plaza Pride Garden Party, a Trans & Two Spirit Name Change Clinic, two screenings of gay romantic comedy Bros, and a Rainbow Café in partnership with the NS LGBT Archive and Elderberries that explores 2SLGBTQIA+ history in Halifax. There will also a series of events for children, teens, and adults at Halifax Central Library on June 28.
All of Halifax Central Library’s Take and Make craft kits for June are also Pride-themed, and include a cross-stitch Pride keychain and a Keith Haring-inspired Pop Art craft.
“It is vital for public libraries to engage with communities and create vibrant, positive spaces within our branches that support the sharing of knowledge and enjoyment,” says Elliott Gish, one of Halifax Central Library’s Adult Specialists. “We hope to meet community members where they are by giving 2SLGBTQIA+ people a chance to celebrate themselves in their home branches.”
In response to several recent incidents of Pride flags being vandalized or stolen, library branches will also be provided with small Pride flags to give to customers, and encouraged to have stations available where customers can make their own.
“We believe that Halifax Public Libraries' users will want to take and display a Pride flag to demonstrate their allyship (or membership) with this community,” says Zso, one of Halifax Central Library’s Branch Leads and Co-Lead of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee. “By overwhelming hate and ignorance with these bright symbols of diversity in community, we can unite in solidarity with our 2SLGBTQIA+ friends, family, and neighbours.”
There are events sprinkled throughout June. Details can be found at halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/prideportal/, or on the Halifax Rainbow Encyclopedia Calendar, marked with the multicoloured L: gay.hfxns.org/LocalEvents
