"We are disappointed that ... the Minister was not able to see the clear evidence in support of this request. However, we are renewed with passion to push for progress in improving health care for trans* Nova Scotians."

On August 9, 10, and 11, LGBT alcoholics, addicts, and friends will gather for the 25th Anniversary Courage Round Up - August 9,10,11, 2013, hosted by the Halifax LGBT Alcoholics Anonymous group, Live And Let Live.

The weekend includes fellowship, speaker meetings and workshops an discussions of recovery topics in a relaxed and peaceful setting at the Universalist Unitarian Church 5500 Inglis Street, Halifax.

Early this morning Canadian Blood Services (CBS) received approval from Health Canada to reduce the current men who have sex with men (MSM) deferral period from indefinite to five years from last MSM activity. While this move represents important progress in addressing one of Canada’s few remaining overtly discriminatory policies, it fails to fully correct the problem.

We want New Glasgow to be a community known for its inclusiveness and respect for all - a community that celebrates diversity, a community that nurtures an environment of dignity, integrity, and respect; and a community that does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. The Rainbow Walk makes us part of something grand, something global and something good. 

Stephen Harper has developed a scheme, creating an office in the Department of Foreign Affairs to oversee that religious tolerance is observed world-wide. An ominous undertaking from a prime minister whose Conservative government continues to be called to task, especially on issues affecting the nation’s queer community, equal opportunities for women, and aboriginal peoples. 

"Our assembly makes an important statement.  It helps us remember the value of struggles won, people that have lost dearly in the fight, and helps us focus on hurdles yet to overcome. One such hurdle is a vestige of a time that seems to some of us like a distant history.  To other more veteran members of our community all to recent and painful one. I want to take some time today to address the topic of the “blood ban” as it is often described."

We will continue to work towards the day when the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transsexual people are recognized around the world—and the simple act of being who you are is no longer considered “brave.”

Nous avons hâte au jour où être soi-même ne sera plus un acte de courage, mais bien le cours naturel des choses.

"Cancer is a disease that is merciless and kills. It spreads without a known stop visible. Hate is cancer. It will pillage our communities and it will kill our brothers and sisters. My name is Jessica Durling. I am 17 years old and I have tasted prejudice."

I call on the Nova Scotia Government to do the right thing and immediately address the transphobia and discrimintation built into their own policies and regulations, starting with eliminating the discriminatory treatment of trans* people in the health care system. ... I ask all of you to get behind this push for action.  Talk about the issues with your friends, sign the petition, write your MLA and let the Government know that it is time to make these changes.

Posted by Wayves volunteer Hugo Dann 10/05-2013

By Adam Reid (Halifax Pride) with Wayves Staff

Adam Reid, Halifax Pride's media Communications Coordinator and the Director of the Queer Acts Theatre Festival, Adam Reid, responded to the questions Wayves had asked about Pride's decision to hold a competetion for an artist to feature during Halifax Pride Week. The questions with Mr. Reid's answers appear below.

1. How did the idea come about, and what does Pride want to see come out of this?