GENERAL

What does the 2SLGBTQ+ acronym stand for?

2S (Two-Spirit), L (Lesbian), G (Gay), B (Bisexual), T (Transgender/trans), Q (queer/questioning), + (other identities covered under but not included in the acronym such as pansexual, non-binary, gender-fluid, gender queer, asexual, etc). No acronym can reflect the full spectrum of unique and distinct identities and communities we serve. The Halifax Pride Society recognizes the acronym gives prominence to particular identities, deciding to use 2SLGBTQ+ as our standard, mindful of its limitations, and that all unique identities are important.

Why is Pride important?

Pride is an individual experience and means something different to everyone, but as organizers of the Halifax Pride Festival, we are mindful that many in the 2SLGBTQ+ community still face oppression in almost all areas of life. We are particularly concerned by the oppression and discrimination still faced by QTBIPOC communities. We acknowledge the role Halifax Pride has played in perpetuating these harms. We continue to learn and unlearn how systems of oppression can be deconstructed and rebuilt more equitably. Pride can serve as a time for advocacy and education, but celebration is also an important part of what makes us a strong, vibrant community. The 2SLGBTQ+ community needs space that is explicitly queer and free from oppression, persecution, and judgement for gathering and celebration. Giving queer people that space allows us to connect, to discuss our experiences, to share our knowledge, and build community. The 2SLGBTQ+ community has had to fight hard for our rights, and we must continue to fight for those who face stigma and oppression. While we have made gains in recent years, these gains were hard won and are easily lost without constant vigilance.

What is the Halifax Pride Festival?

The Halifax Pride Festival is an eleven day festival that amplifies the voices of our community and provides an opportunity for the 2SLGBTQ+ to come together and flourish each summer in Halifax/Kjipuktuk. We plan the festival collaboratively with the local community, ensuring that many groups, interests, and events are represented throughout the festival.

Is it called the Halifax Pride Festival or Pride Week?

Although we used to be Halifax Pride Week, we are now referred to as the Halifax Pride Festival given our eleven day schedule and wide range of cultural, celebratory, educational, and advocacy events.

What do the board and staff do?

The Halifax Pride Society has long been overseen by a volunteer board of directors, elected by the membership at our Annual General Meeting each fall. Over the past number of years, we have shifted from a primarily working board to a governing board. The board of directors makes major decisions about the functioning of the Society and ensures Halifax Pride adheres to its aim, purpose, and guiding principles while supporting community outreach and planning. Full time and contracted staff work throughout the year to support the running of the festival and Society. Their work includes operations of the festival, fund development, communications and media, volunteer management, accessibility efforts, and programming.

What are committees? What do committee members do?

We use a committee structure so that we can engage the community in all of our planning efforts, broadening the ideas and perspectives at Halifax Pride. We have numerous committees that meet monthly throughout the year to offer feedback and input on Society and festival plans. CLICK HERE to learn more about committees.

How can I join a committee?

We post calls for committee members not long after our Annual General Meeting each fall.

What is Halifax Pride’s relationship with the police? Do you allow police at Pride?

Following meetings in 2017 to discuss the relationship between Halifax Regional Police and Halifax Pride, Halifax Regional Police decided they would take a step back from the parade, and we thoroughly supported that message. CLICK HERE for our official statement from 2017 about HRP and Pride.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also decided not to register in the Pride parade. Provincial legislation requires police to be on site when streets are closed, and communicating those details as required has been our only activity with police since then. CLICK HERE for our official statement from 2017 about RCMP and Pride.

FESTIVAL

What are the festival dates?

The 2024 Halifax Pride Festival will take place July 18-28, 2024.

Will there be a parade this year?

The 2024 Halifax Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, July 20th, at 12:00pm.

How can I volunteer?

We are primarily a volunteer based organization and we are always looking for volunteers to help support our work. We post calls for Event Volunteers in early summer and Committee Members each fall. Click HERE to visit our Volunteer page for open calls, and follow us on social media for latest updates. If you have missed any of the calls, please email volunteer@halifaxpride.com.

When is the Pride Guide released?

The Pride Guide will be available in June of 2024.

Are events ticketed?

Some Halifax Pride official events may be ticketed. Most are suggested donation at the door. All ticketed events are communicated as such ahead of time.

Where can I buy tickets?

All ticket sale links will be included in the event’s description on the Online Festival Calendar.

Are drink tokens good for every event?

Yes, if you buy drink tokens, you can save them and use them at the Beverage Garden at another Halifax Pride event or festival in the future.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, debit, and credit at all events on the Festival Site. There are ATMs on site as well.

Where can I buy merchandise?

We have a Halifax Pride merchandise booth on the Festival Site. We currently do not offer merch sales outside of festival time.

SPONSORSHIP

How do you choose sponsors? Are they reviewed first?

Typically we are contacted by organizations that wish to support Halifax Pride. We do very little cold calling and find that businesses who align with our values reach out to us. We meet with all sponsors to discuss our aim and values to ensure they are committed to 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity in their own work. All sponsors are asked to complete a Sponsor Initiative Survey where they tell us about their internal and external efforts. This allows them the opportunity to share their work with us, track their own progress, and identify new ways to expand and improve their efforts. Sponsors are also invited to take part in inclusivity training prior to the festival each year. From time to time, Halifax Pride has declined sponsorship from some businesses, requesting they examine their 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity work and consider what additional progress can be made.

Why do you have sponsors?

There are a limited number of revenue streams available to Halifax Pride to help cover costs. Government support does not cover all of our expenses and we strive to keep our events free or pay-what-you-can for attendees. The support of our sponsors who align with our aim and values helps us ensure our events remain low to no cost, performers and staff are paid fairly, and robust accessible infrastructure is provided at events. Further, many of our sponsors reach out due to their internal Diversity & Inclusion Committees. Staff within the sponsoring business want to enhance 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity in their workplace and see our values shared within their organizations. As Pride sponsors they are accountable to their employees and the 2SLGBTQ+ community to strive for greater equity and inclusion.

Why are there so many sponsors in the parade?

All sponsors are invited to take part in the parade, but other organizations must purchase their entry. These fees help offset Parade operational expenses, which are higher than any other event we host. 2SLGBTQ+ groups and organizations lead the parade and march for free, while entry fees for businesses cover costs related to the parade.

Are all the businesses in the parade sponsors of Halifax Pride?

No. Businesses and organizations that are not sponsors of the festival can participate in the parade, and must pay a parade entry fee as well as partake in parade and inclusivity training prior to the parade.

How can my organization sponsor the festival?

Please email hayden@halifaxpride.com for more information about sponsorship, and to receive our 2024 sponsorship package.