Over the past several months, Halifax Pride raised concerns with the YMCA following its decision to rescind the Peace Medal for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion awarded to Rana Zaman, as well as the YMCA’s response when a Halifax Pride staff member returned their own Peace Medal in solidarity.
We have valued our relationship with the YMCA since 2022. However, through subsequent conversations, it became clear that there are differences in how our organizations currently understand and engage with community accountability, human rights advocacy, and the lived experiences of racialized communities. At this time, we do not feel that our approaches are aligned.
We believe the YMCA has important internal work ahead to reflect on these issues, rebuild trust, and strengthen its relationships with community partners. Until that work has meaningfully progressed, we do not feel it is appropriate to continue our partnership.
As a result, Halifax Pride has decided to suspend our partnership with the YMCA at this time. This decision was not made lightly, and we believe it reflects our responsibility to act in alignment with our internally set mandates and to remain accountable to the communities we serve. We remain open to re-engaging in the future should there be demonstrated reflection, learning, and change.
Halifax Pride Staff & Board of Directors
