Approximate reading time: 6 minutes

George Hislop (1970s)

A pioneering figure in Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement, George Hislop emerged as a prominent activist in the 1970s. He made history as one of the first openly gay candidates for political office in Canada, breaking barriers in a time when homosexuality was still largely stigmatised. Hislop’s activism extended beyond politics; he was instrumental in founding several 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and played a key role in the early Toronto Pride events, significantly contributing to the growth of the 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement in Canada.

Svend Robinson (1988)

Svend Robinson is a notable figure in Canadian politics, remembered for his groundbreaking decision to come out as gay in 1988 while serving as a Member of Parliament. This courageous act marked him as the first openly gay MP in the Canadian House of Commons. Throughout his political career, Robinson was a staunch advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, environmental issues, and social justice, influencing significant legislative changes and inspiring a generation of 2SLGBTQIA+ political activism.

k.d. lang (1992)

The Grammy Award-winning artist, k.d. lang, publicly came out as a lesbian in a 1992 article in “The Advocate”. Her coming out was a significant moment in the entertainment industry, challenging the norms and perceptions of sexuality in the music world. Lang’s successful career, coupled with her openness about her sexuality, has made her a prominent figure in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, inspiring many with her talent and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.

Michelle Douglas (1992)

In 1992, Michelle Douglas made a landmark legal challenge against the Canadian military’s discriminatory policies, leading to the end of the ban on 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Discharged because of her sexual orientation, Douglas’s case set a precedent for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights within the military. Her activism did not stop there; she has since been a vocal advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, contributing significantly to the advancement of equality and justice in Canada.

Mark Tewksbury (1998)

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Mark Tewksbury came out as gay in 1998, becoming a prominent gay sports figure. His coming out was a significant moment in the sports world, where 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility was limited. Tewksbury has been an advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and inclusivity in sports, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote diversity and acceptance in the athletic community.

Janine Fuller (Active in the 2000s)

Janine Fuller is a Canadian author, activist, and bookstore manager known for her activism against censorship and for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. Her work, particularly in the realm of literature and freedom of expression, has been influential in the fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility and rights in Canada. Fuller’s leadership in challenging censorship laws and her advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ literature have made her a respected figure in the community.

Brent Hawkes (Early 2000s)

Reverend Brent Hawkes gained national attention in the early 2000s when he performed the first legal same-sex marriage ceremonies in Canada. As a senior pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, Hawkes’s advocacy work was instrumental in the eventual legalisation of same-sex marriage across the country. His dedication to 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and marriage equality has made him a revered figure in the fight for equal rights.

Maura Lawless (Active in the 2000s)

Maura Lawless has been a significant figure in the Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She is particularly noted for her work with The 519, a Toronto-based community center offering programs and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Under her leadership, The 519 greatly expanded its services, becoming a pivotal resource for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Toronto, particularly for those facing homelessness, health issues, and discrimination.

Jamie Lee Hamilton (1990s-2000s)

Jamie Lee Hamilton is recognized as one of Canada’s first out transgender activists. Her advocacy work, particularly in Vancouver, began in the 1990s and continued into the 2000s. Hamilton focused on issues such as sex workers’ rights, police accountability, and health care for transgender individuals. Her trailblazing efforts for transgender rights and visibility have made her a respected and influential figure in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Sara Davis Buechner (Active since the 2000s)

Renowned Canadian classical pianist Sara Davis Buechner came out as bisexual and transgender in the early 2000s. Celebrated for her extraordinary musical talent, Buechner is also known for her advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, particularly in the realm of arts and culture. Her journey and outspoken advocacy have been an inspiration to many in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and she continues to be a vocal advocate for transgender and bisexual visibility and rights.

Vriend v. Alberta (1998)

This is a seminal case in Canadian constitutional law, in which the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the exclusion of sexual orientation from the Alberta Individual’s Rights Protection Act was unconstitutional. This decision stemmed from the case of Delwin Vriend, a teacher who was fired for being gay, which highlighted the Act’s lack of protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The Court held that this exclusion violated the equality rights guaranteed under Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a result, sexual orientation was read into the Act as a prohibited ground of discrimination, marking a significant step in the advancement of LGBTQ rights in Canada.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in Canada, paving the way for future generations.