AUGUST 28, 1971

WE DEMAND

Fifty years ago, August 28, 1971, a coalition of gay/lesbian groups rallied on Parliament Hill to present a series of demands to the government. A parallel demonstration was held in Vancouver at the same time. A historic moment, this was the first major statement by the Queer/Gay community as a community. It was both a reminder to the country of our community's existence, and a message to that community about the arrival of the gay movement on the scene.

The rally took place in a steady drizzle. A chartered bus brought people from Toronto to Ottawa and another bus or two delivered people from other cities. On the Hill we huddled around the portico of the East Block, hesitant, waiting for the appointed hour, wondering if any onlookers or media would show up. It sure looked lonely, nobody to be seen but us. Finally we raised our banners and placards, and started up the hill to the Parliament Buildings. Once we showed signs of life the reporters and photographers began appearing out of nowhere. They had been waiting for us and we became news across the country.

Meant to change much more than laws, half a century later the work goes on.

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(On the personal front see A Quick & Queer Charlie & Peter Timeline.)

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P. Zorzi: pbz@superaje.com