For those of you who don’t know, there is a reason why we celebrate Capital Pride in August, instead of in June, like in many other cities in Canada.
It is because on August 28, 1971, a group of 200 very brave people gathered on Parliament Hill in the pouring rain.
It was the first public gay liberation march in Canada. Charlie Hill and his friends from Toronto Gay Action read out a list of demands that included: equal employment in all levels of government, an end to the criminalization of same-sex relationships, parental rights for lesbian women after divorce, and an end to the surveillance by the RCMP and military – something that didn’t formally end until the early 1990s.
I came out in 1998. And I believed, perhaps naively, in the idea that the march toward equity and human rights was a straight line. That as we moved forward, more and more of us would get free and that the big political questions of my childhood would be settled for once and for all.
At first, this is the way it went. We won the right to share employment benefits, to adopt children and eventually to get married. My wife and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary last month.
What I didn’t anticipate was the tremendous backlash we would be facing in 2025. The rollback of reproductive rights. The demonization of diversity and anti-racism initiatives. The legislation banning health care for trans kids, as well as their ability to play on a sports team or use a bathroom.
Just a couple of months ago, I met a family that moved to Ottawa from the US with their two trans children, because they no longer felt safe staying in their homes. And one of my daughter’s best friends also moved to Ottawa from the US with her two moms, for the very same reason.
This is in addition to the many refugees and asylum-seekers who choose our city to call home, because they know they will not be discriminated against or persecuted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
People are choosing Canada, and Ottawa in particular, because we have a strong community that will not let our rights get rolled back. Because we support trans kids. Because we don’t care what bathroom you use, as long as you flush the toilet.
But our reputation as a place that is safe for the 2SLGBTQ+ community is something we need to defend and uphold. There is not a single right that I enjoy as a queer person that someone didn’t fight for.
We have seen backlash like this before. And we fought. And we won. And we will keep winning – even when we’re tired. Even when we would rather be eating brunch than defending drag brunch.
We will not be legislated out of public life or back into the closet. That’s why we celebrate pride. Every year, no matter what. Even when we disagree. Even when there are so many other important struggles happening both here and around the world.
I will end with some words from gay writer Dan Savage:
“During the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, we buried our friends in the morning, we protested in the afternoon, and we danced all night. The dance kept us in the fight because it was the dance we were fighting for. It didn’t look like we were going to win then and we did. It doesn’t feel like we’re going to win now but we could. Keep fighting, keep dancing.”
Happy Pride, my friends. Keep fighting, keep dancing.
(You can check out the Capital Pride website for a list of events happening this week, and my website for a list of road closures due to Sunday’s parade.)
Ariel
Ariel with members of the St. Luke's Basketball Community Association, at the official re-opening of the new basketball court last weekend.
Fact-checking the Ford government
This week, CTV News released a story, indicating that the provincial health minister used false statistics when announcing her government’s decision to close the supervised consumption site at the Somerset West Community Health Centre. I was able to confront Minister Sylvia Jones directly at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference this week – you can watch the video here.
Public health policy should not be determined by fake statistics or by ideology. MPP Catherine McKenney and I are asking Premier Ford to take responsibility for the disaster we are facing in Chinatown due to the provincial decision to end supervised consumption.
New food options in Centretown
More affordable food options are coming to Centretown. A new Food Basics is opening at 338 Queen Street on August 28. And Chef Ric’s just confirmed that they will be opening a second location at the YMCA on Argyle. Chef Ric’s is a social enterprise run by The Ottawa Mission that provides food services training to newcomers and people exiting homelessness. Their meals are delicious and super affordable, so I can’t wait to stop by.
Renoviction bylaw: consultation starts soon
As you know, my office has been at the forefront of the fight for a renoviction bylaw in Ottawa, along with ACORN and the Council on Aging. After winning two votes at council, the city is finally beginning the public consultation process for the proposed new bylaw. You can read the city’s backgrounder on the issue, and I will let you know when the survey goes up on Engage Ottawa. I am so happy to see things are finally moving on this crucial issue.
Uncommon Spaces and Metcalfe Plaza
It has been so inspiring to see all the enthusiasm for the new outdoor social spaces that the city and our BIAs invested in this summer. At the Uncommon Spaces on Florence, Frank and MacLaren, there have been dance classes, art tours, stand-up comedy, board game and chess nights, screen printing workshops, public art walking tours, and more! Special thanks to the Centretown BIA for collaborating with the city to provide all this fun programming.
Another new social space opened last week called Metcalfe Plaza, at the corner of Metcalfe and Gloucester. Designed by Aire Commune from Montreal, the space features a patio, a bar, seating, and outdoor DJ nights and fitness classes. Metcalfe Plaza is being sponsored by the Downtown BIA and the city, bringing more people to Centretown to enjoy public spaces and support local businesses.
Have your say on the Skateboard and Roller Sports Strategy
As skateboarding and roller sports continue to grow in popularity, we’re planning for the next generation of skateboard parks—spaces that are safe, inclusive, and fun for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or experience level. Ottawa’s first skateboard park opened in 1987, and today the City operates 25 skateboard parks across the city.
You can learn more about the current strategy and participate in the consultation online here.
Centretown Sweep
The Centretown BIA is teaming up with Operation Come Home for a monthly street cleaning initiative in Centretown.
The next community clean up will be happening on August 25 from 12pm - 3pm at Bank & Gloucester (beside Tim Hortons).
For more info or to get involved, feel free to reach out to [email protected]!
Walk of Ages
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 10 AM – 2 PM | Sports Field Rideau Community Hub | 815 St. Laurent Blvd. | Old Rideau High School
Join the Council on Aging of Ottawa for a free, family-friendly event celebrating aging, movement, music, and community across generations. Enjoy accessible walking/rolling routes, a classic car show, live music, fun activities for all ages, community booths, and a cash BBQ with Halal and vegetarian options. Learn more: https://bit.ly/WOA-MDG-2025.
People in Centretown are very generous. I know that so many of you donate your time or your money to worthy organizations in our community.
What we spend tells us who we are. That is always the mantra I take into every budget season, as I comb through spreadsheets to try and uncover how council’s decisions will impact the everyday lives of residents in Somerset Ward.