2SLGBTQIA+ Travel

Lanark County 2SLGBTQIA+ History 

2SLGBTQIA+ (TwoSpirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) people have always existed, in Perth, Lanark County, and across the globe. The organization Queer Connection Lanark has well-documented the history of their organization and recent 2SLGBTQIA+ history. Here are a few highlights:

• Informal meetings began in 2003 for what would become LGBT Lanark County 
• Advocacy meetings with local politicians and police began
• In 2010, social events such as dances began to be organized
• In June of 2011, Mayor John Fenik declared the first Pride Day in Perth (which has been declared annually since!)
• In 2013, the first LGBT Civitan in the world was created in Lanark County
• Queer Connection Lanark formed in 2014, building on the work of LGBT Lanark County and LGBT Lanark County Civitan
• Lanark County's first Pride Parade was held here in Perth in 2014
• Queer Connection Lanark continues its advocacy work to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ2S+ community

This summary includes just a few highlights. You are encouraged to read more about 2SLGBTQIA+ history in Lanark County on the Queer Connection Lanark website.  

Pride Month 2024

Annually, Pride Month is in June. Queer Connection Lanark typically organizes events, parades and workshops virtually and in-person throughout Perth and Lanark County. To learn more about the events Queer Connection Lanark organizes, visit their website. 

Get ready for Perth's 2024 PRIDE Parade happening Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.!

The Parade forms up at 3 p.m. in the parking lot at The Stewart School (Sunset Blvd) and starts at 3:30 p.m. sharp. Route: Leaving Sunset, turning right onto Wilson, travelling south, turning left onto Foster, traveling east, turning right onto Gore, travelling south, turning left onto Brock and ending at Last Duel Park. A public gathering will take place here until 8pm. This year’s theme is “Free to Be… You & Me”. For information or to register a float contact Queer Connection Lanark – Elizabeth Snyder 613-259-5757 or email elizabethsnyder1807@gmail.com

2SLGBTQIA+ Owned Businesses in Perth 

Lida

Penny's Place Diner

Perth Pie Company

Rocky River Café 

Spark Books and Curios 

Read more about Penny's Place Diner, Rocky River Café and their owners over on Perth Proud Blog. Is there a Perth business missing from this list? Send the information to tourism@perth.ca. 

2SLGBTQIA+ Allies

Washrooms

Wondering which public washrooms are gendered and which are not? Visit the Public Washrooms page for the full details, including information about accessible washrooms, change tables, and more. 

Links and Resources

Queer Connection Lanark: The purpose of Queer Connection Lanark is to increase the visibility of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  

Lanark County Mental Health: Lanark County Mental Health is a community based mental health service responding to Lanark County adults and transitional aged youth (17 yrs and over) who experience mental health concerns. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County: Providing life changing mentoring experiences since 1912, Big Brothers Big Sisters was named One of Financial Post’s Top 25 Charities in 2016.

YAK Youth Services: YAK is committed to promoting and facilitating youth attachment to society and community, increasing developmental opportunities for youth and promoting their well being, ameliorating risk-factors and providing protective conditions for youth “at risk” and promoting public awareness of youth issues.

Algonquin College Wellness and Equity Centre: The Wellness and Equity Centre is a safer space, welcoming all students of Algonquin College, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, disability status, or any other factors. While the physical space is at the Ottawa campus, there are many digital resources here for students at the Perth campus as well.