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History

  • 1969

    Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Canada; Stonewall Riots in New York City 

  • August 28, 1971

    We Demand Rally first Canadian gay rights protest (Ottawa)                                      

  • August 19-26, 1973

    Pride Week observed in various Canadian cities                          

  • May 16, 1981

    First Canadian lesbian march (Vancouver)

  • 1990

    Adoption of the umbrella term Two-Spirit (Winnipeg)

  • 1995

    Brothers & Sisters first organized LGBTQ group in CK; Rainbow Rescue founded to help at-risk youth

  • 1997

    Same Sex adoption legalized

  • 1998

    March on local MPP office for Same Sex rights

  • 2000

    Rainbow Pride Flag first raised at Municipality of Chatham Kent Civic Centre

  • March 2001

    CK Gay Pride Association incorporated

  • June 10, 2003

    Same Sex marriage legalized in Ontario

  • July 20, 2005

    Same Sex marriage legalized in Canada; First Same Sex Wedding in CK officiated by Rev Heather Scott, Victoria Ave United Church

  • 2009

    First Canadian Trans March (Toronto)

  • 2017

    Chatham Rainbow Crosswalk initiative championed by GSA Youth

  • 2018

    First Pride Parade that formally closed King Street in Chatham; Trans Awareness Flag raised at Municipality of Chatham Kent Civic Centre for the first time; Bill Brokenshire outlines his desire for a queer-friendly space in CK.

  • 2019

    Bill Brokenshire Trust established

  • 2021

    Bill's Place Community Space building purchased

  • 2022

    Dresden Rainbow Crosswalk installed in collaboration with Dresden Community Cares Group

  • December 2022

    Bill's Place soft opening

  • May 6, 2023

    Bill's Place grand opening