Canada Post Stamps National 2SLGBTQIA+ History in Final Pride Series

TORONTO, ON – June 01, 2026 – Canada Post is set to immortalize four more cornerstones of Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ history with the release of its second and final set of 'Places of Pride' commemorative stamps. The new issue honours a bookstore that fought for freedom of expression, a pioneering cultural festival, a vital community hub, and a legendary East Coast safe space, cementing their legacies within the national narrative.

The unveiling, scheduled for June 4th, will take place at The 519 in Toronto, one of the very institutions being honoured. The event marks a significant moment, not only for the communities these places represent but also for Canada's ongoing journey toward recognizing its diverse histories. This final collection follows the inaugural 2025 series, which celebrated other key locations in the country's queer past.

Sanctuaries and Battlegrounds Honoured

The four stamps spotlight locations and events that provided refuge, fostered community, and served as battlegrounds in the fight for equality. Each design represents a turning point, a place where history was made through acts of defiance, celebration, and mutual support.

Vancouver's Little Sister's Book & Art Emporium is one of the honorees. Founded in 1983, the bookstore became a national symbol of resistance against censorship. For decades, it fought a landmark legal battle against Canada Customs, which repeatedly seized imported gay and lesbian literature, deeming it obscene. The fight culminated in a 2000 Supreme Court of Canada decision that found the customs officials' implementation of the law was discriminatory. A representative for the iconic shop recently reflected on its role, stating, "We're always very proud of that, and we realize the importance of our role in the LGBTQ2SIAP+ community as custodians of that history." The stamp recognizes Little Sister's not just as a store, but as a defender of Charter rights.

Also recognized is The 519, a pivotal community centre in the heart of Toronto's historic queer village. Fittingly, the stamp unveiling will be held at The 519 as it celebrates 50 years of service. Established in 1975, it was the first City of Toronto community centre run by and for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It served as a critical safe haven during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and continues to provide essential services today. "The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated deep needs within our underserved 2SLGBTQ+ communities," noted a philanthropy director for the organization, highlighting its ongoing work supporting newcomers, refugees, and addressing food insecurity.

From the East Coast, The Turret in Halifax is remembered. Operating from 1976 to 1982, this club was far more than a bar; it was the social, political, and cultural epicentre for the city's gay and lesbian communities. Leased and run by the Gay Alliance for Equality (GAE), proceeds from the club funded activism and community services. It was a space where people could simply exist without fear. "You knew that the moment you stepped into the doors you were stepping into your world. You could just be," recalled a regular patron. A former GAE executive emphasized its lasting impact, noting that while the club itself didn't survive, "the effects are still being felt."

Rounding out the series is Metamorphosis, a festival in Saskatoon acknowledged as the first major celebration of queer culture in Western Canada. Its inclusion ensures that the story of 2SLGBTQIA+ liberation is recognized as a truly national one, with roots extending into the Prairies and beyond.

A National Statement of Inclusion

The 'Places of Pride' series is more than a philatelic project; it's a deliberate act of historical preservation by a federal Crown corporation. This initiative aligns with Canada Post's broader corporate strategy, which emphasizes social and environmental leadership and includes a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) action plan. By placing these histories on millions of letters, the postal service actively participates in shaping a more inclusive Canadian identity.

This final set builds on the foundation laid by the first series in 2025, which honoured Calgary's Club Carousel, Montréal's Truxx Bar, Toronto's Hanlan's Point Beach, and the gathering near Beausejour, Manitoba, where the term "Two-Spirit" was formally adopted. Together, the eight stamps create a cross-country map of resilience and progress.

The private unveiling event will be attended by dignitaries including The Honourable Evan Solomon, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, and Kristyn Wong-Tam, Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre. The presence of government officials alongside community leaders like Tom Spence, Chair of The 519's Board, and performer Jezebel Bardot underscores the collaborative nature of this recognition.

As these stamps enter circulation, they carry with them the stories of struggle, joy, and unwavering community spirit. They serve as a powerful reminder that the fight for rights was waged not only in legislatures and courtrooms but in bookstores, community centres, and on dance floors across the country.