Schuyler “Sky” H Smith
he/him, they/them
Chair
About Us
An Unapologetic Presence
Fighting for Equity and Justice Since 1995
NSRAP seeks equity, justice, and human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Nova Scotia — creating change in our communities so that all 2SLGBTQIA+ people are included, valued, and celebrated. We stand as a provincial voice for those navigating systemic barriers every day.
Legacy of Local Resistance
Three Decades of Standing Ground
Our roots stretch back to the 1970s and 80s, growing from the foundational work of the Gay Alliance for Equality (GAE) and GALA. In 1988, Nova Scotians held the first Pride March under the shadow of the HIV/AIDS crisis — a pivotal moment that underscored the urgent need for a dedicated provincial voice.
NSRAP was born in 1995, when Nova Scotians returning from a national conference in Ottawa realized no one was addressing queer issues back home. The group began meeting every three months in January 1996 and incorporated as a non-profit society in 2000. Over the decades that followed, NSRAP hosted galas, published community research, championed elder and youth issues, and honoured local leaders through its Community Awards.
After a pause in 2024, community members came together in January 2026 to relaunch NSRAP with a new board, so that the legacy of our elders is carried into a future of true liberation.
1995
NSRAP founded as Nova Scotia's dedicated provincial voice for the Rainbow Community.
2000
Incorporated as a non-profit society on February 17, 2000.
2026
Relaunched by community members with a newly elected board of directors.
Driving Change in the Maritimes
Advocacy and Action Across Nova Scotia
We focus on five strategic pillars to improve 2SLGBTQIA+ lives.
Human Rights
Championing human rights cases to end discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians.
Trans Healthcare
Fighting for expanded provincial funding for gender-affirming healthcare and surgeries.
Education
Providing vital education to institutions on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and rights.
Political Action
Leading political action against regressive policies in schools and beyond.
Community Development
Fostering resilient networks so no member of our community is left behind.
Our Collective Impact
Historical Wins for Our Community
1991
Human Rights Protection
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act is amended to explicitly include sexual orientation.
1995
NSRAP Founded
A coherent provincial voice is established to advocate specifically for the Rainbow Community.
2005
Marriage Equality
NSRAP's legal and political advocacy is instrumental in bringing marriage equality to Nova Scotians.
2009
Halifax Pride Hallmark
Halifax Regional Council officially recognizes Pride as a Hallmark Event, securing its city status.
Our Story
Three Decades of Community Building
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1995
A Provincial Voice
After Halifax's GaeGala folded, Nova Scotians attending a national conference in Ottawa noticed no one was addressing queer issues back home. NSRAP was born.
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1996
Organizing Begins
Starting in January, NSRAP members meet every three months to coordinate advocacy across the province.
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2000
Incorporation
NSRAP is incorporated as a non-profit society on February 17, 2000.
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2005
Gala Years
The "Big Gay Wedding Anniversary" gala welcomes Bette MacDonald and Rev. Dr. Troy D. Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church. It begins a run of annual galas and awards nights.
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2008
Community Awards
NSRAP creates the Rev. Darlene Young Community Award, the first of its Community Awards honouring 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders across Nova Scotia.
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2010
A Home for Community
NSRAP publishes "Towards a Home for the LGBT Community in Nova Scotia," a 42-page study for a Rainbow Community Centre.
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2011
Elders & Community Development
NSRAP hosts an LGBT Community Development Conference and publishes the NSRAP Elders Project report in partnership with Northwood.
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2015
Recording Our History
Rebecca Rose writes the History of NSRAP, and the Leighann Wichman Lifetime Achievement Award is established.
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2021
Centring QTBIPOC Leadership
NSRAP introduces the QTBIPOC Champion Award to recognize Queer and Trans BIPOC changemakers.
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2024
A Pause
With too few board members and volunteers to carry the work, NSRAP pauses its operations.
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2026
Relaunch
On January 14, a Special General Meeting at the Glitter Bean Café elects a new board, and NSRAP returns to the work.
Historical details courtesy of the Halifax Rainbow Encyclopedia (opens in new tab).
Celebrating Our Own
NSRAP Community Awards
Since 2008, NSRAP has honoured the people and organizations strengthening 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Nova Scotia.
Rev. Darlene Young Community Award
Est. 2008Recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Nova Scotia. Named for the late Rev. Darlene Young, former NSRAP board member and pastor of Safe Harbour Metropolitan Community Church.
Raymond Taavel Media Award
Renamed 2012Honours traditional or social media work that educates the public on issues affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Named for Raymond Taavel, a gay community activist, Wayves editor and contributor.
Turret Stewardship Award
Recognizes an organization that has significantly strengthened Nova Scotia's 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Named for the late-'70s community-run social space in Halifax's Khyber Building.
Rising Star Award
Est. 2013Celebrates individuals, especially youth, who have taken on leadership roles and show the promise of lifelong advocacy.
Leighann Wichman Lifetime Achievement Award
Est. 2015Honours long-term 2SLGBTQIA+ activism and leadership. Named for the late Leighann Wichman, longtime executive director of the Youth Project.
QTBIPOC Champion Award
Est. 2021Recognizes individuals within Queer and Trans BIPOC communities who are catalysts for change through advocacy, mentorship and creating safer spaces.
Community-Led Governance
Meet the NSRAP Board of Directors
Alanna MacNevin
she/her, they/them
Vice Chair
Robin Metcalfe
he/him, they/them
Secretary
Daniel MacKay
he/him, they/them
Interim Treasurer
Scott Gillard
he/him
Member at Large
Truelee Love
she/her/they/them
Member at Large
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Equity & History in Design
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Learn about web accessibility →The headline font used across this website is the Gilbert font, created by TypeWithPride, to honour the legacy of rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker.
Read about the Gilbert font →
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