OTTAWA – February 8, 2019
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, launched Standing Up, Standing Out: Selections from the National Portrait Collection of The Arquives today. The exhibition is part of the LGBTQ2+ pride celebrations taking place on the second weekend of Winterlude 2019.
Developed by Canadian Heritage in partnership with the Arquives (formerly the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives), the national exhibition highlights the work of six LGBTQ2+ rights trailblazers who often suffered serious consequences for their efforts to overcome oppression and barriers to equality.
The exhibition is one of a number of Winterlude activities celebrating the LGBTQ2+ community. The exhibition also marks the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada.
The portraits will be displayed on Sparks Street until the end of February. This summer, they will be part of a larger exhibition on the outdoor patio at the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel.
From February 1 to 18, 2019, Canada's Capital Region will host a multitude of activities highlighting our country's cultural, artistic, and culinary diversity. Indigenous culture will be in the spotlight during the first weekend of festivities, while LGBTQ2+ culture, history, and pride will be the focus of the program for the second.
"It's an honour for me to attend the launch of this exhibition featuring portraits of six Canadians who fought courageously for the rights of the LGBTQ2+ community. Without their work and dedication, there would be no such thing as Canadian diversity. Diversity is one of our country's greatest strengths and a source of pride for all Canadians. It makes our society stronger."
– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"Capital Pride is delighted that this exhibition, which celebrates the LGBTQ2+ community, will be presented as part of Winterlude. It is important to reflect on and honour LGBTQ2+ history in Canada, and especially the pioneers who shaped it. We invite one and all to come learn about the often difficult road our community has taken to achieving equality and recognition of its rights."
– Davy Sabourin, President, Capital Pride
"The Arquives is pleased to be able to bring a small part of our National Portrait Collection to Ottawa and have the opportunity to acknowledge and recognize Canada's LGBTQ2+ history."
– Raegan Swanson, Executive Director, Arquives
Quick facts
Standing Up, Standing Out: Selections from the National Portrait Collection of The Arquives is on display throughout February 2019 at O'Connor Street and Bank Street.
The exhibition is part of the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada and highlights the work of some of Canada's trailblazers in LGBTQ2+ rights.
It was developed by Canadian Heritage in partnership with the Arquives (formerly the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives).
It offers a taste of a larger exhibition that will be presented on the outdoor patio at the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel in the summer of 2019.
