LGBTQ

Stacey Chomiak’s queer, illustrated, young-adult memoir ‘Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming-of-Age Story’ is being released on Oct. 19, 2021. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

B.C. author says being gay and Christian is OK

Stacey Chomiak’s memoir aimed at LGBTQ youth makes peace with faith community and queer community

 

Kelowna drag queen Jenna Telz performs during a show at the Friends of Dorothy Lounge on Oct. 1. (Aaron Hemens/Capital News)

Creating Queens: Kelowna’s Indigenous drag queens use their platforms to inspire

Two local drag queens have helped pave the way for nearly 30 drag performers

 

President Joe Biding tours Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 Training Facility in Lanham, Md., Wednesday, Aug 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Biden nominates first LGBT federal appeals court nominee

Beth Robinson helped argue the first legal recognition in the country of same-sex relationships

 

Kari Simpson was slated to speak at a youth conference that was to take place at the Anvil Centre until New Westminster cancelled the booking. (Langley Advance Times files)

New West wrong to cancel church event over controversial Langley activist: courts

The city didn’t balance free speech rights, a judge ruled

Kari Simpson was slated to speak at a youth conference that was to take place at the Anvil Centre until New Westminster cancelled the booking. (Langley Advance Times files)
The pride flag flies following a raising ceremony on Parliament Hill Wednesday June 1, 2016 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Businesses in Canadian, American gay villages struggle amid pandemic: study

Most businesses in the villages fell under the retail, restaurant and entertainment categories

The pride flag flies following a raising ceremony on Parliament Hill Wednesday June 1, 2016 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Liberal candidate for Cloverdale-Langley City John Aldag (grey T-shirt) hosted a car wash fundraiser in support of Langley Pride, One TWU, and Youth for a Change on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Langley City. (John Aldag/Special to Langley Advance Times)

Langley City Liberal candidate held car wash fundraiser in support of 2SLGBTQIA+

John Aldag said event was in response to MP Tamara Jansen’s ‘lengthy battle against Bill C-6’

Liberal candidate for Cloverdale-Langley City John Aldag (grey T-shirt) hosted a car wash fundraiser in support of Langley Pride, One TWU, and Youth for a Change on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Langley City. (John Aldag/Special to Langley Advance Times)
Conservative MP Eric Duncan rises in the House of Commons, in Ottawa, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. The Conservative Member of Parliament has talked openly in the House of Commons about being a gay man while pushing the Liberal government to fulfill a two-time campaign pledge to end the ban on blood donations from men who have sex with other men. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Tory MP fighting gay ‘blood ban’ says Parliament could have worked ‘better’ on C-6

Blood ban has been in existence in some form since 1992

Conservative MP Eric Duncan rises in the House of Commons, in Ottawa, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. The Conservative Member of Parliament has talked openly in the House of Commons about being a gay man while pushing the Liberal government to fulfill a two-time campaign pledge to end the ban on blood donations from men who have sex with other men. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
About 30 took part in the second annual Langley pride event on Sunday, June 27, up from the 12 who took part in the first year. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

VIDEO: Despite the heat and COVID restrictions, turnout was up for second annual Pride Walk in Langley

Organizers are planning for a larger event next year

About 30 took part in the second annual Langley pride event on Sunday, June 27, up from the 12 who took part in the first year. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)
Kaide Tighe (L), Queer Community Collective executive director and Ess Ravensbergen (R), creative director, have organized the second annual Pride Walk in Langley for drivers and pedestrians for the Sunday, June 27 (Special to Langley Advance Times)

This year’s Langley Pride Walk will include walking and driving

There will be a 50-person maximum to respect COVID-19 restrictions

Kaide Tighe (L), Queer Community Collective executive director and Ess Ravensbergen (R), creative director, have organized the second annual Pride Walk in Langley for drivers and pedestrians for the Sunday, June 27 (Special to Langley Advance Times)
Darrien McWatters of Summerland came out publicly as transgender in January, 2018. (Contributed)

Summerland firefighter’s transgender identity began 3 years ago

‘My personality hasn’t changed. I just say I’m in a prettier package now.’

Darrien McWatters of Summerland came out publicly as transgender in January, 2018. (Contributed)
Vancouver Canucks players wore rainbow-coloured jerseys and matching Pride tape on their sticks for a game at Rogers Arena in 2018. (Vancouver Canucks photo/Twitter)

Task force shares ideas to help Canadian sports associations be more LGBTQ-inclusive

Canada’s Sport Inclusion Task Force launches website during Pride Month

Vancouver Canucks players wore rainbow-coloured jerseys and matching Pride tape on their sticks for a game at Rogers Arena in 2018. (Vancouver Canucks photo/Twitter)
Stickers mocking or denying the reality of transgender people have started appearing this spring around Walnut Grove, a local youth said. (Special to the Langley Advance Times)

Trans teen feels ‘helpless’ as anti-trans stickers appear in neighbourhood

Josiah said the stickers began appearing in Walnut Grove this spring

Stickers mocking or denying the reality of transgender people have started appearing this spring around Walnut Grove, a local youth said. (Special to the Langley Advance Times)
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)

LETTER: Langley man advocates for debate not hate over differences of opinion

People fear being attacked personally for expressing differing opinions, writer says

  • May 10, 2021
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)

LETTER: Constituent sides with Langley MP in conversion therapy controversy

MP’s words were taken out of context, says local letter writer

  • May 7, 2021
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)

LETTER: Why can one MP quote bible and Langley City MP not?

Letter writer delves into difference between separation of church and state versus religion and life

  • May 6, 2021
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)

LETTER: Constituent does not consider MP’s ‘unclean’ use a slur

Local letter writer said the biblical quote was not an insult to gay MP

  • May 5, 2021
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)
Cloverdale–Langley City MP Tamara Jansen. (Black Press Media)

Petition calls for Cloverdale-Langley City MP to step down over conversion therapy comments

The petition follows an online controversy that began last week

Cloverdale–Langley City MP Tamara Jansen. (Black Press Media)
Cloverdale-Langley City MP Tamara Jansen is being criticized for her recent comments on homosexuality. (file)

LETTER: Constituent speaks out about Cloverdale-Langley City MP’s record on inclusivity

Local resident is calling for clearer separation of church and state

  • Apr 27, 2021
Cloverdale-Langley City MP Tamara Jansen is being criticized for her recent comments on homosexuality. (file)
Cloverdale-Langley City MP Tamara Jansen, seen here during question period Dec. 9, 2019, said she personally opposes conversion therapy, but a proposed law to make a criminal offence in Canada need to be clarified (Christian Diotte, House of Commons Photo Services)

LETTER: Constituent disappointed in Cloverdale-Langley City MP’s comments on homosexuality

Letter writer said MP’s words can have an effect on people’s self-worth and identity

  • Apr 26, 2021
Cloverdale-Langley City MP Tamara Jansen, seen here during question period Dec. 9, 2019, said she personally opposes conversion therapy, but a proposed law to make a criminal offence in Canada need to be clarified (Christian Diotte, House of Commons Photo Services)
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)

LETTER: Letter writer calls for Cloverdale-Langley City MP resignation over ‘unclean’ comment

City man said MP’s actions since taking office show she is not willing to represent all constituents

  • Apr 26, 2021
Have an opinion you’d like to share? Submit letters to the editor through our website, via email or the postal service. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)