Ebb and Flow

There were many changes and developments during this decade of the 90s. Some of these seemed problematic as a number of community efforts faded or failed. However new efforts sprang up and moved developments forth in broader ways. Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians at Lakehead University (BGLLU) was formed and by 1995 had developed into Pride Central. A youth group, Northern Pride was established, and a social activity group, Out & About, was prominent for several years.

1991
Bisexuals Gays and Lesbians at Lakehead University (BGLLU) was formed through the work of Jen Metcalfe and others. This group began to play an important role at the university.
Thunder Gay Magazine ended its run on community television, following an attack on the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay in a program called "Out of Touch".

1992
The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, as part of AIDS Awareness Week, hosted a display of the Canadian AIDS Quilt, commemorating the many individuals who had by then died as a rsult of HIV/AIDS.
In September, an OHRC tribunal ruling required the provincial government to pay benefits, including survivor pensions, to same sex partners. In October, the Canadian Armed Forces ended its ban on homosexuals.

1993
A bisexual men's support group began at ACT-B called In Touch. The prgram ran for less than a year.
In May, the Chronicle journal ran an item called Secret Lives. In June, a Nipigon Gazette opinion piece by publisher Sandy Harbinson, was widely condemned for its homophobia, and by late July, an apology was issued by Harbinson.
By summer, the organization that had evolved from Gays of Thunder Bay, to Gays and Lesbians of Thunder Bay, to Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals of Thunder Bay had closed its doors.
The Pink Triangle Association was formed in fall as a replacement, but it was short-lived.

1994
A new club, the VIP Club opened at the corner of Donald and Syndicate, but it lasted only about six months.
In June, Bill 167 (same-sex benefits legislation) was defeated in the Ontario legislature. This resulted in the first public protest demonstration in Thunder Bay by the gay,lesbian and bisexual community. Up to 50 people gathered at Lyn McLeod's office, protesting the defeat of the bill and her opposition to it.

1995
Pride Central was developed at Lakehead University, offering a space for lesbian, gay and bisexual students. This was result of efforts by BGLLU and Jen Metcalfe.
A support and education group was started for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth at ACT-B. The group later became known as Northern Pride.
Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship became a "Welcoming Congregation" to LGB members of the community.

1996
Westminster United Church began to provide same-sex covenanting services.
Bill C-33 passed in the House of Commons on free vote, amending the Canadian Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation.
Other Young lives II: lesbian, gay & bisexual youth conference held in Toronto, Oct. 17-20 with representatives from Thunder Bay.

1997
A new group, Out and About: Community activities under the rainbow, was formed to provide social and outdoor activities for the LGB community. In June a hike at Middle Falls was held.

1998
June 13 - Out & About Annual General Meeting featured Darrell Lewis, City Planner from Duluth who spoke on "Difficulties in the workplace". About 20 members and six American guest were in attendance.
The Backstreet Dance Klub opened on South Cumberland Street as an alternative lifestyles bar. The grand opening was held Friday, September 25.

1999
During the summer, a group of University of Toronto students came to Thunder Bay as part of the Priscilla: Queen of the North tour.
The Supreme Court (in M. v. H.) ruled that opposite-sex definitions of spouse are not permissible under Section 15 of the Constitution, and said relevant legislation must be rewritten to ensure constitutionality.
In June, Quebec changed the definition of "spouse" in 39 laws and regulations and became the first province in Canada to treat same sex spouses equally with common-law spouses.
In October, Bill 5 (omnibus legislation in response to the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in M v H) was passed in Ontario.