Yukon Territory

Queer Yukon History – Gay Star News

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Queer Yukon - pixabay

With the Sacred Heart church on the right and only a Tim Hortons as the biggest chain insight – I wasn’t sure if this was a trip to parade my Gay Star News tote bag about. But don’t let The Yukon’s icy exterior fool you.

Surrounded by stunning snow-topped mountain ranges that dominate this North West Canadian territory, at first glance, Whitehorse has a ‘small-town’ impression. But scratch beyond the surface is a warm glow. The Yukon’s community are welcoming to all people here. And it caught me off guard.

It’s a town that when the Catholic church, who historically have had an influence here, tried to lay down dated homophobic rules on its schools here recently; the community fought back against hate. Whitehorse is ahead of cities like London, known for their metropolitan views and forward-thinking views on LGBTI rights, by recently installing both a permanent rainbow and trans pride walkway. And with under 35,000 people living in its 482,443 km2, an area only a little smaller than the whole of Spain, for over 1000 people to attend their most recent pride festival? This is a town that celebrates its LGBTI community.

By Jamie Wareham – Full Story at Gay Star News

Yukon Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Yukon – Curve

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lesbian Yukon

There really is nowhere like Yukon, also commonly called The Yukon. This wild and precious piece of Canada tucked up in the far northwestern corner is an adventurer’s delight to explore. In these especially troubled times, here is a place where you can get back to nature and see stunning scenery that revives your faith in the world—natural and cultural. The territory offers wide open spaces that are filled with unspoiled vistas, gorgeous wildlife, First Nations (indigenous) culture, loads of fun outdoor activities for all seasons and fitness levels, unique northern food, and friendly and LGBT-accepting locals.

It’s a particularly good time to visit because of the renewed and inspiring dedication to the Trans Canada Trail—also known as The Great Trail, which is thought to be the world’s longest network of recreational trails. Construction on the Great Trail began in 1992 and the Trail, with its many tributaries, stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic oceans. That’s a lot of potential exploring to do! But most remarkable about the Trail is the fact that it is maintained, developed and monitored in sections at a municipal level by local individuals, organizations, and conservation groups. Plus, there’s even a Great Trail app you can download and explore.

As remote as it may seem, it’s not that difficult to get to Yukon. All you need to do is fly into the town of Whitehorse from a major Canadian city, and you’re in the hub for accommodation and all your outbound activities. Whitehorse in itself is a charming and picturesque town, and during our visit in August, we noticed a rainbow flag painted on the main street and much cultural diversity in evidence, including LGBT flags in coffee shops. Even though you’re in Canada’s “outback,” LGBTQ rights and visibility are not overlooked because you are, after all, in ever-tolerant Canada.

By Merryn Johns – Full Story at Curve Magazine

Yukon Gay Travel Resources