Four sites and events that helped shape Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement are being commemorated on a new set of stamps issued by Canada Post.
Released June 5, the second and final installment in the postal service’s Places of Pride series highlights locations and gatherings that served as catalysts for social change, community building and advocacy. Together, the stamps recognize the struggles and achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians while preserving the stories of places that became symbols of visibility, resistance and belonging.
The four stamps feature Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium in Vancouver; Metamorphosis, a pioneering queer cultural festival held in Saskatoon; The 519 community centre in Toronto; and The Turret, a Halifax gathering place that became a focal point for social and political activity during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
According to Canada Post, the sites and events represented on the stamps “became powerful agents for change in Canadian culture” and continue to offer important lessons about the ongoing pursuit of equality and freedom.
Representatives of Canada Post and members of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community unveil the second and final installment of the Places of Pride stamp series during a ceremony at The 519 on June 5. The four-stamp issue honours Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium in Vancouver, Metamorphosis in Saskatoon, The 519 in Toronto and The Turret in Halifax — sites and events that played significant roles in Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement. (Photo by Andrew Williamson Photography)
Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium is perhaps best known for its lengthy legal battle against Canada Customs over the seizure of books and publications destined for the store. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court of Canada and helped strengthen protections for freedom of expression and equality rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Metamorphosis, held in Saskatoon in 1970, is widely regarded as the first celebration of queer culture in Western Canada. The event provided an early forum for community members to gather openly, share experiences and challenge prevailing social attitudes.
Toronto’s The 519 remains one of Canada’s most recognized 2SLGBTQIA+ community centres. Located in the city’s historic Church-Wellesley Village, it became the first City of Toronto community centre operated by and for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and continues to serve as a major hub for programming, advocacy and support services.
The Turret, located in Halifax, was an important meeting place for the city’s queer community between 1976 and 1982. During a period when dedicated spaces were limited, it offered opportunities for social connection, cultural expression and political organizing.
The issue concludes a two-year Places of Pride program that began in 2025. The first set honoured Club Carousel in Calgary, Truxx in Montréal, Hanlan’s Point Beach in Toronto and the Third North American Native Gay & Lesbian Gathering held in Beausejour, Man.
Designed by Kelly Small of Intents & Purposes Inc. and illustrated by Tim Singleton, the stamps use contemporary artwork to depict key moments associated with each location and event. Canada Post said the illustrations were intended to capture important turning points in the history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement in Canada.
Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue is available in booklets of eight Permanent domestic-rate stamps. Four Official First Day Covers were also produced, with cancellations from the communities represented on the stamps: Vancouver for Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium, Saskatoon for Metamorphosis, Toronto for The 519 and Halifax for The Turret.
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