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| Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (image via Twitter/JustinTrudeau) |
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made headlines yesterday when he stopped in at the Fountainhead Pub in Vancouver's West End in advance of the city’s Pride celebration this weekend.
Many believe this may have been the first time a sitting Prime Minister dropped by a gay bar.
According to Taran Parmar, reporter for City News 1130, Trudeau walked around the pub shaking hands and posing for photos for about fifteen minutes.
Parmar described the scene as, “Lots of cheering, lots of excitement, a lot of people that tried to rush him and take a picture as well as take his hand."
“Vancouver is gearing up for #Pride weekend right now, but the spirit of pride and inclusivity is strong here all year long!” wrote Trudeau from his own Twitter account. “Thanks to the folks at @fountainheadVAN for the warm welcome today.”
This is the first time a sitting Canadian PM has visited a gay bar, and may even be the first instance the leader of a country has done this. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/Vt5o1g6pum— Taran Parmar (@Tarankparmar) July 30, 2019
Vancouver is gearing up for #Pride weekend right now, but the spirit of pride and inclusivity is strong here all year long! Thanks to the folks at @fountainheadVAN for the warm welcome today. pic.twitter.com/vQWgTUG9xw— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 30, 2019
People genuinely happy to see @JustinTrudeau as he visits the Fountainhead Pub, in the heart of Vancouver’s gay village. Apparently first sitting head of state to do visit a gay bar. No surprise. @HedyFry has held this seat for 25+ years. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/cIql23PRBR— Charmaine de Silva (@char_des) July 30, 2019
The prime minister has a strong history of supporting the LGBTQ community.
In 2016, Trudeau became the first sitting prime minister to take part in Toronto’s Pride Parade, the largest LGBTQ pride celebration in Canada.
In 2017, he issued a public apology to gay Canadians who were fired from jobs and dismissed from the military from the 1950s through the 1990s. "It is our collective shame that you were so mistreated," said Trudeau speaking at the House of Commons.
Additionally, he introduced the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act, which erased the records of Canadians who were previously convicted of "consensual homosexual activity." That legislation was passed last June.
Social media celebrated the visit by Trudeau posting selfies with the Prime Minister.
One Instagrammer wrote, "When the Canadian Prime Minister comes into a gay bar in Vancouver and asks your name," adding the hashtag #LivingMyBestLife.
