N.B. Pride group invites LGBTQ+ Americans dealing with the ‘scary’ reality of Trump

Saint John, N.B., expects more American participants at its August Pride celebration, with some seeking a supportive environment due to political tensions in the U.S.

When Saint John, N.B., holds its annual Pride celebration in August, it’s expecting a new group of participants — Americans seeking a safe haven from the “scary” reality of living under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Samantha White, who helps organize Pride events in Bangor, Maine, said there has been a lot of fear within the LGBTQ+ community since Trump’s election in November. “Things are really very scary right now,” she said in an interview Tuesday. “We’re trying really hard to focus on the positives … but it’s hard in these unprecedented times.”

White said she jumped at the invitation from Saint John, which is about a three-hour drive to the east. “We’re really excited that Saint John is working with us, given that Canada is a little bit friendlier,” she said. “So I’m hoping we can get a big group up there … and see what it’s like as a safe spot to go hang out and meet queer family from across the border.”

Alex Saunders, president of Saint John Pride, said it was important to invite Americans as they face rising hate at home and feel targeted by the Trump administration.

“It quickly became clear to me … that it’s possible some Americans may not get to celebrate (Pride) in the manner they’d like to,” Saunders said, raising the possibility of protests. “We don’t know what’s going to happen.”

White cited a number of new U.S. policies that target transgender and non-binary people.

Trump has signed an executive order saying the U.S. government only recognizes two sexes and has had any mention of the words “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual,” or “transgender” removed from the White House website.

He has ordered that transgender military members be removed from their roles by the end of March, unless they are granted a waiver in cases where there is “compelling government interest in retaining the service member who directly supports warfighting.”