Presented in partnership with PridePEI and PEERS Alliance, Remembering Stonewall: The Courage of Pride will combine the meaningful testimonies of LGBTQ+ activists and touching musical performances. Martin Boyce was at the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, one of the most pivotal events in the history of queer and trans rights across the world. Martin continues to travel across North America to speak about his story and advocacy work. He will be joined by friend and speaker Jeremy Dias, founder of the international anti-bullying movement Pink Shirt Day.
This event will also include musical performances from ECMA award-winner Noah Malcolm and the PEI Transgender Network Queer Choir.
This event is free to attend as part of Pride Week, however we do ask that you RSVP to the event!
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About Martin: Martin was born in New York, NY. As a teenager in the 1960s, he came out and found his way to Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. He was involved in the post Mattachine Society gay rights movements that sought to push gay activism beyond its traditional approach and embrace the diversity in our community by challenging racism, sexism and transphobia in the community. He was a regular of the Stonewall Inn, and on June 28, 1969, he was a participant in the Stonewall Riots (also known as the Stonewall Uprising). The Stonewall Uprising were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBT) community against a police raid that began in the early morning hours. They are widely considered to constitute the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States. Following the Uprising, Martin continued to participate in activism, completed a degree at Hunter College and opened a restaurant in The East Village. He continues to share his stories and keep queer and trans history alive.
About Jeremy: Jeremy Dias is a nationally recognized human rights advocate and the founder of the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD). With over 20 years of experience championing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, equity, and inclusion, Jeremy has become a powerful voice for change in Canada and beyond. Raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Jeremy’s activism began after facing racism and homophobia in school. At just 21, he won one of the largest human rights settlements in Canadian history—and used it to launch CCGSD.
Under his leadership, the organization grew into a national leader in education and advocacy, running groundbreaking programs like Canada’s only 2SLGBTQIA+ Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Program and the International Day of Pink, which reaches millions each year. Jeremy’s work has influenced policy and education across Canada. He’s served on numerous advisory committees, helped develop inclusive federal tools like Canada’s first departmental Trans Inclusion Guide, and launched initiatives like True ID, supporting free legal name and gender marker changes. His contributions have earned him national honors, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Today, Jeremy is a Senior Policy Analyst with Indigenous Services Canada and continues to lead the Day of Pink. Through workshops, forums, and national campaigns, he empowers youth and communities to fight discrimination and celebrate diversity. Jeremy Dias remains a tireless advocate for justice, driven by the belief that everyone deserves dignity, safety, and a place to belong.