'He braved up when we needed him': Friends pay tribute to pioneering gay activist Tom BurnsWhen no one wanted to be the face of Nova Scotia's first gay advocacy group in the 1970s, Tom Burns stepped up. Submitted by Rebecca RoseHe also opened Halifax's first gay book store, The Alternate Book Shop. With the Gay Alliance for Equality, Burns visited Dalhousie University and Saint Mary's University to talk about homosexuality. "Tom and his fellow gay, lesbian [and] bisexual activist friends created this province's movement for gay liberation," Rose said. Rose said The Alternate Book Shop, Halifax's first gay bookstore, which Burns opened in 1975, created a safe place where people could learn about their homosexuality.

Source: CBC News August 24, 2022 00:00 UTC