The annual summer pride festival in Surrey is a time for celebration, but Martin Rooney remembers when it was a time of fear. Rooney, the founder of the Surrey Pride Society, shared his experience at an event held Tuesday at Simon Fraser University in Surrey that marked the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969, but Surrey did not hold its first pride event until 1999. Surrey Pride Society founder Martin Rooney remembers when it was risky to engage in pride activities in the community. It was her great uncle, Robert David Van Norman, that Sturko reflected on.

Source: CBC News May 15, 2019 21:22 UTC