Sexual Health Centre for Cumberland County

🕘Have you heard about what’s up this week at the Sexual Health Centre for Cumberland County? Check out this week’s calendar for more details on ‘Open Hours’ and Programs!

January 1st, 1863, enslaved people and free black Americans assembled in churches in homes as they awaited word of the Emancipation Proclamation taking effect. Midnight that evening, all enslaved people in Confederate states were declared legally free. Union soldiers scattered across plantations in the Southern states, many of them being black, delivering word of the newfound freedom.

Despite this, not everybody in the Confederate states would be immediately free. Enslavers fleed to Texas where they were more geographically isolated, and there were fewer union soliders. It would not be fully implemented in Confederate territory until June 19th, when General Grangers arrived in Galveston Texas alongside 2000 union troops to enforce the edict. More than 250,000 enslaved black people were freed that day.

Juneteenth celebrates black American achievements, culture, and resilience. Celebrations often consist of musical performances, festivals, family cookouts, and faith services. Red food and drink is consumed to represent the strength and unnecessary sacrifice of enslaved people, and West African heritage, where the colour red represents power, sacrifice, and transformation in Yoruba and Kongo cultures.

Learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️In case you missed it, there are a lot of exciting things happening this weekend for Pride!

💚Friday June 12th - Navigating Sexual Health for 2SLGBTQIA+ Folk with Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia Workshop at Anchor Youth Space Cumberland from 6pm-8pm 🩺💛

🌈Saturday June 13th - Cumberland Pride 11am-7pm in Victoria Square! Market from 11am-4pm, Parade at 2pm, Pride Dance from 4pm-7pm ✨🎉🎶

If you are looking for more events happening this month, check out Cumberland Pride-Nova Scotia!

Happy Pride!! 🥳🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

If you care about Men's Mental Health, now is the time to show it!

In our world today, men are under heavy pressure to conform to impossible standards. Man up. Boy's don't cry. Don't do that, that's for girls. Children just learning to walk and talk are discouraged from talking about their feelings, showing emotion, and being human. The results speak for themselves.

Men account for 75% of su***des, with su***de being the second most common cause of death of men and boys between ages 15 to 24 in 2025. Marginalized boys and men are at much higher risk of stress and su***de. Most suffer alone in silence until it is too late.

The Sexual Health Centre for Cumberland County is hosting a Men's Mental Health rally at Victoria Square Park on June 22nd from 12pm-1pm. Please come and join us in raising awareness, erasing stigma, and learn about resources to support Men's Mental Health.

You can help today by taking part in the challenge. Check the link to learn more! https://www.buddyup.ca/

If you or someone you know is thinking about su***de, you can call the 9-8-8 su***de crisis hotline.
Never forget- The people in your life will always choose helping you over attending your funeral.

Edit: Please see the revised dates for our Trans Support Group and S.A.F.E.R. Spaces (18+) - we apologize for any confusion.

Our June Calendar is here! 🏳️‍🌈

June is a busy month with lots going on between Pride, Indigenous History Month, Juneteenth, and Men's Mental Health. Make sure you keep an eye on calendars for your local organizations so you don't miss anything! 📅 👀

This year, the Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia and the Sexual Health Centre of Cumberland County have partnered on a Pride workshop about Navigating Sexual Health for Trans and Gender Non-Conforming individuals, allies, and caregivers. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Join us on Friday, June 12th at Anchor Youth Space from 6pm to 8pm and learn about sexual health and how to take care of yours as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 💪