FORT FRANCES — Borderland Pride was awarded for their installation that celebrated the life of a Fort Frances woman who was one of the first Canadians to receive gender-affirming care.
The Ontario Historical Society Honours and Awards Committee awarded the 2022-23 Russell K. Cooper Public Programming Award to Borderland Pride, a community organization dedicated to promoting awareness and celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in the area.
“It is fantastic to see 2SLGBTQIA+ history be represented and showcased in such comprehensive projects that further our historical knowledge for the good of all,” said The Ontario Historical Society in a release on Thursday. “As such, the Honours and Awards Committee congratulates Borderland Pride.”
The Russell K. Cooper Public Programming Award recognizes a programming initiative that has brought greater public awareness to an aspect of Ontario's history in the past three years.
Borderland Pride was recognized for their outstanding efforts in promoting the history and legacy of Dianna Boileau, one of the first Canadians to undergo gender-affirming surgery. As part of their programming, the organization installed an Ontario Heritage Trust plaque and a series of museum posters recognizing Boileau's place in Canadian history.
The installation also recognized Dr. Challis in Fort Frances, who supported Dianna in navigating the uncharted medical landscape.
In addition to the installation of the plaque and posters, Borderland Pride also developed and delivered a series of educational and engaging programming initiatives to increase awareness about Boileau's life and legacy. Through these initiatives, the organization successfully raised awareness about the ongoing struggles and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in Canada.
The programming also includes a podcast, Behold Dianna; a limited-series podcast produced by Borderland Pride for the 2021 Trans Day of Visibility.
