The Royal Canadian Mint released a new coin that features an LGBTI theme to commemorate the legalization of homosexuality by then-Minister of Justice, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, father of current Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes was the Master of Ceremonies. “I’m thrilled and honoured to be part of this. Back in 1969, nobody would ever have imagined that we would be here where we are now, releasing a widely used coin that celebrates LGBTI rights,” said Hawkes.

The new LGBTQ2S commemorative $1 coin, designed by Vancouver artist Joe Average. Photo: Royal Canadian Mint

“When you have laws hanging over your head that say when you love someone very, very much and you practise consensual sex with that other adult person you could be thrown in jail, that is significant. In 1969, the government passed a law to end that piece of the terror. And while it’s not perfect, we should not diminish the significance of that moment,” said Hawkes.