New Commemorative loonie unveiled marking progress for LGBTQ2

The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a commemorative loonie in honour of the LGBTQ2 community.

They say it marks a key milestone for lesbian, gay, transgender, queer and two-spirited people, with the government. The coin symbolizes progress while highlighting the work that still needs to be done.

But historians and advocates for that community are concerned it sends the wrong message. The commemorative coin is meant to mark 50 years since parliament’s passing of legislation that initiated the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada. Critics are concerned it mistakenly suggests equality has been achieved, largely as a result of the federal government’s actions.