The memoirs of Gerard Veldhoven, a Dutch immigrant and longtime renowned LGBTQ+ pioneer and activist in Nova Scotia, Canada. This 2-section book first chronicles Gerard’s life from his birth in the Netherlands where his family feared Nazi rule then immigrated to Canada in the 1950’s. Stories of his struggle as a closeted gay man who conformed to the social norms of the day, getting married and starting a family, only to see it all fall apart as he comes to terms with his true identity. Readers will follow the twists and turns of his personal journey and reflection, including becoming the first gay male couple to be legally married in Nova Scotia, having to accept his fatal diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis, and much more. The second section of the book reveals Gerard the activist. Detailing his fight, politics, joys, sorrows, challenges and achievements, while tirelessly working towards an accepting and inclusive world for all. Pointing to the struggles so many still face in a world where equality is still a dream rather than a reality. This book is intended for you, the reader, to become part of the journey and the solution...forging the way towards a greater future, with a passion for equality.
