In November 2004, when it became clear that the growing hostility toward 2SLGBTQ+ people in the US had become a political reality, I was one of tens of thousands in the US who went online and searched “moving to Canada.” In the spring of 2005, I applied for Canadian permanent residency. While exploring where in Canada to go and focusing on Nova Scotia, I discovered a cohousing project that was, at that point, in its infancy. Ultimately, it was not completed. No matter. I had received permanent residency in 2007 and, for reasons entirely unrelated to housing, moved to New Brunswick in 2008.
In 2013 I became a citizen, my Canadian passport being one of my most prized possessions. Although later – and unexpectedly – I moved back to the US, I knew that I wanted to return to Canada when I retired. My years in the Maritimes had been delightful and, in 2020, I was seriously mulling thoughts of retirement. However, though anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiments across the US had grown in a number of ways, my desire to return to Canada was not driven by politics per se. I didn’t feel “at risk.” I didn’t feel the need to “escape.” That’s what check and balances are for, right? I just wanted to be back in Canada.
That spring, when a friend – now a neighbour – told me about Treehouse Village my interest was piqued. Cohousing? In Nova Scotia? Might this project be “the one”? I loved the focus on sustainability and “living lightly.” I loved the idea of living in a small community, but one with easy access to a more urban environment. Though I’d never been to Bridgewater, I already knew I had enjoyed my visits to Halifax. I was hooked. In 2024, after several years of engaging with project development virtually and visiting Bridgewater three times, I retired from teaching sociology and social justice and moved to Treehouse.
Fast forward to January 2025. He-who-shall-not-be-named had just been inaugurated. In a matter of days the landscape shifted. Now, as the new president issued executive orders aimed at my community, I did feel targeted. I was never so glad to be in Canada as I was then – and continue to be. Is Canada perfect? No. But am I able to focus on living – on enjoying the beaches, going to concerts, exploring this part of the country – rather than wondering if my rights will be eradicated in the next election? Yes.
Bridgewater, while a small town with the same troubled history as many places – and Lunenburg County, in which it is situated – now has a burgeoning queer community. In 2023, I was visiting when Treehouse members marched in the first Pride parade to ever take place here. We marched in 2024, and again in 2025. As an openly trans man, I have been welcomed by my neighbours, in Treehouse and beyond. In fact, in August 2025 I married one of my neighbours, a celebration attended by most of our neighbours – many of whom who also contributed to a dessert bar at the reception!
I am interested in helping others who desire to live in a more civil, welcoming place make Canada their home – in whatever province that might be. So, in the latter half of 2025 I developed a website aimed at providing information to people, and specifically LGBTQ+ people, exploring moving from the US to Canada. That said, I’d love to see more like-minded folks of any stripe become my neighbours. How do you resist beaches, of varied types, being within a 30 minute drive – and without the beach traffic some may associate with such recreation? Did I mention seafood? Most of what I need, such as the YMCA, library, or grocery, is within walking distance. Moving, especially to a new country, isn’t easy and I know it isn’t possible for everyone, but I will be forever grateful to be in Canada, and in Treehouse, in particular.
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