Les McAfee

Les McAfee (March 14, 1951 – November 5, 1991) was a Canadian human rights advocate and founder of the national 2SLGBTQI advocacy organization Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere (EGALE), now known as Egale Canada. He is recognized as one of the early leaders of Canada's modern gay rights movement and for his contributions to human rights advocacy in Ottawa.

Early life and education

Lester Duane McAfee was born to Cliff and Lena McAfee in the rural village of Lestock on March 14, 1951. He attended the University of Regina, where he completed his post-secondary education.

Political career

McAfee was active in the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. During his political career, he worked alongside Bert Cadieu and served as Executive Assistant to the Minister of Mines and Natural Resources.

In 1979, McAfee relocated to Ottawa, where he became a Special Advisor to federal cabinet minister David MacDonald. Operating from 1982 to 1986, the establishment became an important social and community gathering space for the city's LGBTQ community during a period of significant social stigma and discrimination.

Founding of Egale Canada

In 1986, McAfee founded and was the first president of Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere (EGALE), a national advocacy organization focused on advancing the rights and equality of LGBTQ Canadians.