This year, Halifax Pride is honoured to host Chris Cochrane as our Parade Ambassador. Chris is a prominent and beloved community advocate and entertainer in Halifax’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Originally from Cape Breton, Chris moved to Halifax in 2005 and has preformed drag in our city for 14 years. She has grown to infamy as the show-stopping performer, Elle Noir. Chris is also an Etsy and makeup artist, and actress. Chris is one of the first transgender women to star in a Canadian drama series, playing roles such as Chanel in Sex & Violence.
Chris is also known and respected as a trans activist. She starting her transition in 2009 and has always been on the forefront of activism in Halifax. Her larger than life stage persona and emotional and moving personal story has been a beacon of inspiration and representation.
Chris speaks about her lived experience in various settings, including schools and universities. She volunteers her services for many community organizations, particularly youth programs. This year, Chris underwent her final surgery to become the woman she was always meant to be. Once she is full recovered, she will be back out speaking for Trans rights, human rights, and her experiences as a Trans woman of colour.
“As this is the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in our history that was led by trans women of colour, it is my honour as a black trans woman to serve as the 2019 Halifax Pride Parade Ambassador!” says Chris about her role as Parade Ambassador.
We could not be more honoured to recognize Chris’s amazing work and journey.
