TORONTO — Canadian actress Ellen Page was in Jamaica on the weekend to mark the Caribbean nation’s first Pride event.
The 28-year-old Halifax native, who came out publicly in 2014, took part in a flash mob in Kingston on Aug. 1 with her friend Ian Daniel.
Homosexuality is illegal in Jamaica and participants at the weekend event faced threats of violence, but the country’s justice minister called for calm.
“All Jamaicans are citizens deserving of being treated with civility and human kindness,” wrote Mark Golding.
“As the LGBT community embarks on a week of activities to build awareness of the rights and needs of their members, I urge all Jamaicans to respect their right to do so in peace.”
Page, best known for roles in Juno and Inception, shared a photo of the event on Instagram.
The actress, who is reportedly dating surfer Samantha Thomas, also posed for photos with other participants.
In March, Jamaican singer Shaggy told Global News attitudes towards gays and lesbians in his country are evolving.
“Is it difficult for a gay person to live in Jamaica? Of course. There’s old fashioned standards, but these things are going to take time,” he said. “We just got to keep knocking away at it until people change their views and opinions.
“At the end of the day, come on. That’s so old school and old fashioned right now. Come on, man, get over it.”
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