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Connor McKiggan? (he/they) is a prominent figure in Halifax’s 2SLGBTQI+ community, known for their extensive work in community engagement, tourism, event production, and queer advocacy. Connor has been instrumental in creating safer, more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals across the Atlantic region.
Connor currently serves as the National Business Development Manager for the Rainbow Registered program at the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). In this role, they support queer entrepreneurs and inclusive businesses across Canada by expanding a national accreditation program that recognizes safer and more welcoming 2SLGBTQI+ spaces.
Full profile: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/connormckiggan
Connor is the current Board Chair of HalifaxPride, where they lead a team of staff and volunteers in organizing one of Atlantic Canada’s largest annual festivals. They have been instrumental in integrating stronger governance practices and community consultation into the organization’s programming and leadership.
Meet the Halifax Pride team: https://www.halifaxpride.com/meet-the-team
Connor has been a key leader in advancing inclusive tourism, particularly across Atlantic Canada. In collaboration with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Connor helped promote the Rainbow Registered accreditation to businesses in the region. The initiative included training, toolkits, and support for businesses to become more inclusive to 2SLGBTQI+ travelers, positioning Nova Scotia and its neighbors as welcoming destinations.
As part of their ongoing commitment to inclusive tourism, Connor also plays a leadership role as the Board Chair of HalifaxPride, which has been selected to host Canada Pride in 2027. This national festival, held every few years, brings together communities from across the country for a week of celebration, advocacy, and visibility. Hosting Canada Pride is expected to generate a significant economic and cultural boost for Halifax, drawing thousands of domestic and international visitors, and spotlighting the region as a top-tier queer travel destination.
This opportunity reflects years of groundwork laid by HalifaxPride’s focus on queer tourism, community partnerships, and accessible programming — much of which Connor has championed. Canada Pride will not only amplify the city’s visibility on the national stage, but also serve as a catalyst for year-round tourism, investment in queer spaces, and long-term economic development through equity-focused planning.
VanityStation, WigWars, & Halifax Nightlife Performing in drag as VanityStation, Connor has become a staple in Halifax’s drag scene since 2016. They’ve produced shows like WigWars, and helped launch queer cabaret events, drag story hours, and high-energy nightlife programming. Their leadership helped revitalize the city’s queer nightlife, especially following the closure of traditional gay bars.
On the opening of Indulge Nightclub—Halifax’s first new queer venue in years—Connor said:
“It means that we have a home... to have a uniquely queer space is something very special.”
Article: https://www.thecoast.ca/news-opinion/halifax-has-a-queer-bar-again-29822375
Connor’s passions extend beyond work into creative and nurturing pursuits. They spend their downtime with their partner, two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and an ever-growing family of houseplants and fish. Their drag and professional life often intersect, as both center around care, joy, and community connection.
In July 2023, the Government of Nova Scotia unveiled its Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy. ConnorMcKiggan, serving as the Business Development Manager at Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the significance of this initiative:
"2SLGBTQIA+ people make up a vibrant part of our Nova Scotian communities and play a significant role in our local economy. However, they continue to experience systemic barriers, nearly half have hidden who they were in business dealings to avoid losing opportunities, and more than a third have lost business opportunities due to being 2SLGBTQIA+. This strategy is happening at a crucial time, highlighted by the barriers faced by Nova Scotian 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and community members; the need to ensure that equitable practices are intentionally woven into our society is stronger than ever."
Full article: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/07/06/new-equity-and-anti-racism-strategy-sets-path-future
In a 2020 IN Magazine feature titled Profile in Youth, Connor McKiggan? shared how discovering drag as a teenager in Nova Scotia became a transformative force in their journey toward self-love and queer advocacy. The article spotlighted Connor’s volunteerism, drag persona Vanity Station, and the unique challenges and joys of growing up queer in the Maritimes.
On what drag means to them, Connor shared:
“Doing drag gives me a platform to break the gender binary, and music gives me a medium to work through my feelings. This is all part of what makes drag such a meaningful art form to me and the LGBTQ2A+ community.”
The piece also highlighted Connor’s work with ISCANS to raise funds for people living with HIV, their leadership at the Youth Project, and their early vision for digital drag performance during COVID-19.
Full article: https://issuu.com/intorontomag/docs/in-magazine-july-august-2020/s/10685745
Connor has been publicly acknowledged by MLA Lisa Lachance, who said:
“I’m proud to have your support, and to continue working together to advocate for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and everyone in Halifax Citadel—Sable Island.”
Instagram post by Lisa Lachance, MLA: https://www.instagram.com/lisaannelachancemla/p/DCb3_sJR5ga