Rainbow Votes 2025ExplainerProvides context or background, definition and detail on a specific topic.

5 things to know about Jonathan Pedneault

What you need to know about Canada’s only openly queer federal political party leader

By Mel Woods • March 26, 2025 4:14 pm EDT

Mark Carney isn’t the only fresh face on the campaign trail in the 2025 Canadian federal election.

While the rookie Liberal leader has garnered plenty of attention, another leader is entering his first federal election after recently taking the helm of a major political party—and he’s openly queer.

Senior editor Mel Woods breaks down five things you need to know about Green Party of Canada co-leader Jonathan Pedneault. 

With the 2025 Canadian federal election underway, Xtra is bringing back our weekly pop-up election newsletter, Rainbow Votes. Subscribe now for free exclusive reporting, analysis and opinion in your inbox every Thursday.

More From This Contributor

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

Read More About:
Politics, Video, Video, Explainer/FAQ, Rainbow Votes 2025, Canada

Keep Reading

Actors Ian McKellen and James Laurenson in 'Edward II', which featured the first gay kiss on British television
We've Been Here

The history of the first gay kiss on British TV

In 1970, Sir Ian McKellen and James Laurenson made history with a kiss in a filmed production of “Edward II”
Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Brendan Carr in front of the FCC logo
Censorship

FCC explores adding warning labels for trans content on TV

The U.S. government agency is taking comments on whether television ratings should be updated to signal “controversial gender identity issues”
On the left, Jason Collins on the cover of Sports Illustrated coming out as gay. On the right, a photo of Collins playing for the Brooklyn Nets.
We've Been Here

Remembering Jason Collins, the gay NBA player who changed the game

The late trailblazer made history when he came out in 2013
Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit.
Politics

U.S. counterterrorism strategy takes aim at ‘pro-transgender’ groups

The Trump administration’s updated counterterrorism strategy targets “left-wing extremists” and groups who are “radically pro-transgender”
Advertisement