In this text, Miriam Smith presents an analysis of trends in the movement toward equality for sexual minorities in the last quarter of the 20th century.

Unlike the existing literature on the lesbian and gay rights movement in Canada, Smith's study presents the first analysis of the evolution of federal-level social organizing based on the primary sources. Smith similarly introduces Quebec politics into the discussion as a unique cultural entity and one that is often overlooked in the context of lesbian and gay activism in Canada. "Lesbian and Gay Rights in Canada" is an analysis of an important and rising social movement in Canadian politics.