A downtown intersection will be renamed Saturday to honour Parker Cogswell, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in Saint John.
The City of Saint John announced it will formally recognize the corner of Carmarthen and Mecklenburg streets as “Parker’s Corner” in March 2024.
The dedication commemorates Cogswell’s legacy of compassion, mentorship, and community-building.
The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m., ahead of the Saint John Pride parade at 1 p.m.
Cogswell came out in the early 1980s, a time when LGBTQ+ visibility in Saint John was quietly beginning to grow.
In a city where queer identity was still largely hidden, Parker’s openness offered others a glimpse of what was possible.
Through his warmth, mentorship, and community presence, he helped shape a more inclusive future — one connection at a time.
He worked in the local food service industry, notably at Thandi’s restaurant, and was known for hosting inclusive social events that created safe spaces for LGBTQ+ residents.
The release also highlights the contributions of Cogswell’s mother, Judith Meinert-Thomas, who co-founded the Saint John chapter of PFLAG and helped organize the city’s first Pride parade.
Her advocacy was inspired by her son and her vision of a more inclusive community. Cogswell passed away from cancer in October 2020.
The city began the process of naming the corner shortly after, describing the tribute as a symbol of “love, resilience, and the power of living authentically.”
Residents and media are invited to attend Saturday’s ceremony and celebrate the legacy of both Parker and Judith.
