Tag Archives: bisexual

A Spire on Fire!

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Kevin Allen | 1 comment

Here is a shout-out to Keith Murray and Springboard Performance, who are infusing the storied Knox United Church in downtown Calgary with queer art and history. Tonight and tomorrow contain two evenings of cabaret performance called A Spire on Fire!

*Cabaret of the Holy Other | A Spire on Fire | Act 1*

Keith told us there will be “Eight new works performed by artists exploring faith, humanity, belonging, beingness and becoming. For two nights only, through the disciplines of drag, clown and circus arts, spoken word, video installation, song, dance and movement, we’re transforming a downtown cathedral into a site of creative transgression, transcendent expression, and… liberation from oppression! Tickets are pay-what-you-can, and you can get them here.”

We’re also getting ready (and excited) to host Calgary Pride: A Catalyst for Social Change next Tuesday. There has been much interest, so reserve your free seat soon.

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Posted in Gay history

Tagged A Spire on Fire, bisexual, Calgary Pride, gay, Keith Murray, lesbian, queer, Springboard Performance, transgender

Pride Panel Announced

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Kevin Allen | 2 comments

October is Queer History Month! The Calgary Gay History Project has organized a panel to explore Pride’s local history in collaboration with Calgary Pride and the Calgary Public Library. Join us Tuesday, October 24th, at 6 PM for Calgary Pride: A Catalyst for Social Change.

To speak with us, we have found four amazing people from different points in Calgary Pride’s history: Nancy Miller, James Demers, Dallas Barnes, and Sumit Munjal.

Nancy Miller joined the Military Police right out of high school. Following her release, Nancy testified to the Canadian Human Rights Commission during their 1983 cross-country hearings on discrimination against homosexuals in the military. Nancy was recognized in 2016 with the Chinook Fund LGBTQ Hero Award for her role in coordinating Calgary’s first Pride marches and other equity-seeking actions as a member of the Calgary Lesbian and Gay Political Action Guild (CLAGPAG) in the early 1990s.

James Demers has been involved in Calgary Pride in various capacities since 2007. James is a senior strategist and equity educator specializing in gender and sexual diversity (GSD) communities. He has worked as a local community builder ranging from trans health advocacy to public education to performing and producing queer art with Fake Mustache Drag and Reading with Royalty. Currently, James is championing non-violent protest intervention strategies to address increasing misinformation and charter violations against queer citizens.

Dallas Barnes is a queer feminist, activist, and writer who has worked with Calgary Pride, Interpride, Calgary Outlink, and the Treaty 7 Dyke and Trans March. Dallas joined the board of Calgary Pride in 2008 after it financially collapsed and was part of the leadership team which moved the parade from June to September and incorporated Pride as a non-profit society.

Sumit Munjal is the current Manager of Production and Programming at Calgary Pride. Sumit is an Indian-born Canadian with a diverse communications, marketing, retail development and design background. As an avid supporter of minority groups and diversity in the workplace, Sumit takes a unique inclusionary approach to design and marketing that challenges the status quo high art. He believes the narrative of Canadian diversity needs to shift from tokenism to shared beliefs of fundamental human rights and respect for lived experience.

The panel will be hosted by the Calgary Gay History Project’s Kevin Allen.

Seats are limited. Reserve your spot (free) for Calgary Pride: A Catalyst for Social Change today.

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Posted in Gay history

Tagged bisexual, Calgary, Calgary Pride, calgary public library, Chinook Fund, Dallas Barnes, gay, Gay history, James Demers, lesbian, Nancy Miller, queer, Sumit Munjal, transgender

Calgary Pride: A Catalyst for Social Change

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Kevin Allen | 1 comment

The Pride Movement has been a mighty agent of social change. But how did Pride impact Calgary specifically? Join us Tuesday, October 24th, from 6:00-7:30 PM, at the Central Library, where we delve into that question with a history panel of former and current Calgary Pride leaders.

Calgary Pride has come a long way since its inception rally in 1990. The Calgary Gay History Project’s Kevin Allen will lead discussions with panelists about the evolution of Calgary Pride. We will begin by revisiting the humble beginnings of Calgary Pride, tracing its roots back to the early activists who paved the way. Discover how their courage and resilience shaped the movement we know today.

Learn about the impactful initiatives and events organized by Calgary Pride that continue to make a positive difference in our city. Our panelists will share their experiences and discuss the ongoing challenges and opportunities for social justice in Calgary. Looking ahead, we will explore the exciting prospects for Calgary Pride as it continues to evolve.

Panelists will offer insights into the strategies and goals of Calgary Pride as they work towards a future where everyone can live authentically. Take advantage of this thought-provoking evening that honours the past, celebrates the present, and embraces the future of Calgary Pride as a catalyst for social change in our city.

Calgary Pride: A Catalyst for Social Change is presented in collaboration with the Calgary Public Library and Calgary Pride. Spaces are limited—reserve a spot here.