Tag Archives: Calgary Pride

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.

*Pride March in 1991: Calgary Herald Photo*

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Posted in Gay history

Tagged bisexual, Calgary, Calgary Pride, calgary public library, gay, Gay history, human-rights, lesbian, queer, transgender

Gross Indecency (the film): 5 Years Later

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Kevin Allen | 1 comment

Our film Gross Indecency: The Everett Klippert Story premiered in 2018. That year, it won the Best of Alberta award at the Calgary International Film Festival and since has had an active online presence (YouTube).

Historian Kevin Allen is grateful that the short film helped elevate Everett’s story into public consciousness, particularly the role his court case played in the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada. Since the film launched, there has been a steady stream of people reaching out to the Calgary Gay History Project (particularly educators), who have brought the film into their high school classes and university conferences.

The film’s director, Laura O’Grady from Snapshot Studios, remarked: “What struck me when we were filming Gross Indecency was the power of allies. It became clear that it was Everett’s cis Christian sister who fought for her brother. If it wasn’t for her courage and perseverance the case would probably never have made the Supreme Court, and Everett would have spent his entire adult life in prison. Human rights are hard earned and easily lost. As Canadians who value our way of life, we must always be vigilant and protect those who cannot stand or advocate for themselves.”

Many people who see the film comment on the touching human story at the film’s heart. Furthermore, Calgarians resonate with a tale that takes place in their city. Curiously, distant relatives of Everett have discovered the film and felt a strange connection to that gentle man from across the generations.

One of the most powerful outcomes of the research and the film was meeting Ottawa-based lawyer Brian Crane, who defended Everett at the Supreme Court in 1967. Amazingly, he is still practicing law today (in his 90s).

In early 2020, the Klippert family applied to the Parole Board of Canada for an expungement of their uncle’s criminal record. Mr. Crane assisted the family with the application pro bono. It’s remarkable that Mr. Crane’s career spanned these two ends of Everett’s story.

The expungement order was granted on November 18, 2020, which means Everett was deemed never to have been a criminal. His family is deeply satisfied with the outcome.

*Kevin Allen and Brian Crane in conversation as part of Calgary Pride’s 2020 History Program*

We are thankful we got to participate in the making of Gross Indecency. Our sincere gratitude goes out to Laura O’Grady, the driving force behind this beautiful film.

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Posted in Gay history

Tagged bisexual, Brian Crane, Calgary, Calgary Pride, Everett Klippert, gay, Gay history, gross indecency, human-rights, Laura O'Grady, lesbian, queer, Snapshot Studios, transgender

The Village People, YMCA, and Canada!

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Kevin Allen | 4 comments

At last weekend’s joyous Calgary Pride parade, we heard The Village People’s famous song, YMCA, multiple times as the floats with thumping music went by. The gathered onlookers spontaneously and dutifully made YMCA arm gestures during the famous chorus. But who knew the song—practically a Pride anthem—was written in Vancouver?

Our friend and former Calgarian, Melody Jacobson, recently produced a CBC Radio piece exploring YMCA’s origins. Historian Glenn Tkach explains that the Village People were recording an album in 1970s Vancouver, and when talking about the YMCA, the idea for the song was born. Tkach also does queer history walking tours in Vancouver and includes the YMCA at 955 Burrard Street as one of his stops. It was this location which inspired the song.

YMCA is seen by many as overtly gay and sexually provocative, an interpretation which The Village People’s lead singer and lyricist Victor Willis has denied. However it sounds to you, the song first appeared on The Village People’s 1978 album Cruisin’ and eventually reached number two on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart before becoming the international staple of weddings and Pride Parades.

So the next time you hear YMCA, spare a thought for the song’s provenance, and when you are next in Vancouver, consider joining Tkach’s Really Gay History Tour.

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