Tag Archives: queer

Countdown to IDAHOT + StoryHIVE (vote)!

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Kevin Allen | Leave a comment

May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

In 2014, 81 countries criminalize same sex relationships, which makes up 40% of the world’s population (2.8 billion people)! Although we have made great human rights strides in Canada since homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969, there is still stunning homophobia here.

Two recent examples spring to mind. On April 26th I was invited to speak at Knox Presbyterian Church for their Don’t Be Afraid benefit concert and forum, with special guest Scott Jones, from Nova Scotia. This anti-homophobia campaign was started by Scott after being brutally stabbed last October and left a paraplegic. He has taken the courageous step to transform his attack into something positive – reframing his world. Furthermore, just this week I was contacted by CBC reporter, Carla Benyon, to respond to homophobic tweets twittered May 12th by Calgary Stampeder, Maurice Price.

May 18th is the last day to vote for our Telus StoryHive Project.

One of the facts that comforts me when confronted by homophobia now is the incredible courage of our elders, who fought for the human rights we have today. Their stories inspire us to continue the fight against homophobia and transphobia. Our documentary project: Club Carousel: A Queer Flag in the Sand, delves into the history of Calgary’s queer community.

Looking beyond the danger, a small group of people set out open Calgary’s first gay bar. In 1968, Club Carousel quickly became the hub of LGBTQ community activities. This windowless, basement club wasn’t pretty, but it offered safety, friendship and support. It was the foundation of a hopeful community.

Club Carousel changed lives and our culture. More than just a social club: it
was a communal flag in the sand whose impact can still be felt today.

Please vote today – and madly share this with others. Voting ends on Sunday,
May 18th – just 3 days away. Helpful hints:

Register with your email address: here.
An avatar is NOT required unless you want to comment on projects.
You get 10 votes, please assign your max. of 5 votes to our project.
Spread the word and promote voting for Club Carousel via your networks.

Club Carousel Founder Lois Szabo in the 1960s

Thanks for helping us in gathering support and sharing the stories of our community.

[KA][NM]

Intrepid Jane’s Walkers who Love Queer History

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Kevin Allen | Leave a comment

Please remember to vote online for our short video proposal in Telus’ STORYHIVE competition. 11 more days left for voting. If successful we will get $10,000 to produce a short queer history doc. Vote: here!

The Jane’s Walk went ahead with 15 hearty souls who did not mind the sudden snow storm we found ourselves under when we awoke on May 3rd. The walk actually went longer then expected due to the nature of having a smaller group who could converse. Thank you everyone who came out and shared stories. The history project is richer because of it! Thanks also to Michael Wright for these candid Jane’s Walk photos.

Beginning walk on the steps of CommunityWise (Old Y). Note the snow in May! This building has been the defacto gay community centre since the early 1970s.

Catching a break from the elements in the Palliser Hotel - former location of the Kings Arms Pub.

Catching a break from the elements in the Palliser Hotel – the former location of the Kings Arms Pub, a much visited gay drinking hole from the 1960s.

Near the Bay downtown. Department store washroom cruising was a well-documented phenomena across North America. In this case, reading the threatening washroom notice, put up in the early ’80s to deter and intimidate gay men.

Walk. Vote. Educate Yourself.

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Kevin Allen | Leave a comment

The Calgary Queer History Project is excited to be participating in Jane’s Walk again this year. We will be launching a new gay history walk heading Downtown instead of last year’s Beltline Walk. We are meeting up at CommunityWise (the Old Y), 223 12 Ave. SW on Saturday, May 3rd from 10-11:30 AM. Dress warmly!

Do you like the Calgary Queer History Project? You can show your affection for us by voting for our short video proposal in Telus’ STORYHIVE competition. If successful we will get $10,000 to produce a short queer history doc. Vote: here!

Finally, did you know that our project researcher and volunteer Tereasa Maillie, has her own blog too: HistoryMinion. She describes it as: “a porridge of history as it relates to current events in the news.” Check out her latest post about Russia, gay rights, and how they are now moving backwards on the human rights front and potentially creating a public health disaster.

[KA]