2024 brings a new level of awareness and celebration of Edmonton Queer History Month. Over the month of October we will bring 9 different stories, perspectives or presentations.
From the AIDS crisis and the front-line view of Dr. Barbara Romanowski to a story on Imrie & Wallbridge, Edmonton’s celebrated Lesbian architects. A new take on the Delwin Vrend case that changed Human Rights legislation across Canada then a fresh view on the Pisces Bathhouse Raid. We also have a video style feature on Edmonton’s infamous drag entertainer Twiggy as well as a relatively unknown chapter that included drag performers, Chez Pierre and the First Baptist Church. Then we finish the month with profiles on two incredible history makers – Senator Kristopher Wells and Edmonton Police Commission Chair – John McDougall.
Links to stories will not work until 10:00 am on the day noted
October 3, 2024
A conversation with Dr. Barbara Romanowski
In 1984 the Edmonton gay community changed forever when the HIV virus found its first victim. Here from the Director of the Alberta STD Program at that time on how life changed, the impacts it had on the medical community and the challenges faced by her and others in educating the public and gay community on HIV/AIDS.
David Stafford
October 7, 2024
(8th Lesbian Day)
Let’s Hear It For The Girls: A Lesbian Architecture Romance
Did you know some of Edmonton’s most beautiful and iconic buildings were designed by lesbians? Our Researcher takes a look at the life and times of Wallbridge and Imrie.
RSH Researcher
October 10, 2024
(11th Coming Out)
Coming Out Stories
A collection of short Coming Out stories submitted to us. Read how the coming out experience impacted some in our community. Then consider adding yours to our growing collection.
Public Submissions
Various Authors
October 14, 2024
The Facts in the Case of D. Vriend
A landmark case for the history of anti-discrimination in Edmonton and the province at large, the case of ‘Delwin Vriend vs. Alberta’ is as fascinating as it is important. The story of how one man took on the government and won protections for queer people everywhere!
RSH Researcher
October 17, 2024
Raid on Pisces Bathhouse — Darkest Before the Dawn
One of the single biggest turning points in Edmonton queer history is often forgotten by the rising LGTQ generations. See how a brutal police sting operation allowed Edmonton’s queer community to come together in solidarity.
RSH Researcher
October 21, 2024
Forty Years of Fabulous: The Story of Twiggy and Edmonton’s Drag Evolution
In this captivating documentary interview, we sit down with Twiggy, an iconic Edmonton drag queen who has been performing for over 40 years. Twiggy shares her journey from the early days of drag to the vibrant queer scene in Edmonton today. Explore the origins of her artistry, the evolution of drag culture, and the changes within the local LGBTQ+ community through her eyes. This is more than a personal story—it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of drag.
Brendan Roy
October 24, 2024
Sex and Sin in the City of Champions: The Story of Chez Pierre
This story focuses on the history of Chez Pierre, a downtown Edmonton cabaret on 105th St. and Western Canada’s longest running strip joint. The club has been a covert safe space for drag queens and exotic dancers since the early 1970s, but was embroiled in some little-known legal battles at a time when the vice unit of the Edmonton police was especially strict in its interpretations of laws governing so-called morality, including obscenity and immoral theatrical performance. The club also battled religious ire, including that of First Presbyterian Church across the street.
Kyler Chittick
October 28, 2024
From Scholar to Senator: The Incredible Story of Dr. Kristopher Wells
We look at the life and career of Senator Kris Wells, a mainstay in Edmonton’s LGBTQ community. A previous Canada Research Chair and a founding member of the Edmonton Queer History Project at MacEwan University, Dr. Wells has been a fantastic leader and advocate for our community.
Kyler Chittick
October 31, 2024
A Damn Proud Gay Canadian Soldier Part One
A proud humble young soldier, John McDougall, was arrested for being gay. Thirty-one years later he retires, as a highly decorated, highly respected change agent for our diverse communities across Canada and around the world.
Murray Billett
November 4, 2024
A Damn Proud Gay Canadian Soldier Part Two
A proud humble young soldier, John McDougall, was arrested for being gay. Thirty-one years later he retires, as a highly decorated, highly respected change agent for our diverse communities across Canada and around the world.
Murray Billett
Rainbow Story Hub
Rainbow Story Hub brings the history of Edmonton's 2SLGBTQ+ community to life from the perspective of those who lived it. Through stories, videos and other media we hope to capture and preserve these stories from the people who lived them. These stories can then be used to inform, educate and enlighten not only our own community through GSA’s and hopefully one day school curriculum but also the greater community we live in today.
Ron Byers
