In Memory | Rainbow Story Hub

Gwen Tonack
January 21, 2024
0 Comments
6 minutes Read

Big Joey – Another Look

In the mid-seventies, Big Joey – who was born Janet Wilkeson – was a character slightly larger than life. Though she was a founding member of Club 70 as well as a huge supporter of Flashback, she is primarily remembered for her no-nonsense behaviour and the power of her physical presence. It may surprise you to know she was also a dog loving softie.

For some reason Joey and I were ‘roommates’ for a short time sharing a house with John Reid – a founding partner of Flashback. I think it was his house, located in a totally cute, blue-collar working-class neighbourhood in Edmonton.

In Memory

Michael Phair
July 30, 2022
0 Comments
5 minutes Read

Maureen Irwin – Fierce Lesbian

An ‘out’ Lesbian in the 1980’s, Maureen Irwin was considered fierce and to be reckoned with! At a time when there were very few members of Edmonton’s queer community who were out, Maureen was a strong proud mother, grandmother and Lesbian!

Within the queer community Maureen became an active volunteer assisting GATE (Gay Alliance Toward Equality) as it moved and set up an office and services in the downtown. She also actively worked with and assisted Womonspace, a Lesbian volunteer organization.

Category In Memory

Big Joey – Another Look

Maureen Irwin – Fierce Lesbian