Edmonton's Queer History
Edmonton's Queer History
Dr. Kyler ChittickWe 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
Dr. Kyler ChittickPierre Cochard first hired two drag queens to perform at Pegasus in 1971, which was “a straight business” located on 106 Street North of Jasper Avenue. Millie (Paul Chisholm) and Chatty Cathy (Duane Shave) performed Edmonton’s first “public drag show.”
Cochard steadfastly defended queer people, believing that Chez Pierre should be a safe space for sexual dissidents. He famously said, “Strippers are God’s children too.” Thanks to Cochard’s “unfaltering acceptance,” Chez Pierre “remains a welcoming home for Edmonton’s drag scene to this day.”
Brendan RoyIn 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.
Rainbow Story HubDid 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.
David StaffordIn 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.
Darrin HagenA tribute to the many friends who lit up the Flashback stage. We miss you all. Emperor 10 of the ISCCA – Cardinal Sin Mr. Flashback 13 – Zola Sadie Yoda Empress 12 of the ISCWR – Ora Fice Tinoir Reena Sabrina Empress 9 of the ISCCA – Flora Tron Emperor 7 of the ISCWR – Sam Empress 1 of the ISCWR – Millie Joolz Prince 12 of the ISCWR – Perry Karen K. Empress 11 of the ISCWR – Beverly Crest Mz . Flashback 12 – Kim Burley Mz Flashback 4 – Bianca Bang Bang/Janie Marie/Lee Denning Mz.…
Darrin HagenOne of the most memorable and enduring Flashback personalities – larger than life!
Edmonton’s only Divine Approved Divine Impersonator – Sister Neon (Terrie Grieve)
Footage captured by John Reid or whoever was free to run camera.
VHS videos digitized by Jim Bilodeau.
Darrin HagenDrag Legend Twiggy: Mz. Flashback 11, Entertainer of the Year VI, And Empress more times than one can count!
Darrin HagenEvery once in a while, a queen is born. Whether through osmosis or immaculate misconception is still mostly a mystery, but they appear. Suddenly and without warning, a new pretender to the throne stands in front of you. Under the terms of the Sisterhood of Unrecognized Royalty, they all get their grab at the tiara at some point in their career. Darrin HagenThe Edmonton Queen: The Final Voyage – 2007 July 1982 a young man ventured out on his own with a few clothes, a love letter from an older (33) man and his accordion strapped to his back…
Chloe CamaraMost foundational LGBTQ+ organizations in our city were influenced by Liz Massiah, Edmonton’s lesbian community leader extraordinaire. From GALA to Womonspace, the AIDS Network of Edmonton, and the Liaison Committee, Liz was there for it all. Her steady head has worn many hats as a community leader, civil rights activist, social worker, and psychologist. Liz was an out lesbian when she moved to Alberta from Ontario in 1983 after graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University with her MSW. Like many lesbians of her time, she married a man before coming out later in life. Years earlier, she and her husband…
Nik ZemlakSonya Moyer is a 70+ year old Deaf queer woman from Medicine Hat. She discovered she was a lesbian while attending Gallaudet College in Washington D.C. Like many queer people in the 70s and 80s, she married a man to hide her sexual identity but the marriage did not last long and she moved back to Canada… “where her roots are.” After she returned, she found the love of her life, started to come out and found out something new about herself. She was kinky. As a Deaf person… connecting to the kink and queer communities has been difficult. When she was active in queer and kink community, finding other Deaf people in those communities was rare and most of the hearing people she met did not know sign language.
Gwen TonackIn 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.
Rainbow Story HubOn Saturday, September 30, 2023 Deborah Chymyshyn passed away after a brief but aggressive battle against cancer. Deborah along with her wife Tracey Smith owned Prism Bar on 101 Street and then The Junction Bar & Eatery in the space that had been the site of Edmonton’s Club 70 then Boots N Saddle.
Dennis CamblyWe were cruising along in front of The Bay store where crowds were loading on and off the buses. The sidewalk was very crowded so I moved this lovely lady closer to me.
I asked “What name shall I address you?”
“Millie Empress I… when I’m in Drag and you may call me Paul when I am not doing a Drag Show. Will you come to see me?” she said.
Rob BrowatzkeI moved to Edmonton at the age of 21 from a small town and didn’t know the slightest things about gay life. Edmonton embraced me and through friends, drag and the ISCWR, I have become a well respected member of the community.
