• Darrin Hagen and Ron Byers
• December 10, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 3 minutes Read

Flashback Neon Sign

On June 17, 2023 a new sign was added to the City of Edmonton’s Neon Sign Museum. This marked the first time that a gay-owned business for “gay people and their friends” was acknowledged in such a public and immortal way. A ceremony was held on 104 Street with owner John Reid, dignitaries and friends of Flashback who chanted “Light it up, Light it up” and cheering as the power was turned on bringing the blue glow of the sign to Edmonton’s downtown once again. In the Fall of 2024 a new plaque was added to the building. The…

• Murray Billett
• November 4, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 6 minutes Read

A Damn Proud Gay Canadian Soldier – Part Two

In Part Two Retired Major John McDougall of the Canadian Armed Forces and soon retired Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission talks with Activist and former Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission about his time with the Canadian Armed Forces and being arrested for being gay.

#edmontonpolice #canadianarmedforces #lgbtpurge #yegqueer #yeggay

• Murray Billett
• October 31, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 6 minutes Read

A Damn Proud Gay Canadian Soldier – Part One

Retired Major John McDougall of the Canadian Armed Forces and current Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission talks with Activist and former Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission about his time with the Canadian Armed Forces and being arrested for being gay.

• Kyler Chittick
• October 28, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 8 minutes Read

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 24, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 9 minutes Read

Sex and Sin in the City of Champions: The Story of Chez Pierre

Pierre 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 Roy
• October 21, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

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.

• Rainbow Story Hub
• October 17, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 12 minutes Read

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 LGBTQ+ generations. See how a brutal police sting operation allowed Edmonton’s queer community to come together in solidarity.

• Rainbow Story Hub
• October 14, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 6 minutes Read

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!

• Rainbow Story Hub
• October 10, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 11 minutes Read

Coming Out Short Stories

We welcome your story of Coming Out in a short story format of 300 – 700 words. You can submit your story using the Expression of Interest form on our Contribute Your Story page. You can also attach one or two photos using the form which will be added to your story. These do not qualify for any honorariums at this time.

Stories must be about your Coming Out Experience in the Greater Edmonton Region.

• Rainbow Story Hub
• October 7, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 10 minutes Read

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.

• David Stafford
• October 3, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

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.

• Rainbow Story Hub
• September 18, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 4 minutes Read

2024 Edmonton Queer History Month

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.

• Darrin Hagen
• August 29, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 1 minute Read

THE FLASHBACK FILES: Posters, Calendars and Billboards Part Two

A collection of promo posters from 1984-1991 All artwork by Gloria, Twiggy, with occasional help from Iris. Archives digitized by Kevin Hendricks & Jim Bilodeau.

• Darrin Hagen
• August 27, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 1 minute Read

THE FLASHBACK FILES: Posters, Calendars and Billboards Part One

A collection of promo posters from 1984-1991 All artwork by Gloria, Twiggy, with occasional help from Iris. Archives digitized by Kevin Hendricks & Jim Bilodeau.

• Darrin Hagen
• August 23, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 1 minute Read

The Flashback Files: Gone But Not Forgotten

A 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.…