Edmonton's Queer History
Edmonton's Queer History
Rainbow Story HubWe 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 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.
Rainbow Story Hub2024 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 HagenA 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 HagenA 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 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 HagenArchival footage from the legendary Flashback nightclub. Video from 1981-1983 recorded by Patrick Monaghan. All other footage 1983-1992 recorded by John Reid or whoever else was available to run the camera. VHS Files digitized by Jim Bilodeau. Thanks to Darrin Hagen and Chris Fassbender with the support of the Edmonton Arts Council and the City of Edmonton – Local Government here is a video that captures a few moments of the fun.
Darrin HagenDrag Legend Twiggy: Mz. Flashback 11, Entertainer of the Year VI, And Empress more times than one can count!
Ron ByersTwo lesbians and a drag queen bought a small farm near Tofield in the early 80’s. There they kept chickens, ducks, a pig, a cow and a horse named Africa – who became the Baroness Regent of Tofield. Then one weekend 350 people from Flashback and Edmonton’s LGBTQ+ community showed up to party.
Darrin HagenThe second location of Flashback on 104 street closed in late 1990 before opening a while latter on 105 Street.
This is the final show performed at the iconic Flashback 2 location was on December 1, 1990.
Starring Twiggy, Mandy Kamp, Dorky and Gloria Hole (Darrin Hagen).
Footage from the vaults of Darrin Hagen.
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…
Darrin HagenFrom the stage of the legendary Flashback nightclub we present a montage of various live unscripted moments of hilarity and confusion from some of the outstanding Flashback event hosts ever to grace the stages. From Gloria Hole (Darrin Hagen) to Rhoda B. (Ron Byers) then the icon and face of Flashback John Reid. There is even Millie (Paul Chisholm), Neon (Terrie Grieve), Trash (Terry Robison) plus many more that you will be sure to remember. Thankfully this video is not rated NSFW!! Patrick Monaghan – a consulting producer on the Flashback Documentary Film – decided to start filming drag…
Darrin HagenOne of the most fun events put on by Flashback was held on the May Long Weekend. Annually the Mz Flashback Contest was held and part of the weekend fun was the Drag Races – invented long before RuPaul came along. In fact it was Mz. Flashback 4 Bianca Bang Bang (Lee Denning) and Mr. Flashback 4 Mr. Vera (Daryl Broyles) that came up with the idea after they saw a video from the US. way back in 1979. According to Mr. Vera “it was an actual drag race on like wild world of sports and some old drag…
