Rainbow Story Hub
Gaywire Archives: Kristy Harcourt and Dan Savage

In this Gaywire Fundrive Special from 1999, Kristy Harcourt interviews Dan Savage about his work – his sex ed advice column, then-recently published book, Savage Love, and how one can stretch Canadian radio profanity guidelines– all while having a tea party, live on air, in HUB Mall on the North Campus of the University of Alberta. Listen to this piece of Edmonton Queer History today! Thanks to CJSR FM88 for allowing us to bring this unique audio episode out of the vaults.

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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…

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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!

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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.…

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The Flashback Files: Sister Neon

One 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.

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The Flashback Files: Dance Marathon!

Archival 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.

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The Flashback Files: Gloria Hole

Every 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…

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The Flashback Files: Drag Races

One 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…

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Edmonton Pride Parade 2017

Edmonton Pride Parade 2017 – ShawTV This is a full length edition of the Edmonton Pride Parade filmed by Shaw TV Edmonton on June 4, 2016. The presentation was hosted by Shaye Ganam and Darrin Hagen with Reporter On The Street – Vanity Fair with special Guest Marni Panas Check out the @ShawTVEdmonton YouTube Channel Viewing time 1:18:29

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Edmonton Pride Parade 2016

Edmonton Pride Parade 2016 – ShawTV This is a full length edition of the Edmonton Pride Parade filmed by Shaw TV Edmonton on June 4, 2016. The presentation was hosted by Dana Giesbreicht and Darrin Hagen with Reporter On The Street – Vanity Fair and Jordan Hertner Check out the @ShawTVEdmonton YouTube Channel Viewing time 1:24:02

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