Edmonton Queer History
Edmonton Queer History
Brendan Roy and Ron ByersIn Part Two Michael Phair talks about working with his late friend Maureen Irwin and many others as the met with the Alberta Human Rights Commission in their attempt to get rights for the LGBTQ+ community included as protections as the refusal by the Province of Alberta Government to add protections at that time.
Brendan Roy and Ron ByersIn Part One Michael Phair talks about moving to Calgary from Loyal, Wisconsin – a small town of less than 1200 people… even today. After a brief time in Calgary he moved to Edmonton and shot to local notoriety on May 30, 1981 when he was arrested as a “found in a bawdy-house” during the police raid of the Pisces Bathhouse.
This event propelled him to the role of advocate and activist for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community…. something that even 40+ years later he still stands as a leader in the community.
Rainbow Story HubOne 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.
Michael PhairAn ‘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.
Ron ByersDrag queens have been a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Edmonton for many years. The first recorded public appearance of drag queens performing in our City is believed to be at the Pierre Cochard owned Pegasus Club in 1971. The club was located at 10103 – 106 Street and just west of the Pig N Whistle restaurant, a favorite haunt for those who dared to go out in public in drag. Soon after, the first gay bar in Edmonton, Club 70, opened its doors and drag shows became a regular activity at the private club. A few years…
