In 1974 Norman Hay, a member of Gays of Ottawa, arrived in St. John’s Newfoundland. He contacted the local radio station CJON and talked about his work as a gay organizer. He received several calls from listeners, and while many were hostile he also received a number of calls from gay and lesbian Newfoundlanders wanting to meet. From there, a group for together and created the Community Homophile Association of Newfoundland.
By 1976 CHAN had over 400 registered members across the province, with branches in Harbour Bay, Corner Brook, Conception Bay, and more. The main branch in St. John’s published a regular newsletter, About Face. While many were hesitant to come forward publicly about their sexuality, it was no doubt that members of CHAN were champions of community outreach.
This listing was uploaded by Amber Collins, Special Projects Assistant at the National Trust for Canada, on Monday July 22, 2026.
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Photo Credits: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
Photo Credits: Defining Moments Canada
