This colourful park is dedicated to former Edmonton city councilor and advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Michael Phair.
Michael was arrested as a “found-in” during the shocking police raid of the Pisces bathhouse in 1981. Micheal successfully challenged the charges in court and won, which resulted in the charges being dropped. Others arrested were not so fortunate. After the raid, Michael stepped forward as an out, visible member and point of contact for the community in Edmonton at a time when sexual orientation was not protected under human rights law.
Since then, Michael played a key role in the formation of several important community organizations such as the Gay and Lesbian Awareness society (GALA), Gay & Lesbian Chorus, and the AIDS Network of Edmonton. Upon his election to city council in 1992, Michael became the first out 2SLGBTQ+ politician in Alberta and one of only a few across Canada.
This small downtown city park commemorates Michael’s many contributions to the City of Edmonton and is the first stop on the Edmonton Queer History Project’s downtown walking tour.
Some of Michael’s contributions include:
Helping to establish the Gay and Lesbian Awareness (GALA) society and Edmonton’s first Gay and Lesbian Chorus
The formation of the AIDS Network of Edmonton (ANE), which started around Michael’s kitchen table in 1984.
Becoming the first out 2SLGBTQ+ to be elected to a political office in Alberta, when he was elected City Councillor in 1992, where he served five terms, retiring in 2017
Learn more about Michael Phair by visiting the Edmonton Queer History Project.
