The ArQuives is the largest independent LGBTQ2+ Archives in the world and, since 1973, the only LGBTQ2+ archive in Canada with a national scope.
The ArQuives was established to aid in recovering and preserving our LGBTQ2+ histories. Its mandate is to acquire, preserve, organize, and give access to information and materials in any medium, by and about LGBTQ2+ people, primarily produced in or concerning Canada; and maintain a research library, international research files, and an international collection of queer and trans periodicals.
Jim Egan fought his entire life for the rights of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is remembered as one of Canada’s most prominent activists. In 1995, as a result of the Egan V. Canada case, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that discrimination against sexual orientation was prohibited under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Today the ArQuives, the largest independent LGBTQ2+ Archives in the world, are the stewards of the Jim Egan collection. The ArQuives are located in downtown Toronto, the same city where Egan grew up and met his life partner Jack Nesbitt.
Sources/Further Reading
McLeod, Donald W.. “Jim Egan.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. Article published March 26, 2018; Last Edited April 10, 2018.