Queering the Historic Places Days
This visit list presents the first steps in an ongoing initiative to “Queer” the Historic Places Days. Inspired by the many projects across this place called Canada to map the histories and experiences of Queer communities, Historic Places Days, in collaboration with organizations and historians across the country, are working to highlight the places that tell Queer histories of resistance, celebration and community.
Stay tuned as our list continues to grow!
We have chosen to use the term “Queer” deliberately to emphasize the diverse and intersectional identities within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Today the term “Queer” is used as both an identity and an umbrella term. Among historians, “Queer” can be similarly used to address the dynamic nature of 2SLGBTQIA+ identity through a historical lens. We recognize, however, that the term “Queer” is not universally accepted and continues to be a harmful word to many. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by email: (agray@nationaltrust.ca). This is an ongoing project and we appreciate any feedback you might have.
Places
Michael Phair Park
Edmonton, Alberta
A park named after former City Councillor and 2SLGBTQ+ community leader, Michael Phair.
Gay Alliance Towards Equality (GATE)
Edmonton, Alberta
Not every Canadian city had a GATE office, making Edmonton’s branch even more remarkable.
Metropolitan United Church (McDougall United)
Edmonton, Alberta
The Metropolitan Community Church provided refuge and support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Orlando Corner (Audrey’s Books)
Edmonton, Alberta
This corner is part of a legacy of queer bookstores in Edmonton dating back to the 1970s.
Wallbridge & Imrie Architects
Edmonton, Alberta
Long before there was a visible queer community, Jean and Mary found each other.
University of Winnipeg Archives/Two-Spirit Archives
Winnipeg, Manitoba
University of Winnipeg records, research collections, & steward of the Two-Spirit Archives
Rainbow Resource Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Rainbow Resource Centre is now Canada’s longest continuously serving queer and trans community centre.
Manitoba Legislative Building
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Legislature has been a queer meeting place since the 1930's.
The Silver Slipper
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Now the Radisson Hotel, this was the second location of the Silver Slipper in the 1970's.
Oddfellows’ Hall
Winnipeg, Manitoba
This is the first permanent location of Oddfellows' Hall, having opened in 1883.
The Olympia Hotel
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Now the Marlborough Hotel, it was established in 1914 as the Olympia Hotel.
Gio’s
Winnipeg, Manitoba
This was the final location of Giovanni's Room, the longest running gay bar in Winnipeg.
Club 654
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Opening in 1970, Club 654 (now the Irish Club) was the first gay club in Winnipeg.
Happenings Social Club
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Happenings Social Club was a licenced beverage room and dance club from c. 1974-2004.
Ms. Purdy’s
Winnipeg, Manitoba
This was the first location of Ms. Purdy's Women's Bar, which opened in 1984.
Saphire Tavern / Confederation Life Building
Toronto, Ontario
The Saphire Tavern was a regular venue for the iconic singer and performer Jackie Shane.
Glad Day Bookshop
Toronto, Ontario
The Glad Day Bookshop is both the first Queer bookstore in Canada and the oldest surviving Queer Bookstore in the world
The Tropical Room/P.J.’s
Montréal, Québec
The Tropical Room/ PJ’s was a cabaret and public space for Queer celebration during a time when homosexuality was highly criminalized.
Librarie L’Androgyne
Montréal, Québec
More than just a bookstore, L’Androgyne was an integral part of Montreal’s Queer community.
The Québec Gay Archives
Montréal, Québec
The Archives Gaies du Québec, in English, the Québec Gay Archives, were founded in 1983 ...
Parc de l’Espoir
Montréal, Québec
Parc de l’Espoir, originally named Parc commémoratif des personnes mortes du SIDA au Qu...
Chez Madame Arthur
Montréal, Québec
In the 1970s, the address of 2170 Bishop Street was the home of the lesbian bar, “Chez Madame Arthur.
La Sala Rossa
Montréal, Québec
In the late 90s and early 2000s, La Sala Rossa became a prominent location for Queer events and gatherings. They have hosted events such as Kiss My Cabaret, the Meow Mix, The Goods night, and balls.
Rockhead’s Paradise
Montréal, Québec
Not only was Rockhead’s one of the earliest black-owned bars in Montreal, but it is also known to be the earliest venue for what we know today as Drag performances. According to historian Viviane K. Namaste as early as the 1940s, Rockhead’s hosted popular performers Dick Montgomery, Malva Bolda and Billie McAllister.
The museum was the passion project of Adolphe Robicheau (1906-1978), a Canadian-born, famed Boston-based ballet teacher and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. While his flamboyance could have gotten him shunned in many places, he spent his summers here producing plays and working on his museum, which he curated with partner Arthur Vaillancourt.
The Turret
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Turret began as a one-night gay disco on the 3rd floor of 1588 Barrington Street - the Church of England Institute built in 1888 - in January of 1976. LGB people had been thrown out of other bars, including The Jury Room, needed a space of their own.
Green Lantern Building
Halifax, Nova Scotia
In the early and mid 1970s The Green Lantern Building - located at 1585 Barrington Street - was the hub of gay Halifax.
Forrest House a Women’s Place
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Forrest House was a YWCA-owned Victorian building at 1225 Barrington Street that was turned into a women's centre in 1977.
The Jury Room
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Jury Room bar, located on the ground level of the Carleton Hotel at 1685 Argyle Street in Halifax, was the site of the second known Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual picket in Halifax.
Road Map
Edmonton, Alberta to Halifax, Nova Scotia
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