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Queer WORLD IT’S A
By Mariah Hess
AFTER ALL
Politics, laws, societal attitudes, and colonialism have long kept 2SLGBTQ+ history out of Edmonton’s mainstream history. The Edmonton Queer History Project (EQHP) seeks to change that, helping folks to write themselves back into the narrative and connect themselves to a feeling of home in the city. Their work encourages everyone to be makers of the past, present, and future. EQHP is an ongoing collection of the records, histories, and personal stories of the Edmonton queer community. Its main feature is the Downtown Map, which highlights sites and spaces significant to the queer community. Physical maps are available for free at the Edmonton Public Library and other locations like The Quilt Bag, the Art Gallery of Alberta, and the Citadel Theatre. Folks can take self-guided tours and look forward to guided tours in the summer. While many of the physical venues listed on the map no longer exist, recognizing their prior existence brings a new, visual perspective to queer history. More details about these spaces can be found on the EQHP website (edmontonqueerhistoryproject.ca). Another element of the Edmonton Queer History Project is the Pride Timeline, which dates back to 50
1980 and traces significant events into the present. Additionally, From Here to Queer is a feature podcast hosted by award-winning playwright, composer, drag artist, and queer historian Darrin Hagen. It explores the people, places, and moments that have defined Edmonton’s queer history. Michael Phair, a member of the EQHP team and Alberta’s first openly gay elected politician who served on Edmonton City Council from 1992 to 2007, stresses
infoedmonton.com
PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, EDMONTON QUEER HISTORY PROJECT
MAKING EDMONTON’S QUEER HISTORY VISIBLE