The public is invited to take part in a series of events both online and at a variety of locations around the city in October in recognition of Queer History Month in Edmonton.
MacEwan University's Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity will host the launch of Queer History Month to share information about all the events which include speakers, documentary showings, storytelling and temporary exhibits. A full list of events can be found on Explore Edmonton's Website.
Several organizations are involved including the Royal Alberta Museum, Provincial Archives of Alberta, City of Edmonton Archives, Edmonton Heritage Council, Edmonton City As Museum Project, Edmonton Public Library, Explore Edmonton, University of Alberta Library, Edmonton Queer History Project and Rainbow Story Hub Foundation.
What is Queer History Month?
Inspired by Black History Month and Women's History Month, Rodney Wilson, a high school teacher in St. Louis, Missouri, came up with the idea in 1994 to celebrate a history completely absent from textbooks. In October of that year, he founded with the support of other activists the first-annual Lesbian and Gay History Month.
Many queer stories in Edmonton - of activism, oppression, resistance - haven't been well documented or included in mainstream histories. Queer History Month helps uncover and highlight these narratives: the bathhouse raids (Pisces Health Spa, 1981), the organizing of Pride events, law reforms such as the Delwin Vriend decision and Transgender protections, personal and cultural histories.
As people learn local queer history, they gain context for the challenges that queer communities have faced, which builds empathy, counters ignorance and combats discrimination and prejudice. Edmonton queer historians often point out that without awareness of past injustices, it's hard to fully understand current struggles and rights.
Studying queer history builds empathy and awareness, provides context for current issues, guarantees commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, encourages allyship, and advances human rights. Learning about 2SLGBTQIA+ history fosters understanding and respect, creating stronger democratic societies.
