From Here to Queer

When Delwin Vriend was fired from King’s College in 1991 for being , he had no idea that his case would become an influential landmark for 2SLGBTQ+ human rights in Canada and around the world. Thirty plus years later, his lawyers, Doug Stollery and Sheila Greckol reflect back on the Vriend case and lesson learned that can impact our current fight to defend and protect human rights in Alberta.

After being denied entry to Club 70, because he didn’t “look enough.” John had no idea he was about to embark on a journey that would lead him to create a legendary part of Edmonton’s history when he helped to open Flashback, which he described as a nightclub for everyone. Flashback would be regaled as the “Studio 54” of the prairies where you could be and do anyone. Join us as John recounts memories from behind the bar and across the dance floor, including stories from friends past and present at the raising of the iconic Flashback sign as the newest addition to Edmonton’s Neon Sign Museum. Flashback may now be gone, but its memories will never fade away. 

Marni Panas grew up in small town Alberta as a Ukrainian Catholic. Today, she is a well-known educator and advocate for diversity, human rights, and inclusion. Join us as Marni shares how she found her way into Edmonton’s community and her experiences with love and loss as part of her personal journey to truth and authenticity.  

Judge Julie Lloyd played a significant role in Edmonton’s history as a community lawyer who challenged unjust and discriminatory laws, including finding herself unexpectedly arguing in front of the Supreme Court of Canada, where she was part of the ground-breaking Vriend v. Alberta decision. Learn about her personal and professional journey from practicing in a small downtown office to serving as one of the first openly 2SLGBTQ+ judges in the Alberta provincial court.

In a groundbreaking personal interview, Alison Redford speaks publicly for the first time about her tenure as Alberta’s first female Premier and her fight to advance LGBTQ2+ equality in Canada’s most conservative province. Redford poignantly reflects on political battles over abortion, women’s rights, and her support for the LGBTQ2 community. Redford candidly discusses the opposition she faced as Premier in her quest to bring progressive politics to Alberta’s government. 

You’ve probably heard of Michael Phair, but do you know how he became such an influential activist and icon to Edmonton’s community? It all began when Michael was arrested as one of 56 “found-ins” in the 1981 Pisces Health Spa raid, which would forever Edmonton’s LGBTQ2+ community. So much of Edmonton’s history began around Michael’s kitchen table, including the creation of the AIDS Network of Edmonton, Edmonton Vocal Minority, and Michael’s campaign to become the first “out” politician elected in Alberta’s history. Spoiler: He won!   Visit our website at https://www.edmontonqueerhistoryproject.ca to learn more about Edmonton’s history, including maps, profiles, archival photos, and other resources.