Alberta has always been known as one of the most conservative provinces in Canada. Imagine growing up as a queer kid in Calgary in the 1980s...there were definitely some challenges. In this episode of Late in 88, hosts Bronwin Parks and Elinor Svoboda explore the impact that Olympic fever had on their friends when the Winter Olympic games came to town in 1988. Olympic tales are told between childhood classmates, sporting events are remembered (looking at you ski ballet), and historian Kevin Allen joins Bronwin and Elinor to add some historical context. 

Find out more about Kevin Allen and his work: https://calgarygayhistory.ca/author/calgarygayhistory/

Follow Kevin Allen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/yycgayhistory/

Episode Resources:

• Sporting Gender: The history, science, and stories of transgender and intersex athletes


• Our Past Matters: Stories of Gay Calgary (book - adult) – Kevin Allen


• Do we need to rethink gendered sports? (article & video - kids)


• Calgary Outlink (Organization)


• Calgary Gay History Project (web resource)


• Camp Firefly (Alberta 2SLGTBQIA+ youth camp)

For a complete list of 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and resources visit: https://latein88.com/resources/