Date Range

2018-2021

Description Level

Series

Creator

Aimee Benoit

Physical Description

32 audio recordings, 22 transcripts, 24 signed agreements, 1 record chart of interviews

History Biographical

The interviews were created in connection with Galt Museum exhibit "Inqueeries: 2SLGBTQ+ Histories of Southwestern Alberta". The exhibit was on display October 12, 2019 to February 9, 2020. This community-generated exhibit explores 2SLGBTQ+ histories in southwestern Alberta. Guided by a group of youth curators, the exhibit was an opportunity to begin gathering stories, artifacts and other materials that have not yet been collected or recorded in “official” community histories. This exhibition was created in partnership between the following organizations: Galt Museum & Archives, Boys & Girls Club of Lethbridge & District, Taber Equality Alliance, University of Lethbridge Institute for Child and Youth Studies, University of Lethbridge Department of Women and Gender Studies, McKillop United Church Affirming Ministry, OUTreach Southern Alberta Society. Special thanks to Liam Devitt and Kyra Nicolacopoulos for their valuable contributions and research assistance, and to everyone who generously participated in oral history interviews; their names are used with permission in this exhibition along with excerpts of their stories. We are deeply grateful to the youth in the Queer Impact Club of the Boys & Girls Club of Lethbridge & District for their questions, insights and voices as curators in this project.

Scope and Content

Interview with Aaron Fitchett 1 hour 25 mins 1 second Born and raised in Lethbridge, went to university in B.C. and came back to Lethbridge. Worked for the Lethbridge Herald, left Alberta and came back again to work for Volunteer Lethbridge. Those experiences of moving back and forth, trying to find Fitchett's passion, teaching and giving back to the community. Worked at various schools in Lethbridge, including Winston Churchill High School as a Vice Principal. Discussion of gender identify and personal sexual orientation identity; including coming out to family members. Spoke on the changes in society on the diversity in sexual orientation and gender identities; including teachers and staff who had an influence on Fitchett's school experience and growing up. The importance of representation in schools and businesses, and creating safe spaces for younger people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community to be themselves. Fitchett discussed the importance of role models and representation for youth in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and the lack of role models he had growing up. Spoke on the stereotypes of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in pop culture, including TV shows and movies. Close family created a safe space and support system. In school, was active in student council and various clubs and created a community and a positive public identity. Discussion on public pressures, like in schools, and funneling kids into gendered roles; spoke on the role of schools in supporting students and being aware of gendered pressures and barriers. Spoke on the various community organizations Fitchett participated in. The roles that teachers and instructors have in supporting students and discussion on student groups and allies in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Interview with Barbara Geiger 58 mins Born in Yellowknife, and moved to Slave Lake. First came to southern Alberta in 2006 for work. Discussion on growing up as an 2SLGBTQ+ person in a small town, and experiences with family members. Spoke on the process of dating life as a young adult and the difference of going through the 1980s as a 2SLGBTQ+ person and the changes in society. Discussion of meeting her partner, and how they bonded over shared experiences. Spoke on marriage, and the politicizing of marriage and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Changes in the Lethbridge and other communities in terms of interaction and support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community; as well as the work that has to be done to improve and support members of the community, particularly transgendered individuals. Experiences growing up in a small town and her writing career, and work on her Master's Degree in Creative Writing. Interview with Colin Armstrong 29 mins 9 seconds Born in North Vancouver, and raised in Lethbridge. Discussions with family members as a young adult, during his first year of university. Spoke on going to school in the 1980s and the pressures of gendered roles and stereotypes. Discusses the lack of role models in pop culture and in society when he was growing up. Spoke on move into political involvement and activism for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. A summer position working for Lethbridge AIDS Connection, that involved educating people and it led to becoming more actively invovled in political activities. Changes in Lethbridge and views on the 2SLGBTQ+, and visibility of the community. Discussion on being interviewed on the Rene Newhouse local TV show, and speaking on 2SLGBTQ+ rights in his early 20s. Armstrong's career was in music, and spoke on playing at the University of Lethbridge's 50th anniversary. Reflection on experience in Lethbridge and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Interview with Dave Mabell 1 hour 13 mins 11 seconds Born near Powell River and grew up in Vancouver area. Worked at the Burnaby newspaper during high school and was hired at the paper after graduated. Moved to Penticton, Calgary, and Saskatoon, and eventually settled in Lethbridge. Gradually came out to family and friends. Work at an organization, called HIV Connection, that educated the public on HIV/AIDS. Spoke on the HIV/AIDS crisis in Lethbridge and the feelings around the community at that time. Meeting people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and various events that connected people, including Carol’s Café and Bistro, Hudson’s Pub, and other places in Lethbridge. Various organizations Mabell was involved in; including ARCHES, OUTreach, and others. McKillop United Church and the support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, presided over the first male couple marriage in Lethbridge; was Mabell and his partner. Discussion on Mabell's work with the organization HIV Connection and how it transitioned into ARCHES. Interview with Doug Myhre 1 hour 1 min 4 seconds Born and raised in Edmonton, the oldest of four boys. Went to school for medicine in Edmonton, and moved to Halifax for post-graduate work in the medical field. Moved back to Lethbridge in 1982. Dr. Myhre went to work in family medicine, and moved into a more educational role, eventually became the Rural Associate Dean at the University of Calgary. Worked with HIV and AIDS patients in medical practice. Raised in the Anglican Church as a child; it was a process of exploring his sexual orientation. Discussion on marriage and relationship with former wife, and the journey to identifying as a gay man. Spoke on the HIV/AIDS crisis in Lethbridge from the medical perspective as a family doctor. Went back to school to learn more about HIV/AIDS. Set up a clinic at the Regional Hospital and did more medical work on the AIDS crisis in Lethbridge. Dr. Myhre was the medical Director for the Victoria Order of Nurses, became heavily involved working with HIV/AIDS patients. Discussion on the HIV/AIDS crisis in southern Alberta, and the medical field protocols at the time; changes in treatment and attitudes towards the HIV/AIDS. Spoke about life before he came out and his family life. Changes in family relationships over time. The freedom Dr. Myhre experienced after coming out and the experiences in his medical practice and work and home life. Interview with Elisabeth Hegerat 1 hour 59 seconds Born and raised in Calgary, moved to Edmonton for Master's degree in Library Science. Moved to Lethbridge to work for the Lethbridge Public Library in 2006. Discussion on family and growing up, including self-identification and gradually coming out to family and friends. Spoke on planning her wedding in 2006, growing up learning in a public school and the lack of sexual education and health programs; lack of diversity and representation in school. Work on various committees, including sitting on the Pride Fest board. Spoke about working at the Lethbridge Public Library and the connection with the Pride Parade; bridge between professional and community work: "embedded librarianship". Library liason with various community organizations and events. Spoke on her role as activist, and the activities she got involved in. How her work as a librarian helps her educational activism role. Importance of representation in the community, and personal experiences as a person in the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Lethbridge. Discussion on the changes in the Lethbridge and 2SLGBTQ+ community, including inclusion groups like GSA's in schools, rainbow decals in stores, etc. Discussion on items Hegerat donated to the Galt Museum, including jewellery worn by Hegerat and wife at the Pride Parade, library advocacy buttons, etc. Interview with Elizabeth Ronnback 56 mins 10 seconds Born in Campbell River, B.C. in 1986; re-made herself in 2019. Grew up in Calgary, family moved to southern Alberta as a child. Explanation of self-identification and orientation. Grew up in the Catholic faith, and went to school in the Catholic school system; the pressures of the Catholic community on her to be something she was not. Spoke on journey of self-identification and sexual orientation; began exploration in junior high, and the struggles faced growing up. Discussion on the importance of a dream she had and how it changed her perspective on herself and her self-identification. Expressed the freedom and how right she felt when she came out and self-identified as a woman. Lack of role models in the 2SLGBTQ+ community when she came out; experience of coming out to family and friends. Exploration of self-identification and the process she experienced in learning about herself. CMHA (The Canadian Mental Health Association) Welcome Centre was a place to meet people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Spoke on experiences online with discrimination. Discussion on her poetry and her main character’s journey; including various topics she would write about. Interview with Francis Yutrago (Francheska Dynamites) 59 mins 55 seconds Born in the Philippines, moved to southern Alberta in 2011 to work as a health care aide. Performed at the Taber Pride Fest for first drag show. Discussion on drag persona and dance experience from cheorgrapher to performer in places like Club Didi and Pride events. Life in the Philippines and the views/experiences of the 2SLGBTQ+ community there; spoke on relationship with his family and how he provides for his family. Experiences in school and growing up in the Philippines. Kept personal and professional lives separate. Performed as Francheska Dynamites, organized events like pageants; discussion on inclusivity in the pageant world and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Experience of drag performances, including love of performing, the cost of pageants, winning awards, travelling, etc. Personal experiences in the Lethbridge community, including with the religious community. Discussion of the awards and titles Francheska won for drag pageants; including competing in the Miss Queen Philippines Canada and winning the title, "Miss Dame of Progress". Interview with Jaisie Walker 1 hour 4 mins 48 seconds Walker was born in Peterborough, UK, and raised in the Scottish Highlands. Moved to southern Alberta in 2011 to visit family and decided to stay in Lethbridge. Grew up in a religious household in a rural area. Discussion of the term "queer" and the freedom to express themselves and explore their own connections with others. A Master's student in Women and Gender Studies, research focus on queer non-monogamies and queer theory. Discussion on childhood and journey to identifying as a queer person, and pressures experienced growing up to be someone they were not. Differences between Scotland versus Canadian schools and education. Went to the University of Lethbridge, and spoke on previous engagement and marriage; including pressures put on them by religion and their relationship with religion. Discussion on the process of coming out to family and friends. Queer spaces in Lethbridge, spaces of non-conformity. Spoke on lack of representation and queer role models growing up. Embodiment of their queerness and tie to self-identification. Support from the queer community and becoming role model for others in the community. Definition of “lateral violence”, activism, and politics. Importance of having an historical record of diverse voices. The fluidity of identity and self-understanding was a constant process, and worked to provide support for younger 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Interview with Jacqueline Preyde 1 hour 5 mins 8 seconds Moved to Lethbridge in 1989, and started working with Lethbridge AIDS Connection in 1990 as a program coordinator. Brief discussion on the formation of the Lethbridge AIDS Connection organization. Issues faced by the organization in the initial years; including funding, organizing, etc. Lethbridge AIDS Connection focused on education and support; group worked to start a conversation about higher-risk activities and health. Preyde received a university degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Health Science, and the AIDS crisis, volunteered and worked for various non-profit organizations; eventually worked for the HIV Connection in Lethbridge. Work revolved around Health Promotion and Health Education; worked with the Blackfoot people and education on HIV. Spoke on the people involved with the organization, including Dr. Doug Myhre, Karen Howe, and others. Preyde worked in the organization for about 10 years, discussion on the role of the organization in the community and how it changed over time; focus on general sexual education and health. Organization shifted to focus on activities that posed risks and worked to educate people on safe practices; for example use of needles and the risks in sharing needles. Interview with Jay Whitehead 42 mins 52 seconds Moved to Lethbridge for school, for the drama and theatre program. Went to Toronto for Master’s Degree and returned to Lethbridge to teach at the University of Lethbridge in the drama department. Raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and discussion of how religious upbringing influenced self-identification and exploration of sexual identity. Spoke on the lack of representation and 2SLGBTQ+ role models as Whitehead was coming out in the community. The evolution and process of coming out to family and friends. Started Theatre Outré and discussion on other spaces in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Changes in community events, like Pride. Spoke on opening Theatre Outré and how it changed over the years. Expressions of sexual orientation and identity; including Didi, Whitehead’s drag personae and how performing in drag was political activism. Various community spaces in Lethbridge. Performing arts as engagement and education. Shift in the Lethbridge community towards inclusivity and acceptance of diversity in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Interview with Jody Henry-Lesniewski 59 mins 20 seconds Born in Edmonton, and raised in Del Bonita. Discussion of life in Del Bonita, small town rural life and experience growing up there. Raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a lack of diversity and representation growing up. Exploration and self-identification as a lesbian happened in university; journey to self-identification and impacts of growing up in the Church. Met wife while in university, gradual process of coming out to family; no formal conversations. Moved to Manitoba, were married in Winnipeg, and eventually moved back to Lethbridge. Discussion on relationship with family members and how those relationships changed over time; including her wife’s experience with her family. Changes and experiences in the Del Bonita and Lethbridge community and 2SLGBTQ+ community; experienced with feeling unsafe when showing affections, like holding hands. Experiences at events in Lethbridge and organizations. Interview with Joy Descoteaux 3 hours 39 mins 44 seconds Descoteaux discussed politics and religion and how the 2SLGBTQ+ community interacts with these elements. Spoke on the emphasis she put on the individual, as a human being, and not adhering to labels or boxes for identification of people. Spoke on growing up in Silver Springs on a farm, near Calgary, and experience caring for family members. Discussion on family and her Métis heritage, coming out to family and her journey to self-identification, and how her experience with religion has changed over time. Travelled a lot on her own, including to London and Holland, and spoke on differences in the 2SLGBTQ+ community in England and Canada. Emphasized the importance of religion and spirituality in her life, and the personal connection with her faith. Experiences with discrimination, and how humor was a coping mechanism. Explanation of changes in faith and experiences in faith. Spoke on her music and experiences writing her music; expression of experiences and feelings. Spoke on family members, including her brother. Experiences on being a 2SLGBTQ+ religious person, and experiences in various Churches. Identified as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ person very young in life, and came out as a young teenager. Growing up in a Church-oriented community impacted coming out. Interview with Kirstan Schamuhn 1 hour 1 min 43 seconds Born and raised in Drayton Valley, AB on a farm. Home-schooled until high school, went to school in a small, rural area outside Drayton Valley, and moved to Lethbridge to attend the University of Lethbridge in 2015. Discussion on self-identification as a cis-gender woman and pansexual in orientation. Explanation on what “pansexual” to meant to Schamuhn and journey of self-identification as pansexual; with discussion on education on the spectrum of sexuality and orientation. Importance of education and lack of resources in town Schamuhn grew up in. Spoke on coming out to friends and family. Lack of representation in small conservative town, but some celebrities that were coming out as gender-fluid. Spoke of the politics around 2SLGBTQ+; including GSA and de-funding or bills that roll back support groups in schools and businesses. Discussed politics in the small, rural conservative communities and connection to 2SLGBTQ+ community, and lack of support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in the area of Drayton Valley; own struggles growing up in a conservative area. The importance of experiencing Pride events and how that encouraged Schamuhn to embrace her pansexuality. Spoke on university art history classes and how those classes engaged with the 2SLGBTQ+ community and history in the arts. The difference Schamuhn experienced while attending the University of Lethbridge and the campus acceptance and support of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, versus small, rural town school community. Embraced Art and Activism classes at University, and became more involved in activism over time. Spaces in Lethbridge as 2SLGBTQ+ community spaces; like Penny Coffee House, Johnny Bean, etc. Discussion on what the Pride colours and Pride pin meant to Schamuhn; empowerment of visible diversity and visibly being oneself. Discussion on the importance of political ideologies, voting, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Spoke on relationship with family members and how those relationships changed over time; expressions of self-empowerment. Interview with Lowell Acorda 1 hour 21 mins 17 seconds Born in the Philippines in 1990, and moved to Canada as a child. Moved to Lethbridge in 2017. Spoke on identifying as a cis-gendered male, and a demi-sexual on the a-sexual spectrum. Described the range of asexuality and how he understood his physical and emotional attraction to others. Spoke on growing up in the Philippines and views on 2SLGBTQ+ individuals; grew up with large family living in one space. Experienced pressures of visibly identifying as a male even as a child, and pressures and stigmas experienced after immigrating to Canada. Oldest of five children, with four younger sisters. Pressures growing up to be visibly male and being bullied, harassed and impact on family. Grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; spoke on a Church mission, and how that experience led to his journey of identifying his attraction to men. Gradual experiences coming out to family and friends, and experience coming out as a member of the Church. Discussion on impact his religious upbringing had on his sexuality and identity experience; including mixed signals he experienced from the Church. Relationship with religion changed over time. Discussion on mentors growing up and family members in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Importance of visible diversity and representation in mainstream media/society. Sexuality and self-identity is personal and should be respected. Met other 2SLGBTQ+ Church members, and found a community within the Church, as well as people who left the Church; found community and support through the Coming out in Faith Monologues. Relationship between faith and sexual/orientation identity; transition from religion to spiritual beliefs and ways of understanding. Value and importance of feeling accepted as his true self. Engaged in the community, including volunteering with OUTreach. As a musician, Acorda performed at Club Didi and exploration of his artwork and music. Impact of University on the Lethbridge and 2SLGBTQ+ community. Empowerment of self-love and self-acceptance; importance of knowledge and education, brought empowerment. Interview with Jacob Krahn 48 mins 38 seconds Born in Ontario, and moved around a lot as a child. Moved to southern Alberta in the early 2000s. Lived in Lethbridge for approximately ten years. Self-identified as genderfluid and bisexual. Met their partner through mutual friends in Lethbridge; with one son. Belief in gender as fluid and exploration of personal identity and sexuality. Grew up in a religious family, Mexican Mennonite; strict rules and beliefs about identity. Journey of growing up with strict binary expectations, and realization of true self as a genderfluid individual; including leaving religion entirely. Gradual experience coming out to family and friends, and their first boyfriend (as an early teenager). Spoke on journey of discovering bisexuality and understanding of the term “bisexual”. Struggled with coming out to family and loss of relationships as a result of coming out. Spoke on the active queer community in Lethbridge. Commented on some negative experiences in the community, including bi-erasure. Explanation of the terms “bi-erasure”, “homonormativity”, and experiences of bisexuality, including discrimination, within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Helped re-found the Lethbridge College Pride Club while at school, and spoke on experience organizing the Pride Club and how it grew over time. Lack of role models growing up and the journey to self-identification as a bisexual individual. Lack of representation growing up, and actively sought out the 2SLGBTQ+ community while they lived in Lethbridge. Close with Devon Hargreaves, and helped on Hargreaves political campaign. Interview with Reid Hollander 1 hour 1 min 54 seconds Born and raised in Pincher Creek, moved to Lethbridge and attended the University of Lethbridge. Worked in various jobs out of University and involved in various clubs and organizations, including Picture Butte Golf & Country Club, the Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologists, Lethbridge Pride Fest, and others. Self-identified as a gay male; experience growing up in small town and bullying. Discussion on how he came out later in life, and journey of self-discovery. Attended the University of Lethbridge before any 2SLGBTQ+ support groups, or Pride Centre; experienced lack of support on campus. Dr. Doug Myhre as a mentor and support. Dances at the Croatian Hall as a place to meet people and a safe place, GALA help line for support; no GSAs in schools and lack of representation in the late 1980s. Experiences of coming out to family and friends; including coming out to parents after experiencing the loss of a community member. Importance of the support, love and acceptance from his parents; parents in front row when the Pride flag was raised in Pincher Creek. Spoke on relationships; marriage to partner. Took time to raise son. GALA newspaper as communication for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Lethbridge; how people heard about dances and other social events in the community. Was friends with Sean Seeney in the community, and Seeney was involved in the music at the dances. Experienced stigma and discussion on perception of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and 1990s, and spoke on the change in attitude and views of the 2SLGBTQ+ community over time. Discussion on changes in meeting spaces for the 2SLGBTQ+ community over time, and the impact of the University of Lethbridge on changes in spaces. Discussion on participation and involvement in organizing Pride events; including relationships with businesses in Lethbridge. Interview with Sabra 1 hour 10 mins 30 seconds Born and raised in southern Ontario, originally had come to Alberta to work with a horse rescue group. Discussion on horse rescue work in southern Alberta. Moved to work in the oil fields business in Redcliff, AB. Discussion on identifying as a female from a young age. Sabra stated that she had been born with both organs, and her family members had decided she undergo surgery to remove her uterus and ovaries, in an “attempt to have a boy child”. The surgery had taken something from her that she could not fully understand what that meant. Struggled with self-identity and that loss for decades. Found a family doctor in southern Alberta, who advocated for her to re-gain her female identity, etc. Worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment repairs in her oil-field job. Spoke on differences in the workplace between male and female workers; focused on pay differences, the need women have to prove their worth working in the oilfield, including her own experience. Spoke on move to Lethbridge for work; complete acceptance at work and her struggle and journey with self-love. Discussion on the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Lethbridge and acceptance of the Lethbridge community; experiences in stores and being out in the community. Raised as a girl by family until the age of 17; parents passed away when she was young. Went to live with aunt and uncle who were Free Methodists; religious upbringing as a teenager, aunt and uncle unaccepting of how Sabra was born. Aunt and Uncle pressured her to live as a male. Socialized as a girl until age of seventeen and forced to live as a male for a year and a half with Aunt and Uncle. After Sabra moved out at eighteen, she began living as a woman. As an adult, she underwent Gender Re-assignment Surgery (GRS); discussion on identifying as a transgender person and life as a transgender person, including experience after her surgery and the home care she received. Spoke on spirituality in her Indigenous culture and her parents who were Anishinaabe and Woodland Cree; including her relationship to the Creator. Spoke on her experiences as a transgender person in her Indigenous culture, and identifying as a Two-Spirited individual. Education on Two-Spirited people in her Indigenous culture; had found role models. Embraced her role as role model for other people, especially younger transgender people. Interview with Shandi Bleiken 39 mins 13 seconds Born in Saskatoon, SK and travelled around a lot growing up. Moved to Lethbridge for partner’s education; partner attended the University of Lethbridge. Bleiken spoke on role as activist, focused on climate change, 2SLGBTQ+ rights and immigration. Identified as a queer person; spoke on Lethbridge as home and the unity in the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Lethbridge. Comfort level of being out, especially gradually showed true self at work and in job interviews; methods of self-preservation and safety. Lack of role models growing up; grew up in a religious, conservative household. Activism and work with community organizations; including OUTreach, Unabridged conference, organized GSA and QSA, etc. Discussion on Bleiken’s political career. Queer spaces in Lethbridge; Club Didi, Penny Coffee House and Bread, Milk, and Honey and others. Worked on the #QueerKidsYQL rally; was an exciting and memorable experience in activism career. Change in Lethbridge through time, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Lethbridge over time; empowerment of younger generations to produce change. Interview with Sheila McManus 1 hour 31 mins 58 seconds Born in Ontario, raised in Calgary. Graduated from University of Calgary with a bachelor’s degree, and moved around for later degrees, including Toronto, the West Coast, Connecticut, Winnipeg, and then settled in Lethbridge. Came out as bisexual around late teens. Spoke on her experience coming out to people as bisexual and explanations of terms: “bisexuality” and “biphobia”; issues experienced, including felt unseen and a general lack of awareness of what bisexuality meant. Raised in a tradition religious household; spoke on complications identifying as a bisexual in the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and 1990s (reason for identifying as a lesbian at that time and felt she had to deny her bisexuality; society’s need to categorize people). Gradually came out to family and friends, and changes in relationships over time. Lack of role models growing up and in early twenties. Went to first Pride event in Victoria, B.C. in 1993; first time McManus felt like herself and she had found a community, yet still experienced biphobia in that community. Experience living in Toronto and the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Toronto versus Victoria or Lethbridge. Discussion on her position in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and activism within the community. The change experienced from the 2SLGBTQ+ community after she came out as bisexual; experiences of feeling unwelcome or not queer enough. Lack of representation of bisexual people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Organized the Lethbridge Bi/Pan group, called for more representation and more support systems for transgender youth. Interview with Stephnie Watson 39 mins 21 seconds Born and raised in Red Deer, AB and moved to Lethbridge to attend the University of Lethbridge, and settled in Lethbridge after school; lived in Lethbridge for about eighteen years. Discussion on self-identification as an asexual individual; sexual orientation described as cupiosexual asexual, romantic orientation as panromantic, and gender identity as agender. Journey to self-identification began with a class on asexuality, while attending the University of Lethbridge; Watson began to explore the meaning of “asexual”, and came out in 2019. Discussion on Watson’s exploration of their sexual orientation and the spectrum of asexuality. Spoke on the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Lethbridge and the welcome and education on 2SLGBTQ+ individuals they received from members of the community when they came out. Spoke on family and religious upbringing; Catholic and Protestant family, went through school in the Catholic school system. Aunt was a Sister at St. Martha’s, was very open, loving and supportive; Aunt was a role model for them. Left the religious faith and belief system after they came out. Role model and supporter: friend from high school, had come out as a teenager while in Catholic school. Found support through organizations at the University and other groups in Lethbridge; for example, Didi’s Playhaus, the University’s Women’s Centre and Pride Centre, etc. Places in Lethbridge where people met: the Owl, the Drunken Sailor, Lethbridge Pride events, Didi’s Playhaus. Importance of visibility in spaces, businesses that had a pride sticker or symbols in windows, known as safe spaces where they felt comfortable to be them-self. Social media was a space for inclusivity and positivity for them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Importance of QSA’s and GSA’s and support in schools. Their history of activism: ran as a political candidate in a federal election, wrote letters to government officials, attended rallies, etc. A drag monarch performer; they would perform at various events in Lethbridge, including at Didi’s Playhaus. The importance of visibility in the community as part of their activism. Interview with Tiff Semach 1 hour 23 mins 40 seconds Born and raised in Lethbridge, completed all schooling in Lethbridge. Had known sexual identity and orientation from a young age. Self-identified as a queer individual and came out before they were a teenager, and they began to identify as queer in university. Explanation of the term “queer” as more open and how they identify them-self as a more open individual in terms of their sexual and gender identity. Journey of self-identification as a queer individual, and family dynamics. Process of coming out to family and change in relationships over time. Met their wife in high school; discussion on legalization of marriage and process of adoption for 2SLGBTQ+ couples. Discussion on harassment and mistreatment at school due to coming out, lack of support in school. Found support from other 2SLGBTQ+ individuals online. Found self-confidence and embraced them-self in high school, met wife and less focus on external opinions. Started a GSA at their school with help of a school counsellor; explanation of the GSA and activities the group was involved in at the school, was a support group where kids met. Settled in Lethbridge, felt a sense of purposed to stay involved in the community; graduate studies was when they became more involved in the community. Worked with OUTreach, discussion on role of OUTreach and Semach’s role in the organization; focus on education. Various other volunteer roles in community organizations, including McKillop United Church’s Affirming Ministry Coordinator. Discussion on McKillop United Church and definition of Semach’s role as the Affirming Ministry Coordinator. Journey of self-understanding and finding their place in the community. Discussion on the changes over time in the visibility of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Lethbridge. Interview with Timothy Schwinghamer 1 hour 8 mins 38 seconds Born and raised in Halifax, NS. Moved to Alberta in 2018 for work. Worked at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre as an Agricultural Research Biostatistician. Explanation of his work at the Research and Development Centre. Self-identification as a pancurious gay; discussion on term “pancurious”, meaning open to romantic and emotional connections with “people who identify as women, trans, or non-binary”. Discussion on past relationships, including previous marriage. Self-identified as gay from a young age, coming out to friends in high school; journey to coming out as pancurious to friends and family. Changes in family relationships and spoke on complicated relationship with parents. Alan Turing as a role model and close family friend, initial interest in mathematics, and other close friends. Discussion on work as a Positive Space Champion and how Schwinghamer had designed a course with the Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network for the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada made up of 2SLGBTQ+ members in the agricultural sector. Included discussion on other 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and events Schwinghamer and the Research and Development Centre participated in. Discussion of the Lethbridge community and importance of representation and visibility; compared living in Montreal to Lethbridge and the differences in 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Experience with political activism: attended rallies, protests, raising money, etc. for various groups and organizations. Interview with Wren Hall 56 mins 50 seconds Born in Banff and raised in Canmore, AB. Discussion on growing up in a small town and Catholic school; pressured to be something he was not. Lack of resources growing up and lack of role models; lack of education on spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations. Journey of self-identification; exploration and education of gender identity and sexual orientation after moving out of Canmore. Growing up in a religious small town and struggled with expressing himself. Gradual process of coming out to family and friends; coming out was a continual process. Self-identification as transgender and a queer individual; emphasis on the openness and inclusivity of the term “queer” for him. Came to Lethbridge for University, and studied music. First met people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community through the University, and programs and organizations on campus. Met people through other friends and students. Had a preference for meeting people in person rather than online; spoke on disconnect with online dating and meeting sites and apps. Discussion on clothing and “bending” the clothing norms; had a blend of gendered styles. Experienced Lethbridge as an open place and felt safe in the city to be himself. Discussion on donated artifact: a binder and outfit he made and wore to a Pride event in Lethbridge. Learned to sew from mother and great aunt. Made clothes for his first Pride event. A chart detailing the interviews and transcriptions for the oral histories conducted for the "Inqueeries" exhibit. Includes dates and names of those volunteers who transcribed the interviews, and names of those that conducted the interviews.

Accession No.

20211092004

Collection

Archive

Less detail