HELPING TO CREATE SAFE SPACES FOR QUALITY OF LIFE IN EDMONTON FOR OLDER 2SLGBTQIA+ RESIDENTS

Edmonton's Queer History

Celebrating Diversity

A Journey Through Edmonton's Queer History

Edmonton's queer history is rich and vibrant, woven into the very fabric of the city. From the early days of underground gatherings to the establishment of pride events, the journey has been one of resilience and community. The 1970s marked a pivotal time, as activists began to organize and advocate for rights, laying the groundwork for future generations. The first Pride parade in Edmonton in 1980 was a bold statement of visibility and acceptance, setting the stage for the inclusive community we strive for today.

As the years progressed, Edmonton saw the emergence of various organizations dedicated to supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These groups played a crucial role in fostering safe spaces, advocating for policy changes, and promoting awareness. The establishment of the Edmonton Pride Festival has become a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape, celebrating love, diversity, and the ongoing fight for equality. Each year, the festival brings together thousands of individuals, showcasing the strength and unity of the queer community.

Today, Edmonton continues to evolve, with a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity for all residents, especially older 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. The Edmonton Pride Seniors Group is proud to be part of this ongoing narrative, working tirelessly to ensure that the voices of older queer individuals are heard and valued. By fostering connections and advocating for non-discriminatory practices, we aim to create a future where everyone can thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Notes on the Development of Edmonton’s 2SLGBTQ+ Community

Prepared by Michael Phair

Fall 2024

Like all cities there has been a story/history of our community that goes back to early times, as well as Two-Spirit Indigenous history for hundreds of years. Finding and documenting that early history is both difficult and sparse.


As such relatively current times from the 1940’s onward in Edmonton is available today and that also informs how 

Edmonton Pride Seniors Group recognizes the past and adds a new future chapter for our community.


Newspapers and police records report an arrest of several men connected to the Strand Theatre in the 1940’s involved with young men in Edmonton enlisting in the Canadian Armed Services in World War II. Local playwright Darrin Hagan in the early 2000’s presented a drama of the event that embroiled these men who were gay and the role of the police, 

media, and the public.

Perhaps the years between the 1960’s and the early 1990’s could be described as Edmonton’s “coming out” — 2SLGBTQIA+  individuals and groups came out both publicly and as a community.


  • Formation of numerous queer organizations—Sport, Religious, Social and Advocacy Groups.
  • Bars and Businesses—The Roost, Club 70, Flashback, Boots and Saddles, Secrets/Prism, Boy’s Town, Bathhouses, 
  • Chocolate Shop, Common Women’s Book Store.
  • Long-standing Queer Groups—Pride Centre of Edmonton (great, great grandchild of GATE), ISCWR Court of the 
  • Wild Rose, now in its 49th year.
  • Public Events—Celebration of Pride Week Events, Pride Parades in the 1990’s, Yearly ISCWR Coronation Ball.
  • Media—Reviews of gay-themed books, plays, films, local events and personalities, and local 2SLGBTQIA+ persons participation in TV and radio talk shows.

Some the of actions that came because of the many groups over the last 40 years are specific events/activities that were 

initiated by many 2SLGBTQIA+ organisations and hundreds of individuals who were willing to challenge and carry out in the 

broader Edmonton/Alberta / and Canadian public—‘we were here, and people were getting use to us’!

  • The Pisces Bath Raids by police which led to 56 ‘found-ins’ (gay men) charged as criminals in 1981.
  • In July of 1984 Ross Armstrong was diagnosed with AIDS, the first person in Edmonton which led to the formation for the AIDS Network of Edmonton (HIV Edmonton). Hundreds of 2SLGBTQIA+ persons and friends galvanized Edmontonians to stop AIDS.
  • In June of 1990/1 Gay And Lesbian Association organized the first Public Gay Pride Parade in Edmonton that was held on Whyte Avenue. Over numerous years the Pride Parade grew as a very large public event that 30,000+ people attended.
  • The Delwin Vriend case that challenged Alberta’s refusal to include sexual orientation succeeded at the Canadian Supreme Court in ruling that Alberta must include protection based on sexual orientation in its legislation.
  • The Canadian Government’s 1995 legislation which legalized ‘same sex marriages’ across the country!
  • Elections in recent years of many Queer Edmontonians—Edmonton City Council, Edmonton Public School Board, MLA’s in the Provincial Legislature, Members of Parliament and a member of the Canadian Senate.
  • The founding of the Institute of Sexual Minority Study and Service/Camp Firefly.
  • Edmonton’s drag queen formation of Guys in Disguise that have written, produced and performed at the Edmonton Fringe Festival for many years.


As the recent years unfolded, the number of older folks that had been part of the work during the past years began to 

recognize the need for and importance of a sense of 2SLGBTQIA+ community and housing. In early 2013 a small group of older 2SLGBTQIA+ persons came together and formed the Edmonton Pride Seniors Group.

We are the ‘next’ chapter of Edmonton’s history—and we are committed that it will be as important and significant as 

the people and groups that have gone before us.

Much additional information related to the above notes can be found at:

• Edmonton Queer History Project: https://www.edmontonqueerhistoryproject.ca/

• Edmonton City As Museum Project (ECAMP) : https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/collections/queer-histories/

• Rainbow Story Hub: Edmonton Queer History: https://yegqueerhistory.ca

• City of Edmonton Archives: https://cityarchives.gov.edmonton.ab.ca/gay-and-lesbian-archives-of-edmonton-fonds-gala


Queer History from Seniors’ Perspectives 

At Edmonton Pride Seniors Group, we celebrate the rich tapestry of queer history through the lived experiences of our older 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. By advocating for inclusive spaces and sharing stories, we foster understanding and connection, ensuring that every senior feels seen, valued, and supported in their journey.