From Here to Queer
The Edmonton Queer History Podcast
From Here to Queer explores the people, places, and moments that have helped to define Edmonton’s queer history. Our host, Darrin Hagen, guides us through a journey of the past and how it informs our present sense of community. Through conversation, story, and of course his famous wit and humour Darrin takes us on a cruise down memory lane where we explore the forbidden and forgotten as we celebrate our queer history!
Award-winning playwright, composer, drag artiste, and queer historian Darrin Hagen is joined by the award-winning multi-talented sound artist and production genius Dave Clarke. The original podcast music is written and performed by Edmonton’s very own Bryce Kulak.
This podcast is part of the Edmonton Queer History Project and supported by the MacEwan Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity and sponsored by the Stollery Charitable Foundation and listeners like you.
You can find From Here to Queer soon wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
From Here To Queer
Episode 1 - Michael Phair
You’ve probably heard of Michael Phair, but do you know how he became such an influential activist and icon to Edmonton’s Queer 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 queer 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” gay politician elected in Alberta’s history. Spoiler: He won!
From Here To Queer
Episode 2 - Alison Redford
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 of the LGBTQ2 community. Redford candidly discusses the opposition she faced as Premier in her quest to bring progressive politics to Alberta’s government.
From Here To Queer
Episode 3 - Julie Lloyd
Judge Julie Lloyd played a significant role in Edmonton’s queer 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.
From Here To Queer
Episode 4 - Marni Panas
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 queer community and her experiences with love and loss as part of her personal journey to truth and authenticity.
From Here To Queer
Episode 5 - John Reid
After being denied entry to Club 70, because he didn’t “look gay 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 queer history when he helped to open Flashback, which he described as a gay 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.
From Here To Queer
Episode 6 - Doug Stollery and Sheila Greckol
When Delwin Vriend was fired from King’s College in 1991 for being gay, 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.