Dr. Michelle Lavoie | MacEwan University, Edmonton
Dr. Kris Wells | MacEwan University, Edmonton
Friday, March 22, 2024 | 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. (PST) | Via Zoom
Faculty Host: Dr. Anita Sinner
View the Seminar Poster here
Abstract:
Queer histories are often unnamed, undocumented, frequently go unmentioned in historical texts, official public archives, and are largely absent in educational curriculum and public discourse. We brought these hidden histories to light to render queer lives, bodies, cultures, and communities visible. Through the creation of the Edmonton Queer History Project, we sought to: (1) shed light on the origins of Edmonton’s queer (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two Spirit, and Queer) communities; (2) document contributions of queer Edmontonians to the City, and; (3) identify pivotal events, moments, and experiences that contributed to a sense of “Edmonton’s Queer Community,” particularly those exemplifying ongoing civic impact. Queer history is everywhere in our city, and this project is designed to make it visible and accessible to all Edmontonians. This is especially relevant to younger queer people whose identities and communities are absent in their school curriculum and classrooms. Documenting this history is also important to queer seniors who fought for our current rights and privileges. In March 2022, The Edmonton Queer History Project launched a multimedia archive and public educational website, queer history map, and podcast to help document, share, and celebrate Edmonton’s queer history, moments, and memories. The Edmonton Queer History Project represents the most comprehensive account of this hidden history captured to date. It is an important contribution to our city’s historical record and a vital component of city building.
Background and Context
The Edmonton Queer History Project began in 2015 with a multimedia public exhibition at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Building on this foundation, Re-Imaging Normal, a travelling exhibition visited 21 rural schools, libraries and community centres across rural Alberta, reaching 50,000+ audience members (2018-2020). Beginning in 2020, The Edmonton Queer History Project was developed as a public multimedia archive to respond to our communities’ isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this work, we developed an interactive educational website, published a printed map of Edmonton’s queer historical landmarks, and created a podcast series From Here to Queer to showcase Edmonton’s queer histories. Beginning in the spring of 2022, free guided public walking tours were offered to the public. These popular walks expanded in scope and public participation in 2023 with themed walks. Future endeavours include creating queer history heritage place-markers throughout Edmonton’s downtown core. None of the current city heritage sites represents our queer history. EQHP intends to address this critical absence.
Short Bios:
Dr. Michelle Lavoie (she/her) is a lesbian and queer artist and curator, researcher, community and post-secondary educator, and longtime 2SLGBTQ+ community activist. Michelle is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Faculty of Nursing, MacEwan University, Edmonton Alberta working on innovative strategies to support youth mental health. She is also a Research Associate, and past Postdoctoral Research Fellow with The Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity, MacEwan University, continuing work on the Edmonton Queer History Project, which began in 2015 alongside Dr. Kristopher Wells. Michelle completed her Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies at the University of Alberta in 2021. Her SSHRC funded doctoral research focused on finding new ways to mentor trans and non-binary youth through art practice. Her doctoral dissertation was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal. Her work as a narrative inquirer and art-based researcher ties visual and narrative ways of thinking, knowing and mobilizing knowledge to support 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities, inform policies, and educate publics.
Dr. Kristopher Wells (He/Him) is an Associate Professor and the Canada Research Chair (Tier II) for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth at MacEwan University. He also serves as the founding director for the MacEwan Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity. His scholarly work specializes in sexual and gender minority youth, health, education, sport, and culture. Dr. Wells is one of the driving forces behind the creation of many ground-breaking initiatives including PrideTape, Camp fYrefly, Edmonton Queer History Project, and the Alberta GSA Conference and Network. Dr. Wells is a frequently invited national and international speaker on sexual and gender minority youth issues. He has served as an expert scientific consultant to the Government of Canada, Canadian Senate, Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Canadian Teachers’ Federation, RCMP, Public Health Agency of Canada, UNESCO, World Health Organization, and many provincial and municipal governments across Canada. Currently, Dr. Wells serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of LGBT Youth, which is the world’s leading research publication on 2SLGBTQ+ youth. His work has been recognized with over 50 scholarly and community awards and recognitions including the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Public Education Award, University of Alberta’s Alumni Horizon Award, Alberta Centennial Medallion, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.