Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast
Culture
A podcast series about the people who built the rainbow, created space and held their own! Discover artists, activists, performers, politicians and the pivotal moments that shaped Queer history and how the 2SLGBTQ+ community protests today. Featuring: Margaret Cho; Lorraine Segato; Barbada from Barbados; Greg Malone of CBC's CODCO, Jane Rule with Linda Morra (PhD), Sex Garage, Small Town Prides, Hot Chocolate by Claudy Philius, author and AIDS historian Sarah Schulman, ACT UP MTL founders Blane Charles and Michael Hendricks, Montreal's 'Park of Hope' AIDS memorial, as well as Linda Dawn Hammond, Richard Burnett, Karen Herland, Ian Capstick, Roger Leclerc, Earl Pinchuck, former MP Svend Robinson, queer historian Sarah Worthman and many more. Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast is a Secret Agents production. Hosting, research, editing and sound production by award-winning broadcaster, Shawn Dearn. The Executive Producer is Ian Capstick. Artwork by Tim Singleton.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Culture
Description:
A podcast series about the people who built the rainbow, created space and held their own! Discover artists, activists, performers, politicians and the pivotal moments that shaped Queer history and how the 2SLGBTQ+ community protests today. Featuring: Margaret Cho; Lorraine Segato; Barbada from Barbados; Greg Malone of CBC's CODCO, Jane Rule with Linda Morra (PhD), Sex Garage, Small Town Prides, Hot Chocolate by Claudy Philius, author and AIDS historian Sarah Schulman, ACT UP MTL founders Blane Charles and Michael Hendricks, Montreal's 'Park of Hope' AIDS memorial, as well as Linda Dawn Hammond, Richard Burnett, Karen Herland, Ian Capstick, Roger Leclerc, Earl Pinchuck, former MP Svend Robinson, queer historian Sarah Worthman and many more. Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast is a Secret Agents production. Hosting, research, editing and sound production by award-winning broadcaster, Shawn Dearn. The Executive Producer is Ian Capstick. Artwork by Tim Singleton.
Language:
English
Episodes
Everett Klippert: The only Canadian man imprisoned for life for being gay
1/1/2024
The Calgary Gay History Project's Kevin Allen shares his research into an important and reluctant queer legend - Everett George Klippert.
Klippert was the only Canadian ever declared a "dangerous sexual offender" by the Supreme Court of Canada and he was sentenced to life in prison for being incurably gay.
Public and political outcry over the Klippert verdict helped lead to changes to Canada's criminal code in 1969 that (among other things) decriminalized homosexual acts, in private, between two consenting adults.
Despite the change in the law, Everett Klippert remained in prison for another two years and was released in 1971.
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WATCH | Gross Indecency: The Everett Klippert Story https://youtu.be/QABY0q7jJfc?feature=shared
Duration:00:13:32
Lorraine Segato and the Unexpected Queer Anthem: Rise Up
11/22/2023
Meet Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter, social justice activist and Member of the Order of Canada, Lorraine Segato in episode 17 of Queer Legends.
As co-founder of The Parachute Club, Segato and her 1980s bandmates struck a chord with Canadians with their top 10 hit Rise Up, which helped inspire a generation of human rights and other activism during a pivotal time in Canadian history.
Enjoy this fun, smart and candid conversation about The Parachute Club's impact and their accidental queer anthem.
Cover photo: LorraineSegato.com
Duration:00:19:15
Margaret Cho: Comedian, actor, activist and inspiration!
7/25/2023
It was an honour to be invited by the Canadian Labour Congress to host a 'fire-side chat' with comedian, actor, writer and human rights activist, Margaret Cho at their #CLC2023 conference! Hear about Margaret's connection to the labour movement, 2SLGBTQ+ rights, her involvement in anti-racism campaigns and the fight for a more equitable future.
“Everyone is connected to the queer community, whether they realize it or not," she said.
I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed hearing from one of our community's true queer legends.
If you enjoy Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast please tell your friends about us and go give us a good review/rating wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks!
Duration:00:17:42
The Only Known Gay Man on the Vimy Memorial
2/3/2023
This Queer Legends Quickie introduces you to Sarah Worthman, founder of the Newfoundland and Labrador Queer Research Initiative. Worthman is investigating the persecution of 2SLGBTQ soldiers during the First World War by the Government of Canada and she has uncovered some amazing things.
This story is the about a young, queer Canadian hero from Brandon, Manitoba - Private Frederick Lea Hardy. He enlisted as a teenager, was imprisoned for being caught with another soldier and later made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada at Vimy Ridge. Private Hardy is the only known gay or bisexual soldier to have their name on the Canadian Vimy Memorial.
Hardy wasn't the only queer Canadian soldier in the First World War. However, we only know of the heroic sacrifices of Canada's queer soldiers from instances when Canada turned on its own soldiers for simply being themselves.
You'll also hear more from Sarah in Season 2 of Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast.
Cover photo: Todd Ross
Duration:00:05:02
Queer Legends of 2022
12/29/2022
In this episode of Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast we're looking back at the legendary people and moments of 2022! Featuring queer activists, artists and community historians on what will be remembered about the “queer that was.” My guests include: Public health expert Michael Kwag, journalist Mel Woods, historian and author Hugh Ryan, recently elected Ottawa city councillor Ariel Troster, iconic activist Fae Johnstone, drag queen Uma Gahd and Mufseen Miah of the UKs Queer Talk podcast and UK comedian Joe Lycett.
Duration:00:51:15
The amazing Barbada From Barbados drag story!
9/27/2022
This self-made black queen has one of the most fascinating origine stories you've ever heard. "Barbada de Barbades" has been exciting drag and comedy show audiences across Quebec for nearly two decades. She co-hosts Call me Mother across Canada on OUTtv, is always booked for drag story hour and is currently popping up in online French advertising on streaming services. Barbada hasn't had to race anyone for her success, she's just had to say "yes." Please enjoy this kitchen table chat with Barbada as much as I loved speaking with her!
Duration:00:27:24
Police Revenge After The 'Sex Garage' Protests
6/20/2022
Did you know? After the community protests against the violent 1990 raid of the queer loft party 'Sex Garage' (listen to episode 1 for details), Montreal police continued to harass protesters. Linda Dawn Hammond's photos put police brutality against 2SLGBTQ+ Montrealers in the headlines and that made her a police target afterwards. This episode's story seems lifted from a movie script, but Montreal police (or somebody) did this. It's among the many awful things Montreal police have done to to gay, lesbian, bi and transgender Montrealers - and apologised for in 2017 (listen to the Parc de Lespoir episodes for details).
Duration:00:09:17
Canada's First Gay Prime Minister?
6/14/2022
Did Canada already have its first gay Prime Minister? In Canada's capital, there's a romantic statue of Sir Galahad on Parliament Hill. It was created in 1905 by then future prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, in memory of a heroic act by his dearest friend. Former Member of Parliament, Bill Siksay, the first openly gay man to be elected to Canada's parliament (but not the first openly gay MP), spills some historical Tea about the late prime minister and a very curious - and likely queer - statue.
Duration:00:10:49
Disrupting The 5th International AIDS Conference in 1989
5/21/2022
Montréal, Québec recenlty hosted the 24th International AIDS Conference. It was more inclusive and 'hopeful' and a lot different than the fifth international AIDS conference in Montréal in 1989. In this episode it was a pleasure to speak with athiest-AIDS-activist turned Concordia University professor, Karen Herland, who takes you behind-the-scenes of the pre-internet activism and organizing that helped changed everything for people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. NOTE: This is one of my favorite interviews. Herland is an inspirational storyteller and educator...and was an influential community leader when the LGBTQ community needed it most.
Duration:00:11:27
Michelle Douglas defeated Canada's ban on gays in the military
3/17/2022
Between the 1950s and mid-1990s, the Government of Canada used to hunt down, harass and fire LGBT members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP and the federal public service. A young military officer named Michelle Douglas challenged the military and helped bring that shameful policy and the “LGBT Purge” to an end with the help of Canada’s first openly gay MP, Svend Robinson. This is the story.
Duration:00:36:13
Small Town Pride's Big Impact
2/20/2022
Everyone remembers going to their first big Gay Pride event. However, if you're from a small town, Pride plays a more important role in creating safe spaces for Queers to connect and be themselves. In this episode, we explore LGBTQ2S Pride in the BC interior, Northern Saskatchewan, the Arctic and a tiny island off an island in Atlantic Canada.
Duration:00:30:49
Saving 'Parc de l'espoir' From Bulldozers (Part 2)
12/1/2021
This episode was released on World AIDS Day 2021 and the 30th anniversary of Montreal AIDS activists creating Parc de l'espoir.
This is the conclusion to the story about Montreal residents who fought city bureaucrats to save 'Parc de l'espoir' from the bulldozers of a city "refresh" of the park. You'll hear from activists and gay village residents new-and-old, Montreal mayor Valerie Plante and one of the original architects of Parc de l'espoir.
Hosted by: Award-winning broadcaster and communicator, Shawn Dearn. Cover art by Tim Singleton. Produced by Secret Agents.
Duration:00:35:46
The fight for Montreal's 'Parc de l'espoir' AIDS memorial (Part 1)
10/29/2021
One of North America's oldest HIV/AIDS memorials is located In the heart of Montreal's Gay village. It wouldn't have been possible without the courage of AIDS and community activists.
This episode introduces you to some of the folks who fought to create the park against opposition from homophobic City of Montreal officials. It also uncovered something startling - a 2019 city plan to "refresh" (read: erase) the park.
It was hard to believe that the same activists were now having to defend their memorial, again. This is the unbelievable story.
Hosted by: Award-winning broadcaster and communicator, Shawn Dearn. Cover art by Tim Singleton. Produced by Secret Agents.
Duration:00:30:13
Blane Charles: The NYC queen behind Quebec's current-day activism
10/22/2021
I bet you didn't know that it was a Black American with a flair for fashion who inspired a new kind of in-your-face gay activism in Montreal. Blane Charles had already made a name for himself in ACT UP New York by the time he attended the 1989 International AIDS Conference in Montreal.
Blane stayed in Montreal for a few years and co-founded ACT UP MTL with fellow activist Michael Hendricks. Blane went on to co-found the 'Parc de l'espoir' AIDS memorial and co-create the 'World Ball For UNITY.'
The ‘World Ball’ helped build bridges and allies within Montreal's fractured LGBTQ2S community through ballroom culture.
This episode showcases a fierce, Black, New York queen who helped spark a revolution in activism across the province of Quebec.
Hosted by: Award-winning broadcaster and communicator, Shawn Dearn. Cover art by Tim Singleton. Produced by Secret Agents.
Duration:00:25:32
Claudy Philius' Hot Chocolate: A celebration of Black music
10/15/2021
Discover how "Black music" transformed the 1990s club scene in Canada’s second largest city. Meet Claudy Philius, who created two of the hottest regular club events for Montreal’s Black Queer community. Hot Chocolate and the Girls In Da Hood celebrated Black culture and music, when black people were often made to feel unwelcome in the gay village. Philius’ events cut through the white privilege and were so successful that hip-hop rooms started popping up in bars all over town (not just the village). Have a listen and find out if a fresh cup of ‘Hot Chocolate’ may get served up after the pandemic.
Duration:00:23:08
Lesbian author Jane Rule and the treasure inside her old dusty box
10/8/2021
Jane Rule helped “create a nation” of Queer activists and activism along the west coast of Canada and the United States. She is one of the most influential authors and lesbians in Canadian history.
Rule wrote honestly and courageously about Lesbian love and relationships at a time when it was still illegal to be a Lesbian in Canada. She contributed to the unraveling of Canada Customs censorship of her and other authors’ LGBTQ2S works at the Canadian border, as well as the broader acceptance of queer and lesbian citizens by Canadian society.
My amazing guest is Bishop's University English professor, Linda Morra, PhD. She is a leading scholar of archival theory and Canadian women’s writing, and a multiple award-winning instructor and researcher...and she was super fun to speak with. You'll also hear from Jane Rule herself.
Hosted by: Award-winning broadcaster, Shawn Dearn. Cover art by Tim Singleton. Produced by Secret Agents.
Duration:00:29:35
Greg Malone: Canada's first openly gay tv actors
10/1/2021
One of the first openly Gay actors and comedians on Canadian television was Greg Malone. His comedic charm and unforgiving satire - of the Catholic Church or politicians - made him a star on the CBC.
Greg shares what it was like growing up "Gay" in Newfoundland and Labrador, discusses his TV legacy, AIDS activism, dabbling in politics and how he’s now focussed on art and supporting "Team Rainbow."
Hosted by: Award-winning broadcaster and communicator, Shawn Dearn. Cover art by Tim Singleton. Produced by Secret Agents
Listening Note: Take care of yourself as you listen to this episode. It includes discussion about the abuse of children by Roman Catholic clergy.
Duration:00:30:00
Sex Garage: The Montreal police raid that sparked queer revolution
10/1/2021
The violent Montreal Police raid of a popular after hours party known as ‘Sex Garage’ sparked two days of LGBTQ2S protests and a Queer rights revolution in the province of Québec. We must never forget the police violence, even as we celebrate the courage of Queer Montrealers and the ACT UP New York "groupies" who helped change everything. This is their story, in their own words.
Hosted by: Award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Shawn Dearn. Cover art by Tim Singleton. Produced by Secret Agents.
Listening Note: Take care of yourself during this episode. It includes graphic descriptions of police brutality and violence aimed at Queer Montrealers. The sounds of protests are real and some clips are of people who are no longer with us, taken from 1990 TV news coverage.
Duration:00:35:41
Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast (Trailer 2)
9/30/2021
Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast honours the Queer people, places and events that shaped how we now live our lives as 2S and LGBTQ people today. It’s about the people who built the rainbow, created space and held their own! Hosted by award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Shawn Dearn. Cover art by Tim Singleton. Produced by Secret Agents.
Duration:00:01:48