Nico
Yesterday on 13 June, I tabelled at the Rainbow Senior’s Pride event at the Rekai Centre on behalf of The ArQuives: Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Archives, once again sharing historical materials from Canada’s queer and trans communities.
The Rekai Centre is home to the Rainbow Wing, the first long-term care unit designed specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors. The ArQuives served on the advisory committee for the wing and helped curate the historical collection of photos, posters, art, and other materials that now on permeant display. The collection reflects the lives and resilience of the communities who made today’s queer and trans spaces possible.
What a difference it makes to table at a 2SLGBTQIA+ community event.
The previous week, I represented The ArQuives at the pride flag raising event and farmer’s mark at Montgomery’s Inn, and that was a fun experience, too. I met new people, had conversations about queer and trans histories, and introduced many folks to the work we do. But Rainbow Seniors Pride meant more.
Many of the people who came up to the table were already familiar with The ArQuives — some as past volunteers or donors — but many who recognized the work the nonprofit has done over the past 53 years. They shared stories of coming out in the 1970s, their experiences in the Purge, the friends they made and organizations they participated in. They shared what it meant to them to see themselves, their friends, and their histories reflected on the walls of the Rainbow Wing, and at community events like this.
To everyone who stopped by at Rainbow Senior’s Pride, thank you so much. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. Thank you for recognizing the value of keeping our stories alive. You made this an incredibly meaningful event.
Happy Pride Month!
