Only minutes after we sent the letter to Now, we received a call from the Editor. The response from Now was apologetic that the CLGA had been misnamed, left off the map (which was a complete oversight and not intentional) and for the inaccurate information attributed to us.
They have promised to print the letter in a CLGA approved abreviated form.
One of the main issues for us here at the archives is that we want to encourage engagement with the past but in a sensitive and accurate way. The Editor at Now as suprised and happy to hear that the good news is we're here to help navigate through the innaccuracies and muddled accounts to get at the real stories. Part of how we keep our stories alive is by provide support to local and international journalists, artists, writers, filmmakers, students, academics and the general public. We hope that more Torontonians and the writers from Now will come to us for assistance with projects of this kind now and in the future.
We are regularly open for public service Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 7:30pm-10pm, or online via remote access by emailing info@clga.ca
Community Engagement News
Thursday, July 14, 2011
'Mapping Queer History' feature in NOW Magazine
As part of their Pride coverage, Toronto's NOW Magazine published a map listing sites of historical interest as well as current institutions and organizations. We had some problems with the article, but we've been in touch with NOW and they've been very receptive. They're publishing a shortened version of our letter in an upcoming issue, but we wanted to share the whole thing. Big thanks to volunteers Gordon and Harold for combing through the original piece and correcting the inaccuracies.
NOW Magazine
189 Church Street
Toronto, ON M5B 1Y7
July 12, 2011
Dear Editors:
We are writing in reference to your recent piece, “Mapping Queer Toronto” (compiled by Julia Hoecke, Fran Schechter and Susan G. Cole, V.30 No.44). While we applaud any efforts made to teach Torontonians about queer history, we wanted to bring your attention to some of the inaccurate information presented in the article. We were also puzzled to see the reference to the ‘Lesbian and Gay Archives of Toronto’ at the end of the piece; as far as we know, this organization does not exist. (we are the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, or CLGA). Finally, the fact that we were not included in the list of current organizations is somewhat disheartening, given that we have been active for nearly 40 years and our General Manager was asked to assist with research.
Here is an overview of the errors that we noticed should you wish to make corrections.
Current Organizations and Institutions
4. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. The first performance was in 1978 at the Dream Factory on Queen Street.
6. Community AIDS Treatment. The name is actually the Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, though it is more widely known by the acronym CATIE.
Commemorative Sites
2. AIDS Memorial. The permanent memorial was completed in 1993, but there was a list of names presented in a temporary yearly memorial between 1988 and 1991.
Historical Locations
1.The Albany. The bar and the club seem to have been confused. The Albany Bar operated for about five years at 90 King St. E, while the Albany Club is at 91 King St. East. The latter is the one founded by Sir John A. MacDonald.
The Body Politic. The original address should be 65 Kendal Avenue, Apt.8, not 4 Kensington. CLGA General Manager Elizabeth Bailey sent an e-mail to Julia Hoecke with this information on June 27, 2011.
14. Gay Alliance for Equality. This organization was in Halifax. The Toronto organization was called Gay Alliance Toward Equality (GATE).
15. Glad Day Bookshop. Founder Jearld Moldenhauer used his apartment at 65 Kendal Avenue (see #5) as the first location of store.
17. Health Emporium. This was actually called the Richmond Street Health Emporium.
23. Remington’s. This is not a bathhouse and was founded in 1993, so it was definitely not targeted in the 1981 raids. The bathhouses targeted in the raids were: Club Baths, the Roman II Health and Recreation, the Richmond Street Health Emporium and the Barracks.
24. St. Charles Tavern. This was not located at Yonge and Charles, but rather several blocks south at 488 Yonge Street (near Alexander St.). An article from NOW’s 2008 Pride Guide (“10 Places to go to get in touch with Your Inner Gay” by Enzo Di Matteo) cites the correct address.
In light of these errors, we hope that you understand our position. Queer history is so often marginalized and/or misrepresented that accuracy is of paramount importance to us. We invite your reporters to visit us at 34 Isabella Street should they wish to learn more.
Sincerely, The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Archives closed for construction
The Archives will be closed for some much needed exterior repairs and maintenance from July 18 - July 25. There will be no access to the Archives during this time.
As this work is weather dependent, duration of the work may change. Keep checking here or call us before you come to avoid disappointment. Enjoy the time off and we'll see you in August!
As this work is weather dependent, duration of the work may change. Keep checking here or call us before you come to avoid disappointment. Enjoy the time off and we'll see you in August!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
2011 Pride Toronto Funding at Risk....Again
I received this message from Proud of Toronto today calling for a Ward Organizing meeting at the 519 tomorrow.Even though Pride Toronto was guaranteed funding by the city earlier this summer they don't actually reecive the funds until after the event. In this case threats are being made that they may not receive the funds as promised.
Keep that great energy from Pride going a bit longer to help secure this important Toronto event!
As we speak, Toronto City Council is making plans to balance a huge operating deficit in the 2012 budget. Everything is under review, all city services are on the line, and decisions are being made very quickly about the future of our city and which programs and services will be cut. The impact of these cuts will be felt by all Torontonians for years to come.
With no time to waste, we have started a campaign that calls on local residents like you to demonstrate your Commitment 2 Community (C2C). Many of your fellow community leaders and neighbours have joined the campaign to protect the community services that make our city a healthy, safe and vibrant place to live. Sign up to be part of C2C - connect with other residents who live in your ward who are passionate about our communities and want to protect our vital city programs and services. Join us at a deputation training session to prepare to speak up at City Council!
With no time to waste, we have started a campaign that calls on local residents like you to demonstrate your Commitment 2 Community (C2C). Many of your fellow community leaders and neighbours have joined the campaign to protect the community services that make our city a healthy, safe and vibrant place to live. Sign up to be part of C2C - connect with other residents who live in your ward who are passionate about our communities and want to protect our vital city programs and services. Join us at a deputation training session to prepare to speak up at City Council!
Commitment 2 Community Campaign Presents:
Speak up for your City! A Deputation Training & Ward Organizing Meeting
Location: 519 Church Street Community Centre (Church & Wellesley)
Date: Thursday July 7, 2011
Time: 7pm - 9pm
The 519 is a wheelchair accessible space.
Please register for this event online:
To stay informed, please join the C2C mailing list by signing up at:
Questions? Contact Jonah or Anita at c2c@socialplanningtoronto.org or 416 351 0095 x256, or, visit our website at: www.commitment2community.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)