The Northern B.C. Queer Connection Society is pleased to announce it has received funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) through the 2SLGBTQIA+ Projects Fund 2024.
The $299,000 grant will support the creation of an archive of Northern 2SLGBTQIA+ history and a documentary capturing and exploring the diverse voices, experiences, and milestones of the Northern BC queer community. Collaborators include Dr. Theresa Healy, filmmakers 6IX SIGMA Productions, community members, and organizations.
The archive project will serve as an accessible repository of historical interviews, documents, photographs, and memorabilia, aimed at being a resource for researchers, educators, and the public.
“I think preserving history in general is important so future generations don’t face the same struggles of invisibility and erasure,” said project manager Jessica Davey. “Especially in Canada, where forced assimilation of two-spirit people was so prevalent. I feel like it helps younger queer people connect with those who came before them and recognize the progress that’s been made. For some, it helps them understand that they are not alone and that others have walked similar paths.”
Davey told The Citizen that the creation of these projects is not only about preserving an important aspect of history but also providing critical resources that were previously unavailable.
“I hope this will help provide more resources for schools, researchers, and activists to educate others,” said Davey. “I hope to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes by fostering a more accepting society. By helping those who haven’t had the chance to live openly or have their stories told or accepted, we preserve their stories in a way that honours their resilience. We can ensure that their history, and our history, hasn’t been forgotten.”
One of the key aspects of these projects is addressing the gaps Davey has observed in queer history in Prince George and the North as a whole.
“I feel like the larger cities have kind of overshadowed us,” said Davey. “In the North, we are so spread out that even regular history hasn’t been talked about much. For example, some pride societies didn’t even start until after COVID. Acceptance has been slower in the North. Talking about those histories and being open has been a slow process.”
Davey is currently building the archive while the documentary is in production. She is in talks with various pride societies across Northern B.C., historians, and is even consulting The Citizen’s archives for more information.
However, she is also asking for help from Northern residents with her project.
“If anyone would like to participate, share their voices or experiences, or contribute documents, photographs, or artwork, we’d be happy to include those in our archives,” said Davey.
To provide information to the archive, contact Davey at [email protected].
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