Panelists
Aly Firth, MA student, Wilfrid Laurier University
Patriotic Drag: Queer Identities and Masculinity in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during the First World War
Abstract
The myth of a singular masculine identity during the First World War endures in the literature, where wartime heroism has been strongly associated with the brave, heteronormative, masculine soldier. However, in the horrors of trench warfare, gender expression cannot be simplified to a single stereotype, as the inherent need for morale and patriotism opened a space for men to explore more feminine gender roles that challenged this monolithic model of identity. This talk examines the role patriotism played in defying gendered expectations through drag performance. Stories of queer soldiers’ convictions and performances of ‘patriotic drag’ from the Dumbells showcase how the war blurred the lines of gender roles and sexuality in a period contextualized by a change in stoic Victorian masculinity and coloured by intense emotional experiences.
Bio
Aly Firth is a master’s student at Wilfrid Laurier University who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Wilfrid Laurier University. Their SSHRC-funded research focuses on drag performance, sexuality, morality, and diverse masculinities in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during the First World War. Aly also has significant experience working as an archivist and presenter in museums. Along with their current project, Aly focuses more widely on queer and disability histories in twentieth-century Canada.
Rosemarie Forsberg, MA student, Wilfrid Laurier University
Raising a Glass: An Intersectional Analysis of New York City Lesbian Bars, 1950s-1990s
Abstract
This presentation offers an intersectional analysis of lesbian bars in New York City from the 1950s and the 1990s, exploring their role as both sites of community and exclusion. As some of the few places where lesbians could openly gather, these bars fostered friendships, romantic connections, and a sense of belonging. However, an intersectional lens reveals that these spaces also reflected and reinforced broader social inequalities, particularly in terms of race and class. While many lesbian bars catered to a predominantly white, working-class, cisgender clientele, others challenged these exclusionary norms, creating more inclusive or alternative spaces. By examining the histories and experiences of patrons at notable establishments such as Kooky’s, Sea Colony, and Bonnie & Clyde, this presentation will illuminate how identity, belonging, and marginalization intersected within queer nightlife. In doing so, it highlights the complexities of lesbian bar culture and its significance in the broader history of LGBTQ+ community-building.
Bio
Rosemarie (she/her) graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a BA in Honours History, a Research Specialization, and minor in Sociology. She is interested in the history of queer women in Canada from the 1960s to modern day and intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).
Her research will focus on how lesbians constructed and made use of queer spaces from the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1969 to the legalization of gay marriage in 2005 and the social, political, and legal implications of these spaces. Her research will include an analysis of the homophobic and heterosexist laws, policies, and social standards that shaped queer women’s experiences, and how queer women used queer spaces to nurture belonging, community, art, and activism.
Outside of her history-related research, Rosemarie is heavily involved in queer community building in Kitchener-Waterloo. She is an executive member with the grassroots organization KW Gays and Theys who work to create safe spaces and community events for queer folks in the region. In her free time, Rosemarie loves listening to music, collecting records, and going to concerts
Allie Wineland, MA student, University of Guelph
Queeranormal Activity: 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Life and Activism at the University of Guelph, 1990-1999
Abstract
This research explores Queer student life and activism at the University of Guelph during the 1990s, focusing on how students navigated and shaped campus culture amid socio-political changes. Drawing on oral history interviews with former Queer students and activists, as well as campus archival materials, the study highlights key moments of Queer student mobilization, including protests, advocacy efforts, and the formation of student organizations. The research examines the intersection of local, national, and global issues, such as the rise of neoliberal policies, environmental movements, and identity politics, and how this influenced Queer student activism at Guelph. By foregrounding Queer student voices, the study provides a nuanced understanding of how individuals and groups challenged institutional practices, advanced social justice causes and participated in larger social movements of the time. The project also sheds light on the broader experience of Queer student life in the 1990s, including shifts in campus demographics, attitudes towards Queer students, and changing expectations of higher education. Ultimately, this research aims to preserve and disseminate the history of Queer student life and activism at the University of Guelph, making it accessible through an online digital archive and mapping project. This resource will contribute to ongoing discussions about the role of queer students in shaping university culture and public policy, offering new perspectives on the history of activism in Canada and beyond.
Bio
Allie Wineland (they/them) is a second-year MA student at Guelph, studying Queer history. Their research focuses on Queer organizing and activism at southern Ontario universities, utilizing oral histories and digital humanities. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, they have a BS in Arts Management from Indiana University and were previously involved with Indiana Landmarks, a historic preservation organization. Currently, you can find Allie working at the Waterloo Region Museum and OPIRG Guelph and volunteering with Guelph's Deeply Rooted Film Series, highlighting Palestinian voices.
Chair
Dr. Catherine Carstairs, F. R. S. C.
Professor, History
University of Guelph
Dr. Catherine Carstairs' work as an historian focuses on health and inequity. In September 2024, she was elected by her peers as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the highest honour in the Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences.
Areas of graduate supervision include Gender History, History of Health and Medicine, Alcohol and Drug History, and History of Education. She has also taught the MA course, History of Sexuality and Gender.