Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
The panel expanded on local and national histories surrounding the history of members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It allowed for a greater understanding of the historical boundaries and challenges faced by this community throughout the last two centuries. From the history of drag in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War, to an analysis of Lesbian bars in New York City in the mid- to late-twentieth century, and a study of queer student life at the University of Guelph in the 1990s, this panel provided a well-rounded understanding of queer history in the twentieth century.
Chair
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.
Panelists
Aly Firth (MA student, Laurier)
Patriotic Drag: Queer Identities and Masculinity in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during the First World War
Aly examined the role patriotism played in defying gendered expectations through drag performance in the First World War. 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. 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. 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.
Rosemarie Forsberg (MA student, Laurier)
Raising a Glass: An Intersectional Analysis of New York City Lesbian Bars, 1950s-1990s
Rosemarie offered 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 revealed 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, the presentation illuminated how identity, belonging, and marginalization intersected within queer nightlife. In doing so, it highlighted the complexities of lesbian bar culture and its significance in the broader history of LGBTQ+ community-building.
Allie Wineland (MA student, Guelph)
Queeranormal Activity: 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Life and Activism at the University of Guelph, 1990-1999
Allie explored 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 highlighted key moments of Queer student mobilization, including protests, advocacy efforts, and the formation of student organizations. The research examined 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 provided 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 shed 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.