A group of activists have launched a new archive into the history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hundreds of items are now online as part of the NL Queer Archive, with some images dating back to the late 1800s and early twentieth century.
(Sarah Worthman)
Sarah Worthman, Executive Director of the NL Queer Research Initiative, says Newfoundland and Labrador was the last province to introduce a similar archive.
She says the project was volunteer based, with people from various heritage groups chipping in with photos and stories involving the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
(Greg Malone and Tommy Sexton in drag, 1987.)
Those featured include notable advocates like Tommy Sexton and Greg Malone, but Worthman says it also highlights people who weren’t necessarily behind the human rights movement.
During a time where homophobia and transphobia was more common, Worthman says it was brave for people in the queer community to simply exist and be themselves. “That was bravery in itself and it deserves to be honoured,” says Worthman.
