June 8: Downtown Queer History Walk
This province has a rich queer history, much of which remains under-acknowledged and under-recognized. All around us – from rural beaches to urban streetscapes, from fishing wharves to nightclubs – lie sites of queer history, queer life, queer potential.
The Downtown Queer History Walk is a 1.5 – 2 hour journey through queer history as represented in the sites and spaces of downtown St. John’s. It’s hosted by Rhea Rollmann, journalist and author of 2023 book A Queer History of Newfoundland. We’ll explore key organizing sites, sites of protest and activism, sites of community-building and the struggle for change. Along the way, we’ll discuss some of the key moments in 20th century queer activism: the individuals and groups who fought for change, the intersectional solidarities that made change possible, and the ways in which the struggles of the past echo in the lived realities of the present.
The walk traverses the St. John’s downtown core, from Military Road to Water Street, along a meandering route heading for the most part downhill. Be aware however that St. John’s streets are often in a state of rubble-strewn disrepair so wear appropriate footwear. There is one portion of the route involving a set of stairs but reach out if you require accommodation. Dress for the weather, which in St. John’s is unpredictable at the best of times.
The walk begins at 11AM on Saturday, June 8th at the gate in front of the Colonial Building, 90 Military Road.
