Heritage buildings are not just physical structures – they are vessels that carry stories from the past. As we celebrate Pride Month, it is important for us as heritage professionals to shine a light on the often overlooked narratives of the LGBTQIA2S+ community that exist within and among these historic places. Since our work at TRACE architectures predominantly focuses on projects in Ottawa and Kingston, we have made a deliberate effort to highlight heritage places within these cities that hold particular significance for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
SAFE HAVENS
Within the bounds of seemingly ordinary heritage buildings lie the stories of safe havens that provided refuge for the LGBTQIA2S+ community during times of persecution. Whether it be speakeasies, underground clubs or secret meeting places, these spaces were where LGBTQIA2S+ individuals found solace and connection. Explore the histories of the Gays of Ottawa, YMCA, AIDS Housing Group in Ottawa as well as the Women’s Centre and Queen’s Homophile Association in Kingston below:
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CULTURAL HUBS & PERFORMANCE SPACES
Many heritage buildings have served as cultural hubs and performance spaces for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, hosting events, theatrical performances, drag shows, and art exhibitions. These spaces have showcased and nurtured LGBTQIA2S+ artists, performers, and activists, shaping queer culture locally and beyond. Both Ottawa and Kingston have seen their fair share of queer spaces come and go, although their impacts are still felt today. Check out some of these spaces and groups below:
SYMBOLS OF QUEER IDENTITY
Certain historic buildings and places have become symbols closely associated with LGBTQIA2S+ identity and culture. Historic buildings and places not only house LGBTQIA2S+ history but have also become gathering places and symbols of visibility, empowerment, and remembrance. From murals to buildings to softball fields, Kingston and Ottawa have many spaces symbolizing queer identity that can still be visited today:
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We highly encourage our peers in heritage and related fields to engage with LGBTQIA2S+ narratives by participating in guided tours, exhibitions, or events that emphasize the importance of these stories. These are a handful of many available resources that provide a great starting point to learn about key historic events and guided tours in Ottawa and Kingston:
HERITAGE IS COLLECTIVE MEMORY
LGBTQIA2S+ narratives are an integral part of our shared history, with heritage buildings offering a tangible connection to these stories. Through our work in conservation and adaptive reuse, we can highlight the efforts of preservationists, architects, and community organizations in reclaiming and repurposing heritage buildings with LGBTQIA2S+ historical significance. We need to look for opportunities in our adaptive reuse projects that have the potential to transform dilapidated structures into vibrant LGBTQIA2S+ community centers, museums, or resource hubs. By celebrating these hidden narratives, we can foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the LGBTQIA2S+ community’s contributions and struggles. So, as we honour Pride Month, let us recognize the role of heritage in preserving and actively promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality for all.
ADDITIONAL READING
We would like to acknowledge our key sources of information on LGBTQIA2S+ spaces in Ottawa in Kingston:
- “Gay and Lesbian History: Map,” Stones Kingston, accessed June 6, 2023, http://www.stoneskingston.ca/gay-and-lesbian-history/gay-and-lesbian-history-map/.
- “Marching to Equality: The VLP Walking Tour,” The Village Legacy Project | Le Projet de legs du village, accessed June 6, 2023, https://www.villagelegacy.ca/.
