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Also known as "The Gay Brothers," this short film showed two men dancing together.
Best Picture at the Academy Awards and also depicted one of the earliest onscreen same-sex kisses.
Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope" tells the story of two heavily coded gay men who murder one of their classmates for the sheer thrill of it.
The well-known drama includes clear, coded gay subtext between troublemaking teen protagonist Jim Stark (James Dean) and his new classmate, Plato (Sal Mineo who later came out)
Robert Aldrich's film about the breakdown of an aging lesbian TV actress included a lesbian sex scene that broke down a major taboo associated with the Code's erasure of gay characters on screen.
John Director Waters, challenged the concept of camp by making deliberately filthy, transgressive films that let their queer, outcast characters gleefully behave badly.
William Friedkin's "Cruising" was reviled by many gay viewers, with one pamphlet saying that, in the film, "gay men are presented as one-dimensional sex-crazed lunatics."
Donna Deitch's "Desert Hearts" tracks the romance that develops between repressed English professor Vivian and free-spirited rancher's daughter Kay. It's regarded as the first mainstream lesbian film with a happy ending.
Jennie Livingston's acclaimed documentary chronicles New York City's Black and Latino Harlem drag ball scene of the late 1980s, bringing the vital subculture into the public eye in a major way.
Director Cheryl Dunye plays a Black lesbian filmmaker working on a project about "The Watermelon Woman," an obscure 1940s Black actress.
Hedwig Robinson, a gay East German rock singer develops a relationship with a younger man, Tommy, becoming his mentor and musical collaborator, only to have Tommy steal her music and become a rock star.
Ang Lee's film about the long-term secret romance between two cowboys (Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger) made history as one of the first big mainstream movies that centered on a gay love story. The film became a critical and box office success and won three Oscars, proving to Hollywood that LGBTQ+ stories had a place outside of strictly independent filmmaking.
Lesbian filmmaker Dee Rees arrived on the scene with her 2011 debut narrative feature film, "Pariah." The semi-autobiographical film centers on a Black Brooklyn lesbian's experiences with coming out and reckoning with her identity.
Moonlight tells the story of a young Black gay man named Chiron as he grows up and comes to terms with his identity. It made history as the first LGBTQ+ movie and the first movie with an all-Black cast to take home the top prize.
Director Wanuri Kahiu's "afro bubblegum" film "Rafiki," which tells a love story between two teenage girls, became the first Kenyan film to screen at the Cannes Film Festival.
The animated documentary "Flee" centers on a man identified as Amin Nawabi, a refugee from Afghanistan who left his country for a new life in Denmark, as he shares a painful hidden past ahead of marrying his soon-to-be husband.
In the early 1960s, Agnes Torres — a pseudonymized transgender woman — participated in sociologist Harold Garfinkel's gender health research at UCLA, making her the first subject of an in-depth discussion of transgender identity in sociology.
What a weekend! Overflowing with love, joy and gratitude in the wake of time spent together at the Coming Out Monologues. There’s plenty more to see, share and reminisce on yet to come. For now, please join us in shared celebration of the hundreds of y’all who came together to make this year a wild success 🎉
A special thank you to our presenting sponsor @rbc, without whom none of this would’ve been possible, and to the intrepid folks at @recklessdaughtercreative for their fearless leadership and support through these tumultuous waters of self-discovery.
📸 Shannon Johnston / @me_onlylouder & @sansfuccs
⁉️ SENDOFF SUNDAY! MC’d by Marshall Vielle, featuring Morgan, Maggi, Ivan, Charlotte, Andrea & Nakota, plus musical guest KP Smith ❤️🔥
Morgan is a trans masc. parent, & artist. Sharing the wheel of a blended family of 4 kids, it’s no wonder they are such a strong advocate for youth empowerment through performance. Their familial collective produces one of the only family drag shows here in Mohkinstsis. He has powerful convictions & stands for liberation & the many ways it’s advancing here in Treaty 7 & beyond. They were born & raised here in the city called many big dog town and is often happiest in the wilderness or practicing gender focused art.
Maggi is an advocate, inspiration, influencer, fur mom, lover of all things sustainable, writing her powerfully ever-after story. Maggi lives to advocate by giving voice to the voiceless and helping people find their voice, as for many years she found people taking her voice from her.
Iván is a queer Mexican artist studying drama at the University of Calgary. They are a storyteller who believes everyone’s stories are worth listening to because we can all learn from each other. Check out their next directing project with the Festival of Animated Objects 2025!
Charlotte is a Moh’kinstsis-based writer, actor and deviser. They’ve written for stage, film & their theatre collective, Nycto Theatre. Charlotte enjoys playing with new formats and techniques in their writing. They’re so excited to read for you the most self indulgent piece they’ve ever written!
Andrea is a passionate storyteller, diversity professional, unapologetic menopausal mom & epic car dancer. Her journey of self-discovery highlights resilience, community and the importance of joy. Through her experiences, she inspires others to embrace their authentic selves & reflects on what it truly means to be “queer enough” encouraging a broader understanding of identity.
Nakota is a Nakota Sioux/Anishinaabe Ojibwe Two-Spirit Storyteller, who acts, writes, aspires to direct, & aims to inspire & uplift the generations to come. They are here today because they know the importance of their voice, & want others to know they are not alone.
✌️ DAY TWO! Welcome to The Coming Out Monologues’ SOLD OUT Saturday show.
@statuesse brings her ever-evolving, life-of-the-party energy as the night’s emcee, alongside Monologues from @ksc_hatch, @orions_beck, @shonethistle, @inflatable_magic_and_more, @jaimezino & @blackprideyyc, & the musical stylings of ZENON.
Kait is a multi-genre writer, mixed-medium artist, and trained Buddhist Chaplain dedicated to anti-racism, disability justice, & collective liberation. Kait produces a collaborative community ‘zine called From the QILT2BAG+ & is working on a mixed-media embroidery series called Sacred Love/Sacred Lives.
Beck is a multidisciplinary theatre artist based in Mohkinstsis. They’re absolutely thrilled to be a part of this project! Beck’s favourite queer media ATM is The Magnus Archives, & her favourite way to spend ten minutes is poking fun at her hot wife Jack.
Shone, pinch hitting for the amazing Malik, is an author, poet & multidisciplinary artist. They have a children’s book coming out in 2025, and currently serve as Calgary’s 7th Poet Laureate.
Dustin is a poet & variety circus entertainer. He volunteers with the Fellowship of Alberta Bears (FAB) helping plan/host events for the Alberta Bear community. Their hobbies include Poetry, boardgames, reading, & running their entertainment business where he works as a magician, balloon artist, & variety entertainer.
Jaime is a lifelong lover of story, with a passion for reading, writing, and music. Through CMHA Calgary’s School of Peer Support, they gained a deeper appreciation for the power of personal stories to connect us. Jaime hopes their story will resonate with others.
Daphne is the Founder & Executive Director of Black Pride YYC, a trailblazing advocate for the Black 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada. With extensive experience in healthcare & community advocacy, Daphne leads innovative initiatives that intersect tech, culture, & social change, creating spaces for inclusivity & empowerment.
🎇 IT’S SHOWTIME! Meet the star-studded, multitalented cast of The Coming Out Monologues’ Friday show.
With local legend @therealkyleeroman at the helm, the first of three epic nights of Monologues starts us off with a bang, joined by performances from @rileyybq, @rufi.oswaldo, @arettiea, @ruby.amelie.swan and @mister_0d.
Laugh, cry and cheer along as tales are told and narrative webs are weaved. Finally, let yourself be serenaded by the glittering angelic country sounds of @robertadammusic to close out the evening!
Doors for Friday’s SOLD OUT show open at 6:30pm. See you there!
Riley is a queer, disabled storyteller healing from a fundamentalist Christian upbringing. After years of processing, this monologue gives voice to the truths their body has always told. Riley also creates zines and collages, while their husband and two cats patiently navigate the piles of art supplies.
Rufi is what happens when you leave leftovers in the fridge too long and they gain sentience. And Rufi has put that sentience to good use! He is the Artistic Director of Dancers’ Studio West and a PhD Candidate in Performance Studies at York University.
Alex is a poet, prose writer, and editor. He is a long-time volunteer for CQAS and a regular book reviewer for Alberta Views magazine. The father of two adult sons, Alex lives in Kingsland with his elderly rabbit companion.
Ruby is a neurodivergent musical artist, producer, and multi-disciplinary artist; her music is the perfect soundtrack to the rebirth of your inner child. According to local rumours, Ruby Swan can be found in places where shooting stars have fallen (on YouTube and across all major streaming platforms).
My name is Odeh. My husband and I have two fur babies. My move to Alberta was to kickstart my career as a teacher, working with junior high students. The geopolitics in the last year compelled me to join TCOM. I have a responsibility to use my voice and share my story.
Sweetness and Light - yes you!!
Any chance you`d offer your time as a volunteer during our Queer Arts Exhibition & Market, this coming weekend at The Confluence?
Our awesome team would be awesomer with you on it. Plus, you`d get to connect with community, meet new people, experience art, get a cool shirt and an invite to our volunteer appreciation party in the new year!
Discover shifts that suit your schedule via our bio.
Many thanks in advance! Hope to see you this weekend.
IT’S TIME: Join us at the Fall Queer Art Market this October 26th and 27th! 🍃
Discover our final eight artists sharing their works at the Market:
@bewareofstitches
@bicho.raro01
@alexcadabra_creations
@chicken_foot_creations
@ceramicsbytonia
@nemoral.code.art
@mcfus
@kylarlangeart
Meet over two dozen artists & makers presenting their works at the Market this weekend! Visit them at the Confluence’s Lower Barracks on October 26th, from 11am to 6:30pm, and on Sunday October 27th from 12 to 6:30pm 🎉
#YYCmarkets #holidaymarkets #whatsonYYC #CalgaryQueerArts #TheComingOutMonologues
IT’S TIME: Join us at the Fall Queer Art Market this October 26th and 27th! 🍃
Discover nine more artists sharing their works at the Market:
@risaaaaaaa.w
@alexlovescreatively
@bug.pin
@slwwepwy
@rodeoclownpress
@melveex
@_MIDNIGHT.BANDIT
@wesnaim
@samuraibara
Stay tuned to meet many more artists & makers presenting their works at the Market this weekend. Visit them at the Confluence’s Lower Barracks on October 26th, from 11am to 6:30pm, and on Sunday October 27th from 12 to 6:30pm!
#YYCmarkets #holidaymarkets #whatsonYYC #CalgaryQueerArts #TheComingOutMonologues
IT’S TIME: Join us at the Fall Queer Art Market this October 26th and 27th! 🍃
Discover nine of the artists sharing their works at the Market:
CQA Artist-in-Residence Blake McLeod of @CinicStudio
@Teigan_Tulsie
@Emini.Aduke
@ContemporaryVice
@CastilloArtStudio
@HopefulHeartDesignCo
@WildHarpist
@WeavingBruha
@RileyyBQ
Stay tuned to meet many more artists & makers presenting their works at the Market this weekend. Visit them at the Confluence’s Lower Barracks on October 26th, from 11am to 6:30pm, and on Sunday October 27th from 12 to 6:30pm!
#YYCmarkets #holidaymarkets #whatsonYYC #CalgaryQueerArts #TheComingOutMonologues
🪩 IT’S SHOWTIME: Tickets to the 2024 Coming Out Monologues are on sale now!
Experience a vibrant celebration of storytelling, music, creativity, and community, presented by RBC! Discover 21 storytellers and three musical guests spanning October 25th to 27th. Each night, join us on a journey of discovery and revelation shared by seven storytellers, followed by the sonic delights of our musical headliners.
Experience the return of the Calgary Queer Arts Exhibition & Makers Market, spotlighting over thirty artists from in and around Mohkinstsis. Support local Queer creatives, discover handmade goods, stunning art, and more.
Tickets are going FAST 🔥🎟️ act now before it’s too late! Link is you know where 👀🔗
We can’t wait to reconnect with you all in community and creativity. See you there ❤️🔥
A special thank you to our presenting partners at @rbc, as well as to our supporters and friends at @cityofcalgary, @canada.council, @calgaryartsdev, @cdn.heritage, the @rozsafoundation, @recklessdaughtercreative, @@sansfuccs, BSTS and @theconfluence_yyc.
Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Drawing upon author and activitst Phyllis Webstad’s lived experience as a Residential School survivor - including the moment her new orange shirt was taken from her and never returned - #OrangeShirtDay marks an opportunity for all peoples to commemorate, conversate, and collaborate.
Looking for ways to observe, contribute to, or create space for this important day of recognition?
You could attend some of @YYCarts ’ #NDTR programming, including
- an Indigenous Makers Market
- an evening of storytelling with the Elders Knowledge Circle
- Gallery Tours and Artist Talks
We also encourage you to follow Indigenous-facing channels, and artists, including
@cinicstudio
@adrian_stimson
@bb.iskwew
@orangeshirtday
@igpcalgary
@iiyikakimaatyouthgroup
@trellisyyc
@miskanawah
@making_treaty_7
@albertametis
@2spiritsmotion
And of course, don’t forget your orange shirt! Pictured here is contest winner Aaliyah Bautista’s design for @orangeshirtsociety.
How else do you plan to show up? What’s on your mind this Orange Shirt Day? Who are some of your favorite folks we should be appreciating? 🧡
#TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters
The Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that we operate on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations) this land is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. We acknowledge the traditional caregivers of this land and the importance of a commitment to continued decolonization of our work for the dignity and equity of all. We would like also recognize that Treaty 7 is about a relationship we all actively share in, as settlers and original peoples. A relationship needs to be open, honest, respectful, mutually beneficial and grounded in meaningful reconciliation.
