Stories

"Throughout its first 25 years, the ISCWR re-shaped drag entertainment in Edmonton and created recognition programs for the LGBTQ2S+ community. The ISCWR also challenged the rigid notions of the International Court System."

A list of Edmonton's Gay Bars - dates of operation & addresses. Complied by Ron Byers & Rob Browatzke. 

Before we look at the most recent decade of gay bars in Edmonton, let's explore some honourable mentions.

When considering Edmonton’s gay bar history, there were over thirty venues in almost half a century. Some lasted longer than others, but when considered together, they are all part of the rich history of spaces that were safe, fun, and made for us.

In the years that followed, The Roost and Flashback were in direct competition, sometimes barring staff members from entering the other club. But, eventually, there came an uneasy truce between the owners of the two clubs. 

The impact Flashback had on relations between LBGTQ people and straight people was enormous. With LGBTQ members bringing friends to the club (many of them straight), Edmonton’s young adult crowd was quickly changing their opinions on how they viewed the LGBTQ community. As John Reid says, “How better to get to know people than to party together and feel safe? We were proud of [Flashback] becoming a melting pot of differences that found harmony.”

... this first venture was very short-lived. When the landlord found out that gay people were using his building, he promptly put locks on the doors and denied further entry. This left the founders, driven by its initial success, on the hunt for another location. They settled on an old automotive shop located at 10242 – 106 Street. This spot would remain an establishment for the LGBTQ community until the building was finally sold to Latitude 53 Gallery in 2012.