BC Gay and Lesbian Archives
Unsung Hero Behind the Queer Archives Bringing BC Pride Since the 70’s
26th March 2024, Vancouver, British Columbia- As the founder of the BC Gay and Lesbian Archives, Ron Dutton has dedicated decades to preserve the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community for generations to come. The archive, now digitalized, serves as a repository for historical documents, publications, and other materials that document the experiences and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. We should remember these contributions by such heroes which often gets overlooked.
When they say not all heroes wear a cape, are they correct? Maybe. We have great people who archived all the little things that matters and still impacts the society. Dutton has proven their dedication and passion by collecting and organizing everything they could find, from wet t-shirt contest flyers to gay rights movement newspaper articles in the British Columbia. Society remembers the heroes and figures who lead the movement but once it ends, it’s the heroes who diligently documents and record these moments for the coming generations and are shaping our community’s narrative.
Magnus Berg, Archivist at the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI), University of the Fraser Valley, reflects on the impact of these archives, “I’m a trans person with disabilities. I grew up my whole life never seeing people like me in textbooks or in museums ….. And it wasn’t really until I started to learn my history that I actually saw a future for myself at all. That’s when my life changed, is when I realized that it wasn’t that I was a freak that should die, but that I was a real person, and people like me have existed for millennia.” Many more individuals, like Magnus, are going through the same thing and they find comfort in these archives, giving them a sense of belonging. The Gay Rights Movement alone couldn’t have done that without the existence of the archivists who record the history safely and digitalized them.
After years of efforts collecting and housing all types of information at their home, Dutton’s vision extended beyond the walls. All the archives were successfully emptied from their apartment and digitized for broader accessibility. The BC Gay and Lesbian Archives is now reaching a much broader audience, allowing people to learn about the efforts made by Dutton and the struggles faced by their ‘transestors’ to reach where they are today.
About BC Gay and Lesbian Archives:
The BC Gay and Lesbian Archives is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of the LGBTQ+ community in British Columbia, Canada. We have been committed to collecting, archiving, and sharing materials that document the diverse experiences and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. Our mission is to ensure that LGBTQ+ history is accessible and celebrated for generations to come so the community is treated with respect and the dignity they deserve by society.
For more information, please contact:
Deiveek Agarwal (he/him)
Media Relations Coordinator
BC Gay And Lesbian Archives
agarwald21@mytru.ca