CHATS AT THE GALLERY

This free speaker series was designed to encourage inter-generational sharing and learning. CHATS brought together important local community members (activists, politicians, business people, artists) and young people, their friends and allies interested in learning about our community and history.

Thursday October 31st, 2002
Guest speaker George Hislop: Pioneer gay activist and businessman since the 1960's. "Architect" of the current Lesbian & Gay community in Toronto. Founder of the Community Homophile Association of Toronto (CHAT) in 1971. First elected openly gay politician in Toronto.

Thursday November 28th, 2002
Guest speaker Carol Thames: Black lesbian/queer single mother, community advocate, activist, passionate performance artist and writer.

Thursday February 27th, 2003
Guest speaker Marie Robertson: Counsellor/Therapist and an early employee of ACT. Marie has been a community organizer in the lesbian, gay, bisexual community for over 30 years. Winner of the Lambda Award for Excellence in Human Rights Work 1994. Founding "mother" of the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario.

Thursday March 28th, 2003
Guest speaker Rick Bebout: Journalist, writer, historian, former editor at The Body Politic, volunteer and consultant with SOY. Brings over 32 years of experience with community and AIDS activism and organizing. Rick Bebout's website: www.rbebout.com

SOY wishes to acknowledge the very generous support of Dennis O'Connor & O'Connor Gallery www.oconnorgallery.com and the Lesbian & Gay Community Appeal for their generous support of this project.