Pride 2022 | A Discussion with a Queer Creative
JUNE 15TH, 2022 | CALGARY EVENTS, WHAT'S HAPPENING, PRIDE
Representing the LGBTQ+ Community Today
As our science and technology advances, so do our social interactions—we hope. There are signs today that seem to indicate that across the western world, subsequent generations have become more tolerant of what were once considered unacceptable differences in our communities.
A clear example of this is western society’s broad acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community (most notably, gay people), going so far as dedicating the month of June as “Pride Month.” If you check out a couple of large company profiles this month, you’ll notice a trend of logos with a rainbow decal and/or a broad statement of support for inclusivity. Despite occasionally feeling and appearing rather surface-level, this practice was entirely unheard of ten years ago. Although gay marriage was legalized in Canada in 2005, in many ways gay rights weren’t seen as mainstream until 2015, when gay marriage was legalized in the United States. The US Supreme Court ruling appears to have served as a catalyst, prompting companies and corporations to see the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters as a compelling demographic to appeal to. Thus a month of marketing with rainbow colours, colourful merchandise, and kind words of support.
While many Canadians have become familiar with the springtime show of support for our LGBTQ+ communities, the queer lived experience before mainstream acceptance remains largely a mystery. What was it like to be a working queer person before same-sex marriage was legalized in both the US and Canada? One sector that saw a large representation of queer people was creative industries. How did queer people find a home in creativity? Before public opinion was on their side, queer people had to rely on each other. How did queer people advocate for themselves?
Interview with Dr. Natalie Meisner
We had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Natalie Meisner. An accomplished queer professor, writer, and mother. Natalie’s most recent play, “Legislating Love: The Everett Klippert Story,” won the Oscar Wilde Award for best script at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival.
In this interview, we discussed local gay history, working in the creative space as a queer person, mentorship, advice for queer creatives, and how allies can meaningfully support the community.
Local Gay History – Subject of Natalie's Play
In this first video, Natalie talks about her award-winning play and discusses local gay history and how public sentiment has evolved through the years.
Advice for Queer Creatives and Allies
In our final video, Natalie provides her advice for queer individuals in the creative space and how one can be an effective ally.
Working in the Creative Space as a Queer Person
Watch this video to hear about Natalie’s career in the creative space, how she uses her identity as a way to understand and address pressing social issues, and her mentorship journey.
Where to Find Natalie
Natalie Meisner is a full-time professor at Mount Royal University where she teaches English and Creative Writing. Be sure to check out Natalie’s website where you’ll find links to all her published works. Natalie can also be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.