Keeping Our Stories Alive

The ArQuives was established to aid in the recovery and preservation of our histories. Its mandate is to: Acquire, organize, and preserve materials in any medium by and about 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada; and Provide public programming and access to information to promote greater awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ histories and scholarship.

The ArQuives is the largest independent 2SLGBTQIA+ Archives in the world and since 1973 the only 2SLGBTQIA+ archives in Canada with a national scope, read further about our history and mission.

Our Mission & Vision

Support Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ archives

Make a Financial Donation

Donate Records

Support Canada’s largest lgbtq2+ archives

Make a Financial Donation

Donate Records

Nominate inductees into The National Portrait Collection

The ArQuives is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for new inductees to our National Portrait Collection (NPC). We invite submissions for individuals whose work, art, activism, or leadership has made a meaningful impact on 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across the country.

Nominations accepted until March 1, 2026

Education Resources

Our Education Resources were developed and crafted to support educators in incorporating queer and trans perspectives into Grade 9-12 English and History curricula.

Visit our Education Resources

ArQuives Collection

Our Collection can be searched online. Search by keyword, collection, organization, person, media, artifact type, among other options.

Search our Collection

Our Exhibits

Our current and past Exhibitions are listed on our programming page here. Check out our online Digital Exhibitions anytime.

Visit Our Exhibits

What’s New

Volunteer for From Marginalization to Visibility Conference

In May 2026, we will be co-hosting From Marginalization to Visibility: 2SLGBTQ+ Archives & Public Memory: Exploring how 2SLGBTQ+ archives contribute to a broader understanding of Canadian history. Building on the 2024 conference at MacEwan [...]

The ArQuives receives Ontario Library Association President’s Award for Exceptional Achievement

The ArQuives is happy to announce that it received the Ontario Library Association President’s Award for Exceptional Achievement. The award acknowledges an outstanding action or contribution that has, in a major or unique way, enhanced [...]

View News ArQuives

Programming

The ArQuives House Tour – February 18, 2026

February 18 @ 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

Textile Talk – February 21, 2026

February 21 @ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Queer Trivia Night – Queer Love

February 26 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

View All Programming

Our Partners

Click any of our partners’ logos below to visit their respective websites.