Presentations and Workshops

The ArQuives offers a number of presentations by request.

• The ArQuives – Keeping our Stories Alive!: Learn about the history of The ArQuives, our place in the Gay Liberation Movement, our library, archives, and artifact collections, and how to do research.
• Gay Liberation 1969-1990s: Learn about the history of the Gay Liberation movement in Canada.
• History of The Purge: Learn about the history of Canada Government’s Purge of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members from public service.
• Pride in Canada: Learn about the history of Pride Events in Canada, from 1971 in Hanlan’s Point (Toronto) to Iqaluit.

Each year, The ArQuives puts on several pay-what-you-can workshops in our space. These workshops are open to the public and focus on The ArQuives collection, the history of media, and archival, library, and museum practice.

• Activating Queer History in the Classroom: This workshop is designed for high school teachers and educators to explore the value of primary sources in the classroom to activate lessons, activities, assignments and critical discussions about 2SLGBTQIA+ histories, communities, and cultures. Highlighting the rich primary source materials held at The ArQuives and their value for educators across the country, this workshop will introduce participants to The ArQuives’ Education Resources and archival collections, with guidance and frameworks for integrating them into your teaching practice.
• Button Workshop: Participants will learn about the rich history of buttons within 2SLGBTQIA+ culture as devices for humour, activism, and expression. The workshop explores this history and provides attendees with the opportunity to join in on this age-old tradition by creating their very own buttons from archival designs or creating their own. The ArQuives will provide supplies, but participants are welcome to bring their artwork or designs to turn into buttons.
• Storytelling – In partnership with Storytelling Toronto: Preserving unique, personal stories of being 2SLGBTQIA+ is one of the most important ways that we can contribute to the history of the Queer and Trans community in Canada. This workshop offers participants techniques for turning a memory or anecdote about their 2SLGBTQIA+ experience into a polished performance piece. Participants will learn how to shape and enhance their stories and give them the power they deserve as contributions to our shared history. Participants will be able to donate their stories to The ArQuives.
• Textile Workshop – Stitch N’ Bitch: Bring your own craft or get inspired by The ArQuives textile collection. Staff will lead an overview and discussion of the collection’s textiles. Please note that this workshop focuses on sharing and socializing. Bring your own crafting supplies, as we’ll have limited materials available.
• Zine Workshop: This one-day zine workshop will lead participants through the history of zines and their role in DIY and queer and trans culture. Participants will learn how to create and reproduce their own zines. The workshop features examples from The ArQuives collections.