Union

August 2022

union is a video installation about coming together across movements.

From challenging workplace discrimination to winning marriage equality, solidarity has been a key part of the fight for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. Workers’ movements have been important partners in these struggles for justice.

Through archival materials, union provides a glimpse into coalitions between 2SLGBTQ+ and labour movements. The moments featured include protests demanding job security for gay workers, the struggle for same-sex spousal recognition, and Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, a UK group that supported the National Union of Mineworkers during a year-long strike from 1984-1985. 

These moments are presented as windows. They are an invitation to consider the labour of building coalitions and finding common ground in the fight towards justice.

Film Credits:

  • Excerpt from All Out! Dancing in Dulais, 1986, directed by Upekshapriya Jeff Cole

  • Excerpt from Gay Pride and Prejudice, 1994, directed by Nancy Nicol

  • Excerpt from The Queer Nineties, 2009, directed by Nancy Nicol

Image Credits:

  • Anonymous (1989). Days of Protest for John Damien. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1989-234N Copy 1), The ArQuives - Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Archives, Toronto

  • Anonymous (1989). Lesbian and Gay Men March for Gay Rights. We demand protection of our working lives. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1989-230N Copy 2), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Anonymous. (1991). Public Meeting and Benefit Dance for John Damien. [Poster]. Posters Collection (1991-048/01N), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Anonymous. (1991). Gay Rights March. Re-Instate John Damien! Put Sexual orientation in the Human Rights Code!. [Poster]. Posters Collection (1991-048/03N), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Anonymous. (1991). Support John Damien - CLGA. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1991-048/29P (01) 09p), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • CUPE. (2004). Out On The Front Line. [Poster]. Posters Collection (2004-004/05N), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Anonymous. (2018). CUPE Pink Triangle Committee. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (2018-14/14p (03)), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Anonymous. (2018). CAW Pride in Our Union. Out in the World. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (2018-14/14p (05)), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • CLGRO/OPSEU/CUPE. (Saturday, June 18, 2005). Privatization of public services, Trouble for queer and trans communities. [Poster]. Posters Collection (2005-006/11N), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Hannon, G. (1994). Trade Unionists for Gay Liberation. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1994-006/41P), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Hannon, G. (1994). Gay Rights Now! Banner. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1994-006/23P), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Hannon, G. (1994). Gays Demand Job Security. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1994-006/23P), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Hannon, G. (1994). Job Security, A Gay Right. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1994-006/40P), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Hannon, G. (1994). Trade Unionists for Gay Liberation. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1994-006/40P), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Hannon, G. (1990). Reinstate John Damien/Gays Demand Job Security. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1990-002/24P(01)), The ArQuives, Toronto

  • Hannon, G. (1990). Job Security for Gay Teachers. [Photograph]. Photograph Collection (1990-002/24P(02)), The ArQuives, Toronto

Thank you to The ArQuives - Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Archives, for providing research and digitization assistance.