VANCOUVER, BC — Army of Lovers, a trans-inclusive oral history and archival exhibit, opens on July 14, 2022, at SFU Vancouver, 515 West Hastings Street, starting at 5:30 p.m. with a panel discussion from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Army of Lovers honours the lives of all same-sex attracted women who confronted homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia not only in mainstream society, but also in the women's movement itself. It explores the diverse experiences of folks who were part of the Vancouver-and-beyond lesbian community in the 1970s and 1980s.

Based primarily on oral interviews undertaken by students at Simon Fraser University (SFU), under the supervision of SFU Historian El Chenier, Army of Lovers barely scratches the surface of the hundreds of organizations, events, and experiences from this vibrant era.

“Folks who were out and active in the 70s and 80s lesbian and feminist communities,” explains Chenier, “have a lot of hard-earned wisdom to share, and this exhibit showcases that. There is something really extraordinary about passing on our stories to a younger generation, but this is a two-way conversation. Everyone involved in this project wants to learn from young people as much as they want to share their own stories. We hope that our events will provide more opportunities for that exchange.”

The Army of Lovers opening reception and panel discussion are free to registrants and the exhibit closes August 21, 2022. Folks may register for the opening reception at this link.

More information is also available here.

Organizers thank the SFU Department of History and SFU Vancouver (Harbour Centre) for the essential support they have provided for this exhibit.

SFU Vancouver is a fully accessible venue.