This is a research and writing project that looks at London's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) history and contributions. London is a community that has rich history ever since Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe selected the Forks of the Thames as our provincial capital in 1793. While there is much known about the general history of our community, little is known collectively regarding the LGBT community that, while vibrant, has remained relatively hidden out of fear of persecution.
With changing social attitudes and an increase in research material available including the Richard Hudler Archives within the University of Western Ontario's Pride Library, the time has come to delve into this history, set the narrative, and create a permanent record.
London's known history began in the 1970s with the Homophile Association of London Ontario (HALO) whose records are now part of the Hudler Archives, along with the emergence of the Metropolitan Community Church and Pride activities in the 1980s. However this information needs to be collated and our early history researched to complete the narrative. Stories like that of the Hotel London where men would 'rendezvous', and London's one time long history of gender re-assignment surgery.
Through research and interviews of London's senior gay community and former Londoners (request will be sent via a variety of media sources) I propose to research London's gay history from 1793 to 1900 as well as conduct personal interviews to compile an oral history of these stories into a first draft that chronicles London's LGBT History from 1793 to present (2010).
With London's changing demographics and recognition as the Hate Crime Capital of Canada this work will assist in creating a more knowledgeable and hopefully more understanding community for all Londoners. This resource will help build capacity in London's cultural sector as an example of what can be done with support as well will provide a permanent record for education and outreach in creating a safe environment for London's LGBT citizens.
As a writer and researcher Ben Benedict has been involved in London's arts community since 1988 and the LGBT community since 2000 where in 2002 I helped create the now Pride London Festival organization (and have maintained accurate records). In 1999 he stood on the steps of Sarnia's City Hall and spoke about that communities LGBT history and has written numerous articles for LGBT publications. Mr. Benedict is also well versed and respected within London's visual arts, freelance literary, and LGBT community and by their respective community organizations as well as have connections throughout Ontario. These connections have been developed through Pride London Festival's Annual Art Exhibit where I have created a provincially recognized juried exhibit.
Ben Benedict is a visual artist, curator, and social activist within London, ON and owner of Benedict Creative Communications, a writing and public relations firm. He’s an experienced writer/editor and interviewer with over 1,000 publishing credits including media and writing for magazine, newspaper, and radio. He’s recognized by the Professional Writers’ Association of Canada, London Chapter as one of London’s leading freelance writers.
As a LGBTQ advocate he co-founded Pride London Festival that was recognized by the City of London as an essential event in 2008. Within Pride London Festival he has developed the annual Pride Art Exhibit to an international exhibition in 2011. He currently is one of several hosts for the Rainbow Radio Network on CHRW Radio Western 94.9FM where he addresses current gay artists and issues. He has written for local, national and international publications on issues important to the LGBTQ community.
As a visual artist, curator, and mentor, he has developed an extensive body of work while leading cultural and social change within London's cultural communities over the past 20 years where he currently consults with individual visual artists, municipal government officials and staff; and cultural organizational leaders as a cultural advocate. He has worked extensively with the nonprofit sector in the areas of training/education and consulting on governance, fundraising issues, and special event management. He also is an experienced community development worker in the area of culture and diversity, a cultural consultant and activist, practicing visual artist, and seasoned public relations and business communications professional who can be reached at www.bcreative.ca.
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