VIVO Media Arts Centre Archive > Every Queer Thing

Every Queer Thing: A Guide to Archival Materials on Queer Identity & Experiences

A Research Project of VIVO’s 2019 Archivist-In-Residence, Sophie Roberge MLIS/MAS

 

About the Every Queer Thing Guide

The materials in the CDMLA predominantly cover the period from 1970 to the present. Geographically, the materials primarily cover Vancouver and its surrounding areas. However, other parts of Canada and the world are also covered. These materials include:

• Video and film including documentary and art works in a variety of formats
• Photographs
• Publications, including books, serials, newspapers, zines, newsletters, and catalogues
• Archival records
• Ephemera, including posters, flyers, buttons, and clothing

This guide does not include all materials by or about specific queer artists and activists at the CDMLA – it includes only materials relating to their queer identity or experiences. If you would like to conduct further research into an individual queer artist or activist, consult the CDMLA staff for assistance.

Understandings of what constitutes materials relating to queer identities/experiences is subjective, and is shaped by the knowledge and history of the guide’s creator. If you come across queer materials at VIVO that have not been included in this guide, please contact us so we can include them.

Additionally, if you have any corrections, additional information, or concerns about any of the information found in this subject guide, please contact library@vivomediaarts.com. Information regarding name changes or pronouns are valued. If this subject guide contains personal information that you would prefer not be public, please contact us so we can discuss its removal.

Terminology

This guide uses the term “queer” as an umbrella term for LGBTQ2S+ identities. However, the subject guide’s creator understands that some LGBTQ2S+ people are not personally comfortable with having the term applied to them. If there are instances within the guide where you believe a different term might be more applicable, please contact library@vivomediaarts.com.

Acknowledgements

Every Queer Thing was conceptualized, researched, and created by Sophie Roberge, a queer white settler on the unceded, ancestral, and occupied, traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Watuth), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations of the Coast Salish peoples. I acknowledge that the work I do in facilitating LGBTQ2S+ research and education must be accompanied by a commitment to listening to and amplifying the voices of queer, trans, and Two-Spirit Indigenous folks. I understand that this process of learning and listening is ongoing and am always open to feedback, suggestions, and critical comments.

Volunteers & Supporters

I am  tremendously thankful for the support, time, and resources (emotional and otherwise) I’ve received from:

Karen Knights and Emily Guerrero at the Crista Dahl Media Library & Archives
Eirian Vining
Andrea Kampen
& the whole team at the VIVO Media Arts Centre

Funding

The residency of Archivist Sophie Roberge and the creation of Every Queer Thing was generously funded by the British Columbia Arts Council’s Early Career Development Program.