The Regina LGBTQ community is mourning the shooting tragedy in an Orlando, Fla. gay bar that claimed 50 lives early Sunday morning. It hit close to home for some because clubs are supposed to be a place to escape persecution.
“The intent of those places is a spot that is a safe haven,” self-described LGBTQ activist Kerry Barrett said.
The Gay & Lesbian Community of Regina (GLCR), opened one of those places in 1972. Barrett, who came out in the 80s, saw the club go through many forms.
The club, which is currently known as Q Nightclub and Lounge, was originally a rented house, with a back alley entrance on Broad Street. People brought their own drinks to the club. In its current form, the club’s purpose is clearly marked.
However, it’s more than just a club. Q’s main purpose is to act as a non-profit community centre where people can meet to socialize, discuss ways to advance equal rights, and organize events like Queen City Pride.
Barrett said establishments like Q are places where people can be themselves without fear of persecution.
He added that while society as a whole is more tolerant, there’s still work to be done and education is key.
“If you don’t want to know then there’s a bigger problem,” he said.
“If you’re prepared to at least listen you’re going to learn, and it’s going to come much further.”
UR Pride is a group that’s helping with that education. Stationed out of the University of Regina, the group offers services including safe-space seminars and LGBTQ education across Regina and southern Saskatchewan.
Current director Leo Keiser has been living in Regina for about eight years, and in that time, Keiser’s noticed a positive change.
“Shifting changes attitudes, shifting conversations, shifting focus in people’s willingness to be inclusive in communities, so things are definitely changing here,” they said.
“We just need to keep at it.”
As for next week’s Regina Pride Festival, co-chair Dan Shier said the tragedy in Orlando increases the importance.
“Obviously, there’s some grey clouds over the community right now, but I’m hoping with some rain and shedding tears there’ll be a rainbow at the end of things,” he explained.
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