Through the ups & downs
Capital Xtra contributor Karen Rodgers provides an overview of the publication’s stories about censorship, health, AIDS, local law enforcement, gay-and-lesbian-related legislation and the community’s Pride organization. Paul Gallant compiles “Pink Moments” from the modern gay community’s history and Capital Xtra’s place in it.
A recognizable face
Denis LeBlanc’s 30 years of advocacy and activism are recognized when he (along with nine others) is inducted into the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives’ National Portrait Gallery. LeBlanc, originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, is a founding member of the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario and was the first openly gay candidate for Ottawa City Council, in 1985.
B&Bs target of scam
Ottawa area gay-owned bed-and-breakfast businesses are targeted by a telephone scam. A man calls and claims his partner has been injured in San Francisco and needs a money transfer to cover medical bills. Business owners checking the credibility of his claims discover multiple attempts by the same perpetrator.
Eatery set to open in gay village
Three business partners announce plans to open a new restaurant at 374 Bank St, the location of the old Ironwood Café, catering especially to a gay and lesbian clientele. Kelly Brant and Sue Ploughman, Lookout Bar owners, originally considered purchasing the Centretown Pub but decided on an eatery focusing on brunch and dinner.
Ottawa crowns its first Miss Gay Universe
Competition is fierce between local queens Cordelia Corangie, Latisha Corangie, Lux Darling and Maxima Coverage at the first Miss Gay Universe Ottawa Pageant, held at Icon. Lux Darling is crowned before a packed audience.
More on Xtra Ottawa‘s 20th anniversary:
Headlines from 20 years ago — some of the stories from Capital Xtra’s first issue
20 years of shining the light: Practising community journalism is vital, but it’s a difficult task
Our spaces, September 1993 — a look back at where Ottawa’s gay community gathered 20 years ago
Thinking back to Frontlash — Irshad Manji’s column sparked discussion and ruffled the status quo
Whither Ottawa’s gay community — the early gay movement’s shared aim is disappearing
Memoirs of an Art Fag — this ’90s scenester column tackled both politics and culture