One of the ways that we have to celebrate and empower ourselves is through community events such as BOLDfest which is held every year in Vancouver, Canada (just north of us). The following is an interview with the organizers for this event, Pat Hogan and Claire Robson. They have very kindly agreed to do an interview with me via the internet which I have listed below. I want to thank Pat and Claire for organizing this event and also for agreeing to do this interview.
1. Pat -What is your background in events coordination prior to starting BOLDfest?
My main start as presenter/events organizer was when I and 3 other women, started up Sound & Furies Productions in 1990 to put on a series of all-women events during the Gay Games in 1990. Prior to that I organized many political and cultural events in the Okanogan in the late 70's with feminist organizations. Since 1990 Sounds & Furies continues to bring in lesbian entertainment, political events and fundraisers although not as intensely as in previous years.
2. Claire - What is your background in events coordination prior to starting BOLDfest?
My background was mainly in the arts, as a performer of spoken word and emcee at fundraisers, such as Disability Pride. I had run a women's reading series in Boston for many years, and an open mic at Crone's Harvest (the Women's bookstore in Boston).
3. Pat - Can you tell me a little bit about your educational background and experience in women and lgbtqi issues?
I took several women's studies courses in Vancouver and in the Okanagon in the 70's; however, most of my experience in women and LGBTQI issues has been by being personally involved, often employed in, the feminist, lesbian and queer communities. In the mid-70's, I authored a grant which employed myself and 4 other women and I ran an advocacy office for women's issues, which also spearheaded a women's transition house. Simulatenously, I co-founded the Okanagon Women's Coaltion with a Secretary of State grant.
During this time I organized the first conference outside the Vancouver mainland to address domestic violence, this being after attending a conference in Vancouver featuring activists and authors, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon.
After training with Dr. Sharon Kahn, UBC in the early days of Assertiveness Training, I then co-facilitated Assertiveness Training courses for 2 years through Langara College's women's studies program.
-No. Okanagon rep to the B C Federation of Women, a decentralized and radical province-wide organization of women who met regularly to advocate and strategize for women's rights.
-Programmer on Co-op Radio's "Woman Vision" for 2 years 1979 - 1981.
- Owned/ran Josephine's, a coffee house on Vancouver's eastside that hosted speakers and events regarding women and LGBTQ issues.
Sounds & Furies was/is a vehicle for women and LGTBQ activities, issues, the arts.
-Programmer on Co-op Radio's "Woman Vision" for 2 years 1979 - 1981.
- Owned/ran Josephine's, a coffee house on Vancouver's eastside that hosted speakers and events regarding women and LGBTQ issues.
Sounds & Furies was/is a vehicle for women and LGTBQ activities, issues, the arts.
4. Claire - Can you tell me a little bit about your educational background and experience in women and lgbtqi issues?
I did English and philosophy at university, then went on to do an MA and teacher training. I taught high school for sixteen years (seven as an assistant principal). It was an important job in that it was good for the girls in a traditional school to be mentored by a strong female leader, but I was way in the back of the closet. I quit that job to come to North America and write my book, a memoir, and became a street window washer in Boston, which I did for eleven years. It was at that time that I became very out and visible in the queer reading/writing/activist scene. Then I put teaching and writing together, and started teaching memoir writing workshops. When my partner and I relocated to Vancouver, I founded Quirk-e, the Queer Imaging & Riting Kollective for Elders. We were fortunate to get solid funding, and that is now the center of my intellectual and professional life. I completed my doctorate in 2011. My research is all about how writing memoir can help us understand more about the domestic, gender, political structures we inhabit.
5. Pat and Claire - What is the age group that you are reaching out to with BOLDfest?
Pat: I founded BOLDFest and always intended that it be about and for an "older' age group of lesbians & dykes, inspired by two other North American conferences I attended .
HOWEVER, We warmly welcome women of all ages; younger women do attend BOLDFest. Having lesbians of various ages at BOLDFest enhances the experience for all who attend. Many younger local women also come to the dances and entertainment at BOLDFest. That said, we do feel that it's important thst the issues of older lesbians are addressed and that we create a space where we can come together and make connections. BOLDFest is one of the very few such venues still in existence for old(er) lesbians.
6. Pat - How old were you when you first aware that you had feelings for women? Can you tell us more about that e.g. situation, name of person, how you met, what happened with your connection?
While always having 'girl friends' through adolesence, teens and beyond, my first feelings toward another woman was with a female doctor who had just delivered my daughter, a confusing and stressful time of my life. Undoubtedly the feelings were in part based on my very vulnerable state at that time.
I moved to Canada from the US in 1969 and was part of a a growing number of "back to the landers" which was a mix of hets and lesbians. I hung out with some radical dykes at that time, a few years before I came out.
. During the mid-70's when I was first active in the feminist community, I was surrounded by lesbians and lesbian caucuses existed at all feminist meetings. I was spending 99% of my time with women and became a lesbian soon thereafter. I had had sex with a couple of women before I actually thought of myself as a lesbian.
7. Claire - How old were you when you first noticed you had feelings for women? e.g. situation, name of person, how you met, what happened with your connection?
I have always felt these feelings – as soon as I was old enough to feel attraction. I had my first relationship with a woman (Linda) when I was 19 and a student, but didn't have any community to come out in. So I got married to a guy. That was fortunately short lived (3 years). I came out in my marriage, left my husband and lived in a lesbian separatist squatting community in East London. That was an introduction to feminism, consciousness-raising and a lot of short term relationships and sex! Unfortunately, it went along with a pretty druggy, boozy lifestyle. I got out of that and into a long term relationship with Lucy. Many years later, I have been with my current partner and wife, Joy, for 23 years.
8. Pat - When did you first start BOLDfest? How did it get started?
BOLDFest, as it is known now, was started in 2005 and had a very long title -- The West Coast Women's Conference & Gathering for Old(er) Lesbians (or something like that - have to look it up). I had attended a Golden Threads gathering in Provincetown the year before as well as a SAGE Conference in NYC. The combination of the social and academic nature of these two diverse conferences inspired me to do something in Vancouver. Having produced many events over the years, this was a continuation of what I've been doing all along. As with other ventures and adventures, I was taking a risk that it, BOLDFest would work out financially and popularity-wise.. Taking a risk has never stopped me before and it didn't this time either. It was well worth the effort (and a bit of angst!).
I called together friends who have worked with me at Sounds & Furies' events to see if they'd volunteer at the 1st BOLD Conference. Claire Robson, who I had just recently met when she moved from east coast US, and who was quickly making herself known in the LGBTQ community, came forward to volunteer. She was/is a dynamo and took charge. I loved it! I asked her to join me as a working partner for the following year's conference, she said yes, and we haven't looked back. The name BOLD was thanks to Claire's cleverness and wit with words. We started calling it BOLDFest when we noticed that a lot of our inquiries about the Conference referred to it as a "Festival". We thought, "why not??" It IS a mini-Festival after all, with workshops, entertainment, socials, etc.
In the past 3 years we've added another component to BOLDFest, namely, the BOLD Film Festival. We've featured films by and about old(er) lesbians, but not always. Ferron: Girl on a Road, Edie and Thea, classic old lesbians shorts, a restrospective of Forbidden Love are examples of films we've had previously. We are looking forward to hosting a BOLD Film Festival again this year, curated by Amber Dawn, program director of The Vancouver Queer Film Festival. the BOLD Film Festival will be held in the afternoon of September 9th, possibly in the evening as well, at the close of the BOLdFest Conference at a theatre relatively close to the Coast Plaza Hotel BOLDFest's venue. Women from out of town and the US often stay another evenng to take in the Film Festival.
9. Claire - When did you first start BOLDfest? How did it get started?
Pat started BOLDFest eight years ago and I volunteered to help out as her right hand woman. She invited me to become an equal partner the next year, and I've been on board ever since. I still respect Pat's years of organizing and activism and trust her judgment about the conference's direction.
10. Pat - Who is your favorite Canadian musician? Who is your favorite lgbtqi musician (Canada or elsewhere)?
I think my favorite Canadian lesbian musician is Heather Bishop whose voice, stage presence and politics are magnanimous. Heather is a passionate, strong, politically-aware woman; she was awarded the Order of Canada, a prestigious honor.
Ferron and Faith Nolan, two different kinds of songwriters and singers, are also people I really admire.
Although not a musician, one of my favorite lesbian performers is Kate Clinton. Her ability to bring together humour, wit and political issues on stage is stellar.
11. Claire - Who is your favorite Canadian musician? Who is your favorite lgbtqi musician (Canada or elsewhere)?
KD. Ferron. It's hard to make a judgment between the two. I also love Kate Reid's work as a crossover artist who appeals to a wide range of people while sticking to her lesbian roots and sensibility.
12. Pat - Have you ever seen KD Lang in person? And, will you be inviting her to any future conferences?!
Yes, I first saw KD when she was performing at a club in Vancouver early in her career; what I remember from that night was that she was wearing crinolin and boots; she threw herself off the stage and everyone went wild! I saw her again after she had become "famous" at a benefit at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. The front few rows were filled with dykes who went crazy when she sang "Crying" a song she and Roy Orbison also did together. I saw her again, from a distance, at the opening of Gay Games in Sydney Australia in 2002. And then again, saw her at opening of Winter Olympics 2010 in Vancouver.
Would be great to have KD at BOLDFest and should we ever be so lucky to get that kind of sponsorship, who knows????, it might happen!!!
13. Claire - Have you ever seen KD Lang in person? And, will you be inviting her to any future conferences?!
I have seen her live (in Boston) and would love if it she came to the conference. It would take some fund raising to get her there I suspect!
14. Pat and Claire - How many people come to your event each year?
Somewhere between 150- 200; it varies each year. Included in that # are local women who attend some, but not all of the Conference.
15. Pat and Claire - What year did you first start it?
As mentioned above, BOLD, by its original name, started in 2005.
16. Pat and Claire - Can you give me an example of the cities and states that event participants come from to attend your event?
US: Florida, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana
Canada: Ontario, Quebec Alberta, Saskatchewn, Manitoba, Yukon Territories, British Columbia
Elsewhere - Australia
17. Pat - Can you tell us one of the most exciting moment that has occurred at one of the BOLDfest conferences?
PAT: While there have been many exceptional women at the conference, as presenters and participants, it was a thrill and an honor to have Col. Grethe Cammermeyer with us 2 years ago, presenting her life and her film "Serving in Silence". At the same BOLDFest, she also sat on a panel with 2 other very diverse women - Marion Lay, well known woman sports activist. Olympic medalist and community leader, and LaMar Van Dyke, radical lesbian separatist from the 70's who traveled with a band of dykes in VW vans called, the Van Dykes - and has been featured in the New Yorker magazine. Having LaMar at the Conference was herstorical, memorable, fun.
CLAIRE: There've been many. Every year I am amazed at the intelligence and initiative of our participants. One of the all time exciting moments, however was last year's Butch Femme Fashion Show. It was professional, electric, historic. If you weren't there, you missed a one off amazing event – over twenty models, music, skits, history in the making!
18. Claire - Can you tell us one of the most unexpected moment that has occurred at one of the BOLDfest conferences and how did you handle this?
I think one of the most unexpected moments was when a young straight woman from a wedding party down the hall managed to get into the Sat night dance because the wedding party was dreary and we were having so much fun! That was okay, but her large tuxedo clad and rather drunk and belligerent boyfriend came looking for her. I had to walk him out of the ballroom and calm him down. It seemed ironic and amusing to me that a young gal was sneaking into the older lezzie dance because it was better than the big fancy straight wedding party!
19. Pat - Can you tell us what you are looking forward to most about the event this year?
Hard to say: it's all looking good. But I am excited that out of towners will have a chance to hear Vancouver's own SugarBeach, an exceptionally talented and dynamic musical duo. Also looking forward to our very first LESBIAN KAROAKE!!
20. Claire - Can you tell us what you are looking forward to most about the event this year?
SugarBeach are amazing – so our Saturday night concert will be great. Also, our Friday night is kind of typical of BOLDFEst. We kick off with a discussion on feminism with local activists and then segue into lesbian Karaoke and dancing!! We like to discuss the deep issues and we also love to shake things up and have fun.
21. Pat and Claire - Please describe the events that are taking placing at this event.
Starting with a Pre-BOLDFest Harbour Cruise on Sept 5 - an increasingly popular event - the schedule of events t during the weekend are as follows:
Thurs Eve Sept 6
- Welcoming Reception with MC Marion Lay, prominent activist for women in sports, Olylmpian medalist
- Bold Woman of the Year Award - Arden Eversymeyer, OLOC (Old Lesbians Organizing for Change) Herstory Project from Texas
- Jazz pianist, Dorothy Dittrich, composer and musician, on piano; background music for awhile, ending up with singalongs around the piano.
- , Social mixer for meeting and greeting BOLD 2012 women.
Friday September 7
- Singles Breakfast (optional extra activity)
- 9:45 - 11:45 am Morning workshops (SHARON: We are still working on confirming workshops and don't have them in time slots yet.
- Luncheon on the Patio with guest speaker
- 1:45 - 3:45 pm Afternoon Workshops
- 4:30 pm Dance Class - get read for Dancing Friday and Saturday night!
- 7:30 - 9 pm PANEL DISCUSSION on Lesbian Feminism &Gender Today (this title may change)
- 9 pm - 11 pm LESBIAN KAROAKE with DJ, Some Dancing
Saturday September 8
9:45 am - 11:45 am WORKSHOPS
LUNCHEON - Everyone on their own
Saturday Afternoon Options
- Introduction to Dragonboating - Granville Island
- Short Films
- Rest & Relax with new/old friends
- Walks, ETC
Saturday evening, Sept 8
- 5 pm No Host Bar, Social
- SILENT AUCTION BIDDING BEGINS! Big Prize is a trip for 2 on OLIVIA CRUISES + weekend get-aways, art, jewelery and much more.
- 6 pm Gourmet Buffet Begins
- 7:30 PM ish BOLDFest 2012 Performers SUGARBEACH, entertain the crowd for over an hour with their upbeat songs and performance. Award-winning songwriters andn performers, this Canadian-Aussie musical duo has been performing both locally and throughout North America both at concerts and Pride stages.
- 9 pm - Midnight DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY to the sounds of the Duelling DJ"s, Susan Yaeger and Jacqui Hope.
- Sunday morning Sept 9
- 10 am - 11:30 am
- CIRCLE, WRAP UP, FEEDBACK, CLOSING CIRCLE led by Bridgid McGowan -- back my popular demand!
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, SEPT 9
- BOLD FILM FESTIVAL at VIFF, the Vancity International Film Festival Theatre (Film Festival planning in progress)
22. Pat and Claire - What are some of the lgbtqi events/happenings that you can recommend to us that are going on in Vancouver? Are there any specific lesbian clubs/bars/events?
Vancouver Pride - a huge and wonderful weeklong event culminating in the Pride Parade on August 5, 2012. For other Pride events go to http://www.vancouverpride.ca/event-calendar
Vancouver Outdoor Women's Club hosts many outdoor events, meetings, socials for women/lesbians.
No lesbian bar per se these days. Lots of gay clubs, though, mostly if not all, in the West End aka the "Gay Village" - the neighbourhood sectioned off by Davie and Denman Streets. The Oasis, Neighbours, Little Sisters Book Emporium (central meeting/info place 1238 Davie).
See Xtra.ca on website for events, news, etc. Xtra is our bi weekly lgbtq newsppaer which has sister papers in Toronto and Ottawa.
23. Pat and Claire - Is this event open to transgender, bisexual, queer, straight, undefined folks?
BOLDFest is open to anyone who defines as a woman and as a lesbian. This is pretty simple. Beyond BOLDFest, Pat and I embrace everyone who stands with us under the umbrella of 'queer' and support many events and organizations that are open to anyone. This one event, BOLDFest, focusses on, and supports anyone who identifies as lesbian and n particular, on issues relevant to the lives of older lesbians. Given our invisibility in mainstream culture generally, we think it's important to keep this space available.
