VIDEO: The History of GO, 1979—1995: Unity to Division
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Gays of Ottawa (GO) which became ALGO then ALGBO as the name reflected the realities of the diversity in the community, had a nearly 25 year history from 1971 to 1995 as a queer political, social and health services organization.
Started months after the We Demand demonstration on Parliament Hill, a small group of men gathered to create a gay rights group, which they called Gays of Ottawa. As the organization grew, it moved to several different locations, sometimes due to unhappy and homophobic landlords, and one location went ablaze in 1979.
As the needs of the community changed, so did the organization, which ran a successful periodical, GO Info, for many years as well as the Gayline support call-in line and legendary dances. Members from the organization went on to found new organizations such as Pink Triangle Services, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, and more.
This supplementary section will lead you through the seven locations of interest as the organization grew until it wound up business in 1995.
If you know more details about this topic, please email info@bankstreet.ca to share dates, facts, images or more.
In partnership with the Bank Street BIA and Capital Pride.
