Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) will examine LGBTQ+ censorship, resulting from the “Hays Code,” in an exhibit compiled of silver screen films and memorabilia.

TORONTO, ON. (January 27, 2015) – Sissy stereotypes, same-sex interaction and subtext will all come to the forefront in the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives’ new exhibition, Code, Read. Code, Read will see the CLGA’s gallery present four film screenings, along with a collection of film ephemera from 1930 to 1968. This free exhibit is open to the general public beginning February 8, 2015 at the CLGA (34 Isabella St., Toronto).

As films of the 1920s and 30s grew more sophisticated, and as Depression-era audiences dwindled, there was increasing demand for more controversial characters. The hitherto harmless sissy was offset both by more complex queer figures and by more scandalous stereotypes. Debates subsequently arose about the negative effect that Hollywood cinema, and its questionable morals, might have upon society as a whole.

In response, the Motion Picture Production Code, or Hays Code, put in place a series of censorship guidelines by which the production of indecent or immoral filmic content would be restricted. The institution of the Hays Code heralded the end of the sissy – and his more complex counterparts – in popular cinema, and the beginning of more reserved queer characters whose true nature was necessarily buried by subtext and innuendo. Between 1930 and 1968, a span that encompassed Hollywood’s Golden Age of film production, queer characters were either obscured through ambiguity or else written out entirely from Hollywood films. Alternatively, since the Hays Code was willing to allow “sexual perversion” if depicted in a negative light, queer characters who remained in the picture were presented as a series of unflattering stereotypes: murderous villains, suicidal misfits, farcical fairies, or sexual rebels in need of reform.

“The CLGA is proud to welcome audiences to explore an important and highly formative part of cinematic and popular history through this part-exhibition, part-mini film fest. The content of screens – film, TV, the Internet – has been a persistent subject of social debate, with LGBTQ lives and stories frequently taking leading roles,” says CLGA vice president Wil Craddock. “Antagonistic ideals around issues of morality and decency have often demonized LGBTQ representations, pushing for their censorship or promoting the picturing of negative attributes and story lines around queer people. These films offer a compelling (and rare) glimpse into the early queer heyday and subsequent queerphobia of early Hollywood. They comprise a fascinating part of historical mainstream perceptions of LGBTQ people.”

Public can attend Code, Read screenings at the following dates and times. Please note seating is limited and first-come, first-served:

Sunday, February 8, 2015 

Drama Queens

Cost: Free

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Films to be shown:

Salomé (1923) Dir. Charles Bryant, 74 min. silent

Tea and Sympathy (1956) Dir. Vincente Minnelli, 122 min.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Funny Business

Cost: Free

7:00 p.m.

Films to be shown:

A Florida Enchantment (1914) Dir. Gladys Rankin, 63 min. silent

Some Like it Hot (1959) Dir. Billy Wilder, 132 min.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Thrills and Chills

Cost: Free

7:00 p.m.

Dracula’s Daughter (1936) Dir. Lambert Hillyer, 71 min

Rope (1948) Dir. Alfred Hitchcock, 80 min.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

So Bad It’s Good: B Movies and Queer Cult Classics

Cost: Free

7:00 p.m.

Sex In Chains (1928) Dir. William Dieterle, 107 min. silent

Glen or Glenda (1953) Dir. Ed Wood, 65 min.

For media accreditation, photos or interview requests, please contact:

Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR

p: 647.638.1586 | e: cory@embracedisruption.com

About the CLGA:

The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) is the largest independent LGBTQ+ archives in the world. With a focus on Canadian content, the CLGA acquires, preserves and provides public access to information and materials in any medium. By collecting and securing important historical records, publications, magazines, newspapers, photos, films and other paraphernalia, the CLGA cares for LGBTQ+ histories now and for generations to come.

Website: http://www.clga.ca

Facebook: CLGArchives

Twitter: @CLGArchives

Tumblr: CanadianLesbianandGayArchives.tumblr.com

YouTube: bit.ly/1eAg4mB

Critically acclaimed photo exhibit “BUTCH: Not like the other girls” arrives in Toronto

Renowned artist SD Holman brings solo show to Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives as part of North American tour.

TORONTO, ON (October 6, 2014) – Beauty, power and diversity in female masculinity are explored in the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives’ (34 Isabella St.) newest hosted exhibition, BUTCH: Not like the other girls, arriving in Toronto on November 6, 2014 as part of the show’s North American tour.

BUTCH: Not like the other girls debuted as a public art project in transit shelters around Vancouver, Canada, in March 2013, with a simultaneous gallery show at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre (The Cultch). According to Cultch administrators, the opening night – which attracted over 500 patrons – was the largest art opening in their 35 years of operation. The project went viral on the internet, leading to touring exhibitions across the continent. The exhibition catalogue was released by Shooting Gallery Publications in Spring 2014, and is available at bookstores in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

“We are very excited to bring Butch: Not like the other girls to the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives,” says CLGA vice president William Craddock. “SD Holman’s photographs document, explore and celebrate a myriad of sexual identities and gender expression – visibility that is important to the richness of our communities today and the diversity of our histories for the future. We hope that Toronto audiences will enjoy this exhibition as much as it has been revered at its debut in Vancouver.”

BUTCH is a photographic exploration of the liminal spaces occupied by female masculinity in contemporary queer communities. Holman delineates Butch as “an inclusive site of resistance to limitations on the way women, gender, and sexuality are still defined.” The images honour the beauty, power and diversity of women who transgress the gender binary, with subjects reflecting the many sizes, shapes, ethnicities, and styles of Butch. The transversal dialectic of female masculinity is celebrated here — unapologetic and undiluted.

BUTCH: Not like the other girls opens on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. with a public wine and cheese reception. The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives is located at 34 Isabella Street in Toronto.

For more information, high-res images or to book a media tour, please contact:

Cory Stewart, Embrace Disruption PR

e: cory@embracedisruption.com

p: 416.963.9857

About SD Holman:

A native of Los Angeles, SD Holman is a photo-based artist and Artistic Director of The Queer Arts Festival, an artist-run three-week, multidisciplinary arts festival in Vancouver, BC. Recipient of the 2014 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Arts and Culture, one of Canada’s most prestigious awards. Hailed by Photographer Guy Warrington as “the best portrait photographer in Vancouver,”Holman’s exhibition venues include Wellesley College (MA), the Advocate Gallery (Los Angeles), the Soady-Campbell Gallery (New York), the San Francisco Public Library, The Helen Pitt International Gallery, Charles H. Scott, Exposure, Gallery Gachet, Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Artropolis, and Fotobase Galleries (Vancouver). Holman’s project BUTCH: Not like the other girls is currently touring North America, and has been published by Shooting Gallery Publications.

About the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives:

The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) is the largest independent LGBTQ+ archives in the world. With a focus on Canadian content, the CLGA acquires, preserves and provides public access to information and materials in any medium. By collecting and securing important historical records, publications, magazines, newspapers, photos, films and other paraphernalia, the CLGA cares for LGBTQ+ histories now and for generations to come.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CLGArchives

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLGArchives

Tumblr: http://canadianlesbianandgayarchives.tumblr.com

YouTube: http://bit.ly/1eAg4mB

(Source)

1. Gansevoort – Meatpacking District- 18 Ninth Avenue

With panoramic views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, the Gansevoort is the epitome of luxury. Located in the chic Meatpacking District, this hotel has everything for your ultimate stay. Equipped with a rooftop pool, newly furnished rooms, Provocateur Nightclub and the relaxing Exhale spa, we think you will have a difficult time finding any faults during your stay.

(Source)

2. Yotel- 570 Tenth Avenue

Experience a first-class, Times Square hotel at an affordable price. Yotel’s signature purple lights can be seen throughout every inch of the futuristic hotel including their lounge, rooftop terrace (NYC’s largest outdoor hotel space) and the lobby (also known as “mission control”). Be sure to check out their $40 all you can eat and drink, weekend brunch on the outdoor terrace!

 

(Source)

3. The MAve -27th & Madison Avenue

This boutique hotel has a minimalistic feel with sleek bamboo hardwood floors, modern art, brightly painted bathrooms and pristine white duvets. Located on the legendary Madison Ave in the Flatiron District, this hotel is steps from the best shopping and dining NYC has to offer.

 

(Source)

4. The Peninsula – 700 5th Avenue at 55th St

The Peninsula New York is a hotel of grandeur and sophistication. Enjoy impeccable cuisine from the Peninsula New York’s signature restaurant, Clement; sip tea at the Gotham Lounge  or watch the sun set from the rooftop bar and terrace, Salon de Ning. If you are looking to relax, enjoy some time unwinding pool side or, at the award-winning Peninsula Spa.

(Source)

Enjoy the loft inspired accommodations of NU Hotel, located in the heart of Brooklyn. This hotel has an authentic artistic vibe with bright colours and urban touches. Each room is outfitted with unique pieces including hammocks, bunk beds and wall murals from NU Perspective artists. This eco-friendly hotel is complete with their own bar and lounge – Misdemeanor, where guests can enjoy Happy Hour before heading to their show at the Barclay Centre. NU Hotel helps you enjoy Brooklyn to the fullest.

We hope you enjoy your stay in New York City and if you have any other hotel recommendations please share in the comments below!