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

This year’s festival followed the pattern of all previous; the city welcomed the films that will define 2014 and the celebrities that starred in them. Some of the flicks that have garnered the most amount of attention include: “Wild” starring Reese Witherspoon, “The Imitation Game” featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightly, and “The Theory of Things,” a biopic on the life of Steven Hawkings.

One unique thing about TIFF is the lack of panel judging and the non-competitive nature of the festival. Also, even though tickets are a hot commodity, they are made publicly available. So, who exactly are these people who seek out the best films and scurry across the city in hopes of getting a glimpse of their favourite celeb? This infographic from NAD Bank gives us a clue as to the profile of a typical TIFF attendee.

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1. High Park: Grab some friends and head to this urban nature sanctuary. Have a picnic, go for a hike through the park’s multiple trails, enjoy the beautiful lakefront views and visit the zoo (it’s free!). The only thing you might spend money on is the TTC to get there and back. (1873 Bloor St. W.)

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2. Thursdays & First Tuesday of every month @ Madison Avenue Pub: If you’re on a budget but love to go out (in Toronto, this can be a deadly combination), then hit up the Madison on a Tuesday. It’s a multi-level pub that was built out of three Victorian homes and houses a piano room, dance-floor, and four more pubs that suit your comfort level. They’re celebrating their 30^th Anniversary by offering prices from their menu in 1983 on every first Tuesday of the month. You can enjoy bar rail drinks, burgers, pints, grilled cheese sandwiches and many more for only $3. If you can’t go on a first Tuesday of the month, they offer $3 drinks every Thursday. (14 Madison Ave.)

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3. Half-priced Cinema Tuesdays: Next time you want to watch a movie without breaking the bank, go to the theatre on a Tuesday. They only charge 50% of the admission price, so you can get away with going to the movies for under $10. Unfortunately, they don’t offer 50% off the food (they’ll still charge you an arm and a leg for popcorn and drinks).

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4. Kensington Market: One of our favourite neighbourhoods, Kensington Market is a great place to explore unique shops, art galleries, coffee shops and parks. It’s free to walk around, window shop and see the multi-colored homes and graffiti. (Btwn Bathurst St. and Spadina Ave., Dundas St. and College St.)

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5. The Green Room: Located in a back alley by Bloor and Bathurst, the Green Room is a super-hip dive bar that is very easy on the wallet. Their appetizers are all in the $3-$5 range (with the exception of a few), and their entrees are in the $7 range. Every day of the week they have drink deals like Beer Bottle Tuesdays with imported bottles at $4.50. With those prices, you can eat out and have drinks without feeling guilty or overspending. (296 Brunswick Ave)

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6. The Java House: Don’t shy away from this place when you see the mismatched wallpaper and furniture inside. What it lacks in décor, it makes up for in cheap drinks and cheap food. Their meals don’t go over ten bucks, and their pitchers aren’t over $14. Just don’t go there expecting the same service you would get at a high-end restaurant. Bonus: they have a great patio! (537 Queen St. W.)

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7. The Distillery District: Home to many designer boutiques, cafes, restaurants and venues, exploring The Distillery District is a great and affordable way to spend an afternoon. For $19 (+Tax) you can get the 60 minute Historic Walking Tour and learn more about the history of the district, prohibition, alcohol production and more. If you don’t want to spend any money, you can walk around for free and check out the vintage buildings and boutiques in the district. (Btwn Parliament St. and Cherry St. & just south of Mill St.)

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8. Wednesdays @ The AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario): Head to the gallery on a Wednesday between 6 and 8:30 and you won’t have to pay for admission. On any other day (the gallery is closed on Mondays, though), admission costs $19.50 for adults and $11 for students (with valid ID). And don’t worry; you don’t have to be an art fanatic to enjoy the gallery. The AGO offers various exhibitions and displays for everybody to enjoy! (317 Dundas St. W.)

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9. Scarborough Bluffs/Bluffer’s Park:Don’t be afraid to venture outside the confines of Downtown Toronto. Scarborough Bluffs are an escarpment with climbable cliffs that rise 65 metres from the water and the park has trails, picnic areas and beaches. From the top of the cliff you can enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Ontario (and more on a clear day). (1 Brimley Rd. S.)

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10. Canadian Broadcasting Centre Museum: Check out Canada’s history in broadcasting at the CBC Museum. Admission for the museum is free at all times, and their hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. (250 Front St. W.)

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11. Polson Pier: To get the best views of downtown Toronto, go to Polson Pier (especially at night or on a clear day). If you have some extra cash, check out Polson Pier Go-Karts while you’re there. It costs $2.50 per lap, or $23 for 20 minutes (about 17 laps). They currently have a Manager’s Special. When you buy 20 minutes of Go-Karting between Monday-Friday you get an extra 10 minutes free!  (190 Cherry St.)