In 1970 Fort Williams and Port Arthur amalgamated into #ThunderBay, creating the largest city in Northwestern Ontario. Isolated from surrounding cities, an underground queer community found refuge at the Ukrainian Labour Temple, sharing meals with their chosen family. With courage and resilience, they launched the first Thunder Pride, bringing together friends and family in a celebration of love and acceptance.

“And the booths were tiny – cause everything was made smaller!” – Linda Bruins, Thunder Bay, ON

“His hands were just black by the end, like so stained from… but he lived to a good ripe old age and he never shut down his shop.” – Eleanor Albanese, Thunder Bay, ON

“And it’s been around for, holy crap, probably 50 years now. And it’s survived through all the tough times.” – Peter Collins, Thunder Bay, ON

“But there weren’t too many venues that wanted to allow gay and lesbians to be in their neighbourhood.” – Michel Dumont, Thunder Bay, ON