"This Hotbed Of Trans Activism..." - with Dr Syrus Marcus Ware

Lost Spaces: Memories from Gay Bars, Lesbian Clubs, and LGBTQ+ Parties

So, it's well documented on this show that queer spaces are good for many things - they're for dancing, socialising, drinking, falling down, getting back up, losing yourself, finding yourself in the arms of some strange men at 2am in the morning...

BUT, they are also for organising and activism, and I think that's something we don't talk about enough on this show.

That's all about to change. This week we are joined by activist Dr Syrus Marcus Ware, who joined me to talk about The Red Spot, in Toronto, Canada. This was a space where he unwound, met and connected with many fellow organisers, and planned protests and marches in the late 90s...

Oh, yes, you read correctly! We are headed back to the 90s, and our conversation starts with the most 90s conversation ever, where Syrus explains all about how answering machines and pagers worked!

Do you have any memories of The Red Spot, or clubbing from your own scene that you want to share? Well, if you have please get in touch - I want to create the biggest online record of people's memories and stories - go to www.lostspacespodcast.com and find the section 'Share a Lost Space' and tell me what you got up to! Bonus points for embarrassing photos!

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Takeaways

• The Red Spot was a significant space for activism and organising in Toronto, providing a home for marginalised communities.
• Experiencing anti-blackness in LGBTQ+ spaces highlights the need for intersectional activism and the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming environments.
• Coming out as trans is a personal journey that can be supported by community and activism. The Red Spot was a significant community space for queer and trans individuals in Toronto, providing a cozy and inclusive atmosphere.
• The closure of the Red Spot raised concerns about the loss of a safe and accessible gathering place for the community

• The Red Spot taught valuable lessons about the power of community organising, the value of accessibility, and the impact of artistic practice in activism.