Historic depictions of queer life — especially QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) life — in Toronto are few and far between.
But recently, ahead of this Saturday’s Coast & Colour gathering, Friends of Hanlan’s shared rare photos of Hanlan’s Point Beach in the 1970s depicting Black gay life, and the post has gained traction online.
These images are courtesy of Bruce Jones, a Jamaican-born gay man who moved to Toronto in 1971 and, on his friend Delroy Douglas’ recommendation, made his first visit to Hanlan’s that same year. While only visiting the city that June, Bruce moved to Toronto that September to attend the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD).
We spoke with David, co-founder of Friends of Hanlan’s, to discuss the photos and their historical significance.
Hanlan’s queer history
Hanlan’s queer history dates back over a century and has been officially designated as the oldest surviving queer space in Canada.
In fact, the beach was the site of the first Pride — then advertised as “Toronto’s First Gay Picnic.”
“[It was] everything that Pride was about in the early years, both political and celebratory — protest and joy simultaneously. Raising awareness as well as inviting people to gather,” says Friends of Hanlan’s.
While there are few photos depicting what some would call the “golden era” of gay history at the beach, most of them depict white gay men.
“I can only speak from my experience, but I’ve come across very few photos of Black or Asian gay men in Toronto from that period — making these feel especially important. We know they were there, and in a culture so driven by images, being able to actually see that history matters.”
Celebrating Black gay joy
That’s why Bruce’s photos have such historical importance, and why they seem to be resonating with readers online. During an era when both being Black and gay faced constant stigma and harassment, it’s important to celebrate the public moments of Black gay joy.
“Queer and trans BIPOC folks have always been part of Hanlan’s queer history,” the caption reads. “It’s because of people like Bruce and his friends that we still have Hanlan’s today.”
The photos, taken from 1974 to 1975, are a mix of Bruce with various friends and boyfriends — swinging on a swing set, making goofy poses, and having a general good time.
“So much love and affection pours out of these photos,” writes one Instagram user of the photos. “These are stunning, and Delroy is the most Jamaican uncle name [I’ve] ever heard,” writes another.
The legacy of Hanlan’s history continues this weekend with Friends of Hanlan’s Coast & Colour, a full-day gathering led by queer and trans BIPOC groups happening this Saturday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to sunset at Hanlan’s Point Beach.
“Hanlan’s has always been a place where queer and trans BIPOC folks have carved out space for themselves,” says Friends of Hanlan’s. “Coast & Colour builds on that long legacy of resistance and presence by centring those who’ve historically been pushed to the margins, even in queer spaces. It’s not a takeover. It’s a homecoming.”
This beach day marks their fifth this year, as Friend of Hanlan’s continues to preserve the space’s queer identity.
