Coming Out Monologues Reignite with new partners, sponsors and venue

Calgary, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Advisory)

October 17, 2024 — After a year-long hiatus, The Coming Out Monologues reignite in Calgary Oct 25th through 27th, with new creative partnerships, sponsor backing, and venue.

 With anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment rising across various regions and around the world, this year’s Coming Out Monologues are more than just stories—they are calls to action that amplify queer voices and experiences through storytelling, art, and representation on stage. 

 As queer individuals face increasing pressure to conform and hide, The Coming Out Monologues — at The Confluence (Burnswest Theatre), presented by RBC — offers a platform for artists to speak out, find solace, and reconnect with themselves and their communities while inviting inclusive audiences to share in those stories. 

 “Now, more than ever, it’s vital to stand with queer voices, listen, and act with compassion. The Coming Out Monologues are not just for queer audiences; they invite all Albertans and families to experience diverse human stories and perspectives,” says Shone Thistle, Executive Director of Calgary Queer Arts Society, producer of The Coming Out Monologues. “Despite the political climate, we see the true spirit of Alberta—a community that is kind, inclusive, understanding, and accepting. A place where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, youth, and their families can express, be who they are, and see themselves.”

 Performers, Storytellers and Artist Lineup

 Over 75 storytellers applied to perform personal monologues. Of these, 18 will be sharing their stories, showcasing the increasing and vital importance of amplifying and nurturing queer voices in Alberta. 

 This year’s monologues feature individuals from various cultures, societal, economic, spiritual, and demographic backgrounds, illustrating stories of strength, the courage of sharing our story, finding faith through community self, family – chosen or otherwise – and demonstrating hope for queer youth.  

 Although there are common themes woven throughout, no two stories are the same:

Take Daphne Dike-Hart, for example; Daphne shares her incredible story of coming out in Nigeria and how her experience led her to Calgary, where she founded and is now the Executive Director of Black Pride YYC. Through her devoted passion and advocacy for Black 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, she builds community, resilience, and empowerment, ensuring that every space is vibrant and every voice can be heard and cherished. 

 Then there is Odeh, who shares from the perspective of being a teacher and how the intersectionality of his faith and queerness has played a role in his coming out journey. 

 Andrea, a diversity educator and mom, shares her profoundly personal story of liberation and how, today, her kiddo is taking the drag world by storm.

And then there is Alex (58), an award-winning writer, poet, and father who will be shining a light on experiences often hidden from plain sight and sharing vulnerable parts of his story for the first time, or Maggi (58), who shares her journey through faith-based institutions that first nurtured her ability to connect to those who are hurting and later ostracised her for her difference. Both showcasing that there is never a “timeline” on when to share your story, but bravely sharing their experiences and finding community in the process.

New Partnership with Reckless Daughter Creative 

The Coming Out Monologues 2024 marks an exciting and inaugural partnership with Calgary-founded Reckless Daughter Creative, a dynamic FLINTA+ (Femme, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-Binary, Trans, Agender+)  theatre collective led by Madeleine Taylor-Gregg and Zoë Arthur. 

 This collaboration greatly supports the artists, guiding them through theatre techniques and training, such as movement, storytelling, clowning, writing, and voice. Through this partnership, Calgary Queer Arts continues its commitment to elevating diverse voices, aligning seamlessly with the values and mission of Reckless Daughter Creative. Together, they nurture an inclusive and supportive space for queer individuals to express their identities and experiences, highlighting the power of storytelling to foster understanding and community. 

When Madeleine Taylor-Gregg first got the call for Reckless Daughter Creative to partner with one of Calgary’s most celebrated 2SLGBTQIA+ productions, She and Zoë were ready to jump to the plate and utilize their vast theatre experience as directors, actors, and creatives to bring the participants stories to life across YYC’s theatrical landscape.

Seeing the participants’ courage, vulnerability, and openness in the process from the jump has been so heartening. Watching them tell their stories onstage with such passion and investment is transformative, and being able to help these folks share their stories and find their voice is a privilege I deeply cherish and don’t take lightly,” shares Madeleine, who co-founded Reckless Daughter Creative in 2018. 

 “As a fierce advocate and passionate community builder in the 2SLGBTQIA+ and theatre community, her work is deeply personal— Madeleine’s artistic practice is driven by a desire to carve out a space where queer and marginalized voices could not only be heard but celebrated. It became an extension of how they claimed and built their own space within the queer community—a place where diversity in gender, sexuality, culture, and experience could be explored and shared on stage. 

“The Queer Arts Society has always been an inspiring space that offers support and assures 2SLGBTQIA+ creatives that our voices have a place in Alberta. Partnering with them is about more than just theatre; it’s about creating a platform for people to share their stories, connect, and find community,” Madeleine adds.

 New Sponsorship Helps Expand Coming Out Monologues to Wider Audience

Another exciting first for the Coming Out Monologues includes adding RBC as a Presenting Sponsor. RBC has continuously supported the 2SLGBTQIA+ community across Canada and is dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals through the arts.

 “By supporting The Coming Out Monologues, you’re supporting local queer artists and the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” says Shone Thistle, Executive Director of Calgary Queer Arts Society. “Our goal in everything we do – whether that’s programming, community support, or partnerships – is kindness, understanding and inclusivity. Support from sponsors like RBC only reinforces this truth, reflecting the strength and unity within our province.“

Festival Highlights and Story Angles

  • Support Local Queer Artists at the Arts Exhibition & Market: Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, featuring 30 talented Queer artists selected from over 50 applicants, showcasing their creativity in the Confluence lower barracks. With a licensed concession, live DJ sets, and musicians, including a queer harpist, the exhibition is more than just an art market—it’s a celebration of queer culture and an opportunity for artists to share, sell, and receive feedback on their work, highlighting the importance of supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the arts. 
  • Embracing Stories Across Generations, intersectionality, and Strength: Featuring 20 cast members from diverse cultural, spiritual, and economic backgrounds, this year’s monologues illustrate that it’s never too late to share your story.
  • The Healing Power of Community and a Vital Gathering for Families and Parents of Queer Youth and Allies: In today’s political climate, where queer individuals, youth, and families of queer youth are increasingly targeted and alienated, The Coming Out Monologues offers more than just a performance—it creates a space for healing, connection, and solidarity. Showcasing despite the political climate, most Albertans are kind and inclusive – not just an event for the queer community; it’s a vital gathering for families, parents of queer kids, and allies.
  • By attending, you demonstrate the real Alberta spirit of compassion and unity and what authentic leadership looks like. You can help amplify these voices. Showing youth that they do have a future – experience the healing power of community—to give themselves the gift of connection, release, and authenticity by sharing their truth. 

 

Schedule Overview

  • Friday, October 25th: Opening night with Emcee Kylee Roman, featuring storytellers: Riley, Rufi, Alex, Ruby, Odeh, and Avery, and Discover the boundary-breaking stylings of musical guest Robert Adam.
  • Saturday, October 26th: Emcee Adora Nwofor, Featuring Storytellers Kait, Dustin, Daphne, Jaime, and Beck, and Experience musical feature Zenon’s fluid grooves and soulful serenades.
  • Sunday, October 27th: Emcee Marshall Vielle; Featuring Storytellers Ivan, Maggi, Andrea, Morgan, Charlotte, and Nakota. Join KP Smith and revel in rollicking narratives set to simmering instrumentation.

 

Ticket Information

  • Standard Ticket: $25.00 
  • Flex Packages
    • Buy tickets for two nights – Save 15% 
    • Buy Tickets for all three nights – Save 25% 

At the Confluence (Burnswest Theatre) from October 25th to October 27th, 2024. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.calgaryqueerartssociety.com/the-coming-out-monologues-2024

 Photos, Logos and Assets here 

Calgary Queer Arts Society, formerly known as Fairy Tales Presentation Society, is a nonprofit organization located in Calgary, Alberta that exists to give voice to queer people and their stories. Historically, LGBTQ2A+ individuals have been suppressed, deprived of power, misrepresented, and often overlooked by institutional support systems. We are committed to transforming this reality and will continue to work passionately towards an inclusive future for all people. In 2024  Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival will celebrate 26 years of sharing uniquely queer films from around the world. It is the longest-running queer film festival in Canada and the 4th largest with a devoted and enthusiastic following. We have screened nearly 1600 films over the years and are expecting to show nearly 40 films in 2024. Films you may never see anywhere else and always with a queer perspective because representation matters more than ever. As we enter our 26th edition of the festival we are thrilled to will be back to LIVE screenings at The Globe Cinema. We will showcase a wide range of films from documentaries, features, short films, and animations plus specially curated evenings, interactive moments and augmented reality. ALL of whom identify with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These artists deserve a platform to bring their stories to life and The Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival helps queer artists work to find a home and audience. 

THERESA TAYLER
PRINCIPAL & FOUNDER
THERESATAYLER@STARTMEUPPR.COM
403 818 9689

AUSTEN ROWDEN
LEAD, DIGITAL MARKETING & CONTENT
AROWDEN@STARTMEUPPR.COM