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    Calgary Queer Arts Society

    About

    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.

     

    The arts are an integral part of who we are. Storytelling connects us all, dissolves our differences and breaks down barriers, so that we can find aspects of ourselves in others, and of others in ourselves. Our stories are important to Calgary, which is why we are committed to creating and sharing the narratives that shape us. We use storytelling mediums and artistic endeavours to inspire thoughtful conversations that educate and strengthen communities and institutions.

     

    VISION - A world where diverse queer stories are integrated, celebrated, and expected in our communities and institutions.

     

    MISSION - We use storytelling mediums to humanize social justice issues through a queer lens and provide opportunities for learning, community, and celebration in Calgary and Alberta.

     

    OUR VALUES:

    • Visionary Advocacy
    • Openness & Optimism
    • Informative & Engaging
    • Collaboration
    • Equity

     

    Toward Reconciliation 

    Gender & Sexuality
    Services & Programming Offered

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    *For the Most Up to Date Event Information  Please Click Here

     

    • THE 23RD ANNUAL FAIRY TALES QUEER FILM FESTIVAL - We are proud to be the third-largest 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival in Canada, and one of few operating on the prairies! Our innovative approach launches film into the lived experience through events designed to engage the community in shared experiences and stories. The 23rd Annual Festival takes place May 21st – 30th, 2021. We are planning to have the festival be in a digital format just like the 2020 festival. If regulations and guidelines permit we may have some in-person events and screenings.

     

    • Local Call For Artists - As part of our 10 days of online screenings, panels and events, we want to showcase the amazing work of our local queer artists! Whether you're a filmmaker, a drag performer, musician, performance artist, author, illustrator and more..we want to hear from you. We will be selecting local artists to deliver a short pre-filmed piece between 2 -10 minutes in length. These pieces will screen before films shown over the 10 days of Fairy Tales Film Fest. Each artist selected for a screening will receive a $200 honorarium. Learn More and Apply

     

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    • OUTreels Ally-ship Education & Training - The OUTReels Ally-ship Education and Training Program seeks to empower businesses and communities with information and knowledge that will help them to build better and more inclusive workplaces. Sessions focus on providing tools and language that can empower participants to act as allies and identify ways they can reduce barriers, assumptions and stereotypes in their own workplaces and communities. For More Info Click Here

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    • The Coming Out Monologues - The Coming Out Monologues, YYC are a celebration of community that bring a diverse selection of spoken word, movement, and musical pieces to the stage every season! Beginning in 2011, The Coming Out Monologues, YYC provides a stage for queer and ally stories to be shared. This annual event has seen audiences grow year after year, and continues to host sold out shows. Whether attending as an audience member, or as a storyteller from the stage, the Coming Out Monologues provide the entire community an opportunity to celebrate diversity in our city.

    We are committed to sharing these stories with you again in 2021 they just won’t happen until August. The call for submissions will happen around April so if you or someone you know has a story to tell, we’ll have the stage. For Up to Date Event Info Please Click Here

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    • DVD Lending Library - Did you know that Fairy Tales has the largest collection of LGBTQ2A+ independent films in Alberta? This includes feature films, documentaries, TV shows, shorts, and many films shown at previous Fairy Tales Film Festivals on DVD (and some VHS) available for rent! Access to our lending library only costs $10 annually! For More Info Click Here

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