BUILDING A LESBIAN COMMUNITY IN EDMONTON, ALBERTA ...

oflocal lesbian culture therein. The role ofthe publication is vital to the longevity ofthe group
and the construction oflesbian cultural expression. It relates differences ofopinions, conflicts
within the organization, and pressing issues ofthe time. A close examination ofthe newsletter
reveals essential components oflesbian cultural expression and reflects the perplexities ofgroup
dynamics.
Further to the newsletter, this study includes organizational files, conference material, and
advertisements from Womonspace. The research process also examines written material and oral
sources concerning the Gay Alliance Towards Equality (GATE) and Gay and Lesbian Awareness
(GALA), both ofEdmonton. Generally speaking, GATE is the central organization that spurred
other gay and lesbian groups to form in Edmonton. 67 Edmonton's gay publication FinePrint
provides some additional information on local concerns. Mainstream newspapers such as the
Edmonton Journal are used as well to identify clues to the formation ofcommunity development.
In addition to archival sources, the thesis incorporates oral histories in the form oftaped
interviews. Telephone conversations and correspondence through e-mail augment on-site
interviews. The recollections ofa small group ofwomen attest to the difficulties and frustrations
involved in organizing a lesbian meeting place. These women experienced problems stemming
from the greater gay male community and from feminist groups who did not take them seriously.
Both primary and oral sources indicate the multiple ways Womonspace drew upon social outlets
to increase lesbian visibility. A special commendation is offered here for all those who participated
in the oral history component ofthis thesis.
67 Most material belonging to Gate is now the property ofthe City ofEdmonton Archives
and the Lesbian and Gay Archives ofToronto.
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