Blane Charles: The NYC queen behind Quebec's current-day activism

I bet you didn't know that it was a Black American with a flair for fashion who inspired a new kind of in-your-face gay activism in Montreal. Blane Charles had already made a name for himself in ACT UP New York by the time he attended the 1989 International AIDS Conference in Montreal. 

Blane stayed in Montreal for a few years and co-founded ACT UP MTL with fellow activist Michael Hendricks. Blane went on to co-found the 'Parc de l'espoir' AIDS memorial and co-create the 'World Ball For UNITY.' 

The 'World Ball' helped build bridges and allies within Montreal's fractured LGBTQ2S community through ballroom culture.

This episode showcases a fierce, Black, New York queen who helped spark a revolution in activism across the province of Quebec. 

Hosted by: Award-winning broadcaster and communicator, Shawn Dearn. Cover art by Tim Singleton. Produced by Secret Agents.