"Oh, But I AM Queer..." - with Eric Kostiuk Williams

Lost Spaces: Memories from Gay Bars, Lesbian Clubs, and LGBTQ+ Parties

Have you ever shown up at the tail-end of a really exciting party just as everything was ending, and you get that overwhelming feeling of having had missed out on something big?

Well, that's kinda what happened to illustrator and cartoonist Eric Kostiuk Williams. He had moved to Toronto in 2008, and took a few years to discover the corner of the scene that felt right for him - in his word, the 'art f*g' scene - but just as he was finding his feet he could feel that the scene was shifting and moving on, meaning that he always feels that he missed out on many magical nights in his lost space, The Beaver.

But that's not to say that he still didn't have a good time!

We caught up to talk about his new book, 2am Eternal, which documents 10 years of Toronto nightlife flyers that he illustrated - along the way we talk about when and how to leave the party, Eric's relationship with the word 'queer', and letting go of your twink-dom.

Do you have any memories of The Beaver, or clubbing from your own scene that you want to share? Well, if you have please get in touch - I want to create the biggest online record of people's memories and stories - go to www.lostspacespodcast.com and find the section 'Share a Lost Space' and tell me what you got up to! Bonus points for embarrassing photos!

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Takeaways

• The term 'twink' can have different connotations and meanings, ranging from derogatory to enviable, depending on the context and individual perspectives.
• The experience of coming out and embracing one's identity can vary greatly, and it is important to respect each person's unique journey.

• Toronto offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, with thriving creative and queer communities that provide a sense of belonging and support.
• Finding one's community and personal growth often involves exploring different spaces, connecting with like-minded individuals, and embracing self-expression.

• The terms 'gay' and 'queer' have different connotations and can represent different aspects of identity and community.
• Creating posters for queer parties requires understanding the vibe and atmosphere of the event and collaborating with the organizers.
• Generational shifts and the passage of time can bring changes to the queer scene, but new experiences and connections can still be found. The Beaver played a significant role in creating a vibrant queer scene in Toronto.
• Being part of a scene involves both a sense of community and practical considerations.
• Knowing when to exit a party or scene is important for personal well-being.
• The closure of The Beaver highlights the loss of unique spaces in Toronto.
• Lessons from The Beaver include embracing oneself and appreciating the value of personal experiences.

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