“Bisexual history is queer history.” These are the powerful words that guide Gabryelle Iaconetti’s research, uncovering the rich and often overlooked narratives of bisexual activism in Canada. Gabryelle’s academic journey is a testament to her passion for both archival work and historical research. With a background that spans from a Master’s of Archival Science to a PhD in History, Gabryelle has cultivated a unique approach to studying queer history. Their research is deeply informed by their practical experience in archival sciences, which has enhanced their ability to navigate and contribute to both traditional and grassroots archives. Gabryelle’s current doctoral research delves into the histories of bisexual support groups in smaller Ontario cities, a topic inspired by her earlier work in Toronto and her commitment to bringing marginalized voices to the forefront.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Gabryelle to delve into the motivations behind their academic pursuits, the unanticipated joys of conducting oral history interviews, and the profound impact of their work on understanding Canadian queer histories.
Alisha Stranges: You mentioned that your first encounter with queer history literature happened during the pandemic. What was the first book that really resonated with you?
Gabryelle Iaconetti: As a newly out queer person, I first delved into literature focused on the Stonewall Riots in New York. The book that resonated most was The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets by Gayle E. Pitman. It’s not super academic, but I loved its clear writing and captivating narrative style, plus the many historical photos. I’ve always loved looking at historical photographs! This book sparked my interest in firsthand queer historical narratives.
Another important book for me was Claiming the B in LGBT: Illuminating the Bisexual Narrative edited by Kate Harrad. It was the first book I read on bisexuality and made me feel seen as I was just coming to terms with my bisexual identity. The personal narratives inspired my love for working with oral histories. Hearing stories that resonate with my own experiences is the most rewarding aspect of my research.
AS: What inspired you to study bisexual support groups in Toronto for your MA research?
GI: I quickly noticed the absence of bisexual narratives in queer histories. As I read about Canadian and American gays and lesbians, I found myself desperately searching for something that reflected my own experiences, but it just wasn’t there. For someone researching marginalized communities, seeing yourself in your community’s history is crucial. I couldn’t believe there were no bisexuals active in queer history, especially when there were distinct groups for gay men and lesbians. Where were all the bisexuals? That question drove me. I also wanted to focus on Canada, as there’s less literature on queer Canadian history compared to the U.S. About a month before starting my MA in 2021, I began by searching for “bisexual” in historical newspaper databases. I found a few articles from the 1990s about bisexual support groups forming in Ontario, mainly in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo. Seeing that history “there” was all the motivation I needed. Initially, I wanted to focus on Montreal, where I live, but due to time constraints and the lack of records I could find locally, I decided to pursue the Toronto path, as more resources were available.
“Stepping away from my research, even momentarily, helps clear my mind and allows me to see connections between the books I’m reading.”
— Gabryelle Iaconetti
Snapshots from Gabryelle’s recent trip to Toronto’s queer village, photographs by Gabryelle Iaconetti, August 2024.
AS: Can you share a moment during your MA research that really stood out to you?
GI: My first interview. It was with a bisexual activist from Kitchener-Waterloo. Although I didn’t use much of it in my thesis since I focused on Toronto, it was the first oral history interview I’d ever done on something so personal. I was nervous, but the conversation flowed smoothly, and I learned so much about 1990s bisexual activism. I realized, “This is the first time this history is being recorded,” and I felt overwhelmingly excited. The narrator and I were vibing really well, and they were giving such detailed answers to everything I was asking! It felt like a privilege to hear their rich activism stories. That experience gave me the confidence for the next eight interviews and taught me how oral history can enhance other archival records, shaping how I approached my data analysis.
AS: For your doctoral research, you’ve shifted focus to smaller Ontario cities. How did you decide to explore bisexual activism outside of urban centers?
GI: That first interview I did with someone from outside a big city revealed how many histories exist beyond urban centers. My MA research revealed that while larger cities have been studied, smaller cities with bisexual support groups and activism remain underexplored. I’m keen to investigate the contrasts and connections between big city and smaller city activism, and I didn’t want to let that initial insight go to waste, especially knowing these histories are out there.
AS: Tell us about an unexpected or memorable moment during your oral history work.
GI: A particularly memorable moment actually happened outside of the interview space. I interviewed the founder of “The Fence,” a bisexual women’s zine from early-2000s Toronto. She spoke passionately about the project, and later, she emailed me offering copies of six issues. I couldn’t have said yes fast enough! Receiving those zines in the mail was an incredible moment — now, I have tangible pieces of Toronto’s bisexual history right on my bookshelf. Revisiting the interview with these zines in hand deepened my appreciation for both her story and the history she helped create.
AS: Is there anything else you’d like to share that my questions haven’t touched on?
GI: Just a few small words: bisexual history is queer history!
To learn more about Gabryelle’s work, stay tuned for their upcoming digital exhibit on The ArQuives’ website, launching on Bisexual Visibility Day, September 23. This exhibit will feature key archival records and oral histories from her MA thesis. Additionally, many of Gabryelle’s oral history interviews with bisexual activists are preserved at The ArQuives and Concordia’s Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling. Keep an eye out for her forthcoming publications, which will continue to shed light on the rich history of bisexual activism in Canada.
Gabryelle Iaconetti (she/they) is a second-year PhD student at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. She is an affiliate of Concordia University’s Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling (COHDS), and recently joined the leadership team of the international Bisexual Research Group. Their research interests lie at the intersections of bisexual history, oral history, queer space, and archives.
Alisha Stranges (she/her) is a queer, community-based, public humanities scholar, theatre creator, and performer. She holds an MA in Women & Gender Studies + Sexual Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto. At present, she serves as the Collaboratory’s Research Manager.