Sheila Gilhooly

Sheila Gilhooly

Shelia Gilhooly as a butch dyke, has had her right to be in women-only spaces, like washrooms, challenged frequently for the past 50 years. Even with picture ID, confrontations with gatekeepers have been humiliating and threatening. Writing has connected her to allies fighting for the same right to belong and to be safe.

Still Sane, an art show/book she did with Persimmon Blackbridge, was about being locked up in a mental hospital for being too different. Her second book was Mistaken Identity, about the adventures and terrors of being taken for a man.

“The transgender activism of the last 20 years has decreased the frequency and hostility of misgendering encounters. These days, when I say I am a woman, I am as likely to get an apology as a threat.”

Latests Posts by Author

Quirk-e at Seniors Health & Wellness Fair

You are warmly invited to join QUIRK-E at the Seniors Health and Wellness FairSaturday March 22, 11am – 2pm Renfrew Park Community Centre, gymnasium2929 East 22nd Ave, VancouverFree Event Learn, Connect, and ThriveLearn about Advocacy, Creative Works and Queer Events through our website.Receive free handmade bookmarks and zines.Share stories at our breakout session.Discover local health … Read more

Rita

Before she was famous, Rita and her kids lived with me on Lorne Ave. Laura was 14 at the time, and funny and feisty, with a real gift for mimicry. Wade was younger. Slight and gentle, he was perfect target for bullies. But, like Rita, he didn’t let himself care. One Saturday at the secondhand … Read more