I Remember Lights: A Journey Through Canadian Queer History

Last spring, I was contacted by Book Hug Press, a Canadian indie book publisher. They offered to send me a copy of an upcoming release by a Canadian author, Ben Ladouceur. Ben's poetry collection Otter was a shortlisted nominee for the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Poetry at the 28th Lambda Literary Awards and won the Gerald Lampert Award in 2016. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Ladouceur is currently based in Toronto.

When the book arrived, I immediately loved the ultra-graphic, colorful cover and was drawn to start reading immediately by the summary on the back. "I Remember Lights is a vital reminder of forgotten history and a visceral exploration of the details of queer life: tribulation and joy, exile and solidarity, cruelty and fortitude." The book depicts the main character, an adult gay Canadian cis male, through two story lines, each a decade apart. It follows the search for queer romance, friendship, and belonging among the Montreal Expo 1967 and the 1977 police raids on gay bars.

1. Why We're Hosting a Queer Canadian Romance Book Club

When the team at Their Collective discussed hosting a Canadian queer book club featuring Queer Canadian authors, I thought about Ben and I Remember Lights. We wanted to create gender affirming spaces where we could gather and discuss stories that hit close to home. As Loghan Paylor, author of The Cure for More, describes it: "An unflinching portrayal of historical injustices and a rallying cry for a better tomorrow, I Remember Lights represents a new, important addition to the Queer Canlit canon."

If you liked Heated Rivalry, you'll LOVE this book! Both stories are uniquely queer and Canadian. There is a quiet connection between the 1967 and 2026 timelines: the shame related to being queer and seeking queer sexual and romantic connections in a disapproving world. While it dives into the history of our country—from the excitement of the Expo to the tension of the 1977 raids—it remains a vital exploration of queer life. Looking back at the 1977 police raids on gay bars in Montreal, we see a pivotal moment of state-sanctioned cruelty, but also the incredible fortitude of the community that rose up in its wake. It is about the details of our lives: the joy, the solidarity, and the fortitude it takes to find belonging as a queer human.

2. The Details!

This book club is for adults only and is priced to accommodate book and shipping costs. To keep the conversation intimate, the group is open to only 12 people. We plan to meet three weeks in a row for 1.5 hours per session.

This group will be facilitated by a mental health professional named Maraam. Please keep in mind that this group is a social group and is not intended to provide therapy. It is a space to connect, share our thoughts on the text, and build community. By gathering to discuss these "historical injustices" and "forgotten histories," we are participating in a form of community-driven collaboration that honors where we have been while looking toward a better tomorrow.

• When: April 2026

• Capacity: 12 spots

• Price: $40 (Includes book and shipping)

We’re doing this thing. Do you want to come?