Rainbow Reels
By Esther Tung

From Sad Mag issue 7/8.

Just before the rise of AIDS, Canada’s—and possibly the world’s—first gay and lesbian cable-access show, Gayblevision, thrived on West End Cable 10. Anyone with enthusiasm and an idea could create or contribute to the hour-long show, which aired weekly from 1980 to 1986. The production team was willing to train and develop new, inexperienced talent, and there’s no doubt that the show’s accessibility contributed to its longevity.

One of the co-founders of Gayblevision, Mary Anne McEwen, was a UBC alumnus who was booted from her sorority in 1965 for being a lesbian. When Gayblevision was first established, McEwan, who had a half-decade stint as Creative Director of Creative House, was the only staff member who had any experience working in media. McEwen passed away earlier this year, but she spoke about putting together Gayblevision at the 2010 Vancouver Queer Film Festival, where select episodes of the groundbreaking program were screened.

The first episode of Gayblevision captured the opening of the infamous Hamburger Mary, a gay-friendly burger joint that was one of the first establishments to open along Davie Street in 1979, and is still open today. Other notable segments include an interview with out-of-the-closet American playwright Tennessee Williams, as well as a documentary on another popular gay venue of the time, a shady bar called Vanport.

Gayblevision once held a dear place in the heart of the ’80s queer community, and it is one of many genesis stories of Vancouver’s queer culture.

Illustration: Monika Koch.

Editor’s note:  Gayblevision is archived at VIVO Media Arts. Thank you to the helpful staff for their assistance with this article.