April 28, 2025
Special screening of Summer Qamp marks International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
In honour of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the Werklund School of Education and Contemporary Calgary are presenting a special screening of Summer Qamp.
The film, which was named first runner-up for the People's Choice Award for Documentaries at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, chronicles the experiences of LGBTQ2S+ youth attending Camp fYrefly in Kananaskis, Alberta. The 90-minute feature captures moments of joy, introspection and exploration as the campers built friendships and shared personal insights in a safe, welcoming space.
Werklund School Professor Dr. Tonya Callaghan, PhD, who specializes in anti-homophobia education and will serve as M.C., says the May 12 viewing at Contemporary Calgary’s Heather Edwards Theatre provides an opportunity for local LGBTQ2S+ communities to come together for connection, knowledge sharing and mutual support. It is also an invitation to people who are not members of LGBTQ2S+ communities to do the same.
“It’s vital for allies to be vocal in their support for gender and sexually diverse people, as unity is necessary for change to occur,” says Callaghan.
“My hope is that attendees will think about ways we can forge communities that are strong in the face of ongoing and intensifying hate and systems of oppression while also coming away with a greater awareness of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.”
A bright future
Director Jen Markowitz, who will be in attendance, says camps like fYrefly are beacons of joy, growth and authenticity for the participants.
“My priority in making this film was to show queer teens that there are safe spaces out there for them. They might not always be easy to find, but they do exist.”
They believe the need for belonging and connection is universal and that growing up, no matter how an individual identifies, can be difficult to navigate.
“Recognizing our similarities can act as a bridge of understanding, for those who might not know the ins and outs of what it's like to be a young queer person in the world today. And my hope for the young queer people who see this film is that they trust that our community can and will have a bright, happy and long future.”
Jan Veenhuyzen’s daughter Mia attended the camp. She agrees that the film is an avenue for learning.
"At its core, Summer Qamp is a candid and tender glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ2S + teens in Alberta. Through a gentle lens, it portrays a non-threatening account of the daily burden these youth bear, simply by existing in a society where they don't quite fit the norm, along with the sheer joy they experience at Camp fYrefly, a judgement-free space where they can truly be themselves.
If you are a youth struggling with your sexual identity, a parent of one of these youths, or are simply curious about what it’s like to grow up in this community, this is a must see."
Exploring complex issues
Markowitz and the Veenhuyzens will join additional camp participants for a panel discussion following the screening.
Callaghan says she is delighted to have so many people associated with Summer Qamp present and feels the conversation will foster deeper engagement with the film's themes and content.
“The discussion has the potential to transform what is usually a passive viewing experience into an active, enriching exchange, allowing for direct feedback, reflection, and the possible further exploration of complex issues.”
I hope the panel discussion will invite attendees to revel in our queer joy. Joy is strategic because joy inspires momentum, and joy is an inside job.”