Halifax’s The Turret Celebrated with Canada Post Pride Stamp

Halifax’s iconic lesbian and gay venue, The Turret, is being celebrated as part of Canada Post’s Places of Pride stamp initiative.

Established in 1976 in the turret of the Khyber building on Barrington Street, The Turret was among the very few clubs catering to women within Halifax’s 2SLGBTQ+ community at that period.

Robin Metcalfe, the former chair of the Gay Alliance for Equality, the group that managed the club, stated that it evolved into a welcoming sanctuary.

“It was immediately evident that something significant had taken place because we experienced great attendance and everyone had an amazing time; the atmosphere was truly enchanting,” Metcalfe shared with CBC’s Information Morning Halifax.

LISTEN | Halifax 2SLGBTQ+ historical landmark gets a ‘stamp’ of approval:

Information Morning – NS7:01Halifax 2SLGBTQ+ historical landmark gets a ‘stamp’ of approval

A Halifax gay bar is the subject of a new stamp from Canada Post this Pride Month. It features “The Turret,” which was one of the first integrated gay and lesbian clubs in the city. It began holding dances at The Khyber building on Barrington Street, back in 1976. Robin Metcalfe tells Preston how it altered the course of local — and national history in the fight for gay rights.

The Turret grew to become the largest gay club in Atlantic Canada. Metcalfe noted that its ownership by a 2SLGBTQ+ organization was uncommon for that era.

“We were either barely tolerated in the corners of predominantly straight establishments, or if those bars catered mainly to gay patrons, they were typically managed by straight individuals or often controlled by organized crime,” explained Metcalfe.

The Places of Pride series honors significant 2SLGBTQ+ sites throughout Canada, which includes the 1978 Metamorphosis Festival in Saskatoon, Toronto’s 519 community center, and Halifax’s Turret.

The complete set of four Places of Pride stamps includes work honouring Saskatoon’s Metamorphosis festival, The 519 in Toronto and a bookshop in Vancouver. (CBC News)

Metcalfe mentioned that the club’s earnings were directed towards various community services and offered safe job opportunities.

“The club was accountable to the community. If people had concerns about its management, they could express their views during our monthly or bi-monthly meetings. It also created job opportunities in a queer-friendly environment for many community members,” Metcalfe stated.

The club shut down in 1982 when its lease ended, eventually reopening at a different site under the name Rumours.

Metcalfe indicated that the stamp’s release aligns with the Take Back the Turret initiative, a community effort he is part of. The group aims to prevent Halifax city council from repurchasing the building from the Turret Arts Space Society.

“We deeply cherish this space and wish for it to remain accountable to the queer community,” Metcalfe expressed.

• Halifax buying back historic Khyber building, citing ‘serious concern’ with owner’s plans

Despite the challenges in preserving the site, Metcalfe is pleased to see the historic establishment being recognized.

“I am delighted to see The Turret acknowledged. It is a moment of celebration, but it also highlights that the Turret was integral to our community’s fight for empowerment,” Metcalfe concluded.

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