In 1979 Boots n' Saddles opened and became one of Canada's longest running gay bars. Boots, as it came to be known, became the home for Edmonton's Bears, a community typified by big-bodied furry men, as well as older gentlemen and their admirers.
On March 13 of this year Boots majority owner Jim Schafer passed away. A large, loud and sometimes cantankerous figure, Jim also had a sweetness about him that shone through when he wanted it to. Since his death, rumors have been circulating about who received Jim's stake in the businesses (Boots as well as the neighboring Garage Burger). Is it Jim's long time business partner? His recent boyfriend? Did Jim have a will? For many, at the end of the day it does not matter. The doors are closed, "for lease" signs hang in the window and good old gays looking to grab a beer, or a conversation are left to find another place. Some have done the once unthinkable and started going to Woody's, the gay pub above Buddy's on Jasper and 117th. It's not that there is anything wrong with Woody's, more that a turf war is alive in Edmonton's gay watering hole communities. To cross the threshold of a competitor's doorway is a transgression that speaks more of the need for companionship than it does of realigned loyalty.
Others not able or willing to make the eastern trek have relocated a few blocks from Boots to Prism on 101 Street and 105 Avenue, coincidentally a stone's throw from Mila's Pub, what may have almost been Edmonton's first gay space. Known primarily as a lesbian bar, Prism has the same sort of earthy, regulars-based vibe that Boots had.
The seemingly inconsequential dilemma of where to drink may register as small, but for men who found friendship, community and validation at Boots it can be a serious issue. Many of these men grew up pre-Stonewall where the idea of gay acceptance was never something they considered, let alone have fully embraced. Some have families, ex-wives and children that may not talk to them, others may have lost life partners and/or groups of friends to AIDS, and others could see their friends now dealing with other health issues and no longer be around. All of this can be isolating—complicated by society's heterosexism and ageism, which is often intensified within the gay community. While I am not one to be a bleeding heart for able-bodied white gay men in light of the poor quality of life facing many queers of color, those living with disabilities and trans folks, the fact is old age is the great bitch-slap of injustice, especially if you do not have money or status. Having a place to go and belong can mean the difference between life and death.
In 2008 the Government of Canada released a health survey in which they found "People who are socially isolated and have few ties to other individuals are more likely to suffer form poor physical and mental health and to die prematurely." For a regular at a bar the people that sit in the stool beside you become your family, bartenders become trusted confidants and anyone new who walks in becomes a possible future friend—all of it working together to stave off social isolation, providing something to look forward to, a reason get up and take care of one's self. When a bar closes this can all disappear.
In general Edmonton has become more hospitable for gays and lesbians since Boots opened up more than 30 years ago. But just because the times have changed, it does not mean that the lived reality for many individuals has. If we as a city are to continue to evolve there needs to be meaningful ways for LGBTQ seniors to participate, engage and feel apart of communities. This means groups need to become more open for people of all ages to participate, communities need to work to eradicate ageism, venue owners and event planners have to consider both physical and cultural accessibility and more intentional, safe and welcoming places need to open up. If we are lucky we will all grow old; let's think about the kind of world we will want.
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