It seems like every time we read the news LGBTQ+ rights are under attack someplace. Yet, we always hear wonderful stories from queer people about how amazing the country, state, city, town, neighborhood, or cabin in the woods where they live really is.
This year’s IHS reading challenge will focus on books set in different parts of the world. We think it’s vital to show that sapphic people not only exist but are everywhere.
We also want to hear from authors and readers about where they live. If you’d like to share your experiences, click here for the interview form.
Today, Edale Lane is here to tell us about Chilliwack BC Canada.
Where in the world will you be taking us today?
Chilliwack BC Canada
Tell us in one sentence what’s so special about living in this place.
A city of 100k with a small-town feel, friendly people, and 360 degrees of breathtaking views.
How long have you lived there? Or, if you no longer live in this place, how long were you there and when did you leave?
Since 2021
What is/was it like being a sapphic (or LGBTQ+) person living in this place?
Refreshing. I come from the US deep South where I had to live in the closet to feel safe and maintain my professional and personal standing in the community. Canada, British Columbia, and even this booming farm town, are amazingly LGBQ2S+ friendly. We have rainbow crosswalks! While a few churches protest transfriendly restrooms, drag queens, and how inclusive schools are, other churches (like mine) are entirely affirming of LGBTQ2S+ persons. We even have a lesbian minister! Here I can be my authentic self and still be treated like a regular person.
What about living in this place gives you hope?
There’s an ancient, spiritual vibe to the BC Lower mainland. Anyone who closes their eyes and breathes can feel it. Our current challenge is Reconciliation with our Indigenous siblings. Conservation and protecting nature are at the top of the government’s priority list. Sure, there are outriders, folks stuck in an earlier time, and even diehard Trump supporters here (although, with the advent of the tariffs, they’ve been keeping their mouths shut. Canada has just about had it with Trump.) But the extremely low occurrence of violent crime and the pervasive “niceness” of Canadians joins with the rest to give me hope. If the whole world was like Chilliwack, we’d be living in a completely different reality.
Are there any challenges to living in this place, either as a queer person or more generally?
The BC Lower Mainland, Vancouver Greater Area, is an ideal place for queer people to live – if you have money. We enjoy great weather for this far north (if you don’t mind rain), and everything stays green year round. But it’s extremely expensive to live here. Therefore, between mild temperatures and outrageous prices, we have a large homeless population. Shelters, charities, and government services are available to help, but there’s a severe lack of affordable housing. Even here, 90 km from Vancouver, rent can easily consume 40 to 50% of one’s income and an ordinary 3-bedroom single family home averages a million dollars. Many folks rent out their basement or spare room to boarders. Even with a high minimum wage, young adults still live with their parents for years or group together to chip in on rent. Paradise comes with a price, but if your work in healthcare, education, or construction, there’s a job here calling your name. The population is growing exponentially and outstripping the infrastructure.
For someone who has never been there, what’s the one thing that they must see or do if visiting your area?
Look up at towering cedars, spectacular mountain peaks, and breathe the fresh air! Whale watching tops my list of “must-dos” Dip your toe in the Pacific, go snow skiing, visit one of our many beautiful lakes, walk across the Capilano suspension bridge, go hiking, marvel at our volcano, Mount Baker. Mother earth doesn’t recognize the 49th parallel and we consider it as much ours as Washington’s. If you prefer indoor activities, Vancouver has world-class theaters, sporting, and music events. If you’re really game for some excitement, throw a few steaks on your backyard grill and wait for the bears to come!
What’s the one type of regional food and/or drink they absolutely must try?
Salmon is THE specialty this area is known for. But for Chilliwack itself, people come for the corn. Chilliwack fresh corn has long held the reputation as being the tastiest in the world. And if you like microbreweries, they’re everywhere around here. Sit down in one and enjoy a flight of original flavors along with wings, pizza, or whatever else they serve.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant? What makes it special?
We like C-Lovers fish and chips. It’s fresh, fast, tasty, and costs less than most fast-food restaurants. For finer dining, it’s the Bow and Stern, whose calamari will make you swoon in delight.
Meet Edale Lane
I spent nearly 60 years living in the US south, mostly Mississippi and Florida. My partner, however, is from Vancouver BC, and had been living with me for over 20 years as my “sister” or “roommate.” The kids were long grown and moved away when covid hit and she became concerned about her 80 year old mother. By then I’d retired from teaching school and was driving a truck crosscountry, so we put our house up for sale and made plans to move to BC to be near her family. For the past 4 years I’ve enjoyed the luxury of writing full-time.
