About Us

Pansy Club started in 2021, inspired by the legacy of previous grassroots queer parties. While it began as a tiny dance party in Kaffeeklatsch das Cafe, it has grown explosively and become an iconic part of Calgary's queer culture. More recently, Pansy Club has expanded its scope, becoming a worker-owned cooperative with exciting plans.

In our time serving the queer community, it has become clear to us that there is still a significant lack of queer community spaces in Calgary, that most ‘queer-friendly’ spaces are not fully accessible, and that many queer artists and performers are lacking in opportunities.

The history of queer spaces in North America has undergone significant transformations, from hidden and discreet establishments to vibrant gay clubs and bars. However, in recent decades, these essential queer spaces have been disappearing, leading to a sense of loss and isolation within the queer community. Efforts have been made to preserve existing queer spaces and establish new ones that prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and go beyond traditional nightlife and alcohol-centric environments. One emerging genre of space that has gained momentum is queer cafés and community spaces.

While cities like Toronto and Halifax have seen the emergence of queer cafés and bookstores, Alberta has yet to retain its own. The demand for such spaces is evident through the growing popularity of queer events and pop-ups.

The decline of queer spaces is not the only issue facing Calgary. Music venues have also been diminishing over time, and the pandemic has further exacerbated the situation. The city lacks venues that prioritize diversity, safety, accessibility, and the support of alternative, queer, and BIPOC talent.

These realities have led Pansy Club to set our sights beyond the horizons of our (excellent) parties. We have made it our mission to create a permanent space that can honestly claim to be a social hub for Calgary's queer community.

The vision: a queer cafe and social space actually owned by the queer community.

By creating an inclusive space that reflects the diversity and spirit of queer culture, we aspire to contribute to the ongoing story of LGBTQ+ social spaces in Calgary. Through our café, we aim to build upon the foundations laid by the Pansy Club and other historical LGBTQ+ establishments, honoring their legacy while embracing the progress made over the years.

Our commitment to providing a welcoming environment extends beyond the physical space. We will ensure that our staff members are trained to be understanding, respectful, and sensitive to the needs of our diverse clientele. By doing so, we hope to create a vibrant and accepting community hub where individuals can gather, share stories, and build connections.

Pansy Club is a proudly and unapologetically queer space where community members can find refuge, express ourselves, and celebrate together. Inclusive Queer & Trans third spaces are desperately needed, and there is a great demand for more safe and diverse options.  We aim to reduce barriers by providing free resources, harm reduction, sliding-scale options and keeping our space physically accessible to all. Our café is designed from the ground up with sustainability and solidarity practices in mind, while still providing delicious, quality products at a fair price. We are a worker-owned co-op seeking to create radical change through connection, source ethically from local growers and artists, and work towards our goal of being zero-waste.