Telling Our Truths: Inside the Vancouver Queer Stories Project
Interview with Vancouver Queer Stories editor and organizer Claus Gurumeta (he/him)
By Karin Shard
Vancouver’s queer community has no shortage of creativity, but until recently there hadn’t been a dedicated space for people to share their personal stories on stage. That’s where Vancouver Queer Stories comes in. In a recent interview with Claus Gurumeta, he explained, “The main inspiration was to bring something new to the Vancouver queer scene: an activity for creative 2SLGBTQ+ folks to participate in, whether by writing and sharing their own stories, or by attending events and hearing others tell theirs.”
From its debut in May, the project has quickly taken root. Themes are chosen to be both accessible and inspiring: “We’re still in our early stages, so themes have mostly revolved around seasonal celebrations,” Claus tells us. “July was Pride!, August was Summer Loving, and our upcoming October event will be Season of the Witch. For our very first event, we chose Around the World because travel felt like a universal topic and a great way to start strong.”
While organisers select the themes, it’s the community that gives them life. Every storyteller is a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, volunteering to share anecdotes from their lives. In just three events, Vancouver Queer Stories has already welcomed 21 storytellers who shared a total of 27 stories.
That inclusivity is reflected in the selection process. “Our goal is to provide space for diverse voices, prioritising new and underrepresented perspectives, especially trans, Indigenous, Black and POC, women, immigrants, and people with disabilities. We accept all stories within the queer community and work with storytellers (if needed) to make their stories shine.” Everyone is encouraged to apply, regardless of writing or speaking experience. If submissions ever exceed the time available, the plan is to expand the number of storytelling nights so no one is left out.
To support participants, the organisers provide optional coaching. Some storytellers arrive with fully polished pieces, while others bring rough drafts. “For those who want support, we provide suggestions to strengthen their narrative, and help with syntax and structure, so the story flows clearly and engagingly,” explains Claus. Tips for writing and delivery are also shared online to help storytellers prepare.
And the results have been unforgettable. “One of the best things about this project is how varied the queer experience is,” says Claus. “Every event has had unforgettable moments; times when the whole audience bursts out laughing with one story, only to be in tears in the next. We go through every emotion in 90 minutes of storytelling, which is incredibly powerful.”
That emotional range is grounded in the project’s commitment to diversity. Outreach has come through word of mouth and social media, often reaching people who may not yet see themselves as “storytellers” but who have something meaningful to share. “Since this is a community-based, non-profit project, we’re mindful not to put pressure on anyone—especially underrepresented folks within the 2SLGBTQ+ umbrella—to volunteer their time without personal benefit. Instead, we always offer participation as an open invitation.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope to grow the project’s archive of queer experiences. Already, written versions of stories are being published online, some anonymously if participants prefer. Future plans may include exploring audio or video to make the archive even more accessible.
When asked what advice he’d give to someone unsure if their story is “enough,” the answer was simple: “We believe everyone has a story worth telling. You don’t need to be a professional writer or speaker to participate. Some stories have grown from a two-sentence idea into a ten-minute narration. We encourage people to reach out early so we have time to work with them.”
At each event, storytellers read their own work to an audience of about 55–65 people. The vibe is intimate, supportive, and inspiring—whether participants deliver their piece straightforwardly or with full-body performance flair. One even wove a poem and spoken word into their story. “No one has told their story through song yet,” he laughed. “But there’s always next time!”
What makes Vancouver Queer Stories so powerful is its simplicity: real people, real stories, and a welcoming space where queer voices take centre stage. As organizer Claus reflected, “Every event has had unforgettable moments… We go through every emotion in 90 minutes of storytelling, which is incredibly powerful.” With each gathering, the project not only builds an archive of lived experiences but also strengthens the bonds of community—proving that everyone’s story, no matter how big or small, deserves to be heard.
If you wish to be a speaker at one of the upcoming events, please submit your story though this form. If you’re joining us in the audience, remember seating is first come, first served and cannot be guaranteed — arrive early to save your spot! For more information: vancouverqueerstories.com
Karin Shard is an editor and writer living in Squamish, BC. She is co-editor of What’s On Queer BC and former editor and publisher of the Squamish Tongue in Cheek.