Meet in the music…
Since coming out in 1969 at age 12, Deb Parent has proudly been herself. A former Bell Canada operator, she began playing drums and spinning disks as a survival strategy. Since her early activism with Lesbians of Ottawa Now (LOON) in 1977, she has used music as her organizing tool for queer parties and protests—inspiring thousands to dance their way into the revolution.
As a lesbian-feminist activist, co-chair of the 2017 Toronto Women’s March, self defence instructor, and DJ for 50 years, Deb has challenged gender based violence, powered NDP election campaigns, and pioneered defence courses for the queer/trans community. She is the recipient of the 2007 City of Toronto Human Rights Award and the 2016 Inspire Award.
“Each time we meet in the music, I wonder where we will go, and consistently it’s magic … dancing, singing, our bodies moving with power and grace, we touch a place of joy and greatness and for a time we live the revolution. The vision of what could be has become what is, in our bodies, in our power, in our glory.”
— Deb Parent