Fistful of Firsts
Fistful of Firsts is a 2023 retrospective video, produced by Jim Babcock. It presents a series of important events in the history of gay square dancing, beginning with its formation in 1976.
Background
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the IAGSDC, convention planner Joel Smith initially approached Jim in July 2022 to provide something that would "celebrate the milestone"[1] to be displayed at the 2023 convention Follow Your Northern Neighbour. A few ideas were put forth, but nothing definitive emerged. When they were in Atlanta at the 2023 Promenade Down Peachtree fly-in, Joel brought up the subject of a video, and Jim accepted the challenge.
The initial concept was to "highlight "the firsts" that have occurred over the four decades, with accompanying photos and more information about each topic. A lot has happened! Additional requests for photos may be coming if nothing is found in Karl's archives or on the wiki. Suggestions for other "firsts" not on this list are welcome."[2]
Over the next few months, Jim conducted research on over 70 points of gay square dance history, combing thorough this wiki, the digital scans of Karl's archival collection, various internet databases of archival newspaper collections, and visited two archival repositories in person. As questions surfaced about certain topics, dozens of members in the LGBTQ+ square dance community were contacted to supply information and/or media resources (ie. photographs and videos.) This collaborative approach allowed for a rekindling of interest in resource sharing. Of note, the significant contributions of Bob Moritz, Freeman Stamper, James Ozanich, Karl Jaeckel, Russ King, Scott Carey, Steve Browning, and Tom Maturo are to be praised.
The video premiered in Ottawa, ON in July 2023.
Topics
Click the icon to view a short video.
Click the caption to read more information found on this wiki.
The First Club (United States)
The First Gay Games
The First Association Meeting
The First Drag Ensemble
The First Golden Boot Award
The First Association Banner
The First Association Chair
The First Club (Canada)
The First Convention
The First Honky Tonk Queen
The First Pool Tip
The First Identity Expansion
The First Guidebook
The First Twins
The First Association Public Performance
The First Fun Badge Tour
The First Convention Report
The First AIDS Quilt
The First In Memoriam
The First Video Soap Opera
The First Dancer Directory
The First GCA Caller School
The First Leather Tip
The First Cook Book
The First Memorial Tip
The First Royal Address
The First A&C Weekend
The First Moonshine Tip
The First Bathing Beauties
The First Club (Australia)
The First Book
The First 10-Year Medallion
The First Blue Suitcase
The First Pink Triangles Adventure
The First Club (England)
The First Memorial Panel
The First Stepmother
The First Magazine
The First Bequest
The First Musical Tribute
The First Club (Japan)
The First Club (Denmark)
The First Charitable Organization
The First 20-Year Medallion
The First LiveJournal Tip
The First 25-Year Medallion
The First Wiki
The First Podcast
The First 30-Year Medallion
The First Magic Underpants Tip
The First 40th Convention