QUEER HISTORY SPEAKER AND
STORYTELLER
GLENN TKACH
I'm a local historian dedicated to recovering Vancouver's forgotten queer narratives. They are powerful, unknown stories. As a professional storyteller, I rip these lessons out of the past and put them right in the present. I reanimate history through immersive presentations and seminars.
A DYNAMIC DEI SPEAKER
for companies and ERGs
It started with creating the award-winning Really Gay History Tour in 2017. Now, I’m introducing Vancouver’s secrets into workplaces across BC. But these aren’t just history lessons.
These are raw human stories, told to move, impact and inspire. Whether as a Vancouver Pride speaker or year-round storyteller, I’m bringing queer history to life.
BEYOND TRADITIONAL DIVERSITY TRAINING
Stories are memorable.
People don't naturally remember bullet points. They remember narratives. And emotionally-charged moments. Moments of shock. Moments of laughter.
Stories can create deep emotional imprints on the brain.
They create empathy, encouraging us to imagine ourselves in someone else’s shoes. Stories are transformative. They change people. They inspire action.
STORYTELLING BUILDS CULTURE
For ERGs, Pride Networks, and LGBTQ+ Employee Communities
The sharing of stories is the heartbeat of any culture. For queer people, this process has been disrupted. Through Lunch and Learns and Social Mixers, I help restore that connection. I tell meaningful stories that build a sense of belonging and community strength within your organization.
Erin Newman-Renwick - The Law Society of British Columbia
"A really engaging speaker who obviously has a strong grasp on the history."
A TRUSTED VOICE
Partnering with Museums, Heritage Groups, and Community Organizations
Community work is at the heart of my practice. Working with both heritage institutions and Pride societies, the goal is always to restore queer history to its rightful place in the collective record.
Sometimes, this means being invited into local archives to excavate hidden treasures and share what I have found. Being neck-deep in historical records requires working closely with trusted experts to interpret and understand our past.
Other times, the work is deeply personal. I work directly with elders who have lived this history and have generously entrusted their stories to me. Whether those interviews happen in private or at public events, I function as a bridge between our elders and youth - between our past and our present.
CONTACT GLENN TKACH
If you are looking to hire a 2SLGBTQ+ historian in Vancouver or across BC, let’s start with a conversation about your goals. To find out more about bringing me in as your queer history speaker and storyteller, please use the form below. I want to ensure these powerful stories are tailored to the specific needs of your organization.
