From Concordia Queer Collective to the presidency of AIDS New Brunswick
Queer Concordia members at the 2023 Montreal Pride parade.
When James Edwards, Attd 95, arrived in Montreal from Halifax at 25, he was captivated by the city’s vibrant queer scene and the dynamic student politics at Concordia.
He promptly joined the Lesbian and Gay Friends of Concordia (LGFC), a student association established in 1978.
Edwards played a pivotal role in the organization’s evolution. In 1992, the LGFC was renamed the Concordia Queer Collective (CQC), reclaiming the term “queer” as a positive identifier.
“We restructured the CQC to operate as a true collective with coordinators,” Edwards explains. “We had a strong campus presence, advocating for queer students while providing a safe space.”
His involvement extended to the Concordia Student Union (CSU), where he served as a board member from 1992 to 1994, later becoming vice-president of Administration.
In 1996, Edwards faced a significant challenge when his HIV-positive status was publicly disclosed without his consent by Cusacorp Management Ltd., a CSU subsidiary that provides food and beverage services on Loyola and Sir George Williams campuses. This occurred during a period of heightened AIDS stigma, despite Concordia having introduced a comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy in 1988.
Edwards took action, filing a complaint with the Quebec Human Rights Commission. Concurrently, Concordia initiated an internal case against Cusacorp. The situation was resolved when Cusacorp issued an apology and provided $4,000 in compensation, though Edwards felt the apology lacked sincerity.
This experience shaped Edwards’s future advocacy work. After leaving Concordia, he became involved with Saint John Pride in New Brunswick and joined the board of AIDS New Brunswick, where he now serves as president.
“I’m just the second HIV-positive president of AIDS New Brunswick, which I believe is significant,” Edwards states.
Now working as a Global Account Services specialist with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the alumnus reflects on his journey this way: “I wouldn’t call myself a trailblazer. I simply did what was necessary. The struggles and activism at Concordia helped me find my voice, and for that, I’m grateful.”