While pins are an effective method to passively demonstrate your love for One Direction or to add much-needed flair to your work uniform, they have long been a staple of political movements and a key tool in moving the queer community forward. The Pin Button Project brings together a vast array of queer-rights-focused pins and the stories behind them, providing insight into why each one was created and inviting speculation about those who wore them.

“The content of this exhibit was initially posted on pinbuttons.ca for viewers to engage and interact with the collection,” says Cody Stewart, the handsome fella responsible for the project’s PR, and if you visit the site you’ll find a beautifully presented experience. Now, the stories behind the buttons have been collected and will be exhibited at the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives. Stewart adds, “The entire [opening reception] event will be broadcast via webcam, for the world to watch as pin buttons make LGBTTQ history,” so if you can’t make it in person, be sure to tune in. —Will Eagle

Opening reception is Fri, Sept 28, 7:30–10pm.

The Pin Button Project exhibit runs till Mon, Oct 22 at the CLGA, 34 Isabella St. pinbuttons.ca