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“I really like the idea of queer people taking over certain spaces that were originally not meant for them” says Theresa Hayes while sipping her iced almond milk latte. She's smiling slightly and gazing off to the side as if imagining what this queer invasion might look like. Something about her smile confirms what we both already know, that in a way, this invasion has already beun had already begun.

Theresa has been working to carve out a dedicated space for sapphic people in the city she grew up in. As a self-proclaimed “London Ontario Apologist,” Theresa is loyal to this city. While frustrated with those who immediately dismiss it — “Like you are in my home right now and you're telling me the carpet is the wrong colour” — Theresa also recognizes the way London has failed to be a place where sapphic people might find community and thrive. There is an acknowledgement in the ways this city isn’t made for people like her, like us.

11 months ago, Theresa made the Sapphire 519 Instagram account. The account acts as the hub for her organization which dedicates itself to creating community amongst sapphics in London Ontario. The account began as a meme account and a platform for sharing queer events and resouces in London, but Sapphire, an online space that is marked by joy and warmth, has become so much more.

Since January, throughout her studies as an undergraduate student at Western University, she has hosted four events and amassed over 1000 followers on Instagram. Justice Bekke a queer photogrpaher who has covered Sapphire’s events, said that “I offered my services once I saw the safe and amazing sense of community [Theresa] had conjured.” Other’s like Justice have flocked to Theresa and Sapphire.

Screenshot taken from @Sapphire_519 on Instagram

Now seated in a favourtie local coffe shop of hers, Twins Cafe, Theresa is modest about her ideas and what the beignnings of Sapphire looked like. The cafe is mostly empty, it is early on a Sunday morning. She claims it started off very much just as a “vibes thing” and jokingly did a shaka sign.

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