Dykes on Mykes

Text from The ArQuives Dykes on Mykes fonds.

The Montreal based Dykes on Mykes (DoMs) radio show was established in 1987, and is the longest running anglophone lesbian and queer women’s radio show in the city.

In 1987, Montreal’s community radio station CKUT applied for its FM licence and put out a call for new programs. Local LGBT community activists including Robyn Badger, Minty Fownes and Voula K pitched the idea of having an alternating lesbian and gay radio show. Dykes on Mykes and Homoshow were created shortly after. Although Dykes on Mykes did not have an official mandate, it sought to work for the community and to reflect the distinct lesbian subculture. It’s aim was to serve as a tool for mobilization, networking and community building.The radio show was entirely volunteer operated. It discussed politics, music, arts, culture with a lesbian spin, which was later broadened to include queer and trans perspectives. It also promoted and provided a platform to local artists and activists. The show’s format included call-in and email segments, opinion pieces, interviews, debates and panel discussions. Every month, the show would produce 2 to 3 hours of content.

Deborah VanSlet and Elana Wright served as the show hosts for the first 14 years. In 2004, they turned the mics over to a new team which included Dayna MacLeod, Mel Hogan and Marie Claire MacPhee. With this change, there was a shift away from focusing solely on lesbian identified content, to a broader conceptualization of the show’s audience, one that that was more inclusive of queer and trans perspectives. In 2021, Dykes on Mykes continues to air on CKUT with host Shannon Herrick.

The show’s past hosts, co-hosts, technicians and producers include Dayna McLeod (2005-2015) M-C MacPhee (2005-2013), Charlie Scheme (2013), Mél Hogan (2005-2011), Erin McGregor (2010-2011), Jane Shulman (2006-2007), Deb VanSlet (1990 to 2006), Elana Wright (1996 to 2006), Colleen Ayoup (1999-2000), Reya ‘SunshIne’ Freeman (2000-2005), Nikki Forrest (1999-2000), Petra Kolajova (1998), Elizabeth Littlejohn (1994-1995), Carellin Brooks (1992-1993), and Jo-Anne Pickel (1988-1992), Robyn Badger (1987-1989), Minty Fownes (1987-1989), Voula K (1987-1990) and Shannon Herrick (202-?)