"The Blue Taffeta Party Dress & Other Stories is a collection of 19 autobiographical stories from my childhood in a small, northern town, to my life as the principal of the high school I graduated from, in that same small town.
These are my stories — as I remember them.”
Set in a small northern town in the 1970s, this is more than a coming out story. It’s a raw, honest, and often wry journey through the psyche, the politics, and the pressures of a time that had little room for difference.
"As a gay kid growing up in an era of silence and shame, my voice was misrepresented, undermined, even sensationalized by the dominant culture. Now, I’m setting the story straight — through moments of resilience, humour, heartbreak, and hope.
This is a story about choosing authenticity over fear, joy over judgment, and community over isolation. It’s not just about coming out. It’s about coming into a life fully lived."
Since retiring, Dennis Hawkins-Bogle has embraced a life rich with purpose, creativity, and community. A lifelong storyteller, his passion for writing was reignited after a transformative summer on Cortes Island. His work spans children’s tales, fantasy, comedy, memoir, and political and social commentary—but at its heart, his writing always centres love, compassion, and a refusal to let silenced voices remain unheard.
In retirement, Dennis is never far from service—volunteering at the theatre, advocating for justice, or lending a hand in the community kitchen. He is, simply put, a remarkable human being who models what it means to live with meaning and heart.
“The stories in The Blue Taffeta Party Dress are an intimate and honest portrayal of coming of age as a gay man in the 70s and 80s in rural BC. They are humorous and engaging; they show us snippets of life that make us think, feel, wonder, and laugh. Particularly poignant for me were the stories relating the author’s gradual discovery of his homosexuality in an information desert, and his return to his hometown as a professional man.”
Kate Sulis
Kimberely, BC
“A powerful play that explores issues of gay adolescent years, coming out and navigating the education system as an out teacher and more!”
“Get ready for a play full of surprises, laughter and tearful moments which many in our queer and allied communities can relate to!”
“This play packs a queer historical punch at times while still maintaining humour and wit. An eloquent one person drama that keeps you wondering what’s around each theatrical corner.”
"Many gay men will be able to relate to this powerful journey of closeted childhood, coming out, finding one’s authentic self, becoming a queer activist and more!”
James Chamberlain
Nanaimo, BC
“It was, in a word, ‘beautiful.’ Such open and honest expression of life experience and feeling by Dennis was truly heart warming, often bringing tears to my eyes, and a stab in my heart at how cruel our world can be. Yet also bringing such a beautiful and fulfilling end. This show is like most of our lives are, but few of us can ever express the totality of it so well.”
Jackie Holt
Campbell River, BC
“This show was a heart opening confession of a brilliant and brave human. Masterfully written and performed with the whole range of emotions. We enjoyed the educational value of Dennis’ journey as well. I really hope many young people will see it in the future. May they be inspired to live a more soul filled, authentic and courageous life.”
Orsi Foldesi
Campbell River
“Dennis has a true gift for writing. He brings out all the “feels.” You will smile, laugh, cry and be left thinking for days. His storytelling is engaging and enthusiastic; I was on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the next chapter.”
Theresa Maguire
Campbell River, BC
“I loved this new show. It is bold, challenging, beautiful and funny. Thank you for creating such inspiring and moving original theatre.”
Cleo Corbett
Campbell River, BC
About Dennis Hawkins-Bogle.
I worked in education, as a school teacher and then a principal, for 34 years. I have the honour of being the principal of the most northerly school in BC, Denetia School in Lower Post, and the principal of the most northerly school in Canada, Ummimak School in Grise Fiord, Nunavut.
Before going into education I trained as a professional actor at Studio 58 in Vancouver.
I am married and live in Campbell River with my husband and our two cats. I keep busy in the literary and theatre communities in Campbell River. I am a writer, a playwright, an actor and a director."
There will be a 15 minute intermission.
Proceeds from the show will support Queer Centre Comox Valley.
This show contains mature content and is suited for an audience over the age of 16 years.