By Elouise Paabo
This story first appeared in print in the February 2021 issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine. Read the e-edition here:
Revelstokian Charlotte Blundell lives a double life. Charlotte spends half her week as a snow-plough driver and the other half as a self-taught artist. Blundell knows that many people in the queer community also live a double life, but not out of choice. The Revelstoke artist wanted to have a positive influence on this cycle by creating stained-glass rainbow flags that would make a difference. Charlotte knew the flags would be meaningful to Revelstoke and started selling them to businesses throughout town to display in their windows, signifying them as an inclusive place. Blundell decided to donate one-third of the proceeds to Rainbow Railroad, an organization that provides immediate assistance to members of the LGBTQ+ community who are facing a serious threat to their lives and safety.
The plough-driving artist saw it as a great opportunity to get the community involved, “I recognized that I had the ability and means to facilitate a project that supported a marginalized population within the community. The initiative was a way for people to contribute to an important cause and feel good about it.”
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAINEER: How did you come up with the idea for the Rainbow Railroad project?
CHARLOTTE BLUNDELL: In picking out different panels of stained-glass I knew that I wanted to create rainbow flags. I had to ask myself what such a symbol meant to me, and I knew that just by creating them, I was already backing a cause. I figured why not involve a charity that really does the legwork for the LGBTQ community, while also spreading awareness within our town. There’s more meaning behind pieces that are a symbol of something and are made for the purpose of sending a message. I wanted these rainbows to have an impact on as many people as possible in a positive way.
RM: Why did you think something like this was important for Revelstoke?
CB: I noticed that Revelstoke really lacked what other communities had such as a rainbow crosswalk or flags displayed in windows. There are a few if you look closely, but I didn’t feel it was enough. Revelstoke also has such a transient population and I think it’s important to make everyone feel welcome for when they arrive or simply pass through.
RM: What’s it like being a young, female plough driver in Revelstoke?
CB: Being a female snow plough driver is really empowering! I mean, everyone with a big truck likes to boast about it right?! I am proud to be a heavy equipment operator, and it makes me so happy when other women become involved as well, because it speaks to gender equality.
RM: What is your ideal vision for this town in terms of visibility for the LGBTQ community?
CB: Love is love, people are people — I just wish that everyone could see and accept that.
RM: How many businesses are involved now?
CB: So far 31 businesses have gotten involved, having either purchased a rainbow or expressed interest and currently waiting upon my artistic process. It brings a big old smile to my face to see these pop up in the windows around town, whether walking around in the day or passing by at night. I think this is something so unique for our community. So far, we have raised $400 for Rainbow Railroad! And that number is only going to keep growing!
Businesses or individuals who want to get involved with Charlotte’s Rainbow Railroad Project can email Charlotte at [email protected] or message her on Facebook or Instagram @CharlotteDaydreams, it’s a great opportunity to support local artists and help create a Revelstoke full of rainbows.
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