Event producer, Tom Whitman, has been putting together high-energy parties across the United States for over a decade. But it’s his philanthropic actions, which have earned him the 2012 LA Pride Berman Schaffer Service Award.

As a producer and entrepreneur, Tom has put together some amazing events in the LGBT community, including ones for HRC, GLAAD, LA Gay & Lesbian Center and LA Pride’s 2012 Community Grand Marshall, The Trevor Project.

One of Tom’s recent initiatives was The Gang of 100; an informal group of friends, 100-people strong, that used their social connections to raise funds for a number of Los Angeles not-for-profit organizations. 100% of the funds raised goes directly to the benefit organizations. Over the past five years, The Gang of 100 has raised $700,000 for The Trevor Project, The Point Foundation and AIDS Project Los Angeles.

For the past five years Tom has served as the Chair of APLA’s Board of Directors. It’s his dedication, influence and philanthropic attitude which has earned him the Berman Schaffer Service Award.

Twenty-two gay men, representing their respective countries, recently competed in the 4^th annual Mr. Gay World competition held in the Lyric Theatre in the Gold Reef City in South Africa.  The winner of the prestigious title went to Andreas (Andy) Derleth of New Zealand.

The operations project manager will continue to carry on the vision and mission of the organization that seeks to fight the discrimination and stigma faced by the gay community in many countries.

Originally from Hassfurt, Germany, Andy has a Bachelors Degree in business management. With a passion for sports, Andy competed in the 2^nd Asia-Pacific Outgames and will be travelling to Antwerp for the 2013 world Outgames. Andy is in long-term relationship and on the 11-11-11 he entered in a same-sex civil union in New Zealand.

Photo Credit: Mr. Gay World

Other awards presented included:

Mr. Gay Swimwear – New Zealand (Andreas Derleth);

Sports Challenge – New Zealand (Andreas Derleth);

Best Interview Challenge – New Zealand (Andreas Derleth);

Mr. Gay Formal wear – Netherlands (Thom Goderie);

Mr. Gay Congeniality – Netherlands (Thom Goderie);

Mr. Gay People’s Choice Award – Philippines (Carlito Floro Rosadino, jr)

Mr. Gay National Costume – Philippines (Carlito Floro Rosadino, jr).

Mr. Gay Photogenic – Argentina (Gonzalo Enrique Bagalor)

Mr. Gay Outreach – Czech Republic (Tomas Fryda)

Top Score in the MGW Written Exam – South Africa (Lance Weyer)

2012 Eric Butter Philanthropy Award – Coenie Kukkuk

Mr. Gay World 1st Runner Up:  South Africa (Lance Weyer)

Mr. Gay World 2nd Runner Up: France (Remy Frejaville)

Mr. Gay World 3rd Runner Up:  USA (Kevin Scott Power)

Mr. Gay World 4th Runner Up: Netherlands (Thom Goderie)

Top 10 Final Standing:

5th Runner Up / 6th Place:  Canada (Thomas Egli)

6th Runner Up / 7th Place:  Hong Kong (Jimmy Wong)

7th Runner Up / 8th Place:  Australia (Benjamin Michael)

8th Runner Up / 9th Place: Philippines (Carlito Floro Rosadino Jr.)

9th Runner Up/ 10th Place: Czech Republic (Tomas Fryda)

Photo Credit: Cruisey-T

MV Britannia will set sail at 5:00pm on Sunday, May 27, 2012 from Coal Harbour and kick-off the summer cruising season. The CruiseyT is Canada’s largest floating T-Dance and tickets purchased online before Tuesday, May 1 are 2-for-1!

DJ Zach Shore and DJ Matilda Ho will have the beats pumping on the 5pm-9pm cruise on the rooftop dancefloor and inside decks, lounges and dance floors. Joan-E and CoCo will be making appearances and performances throughout the evening.

There will also be an on-board barbeque, oxygen bar and lots of great fun in-store. It’s cash-only onboard, so remember to hit-up a bank machine before the 4:30pm boarding.

Advance tickets are $30 (again, 2-for-1 if you purchase online before the May 1 cut-off).

Photo Credit: Cruisey-T

Let’s face it; coming out of the closet in high school is a big deal for any teenager. For 17 year-old high school student, Katy Butler, she faced all the typical challenges that any queer student would face on a daily basis– bullying.  When a new documentary, “Bully” was set to be released with an “R” rating, Katy was outraged.

The “R” rating meant that anyone under the age of 17 would not be able to see the film. Katy started an online petition on Change.org urging the MPAA to change the rating of the film from “R” to “PG-13″.

After receiving over 500,000 signatures and the support of celebrities including Ellen Degeneres who welcomes Katy on her show, the Washington Post named Katy “a new voice against bullying’.

Because of her demonstration that one person is never too young to inspire change, Katy has been honoured as the 2012 Outstanding Youth Leader by LA Pride.

Canadian Facts on Bullying (provided by PinkShirtDay.org):

• Bullying happens to someone in Canada every 7 minutes on the playground. (Bullying.org).
• Bullying happens in many different forms. It’s doing, saying or acting in a way that hurts someone else or makes him or her feel bad on purpose. (Verbal, physical, social, extortion, cyber bullying).
• 50% of Canadian school children report being bullied and 45% of children surveyed do not feel safe when they go to school. (Bullying Study, University of Guelph).
• 34% of Canadians surveyed knew of students in their community who had been targeted by cyber bullying in the past year
• Children who are bullied are at risk for impaired social development, mental and physical illnesses, suicide and school absenteeism.
• Direct Bullying: open attacks, physical, threats, teasing
• Indirect Bullying: attempts to harm social position including exclusion & gossip

Supporters of the NOH8 Campaign have been coming out in record numbers to lend their face to the fight for equality. Across the United States of America, the fight for equal rights has been making progress with same-sex marriage victories in Washington, Maryland and California, and hopefully New Jersey will soon be added to the list. With the ongoing and growing support to recognize same-sex marriage across the United States the NOH8 campaign has announced their 2012 tour stops, which includes a stop in Vancouver, BC, Canada!

On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, the NOH8 campaign, led by celebrity photographer, Adam Bouska, will be in Vancouver, BC at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel from 5:00-8:00pm taking photos for the campaign.

Photos will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. When you arrive, you will be given a numbered model release to complete, along with a NOH8 tattoo and a piece of silver duct tape. Numbers will be called throughout the evening (corresponding to the number on your model release), to signal your time to line up to have your photo taken.

Solo portrait: $40 per person

Couple and group portraits: $25 per person

Fees include the services and processing of one retouched digital print, which will be made available through www.NOH8campaign.com. Physical prints are not included as part of the portrait fee. Each portrait session includes 5-10 frames – the final selection is made by Adam and will be retouched and posted online about 8 weeks after the shoot.

The NOH8 campaign crew do a great job to keep the line-up moving fast and ensure that everyone who is in line by 8:00pm will have their change to pose for a photo.

If you would like to have your photo taken, here’s what you need to do:

1. Arrive between 5:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel, located at 1133 West Hastings Street in downtown Vancouver.
2. Arrive camera ready.
3. Where a plain white t-shirt
4. Pose and make a statement

Proceeds from the funds raised will be used to promote and raise awareness of marriage and equality, and anti-discrimination through the NOH8 interactive media campaign.

Across the globe, there are ten countries that legally recognize same sex / gender neutral marriage. Here is a brief breakdown of the marriage laws:

• 2000: Netherlands was the first country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage, which came into effect on April 1, 2001.
• 2002: The Province of British Columbia legalized and granted the rights of same-sex marriage.
• 2003: Belgium was the second country to grant same-sex marriages
• 2005: Spain declares same-sex marriage rights. A weeks later, Canada’s Prime Minister and Liberal government officially recognize same-sex marriage across Canada.
• 2006: South Africa signs same-sex marriage into law.
• 2008: Norway approves a gender-neutral marriage law that came into effect on January 1, 2009.
• 2009: Sweeden adopted gender-neutral marriage laws.
• 2010: On June 10, same-sex marriage became legal in Portugal. A day later, on June 11, Iceland’s government approved same-sex marriage. Just weeks later, on July 15, Argentina follows suit, however, they do not have the support of the Catholic Church.

After a long, uphill battle with many court cases and levels of government involved, Canada has become a leader and influencer on the global stage for same sex marriage.

In early 2012, Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, openly declared same sex marriage will not be re-opened for discussion in the House, reassuring Canadians that the rights of the LGBT community are here to stay.

“My personal views on barebacking are to just do it with your boyfriend,” said 24 year-old gay male porn star, Brian Bonds. “Just know your partner by asking. Some may think it’s offensive but I just look out for myself by doing so.”

For gay men, knowing your HIV status is important. People have their own reasons for getting tested. Some get tested routinely, others when starting a new relationship, and some because they engage in high-risk sexual activity or have been put at risk. No matter your reason for wanting to get tested, it is important to get tested and know your status.

“Yeah, we all end up [having unprotected sex] on occasion, willingly and by not thinking about it,” said Bonds. “I strongly advise to do it with a boyfriend or a good fuck buddy.”

Although new cases of HIV/AIDS are on the decline in British Columbia, in other jurisdictions this is not the case. Here are some general guidelines to follow, however, it is recommended to consult a health professional for complete information.

For individuals who engage in low risk sexual activities including oral sex, intercourse with condoms and sex with a regular partner, testing is recommended every 12 months. Although transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STI’s are lower under these circumstances, it is not impossible.

Unprotected intercourse (barebacking), sexual activities with multiple partners in a short period of time, and intercourse with a partner who has the opposite HIV status or unknown status, are all high-risk activities. In these instances, testing is recommended every three months.

Education and knowledge is key when protecting yourself and your partner from transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STI’s. If you know you will be engaging in sexual activity be prepared by having condoms, discus the risks in advance, and ask your partner for their HIV/AIDS status.

There may be a time in a monogamous or committed relationship when a couple may choose they no longer wish to use condoms. It is strongly recommended that couples be tested after they have had  a three month window of risk-free sexual activity and have not been exposed to HIV/AIDS or other STI’s outside of the relationship.

Getting tested is recommended in situations where a condom breaks, after having unprotected intercourse or after engaging in sexual activity with a partner whom you do not know their status.

To learn more about getting tested consult your physician, or if you are in metro Vancouver, check out the Health Initiative for Men (HIM) resource centre and clinic.

On Sunday, February 26, piano-rock band, The Fray, performed in front of a packed audience at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. Original band members and best friends, Isaac Slade and Joe King formed the band back in 2002 and by 2005 released their debut album How To Save A Life, featuring the chart topping, hit single by the same title.

Lead singer, Isaac Slade, who was inspired after his experience of mentoring a crack-addicted teenager, wrote the song, How To Save A Life.

“He was a recovering addict, coming out of a really tough teenage life,” Isaac described. “The song is more of a memoir about his slow motion decent and all the relationships he lost along the way. It is the easiest one for me to sing every night.”

Just like Isaac, I was once also a mentor, not for drug-addicted youth, but for youth who were struggling with adversity and coming out. I was a mentor for YouthGlo, a support program for youth in the North Okanagan who were struggling with LGBT issues.

During my time with YouthGlo I met many great teenagers from the area, all with different comfort levels and issues they were combating in their day-to-day lives. Issues like self-acceptance, family dynamics, bullying, coming out, and their own sexuality.

It wasn’t until years later I realized just what an influence I had made on the lives of some of the youth I had mentored. It was particularly apparent when one young man I had previously mentored connected with me through social media.

“I met Brian when I was 14,” said Ryan. “At the time I had no idea the impact he would have on my life. He let me ask him anything and was open to talk about whatever was on my mind. He answered all of my questions without hesitation; without judgment.”

As a mentor, I was able to help Ryan with the challenges he faced at home and in school.

“With Brian’s help, high school became easier,” Ryan explained. “When I came out, Brian was there to support me. He showed me that being gay is not wrong, as some people in school wanted me to believe.”

Five years later after Ryan and I had re-connected as adults, it once again became evident on how I had again become a role model for him.

“He helped me accept myself,” Ryan said. “He has always been there for me, as a mentor and a friend. He taught me that having humility and helping others is an important part of our LGBT community. Thanks to Brian, I am strong and am the man I am today. He taught me never to be afraid.”

Today, I am so proud of Ryan and the strides he has made. Although I might not have saved an individuals life, I find comfort knowing I have helped guide others on their journey to lead healthy, prosperous, and fulfilling lives.

Just as Isaac put it, we all can do our part. In case you need to hear it again… How To Save A Life

Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it’s just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
You begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you’ve told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you…

Having grown up in a small town, I can relate to what it is like to be bullied. It wasn’t easy going through high school. I knew I was different. I just didn’t know why my classmates wanted to pick on me. What did I do to deserve that kind of treatment? Why wouldn’t anyone stop them? I had no idea how to make them stop.

Everyone goes through some kind of bullying in his or her lives. In 2007, ten years after I graduated from high school, two grade 12 students in Nova Scotia noticed a grade 9 student being bullied after he wore a pink shirt to school. The grade 12 students wanted to send a powerful message to the bully in their school and encouraged every student in their school to wear pink.

Five years later, Pink Shirt Day has grown beyond a grass roots phenomenon into a national event. In British Columbia, radio station CKNW has been the leader championing the awareness campaign in an effort to stop bullying.

Here are some facts about bullying:

• Bullying happens to someone in Canada every 7 minutes on the playground. (Bullying.org).
• Bullying happens in many different forms. It’s doing, saying or acting in a way that hurts someone else or makes him or her feel bad on purpose. (Verbal, physical, social, extortion, cyber bullying).
• 50% of Canadian school children report being bullied and 45% of children surveyed do not feel safe when they go to school. (Bullying Study, University of Guelph).
• 34% of Canadians surveyed knew of students in their community who had been targeted by cyber bullying in the past year
• 35% of workers have experienced workplace bullying first hand
• Children who are bullied are at risk for impaired social development, mental and physical illnesses, suicide and school absenteeism.
• Direct Bullying: open attacks, physical, threats, teasing
• Indirect Bullying: attempts to harm social position including exclusion & gossip
• Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions
• Bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time
• Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength

To demonstrate that bullying isn’t just happening to kids in our schools, but to adults, including myself, I want to share another personal story on bullying.

In the run up to the Mr. Gay Canada 2012 competition, the Vernon Morning Star published an article on my candidacy, encouraging citizens from my hometown to go online and place a vote for me. After that article was published, a local resident wrote an opinion letter personally attacking me for being homosexual. This is a perfect example of how people of any age can be bullied. The opinion letter outraged residents from the local community. It also sparked people from across North America to write in letters to the Editor, appalled by the comments. The letter was proven by Gay Vernon that, according to the Attorney General of British Columbia,  violated my rights under the Human Rights Code.

As Pink Shirt Day approaches, I want to thank the many individuals I went to school with at Armstrong Elementary, Len Wood Elementary and Pleasant Valley Secondary School who have personally reached out to me. Some of these individuals were people who bullied me in school. After they learned how I have had the courage to come out, advocate and raise awareness of LGBT rights and anti-bullying, and how I have demonstrated how I am a positive role-model for youth, these individuals have pledged they will foster an environment of love, acceptance and tolerance for all. Now more than ever, I am encouraged that today’s youth, and our youth of tomorrow will have a safer and happier environment to grow up in.

Youth already have enough pressures in life – friendships, their school work, home life challenges, and the peer pressure of negative influences including drugs, drinking and smoking. We need to allow youth to become proud individuals with great self-esteem and confidence in who they are. To do this, we need to put a stop to bullying in our communities.

So what can you do?

On Wednesday, February 29, I strongly encourage everyone in British Columbia, Canada, the United States and around the world to show your support and help stop bullying by wearing a pink shirt. Official Pink Shirt Day t-shirts are on sale at London Drugs locations and online. Proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC and the CKNW Orphans’ Fund.

Photo credit: Jay Minter

This past weekend at WinterPRIDE in Whistler, B.C., a panel of judges determined Thomas Egli, to be the winner of the prestigious Mr. Gay Canada 2012 competition.

“I am honoured to serve as a much-needed positive role model for LGBT youth in Canada and around the world,” said Thomas. “Popular media and gay culture bombard us with stereotypes which can be confusing for people who are just coming out. I want to increase awareness of the true diversity of  the LGBT community.”

As a role model for youth, he has had the opportunity to teach LGBT youth that being gay is not about stereotypes, but about self-expression.

“I also want to promote healthy lifestyles in the gay community,” Thomas explained. “I am thankful for all of the support I’ve received from family and friends, new and old.  The next exciting step is to prepare for the upcoming event in South Africa , where I will proudly represent Canada.”

The Vancouver based entrepreneur leads an exciting life both as an international tour leader and an ecologist. His extensive travels around the world have given him the ability to understand both culture and environmental sustainability. As a diver, Thomas has the honour of showing visitors the West Coast wildlife, and as an educator with National Geographic, he takes youth on expeditions to remote parts of the world.

Ken Coolen, Co-Executive Producer of Mr. Gay Canada said, “The Judging panel was especially impressed by Thomas’ maturity and leadership.  They are confident in his ability to represent Canada’s LGBT community to the world.”

Also awarded at the February 11th ceremonies were:

• Calan Breckon – Mr. Congeniality 2012
• Brian Webb – People’s Choice Award 2012

After three days of intensive competition held during GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE celebrations in Whistler, BC, Brian Webb of Armstrong, BC, has received the People’s Choice Award in the Mr. Gay Canada 2012 competition. Through online voting Brian received the most votes out of the five contestants representing regions from across Canada.

Held February 9-11, 2012, the competition included a series of challenges to determine who would best represent Canada at the Mr. Gay World competition, to be held April 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“It is a great honour to be a finalist and to receive the People’s Choice Award in the Mr. Gay Canada competition,” Brian Webb stated. “i want to thank all my online followers, friends and family for their support. As a role model and ambassador for youth and the LGBT communities, I am honoured that I can continue to provide a positive image for young gay men and continue to champion gay human rights through my blog, www.myWebbSite.ca. I will continue to attend events and raising awareness of issues facing our community and youth, including safer sex, anti-bullying and self-esteem.”

Delegates of the 2012 Mr. Gay Canada competition were judged on a series of challenges and categories including a swimsuit appearance, fashion show, sports challenge, panel interviews, presentation skills and public online voting.

OUTtv, Canada’s only national gay and lesbian television network, documented the entire competition, which will air as a reality television show later this spring.

Photo credit: Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press

HIV is a very serious topic, and not one to take lightly. It’s a sensitive topic for many, especially those in the gay community. Over the past decade British Columbia has adopted a treatment-as-prevention strategy. The results are in, and the charts are looking good.

According to Dr. Julio Montaner, Director of the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, since 2005, the number of HIV deaths in British Columbia have seen a steady decline to just 55 in 2010.

More importantly, in 1996, there were over 700 new cases of HIV detected in British Columbia, and over 400 cases per year were recorded throughout the early 2000’s. With the new treatment-as-prevention strategy in place, there were just 301 new HIV detected cases in 2010 – an all time low since 1996!

Although the number of people receiving HIV antiretroviral treatment is on the rise, treatment does reduce the amount of virus in bodily fluids of someone with an HIV infection.

The New England Journal of Medicine reported in August 2010 that of 1,763 couples which had one partner with HIV infection, that antiretroviral treatment reduced the risk of heterosexual transmission by 96 per cent!

Just a few provinces over, in Saskatchewan, in 2009 they reported 200 cases, but in 2010 they saw a drop to 172. However, there are new efforts in place in that province to go out and find new cases, so the numbers for 2011 are expected to rise.

In Saskatchewan, 70 per center of new HIV cases are drug injected related and more so from the first nations population.

Back in British Columbia, medical officials are lobbying governments to find ways to make antiretroviral treatment for those just diagnosed with HIV to receive treatment for free – without co-payments or deductibles. Cost of treatment is a barrier for many and it keeps patients on the less effective pill treatment.

Additionally, the BC medical community notes that if private drug plans are charged, the billing information could potentially get back to employers, which would discouraged individuals from getting tested and treated.

Since British Columbia has implemented access to treatment, they have seen a decrease in new diagnoses of HIV close to 50 per cent, which equals dramatic savings considering one infection costs between $250,000 – $500,000 over a lifetime.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Have you figured out how to surprise your loved one, secret crush, or maybe even your best friend? Sure, you could go with the  over-priced, long stemmed roses, a fuzzy red pillow with “I Luv U”, or a pair of cheesy silk underwear… but what about a gift that you can give, but also gives to others?

A Loving Spoonful, a Vancouver based, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization providing free, healthy meals and nutritional support to people living with HIV or AIDS, has teamed up with Purdy’s chocolates and Shamin Jewlers to send “CandyGrams” across Canada for Valentine’s day, while raising funds for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS.

The $10 CandyGrams can be sent anywhere in Canada and include a Valentine’s Day card, two Purdy’s heart-shaped chocolates, lip balm (in case you get chapped lips from kissing too much), mints, and a $15 gift car for Shamin Jewelers online.

“The only thing people receive in the mail these days are flyers and bills – so who wouldn’t appreciate receiving a surprise package for a change?” says Lisa Martella, executive director of A Loving Spoonful. “CandyGrams bring a smile to the face of everyone who receives one and also help raise badly needed funds to provide nutritious meals to those living with HIV/AIDS – it’s truly a Valentine’s Day gift with heart!”

Due to the generosity of the campaign sponsors, proceeds from the sale of CandyGrams will go directly to help those living with HIV and AIDS. Last year the program raised over $20,000, and this year A Loving Spoonful hopes to top that and raise over $28,000 through the CandyGram campaign.

A Loving Spoonful is the only organization in Metro Vancouver that delivers nutritionally planned and ready-made meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Each year they deliver over 100,000 meals to those in need, and with very little government funding, they rely on the generosity of community and corporate partners alongside fundraising events or programs such as this campaign.

“The CandyGram campaign would not have been possible without the support of Purdy’s, Yelp and Shamin Jewellers,” adds Martella. “Their willingness to contribute has helped make CandyGrams an annual tradition and will make a real impact on the lives of the people we help.”

CandyGrams are on sale now at www.candygram.ca, and a limited number of 3,500 are available for 2012. For on-time delivery (via Canada Post) by Valentine’s Day orders must be placed by February 6, 2012 for Eastern Canada, and February 9, 2012 for Western Canada.

February 29 is Pink Shirt Day, and people from around the world are encouraged to wear something pink to symbolize we as a society will not tolerate bullying, anywhere. Metropolis at Metrotown, BC’s largest shopping centre, is loud and proud of their latest initiative in the lead up to Pink Shirt Day with an anti-bullying t-shirt design contest, designed to help stop bullying.

Up until February 15, British Columbian’s are invited to express their creativity through an online t-shirt design contest. Metropolis at Metrotown is a popular natural gathering place for youth in Metro Vancouver and the winning design will need to connect to those youth.

“We want to be part of the anti-bullying solution by promoting anti-bullying awareness and empowering youth to stand up for themselves and each other,” said PR Manager, Artie Chumpol. “We think this design contest is a great way to engage the entire community on an issue we all face at some time or another.”

The t-shirt design must reflect a message of anti-bullying. Designs can be “shared” on Facebook, using the Metropolis at Metrotown t-shirt design application.  The winning design will be determined by which virtual t-shirt receives the most online votes. The winner of the contest will not only win a $500 gift card to Metropolis at Metrotown, but the winning t-shirt will be produced and sold from February 17-29, 2012, just in time for Pink Shirt Day. Proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts will be donated to Kids Help Phone.

“Kids Help Phone’s professional counsellors assist kids more than 4,300 times a week either through phone or web consultation,” says Lauren Davies from Kids Help Phone. “We’re thrilled to have the support of Metropolis at Metrotown and we want everyone to go online and express their creativity by designing an anti-bullying t-shirt. It will make a difference in the lives of many kids, possibly even someone you know.”

As a proud Canadian blogger, I am passionate about sharing real-life stories from the LGBT community. Through my blog I have met and interviewed many influential members of the LGBT community from around the world. Through my interactions with these leaders I’ve come to learn and understand not all jurisdictions are equal. This demonstrates to me more work needs to be done to secure the basic human rights of gays, lesbians and trans-gendered people around the world.

As a role model to others, especially the many youth that read and follow my tales, I decided to compete in the Mr. Gay Canada competition to show others how anyone, including those from smaller, rural communities, can control their own destiny and lead successful lives. Through mentoring and blogging I have helped others ease their own journey into the LGBT community, and have taught others to be more open, accepting and tolerant of all lifestyles.

In my term as Mr. Gay Canada, I will continue to share my life journey, broaden my voice, and advocate for the rights and matters that impact the LGBT community, in Canada and globally. It is my goal to continue to motivate thousands of people in Canada and around the world, to deliver a positive influence, and raise awareness of events, activities and issues that affect the LGBT community.

From February 9-11, the finalists will compete in Whistler, BC at WinterPRIDE for the title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012. The finalists will be judged on:

• A fashion runway show
• Modelling photo shoot
• Fitness challenge
• Swimsuit show
• Public speaking
• Outreach for a local charity to give back to the host community
• Online voting

If you believe I would be suitable for the role of Mr. Gay Canada 2012, I would encourage you to vote online today.

In the lead up to the competition I am excited about raising awareness of the competition, which is sure to be very exciting and a lot of fun. I hope to make a lot of new friends and contacts on the journey and I look forward to sharing with everyone my experiences and the stories I will be hearing as a result of this exciting adventure!

Creating a positive image for young gay men to make a difference and be accepted within their own communities is the goal of the Mr. Gay Canada competition. Through positive, authentic and empowered role models, Mr. Gay Canada is a champion for Gay Human Rights within the community and global stage.

To do this, Mr. Gay Canada raises awareness of issues including safer sex practices, bullying and self-acceptance. The applications for Mr. Gay Canada are now in and the delegates have been selected to compete in the coveted title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

Today I am pleased to announce I have been selected to compete for the title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

An intensive three-day competition will take place during WinterPRIDE in Whistler, BC and will include a series of challenges. These challenges include modeling photo shoot, sport, fashion show, swimsuit, public speaking and local outreach for a local charity to give back to the host community.

To qualify to be a delegate for Mr. Gay Canada 2012, delegates must:

• Be 19 years of age.
• Be Canadian and self-identify as a gay or bi-sexual male.
• Not have any direct participation in pornography or as an escort before or during the competition (or term if awarded).
• Be free of open criminal proceedings or criminal record.

The organizers of Mr. Gay Canada have worked hard to have representatives from across Canada represent as many Provinces and Territories as possible.

The announcement of the winner of Mr. Gay Canada will take place as the Apres Ski event on Saturday, February 11, 2012 in Whistler, BC.

Titleholders of Mr. Gay Canada include:

• 2007: James Coburn (Hospitality; Sherbrooke, Quebec)
• 2008-2010: Darren Bruce (Engineer; North Vancouver, BC)
• 2011: Rob Goddard (Hospitality: Vancouver)

Please leave a comment on this blog post on why you think I should win the title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

Brian Webb, NOH8 Campaign photo shoot at LA Pride 2011

“I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting L.G.B.T. persons around the world, whether it is passing laws that criminalize L.G.B.T. status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful L.G.B.T. pride celebrations, or killing men, women and children for their perceived sexual orientation.”

- President Barack Obama

While President Obama recently urged foreign aid workers and governments to support LGBT rights initiatives, across the US the fight is still on for equal and human rights.

On November 4, 2008, the State of California amended their Constitution to ban same-sex marriage though legislation titled, Proposition 8. Immediately the LGBT community took action through grassroots community initiatives and protests being formed in response.

Celebrity photographer, Adam Bouska, and his partner, Jeff Parshly, established the NOH8 Campaign, a photographic silent protest. The West Hollywood based activism campaign began on December 13, 2008, and three years later continues to fight for equality for same-sex marriage and LGBT rights in California and beyond.

The signature Adam Bouska NOH8 Campaign photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation. The signature “NOH8” logo is painted / tattooed on one cheek in protest.

Since its inception three years ago, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 18,000 faces, 2011 being the largest year yet. The campaign started with portraits of everyday Californians. The campaign has become so popular and successful that politicians, military personnel, law enforcement, celebrities and people from around the world have also joined the campaign and had their photo taken. Adam has even brought the campaign on the road and has visited three other countries, including Canada.

The NOH8 Campaign hopes to fulfill it’s goal of compiling the images for a large-scale media campaign.

To find out how you can get involved, visit the NOH8 Campaign website.

The Trevor Project at the 2011 LA Pride Parade

Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is a leading American national organization focused on the prevention of suicide for LGTBQ youth.

Through a toll-free telephone number, The Trevor Lifeline has trained counselors that provide guidance and vital resources and other confidential services.

The Trevor Project was founded in West Hollywood, California by James Lecesne, Peggy Rajski and Randy Stone; the creators of the 1994 Academy award-winning film, Trevor. The drama short film was about a 13 year-old boy who was rejected by his friends because he was gay and he attempts to take his own life. The creators of the film learned there was no helpline and decided to start The Trevor Lifeline to promote LGBTQ youth and to help prevent suicide in the vulnerable group.

Today The Trevor Lifeline is an American national crisis and suicide prevention help line open 24/7/365.

In August 2010, Harry Potter film star, Daniel Radcliffe made a significant cash donation to The Trevor Project.

“I am very pleased to begin my support of the Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work,” said Radcliffe. “It’s extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top-three killer of young people, and it’s truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.”

The Trevor Project has expanded into other areas including online chat, online social networking community, a youth advisory council and offers internships and workshops as part of their education and development programs.

To find out how you can get involved, make a financial contribution, or if you are an LGTBQ youth in crisis and need someone to talk to, please visit The Trevor Project website.

From the steps of City Hall in Vancouver, Mayor Gregor Robertson, proclaimed July 25 – 31, 2011 as Pride Week in Vancouver.

The event was held on the opening day of the 2011 North American Outgames. Notable attendees included John Boychuck, chair of the Vancouver Outgames, Ken Coolen, chair of the Vancouver Pride Society, Vancouver City Councillors, and local celebrity drag queen, Joan-E.

Following the reading of the Proclamation, the Running of the Flags relay for the Vancouver Outgames began, starting with the first group which headed to Whistler, followed by the SFU and UBC flag route groups.

In 2009, the Vancouver Pride Society adopted a three year theme to Educate, Liberate and Celebrate. Each year one of the three elements became the theme of focus for the event organizers. In 2011, the final year of the three year theme, Vancouver Pride will Celebrate!

Today in Canada, Pride is a time to celebrate what has been achieved. Canada has protected sexual orientation under the Canadian Human Rights Act, allows LGBT persons to serve openly in the Armed Forces, and has legalized same-sex marriage and adoption.

In Canada, we celebrate and carry our message of unity, diversity and acceptance of our LGTB community. Pride has helped Canadians celebrate the way we view each other and the way we live our lives.

But the movement for LGBT rights and freedoms continues. Homosexuality is still illegal in almost 80 countries and is punishable by death in seven countries. Brutal hate-crimes still continue against the LGBT community, even in Vancouver and other Canadian cities. In 2010 Statistics  Canada reported Vancouver as having one of the highest violent hate crimes involving assaults and threats, compared to other Canadian cities.

During the 33^rd Annual Vancouver Pride season, stand together in solidarity for those who continue to fight for their rights to exist. Take a moment to think about those who fight for liberation around the world. March for those who can’t walk with pride. Speak for those who are silence and oppressed.

Show up, be visible and be proud.