Pride

One of the most anticipated family friendly pre-pride events in Vancouver is the Picnic in the Park. On Saturday, July 23, Brockton Oval in Stanley Park will be alive with DJ’s, barbecue fare, beer gardens and activities.

There are lots of activities for kids including face paining, games and balloons. Adults can participate in the tug-of-war, high-heel shoe toss, drag races and the popular watermelon eating contest.

For more information, visit the Vancouver Pride Society website.

DJ Dave Aude is a veteran producer. For over 13 years he has been producing, mixing and listening to thousands of songs and hundreds of recording artists. He uses his keen sense of hearing to seek out the best in the world of music.

Known in the industry for being a master producer, Dave continuously delivers amazing results, not matter what is thrown his way.  He’s developed chameleon-like skills to allow him to work in almost any genre of music – from hip-hop to electronic, to pop and rock.

His passion and reputation help to maintain his connection to the street.

“The real focus is on the artist and the song,” said Dave. “I am more dedicated to producing quality music and seeing a record be successful than simply completing a contract.”

Recently nominated for a Grammy Award, Dave feels like he has already won.

“Being nominated really and truly is an honor.” States Audé. “People think it may be cliché to say that, but if you’ve never been nominated then you are, you might think a little differently. I got to attend the 52nd annual Grammy Awards and I got to hang out with my very talented peers, which is a life-long dream fulfilled.”

Just a few of DJ Dave Aude’s 2011 number one club remixes include:

• Beyonce – Run the World (Girls)
• Lady Gaga – Judas
• Katy Perry – E.T.
• Rihanna – S & M

Dave has performed at many of the world’s largest gay parties, and will be performing during Vancouver Pride at Celebrities Night Club on Friday, July 29, 2011. Celebrities Night Club is a landmark for Vancouver’s nightlife and is the largeset gay night club in Western Canada. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at Little Sisters, Priape or online.

Contest:

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to see DJ Dave Aude live during Vancouver Pride at Celebrities Night Club on Friday, July 29, 2011. To enter:

Tweet (valid for 1 entry):

I entered for a chance to win two tickets to see @daveaude at @Celebrities_Van from @br_webb. #windaveaudetix http://ow.ly/5D2QC 

And

Leave a comment on this blog post (valid for 1 entry), explaining your most memorable at Celebrities Night Club.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Friday, July 22, 2011. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Monday, July 25, 2011.

Read the complete contest rules.

Join 650,000 spectators as Vancouver celebrates the 33^rd Annaul Vancouver Pride Parade on Sunday, July 31, 2011. As the largest one-day events in Vancouver, the streets will fill with rainbows, colourful floats, costumes, marching bands, and community groups.

The largest celebration of the LGBT community in Western Canada, the Vancouver Pride Parade kicks off at 12:00pm at Robson and Thurlow. The parade travels through the downtown core, along Denman Street and ends at Sunset Beach for the Pride Festival and beer garden.

There are over 150 parade entries expected for 2011 including community organizations, businesses, government officials, and special interest groups.

For the 12^th consecutive year, Vancouver’s legendary drag queen, Joan-e will be the host and Grand Marshall at the corner of Denman and Davie Streets. Her witty and boisterous commentary is entertaining and something not to be missed as part of your Pride Parade experience.

Other Grand Marshalls include Drag King T at Denman Mall, Symone doing live cut-ins on CKNW at the West End Community Centre, and Connie Smudge at Denman and Robson.

On parade day there will be a number of road closures. Please be aware of these closures. The public is encouraged to take public transit into the downtown core.

For persons with diabilities, the Vancouver Pride Society and QMUNITY have reserved accessible viewing areas along the parade route. There are 50 accessible parking spaces available at the Jervis Loop. Please pre-arrange by contacting the QMUNITY volunteers by email or by calling 604-684-8449.

For more information on the Vancouver Pride Parade, visit the Vancouver Pride Society website.

DJ Marcus Purnell kicks-off Pride week in Vancouver by turning the MV Britannia into a floating dance party with his progressive house and tribal rhythms on Sunday, July 24. The Cruisey-T, Vancouver’s popular floating dance party welcomes back the popular Leather and Denim cruise.

The 500-person boat boards at #501 Denman Street at 2:30pm and sails around Burrard Inlet from 3-7pm. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the dock.

Cruisey-T also has tickets on sale for their Original Pride Cruises (Go Go Cruise, White Party and Monday Party), for $60, which include a light meal.

Tickets for the four cruises can be purchased at Little Sisters Bookstore, Priape, or online.

To date, Cruisey-T has raised over $600,000 for local LGBT organizations.

Photo Credit: robshaer.wordpress.com

An annual tradition to kicking off Pride in Vancouver is Gay Day at Playland. On Saturday, July 16, the LGBT community decents on the amusement park for a day of rides, roller coasters, carnival games and theme-park  fare.

Participants are encouraged to wear a red t-shirt, creating an ocean of red around the park.

There is live entertainment and a beer garden.

Gay Day is hosted during regular park hours and regular admission fees apply.

On Sunday, July 3, 2011, Toronto hosted the 31st Annual Toronto Pride Parade. Hundreds of thousands of people lined the parade route, celebrating diversity and the variety of life in Toronto.

Community groups, special interest groups, political parties, drag queens, entertainers and members of the LGBT community were all part of the over two-hour long parade. The parade included creative art, costumes, choreography, and great music.

Vancouver’s leader in hosting large-scale dance events in Vancouver’s gay community, The Flame & The Dame are at it again, hosting three hot dance parties during Vancouver Pride – Rapture Outdoor Pool Party, Rapture – Dominate and Rapture Victory.

Founded by Tommy Dolanjski and Anna Thorsen in 2007, The Flame and the Dame (TFD) can create events from smaller 100 person night clubs to the flagship Rapture events. TFD takes pride in delivering the highest quality productions with exceptional talent.

Their talent line-up includes:

• Cassandra
• Craig Gaibler
• DJ Drew Mitchell Landon James
• Manila Luzon
• Marcus Purnell
• Micky Friedmann
• Nick Bertossi
• Peter Breeze
• Raja
• Shokra
• Syren
• The Freemasons
• Vegas and Fushia

Giving back to the local LGBT community is an important component to TFD. To date, they have raised over $30,000 in proceeds and donations, all going to local charities.

Vancouver Pride 2011 TFD events include:

Saturday, July 30:

Rapture: Heatwave – Outdoor Pool Party

Starring: Manila Luzon, Nick Bertossi, Landon James and Cassandra

Rapture: Dominate – Leather / Military Party

Featuring: DJ Craig Gaibler (SFO) and DJ Marcus Purnell (YVR)

Sunday, July 31:

Rapture: Victory

Starring: Micky Friedmann, the Freemansons, Shokra, Raja and Peter Breeze

For more information, visit their official website.

The largest and most anticipated club party at Vancouver Pride is the Rapture Victory party at the Commodore Ballroom.

The Rapture Victory party is the signature closing party of Vancouver Pride 2011 and will feature legendry UK DJ, the Freemasons and Berlin’s DJ Micky Friedmann. Local Vancouver DJ, Drew Gulbransen will open the show.

The night long event is hosted by Fushia and Vegas, two prominent Vancouver drag queens. There will also be special performances and entertainment by Shokra, Peter Breeze and Raja.

• Date: Sunday, July 31, 2011
• Time: 9:00pm – 4:00am
• Location: Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville Street, Vancouver)
• Tickets: Up to $81; purchase online

For more information, visit the official website here.

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There will be kink and fetish demonstrations all night long at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on Saturday, July 30, for the Rapture Dominate – Leather & Military Party heats up.  DJ Craig Gaibler and DJ Marcus Purnell will keep the dance floor alive late into the night.

Recently to Vancouver’s club scene, DJ Marcus Purnell is excited to take the stage with his tribal and vocal skills that have had dance floors hopping. His sound of rolling progressive-house and tribal rhythms can make heads turn and asses shake. No stranger to the club scene, Marcus has played at notable clubs and pride events in San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, and Honolulu.

Craig Gaibler has been passionate about music his entire life. Early in college, in the warehouse raves of Seattle, he discovered electronic music. After coming out of the closet and meeting local Seattle DJs, Craig was eager to learn the craft of mixing. Today, DJ Craig Gaibler calls San Fran home.

Craig’s philosophy around DJing centers on three distinct desires:

1) to create a journey that dares anyone to leave the dance floor

2) to play beautiful, fun, uplifting dance music

3) to introduce creative and interesting records, artists and remixes that help define his unique, luscious sound

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, July 30, 2011
• Time: 9:00pm – 3:00am
• Location: Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
• Ticket Details: Tickets start at $41 and can be purchased online, or Priape or Little Sisters in Vancouver.
• Suggested Dress Code: Leather, military, denim or fetish wear

Contest

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to Rapture Dominate – Leather & Military Party featuring DJ Marcus Purnell and DJ Craig Gaibler. Here’s how you can enter:

Tweet (valid for 1 entry):

I want to see @djcraiggaibler and DJ Marcus Purnell via @br_webb at @TFDPresents Dominate Party! #WinDominateTix http://ow.ly/5xyDc 

And

Leave a comment on this blog post of your favourite club song of summer 2011 (valid for 1 entry)

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Friday, July 8, 2011. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Monday, July 11, 2011.

Read the complete contest rules.

For Manila Luzon, it’s been a whirl-wind last few months since finishing up on Season 3 as Runner-up on Ru Paul’s Drag Race.

Manila, who is now 25, originally grew up in New York. She knew from a very early age she was born to do drag.

“I remember throwing on my mom’s clothes since I was a child,” said Manila. “I would be wear my grandma’s wig too.”

Manila says being on Ru Paul’s Drag Race has been the highlight of her career so far. She quickly acknowledged the close friendships she made throughout the show and the tips they were able to share with each other.

“I was able to be a part of history,” Manila exclaimed as she described her experience on the show.

After the show, Manila began her tour across North America attending various events, fundraisers and Pride events.

“We are still fighting for equality in America,” explained Manila as she described what Pride meant to her. “It’s a celebration. Enjoy life. It’s a time to reflect on the awesomeness I’ve had given to me in my life.”

“This year there was such a different vibe in New York City,” Manila stated, referring to the recent decision legalize marriage in New York State.

In recent months, Manila and her partner Sahara Davenport, have not been able to spend a lot of time together. Sahara has been busy working on her projects in New York City and Manila’s travel schedule has kept her on the road.

Vancouver Pride will be the next road stop where Manila and Sahara will be able to relax and enjoy a bit of vacation time together.

“It will be good to get out of the country,” said Manila. “I’m excited.”

Vancouver Pride will be Manila’s first time back in Canada since she was a child. As part of their personal vacation time, Manila and Sahara will be attending many events and festivities, including the Vancouver Pride parade.

Manila Luzon will make one live performance during Vancouver Pride 2011. She will be performing at the 2nd annual Rapture Outdoor Pride Pool Party with DJ Nick Bertossi, DJ Landon James and Cassandra. The pool party will be held at the Westin Grand Hotel (433 Robson Street, Vancouver), on Saturday, July 30 from 12:00 (noon) – 6:00pm PST. Tickets are $22.40 – $33.60 and can be purchased in Vancouver at Priape or Little Sisters. For more information, visit the official Outdoor Pool Party website.

Contest

Enter for a chance to win two tickets to the 2^nd Annual Outdoor Pride Pool Party featuring Manila Luzon, Cassandra, DJ Landon James and DJ Nick Bertossi.

Here’s how you can enter:

Tweet (valid for 1 entry):

I want to meet @manilaluzon via @br_webb at the #VanPride2011 @TFDPresents Outdoor Pride Pool Party! #WinLuzonTix http://ow.ly/5sDie Pls RT

And

Leave a comment on this blog post describing your most memorable moment with a drag queen (valid for 1 entry)

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Friday, July 8, 2011. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Monday, July 11, 2011.

Read the complete contest rules.

Glitz and glam! The 31st Annual Toronto Pride Parade reflects on its past and looks towards the future. Parade entries and participants are encouraged to show their Pride through creative art, costumes, choreography, and sound.

• Date: Sunday, July 3, 2011
• Time: 2:00pm
• Parade Route: Parade starts at Bloor & Church (see map)

Parade participants are encouraged to gather and show their Pride and celebrate the diversity and variety of life and culture in Toronto, while respecting the subtle differences amongst citizens and visitors. Pride Toronto reminds Parade goers to have an open, tolerant and supportive attitude.

During the parade, awards will be handed out for a number of categories including Best Celebration of the 2011 Theme, Best Drag, and Best Art Direction.

Multiple Juno and Grammy nominated Canadian R&B/dance icon Deborah Cox will  perform on Friday, July 2 as one of the major headliners of Toronto’s 2011 Pride festival.

“Deborah Cox is a powerhouse performer that has dominated the music charts and the Broadway stage,” said said Pride Toronto’s Arts & Culture Manager, TK. “She is definitely a crowd favourite that will surely ‘werq’ the crowd with her fierce energy and stunning, show stopping performance style.”

Ms. Cox will take to the stage at 10:30 p.m. as part of Werq! – a high‐energy dance extravaganza on the festival’s largest stage, Wellesley Stage.

World‐renowned choreographer Scott Fordham will complement Ms. Cox’s magnificent voice and stage presence with his signature choreography. Ms. Cox previously performed at Toronto’s Pride festival in 2009.

Often cited as Canada’s top R&B/dance icon, Deborah Cox has had ten number‐one hits on Billboard’s ‘Hot Dance Club Play’ chart, including her smash single ‘Beautiful U R” which reached #1 on the US Dance chart. Her music has appeared in numerous films including the award‐winning dramas Hotel Rwanda and Akeelah and the Bee.

In addition to her successful recording career, Ms. Cox also conquered the Broadway stage in the title role of Elton John and Tim Rice’s hit musical Aida. This fall, she will make a much-anticipated return to the Broadway stage.

Betty DeGeneres, mother of talk-show host, Ellen DeGeneres, marches in the 2011 LA Pride Parade

Betty DeGeneres proudly marched down Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood, California during the 2011 LA Pride Parade. Betty is the mother of American stand-up comedienne, television host and actress, Ellen DeGeneres.

Betty first gained notoriety following her daughter’s highly-publicized coming out in 1997. Her first reaction was passive acceptance, but now she has become a passionate advocate for LGBT rights.

Betty is an active member of PFLAG, is the first non-gay spokesperson for the Human rights Campaign National Coming Out Project, and has a regular column on PlanetOut’s website called ‘Ask Betty’.

Betty was born on May 20, 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

America’s first openinly gay late-night talk show hosts, Andy Cohen, has been awarded the Person of the Year by the organizers of LA Pride.

Andy, Emmy and Peabody Award winner, is Bravo’s Executive Vice President of Program and Development and the host of “Watch What Happens: Live”.

In June 2010, Andy was named one of TV Guide’s 25 Most Influential People in Television, and Out Magazine added him on their Out 100 List in 2008 and in 2011.

As Andy continues to put LGBT people in front of the camera and in the middle of America’s living room, he continues to help the community through his ability to make a positive and lasting impact.

Toronto Pride Week kicks off on Monday, June 27,  the City of Toronto will raise the iconic rainbow flag at City Hall and read the Pride Week proclamation.

• Date: Monday, June 27
• Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
• Location:Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

The raising of the rainbow flag was in question earlier this year when schools in the Toronto school district banned the flags and the City of Toronto threatened to cut festival funding.

Notable speakers at the flag raising ceremony will include:

• Frances Nunziata, Councillor & Speaker
• Francisco Alvarez & Margaret Ngai, Pride Toronto Co-Chairs
• Angie Umbac, Pride 2011 International Grand Marshall
• Kristyn Wong-Tam, MC

From now until July 3, Toronto’s streets will be buzzing with activity. Pride Week in Toronto is Canada’s premier arts and cultural festivals, and one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.

Thousands of community groups, businesses, sponsors and individuals will be participating in this year’s festivities and celebrating Toronto’s queer communities.

Events include arts and cultural programs, community activities, the street festival, Pride parade, Dyke March, and many youth and family activities.

Pride Parade, Dyke March, Family programming, Blackness Yes and Youth and much more.

For more information, maps, and other Pride Toronto activities, visit their website.

At the 2011 LA Pride events in West Hollywood, Califorinia, 42 year-old comedian, activities and humanitarian, Margaret Cho, was presented the Christopher Street West Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedicated and work in the LGBT community.

“This is such a tremendous honor, I am so excited about this,” said Cho. “this is my community, my home and I am very proud of how far we have come in our journey.”

Cho has been an outspoken advocate for equality in the LGBT community.

“I want to fight for equality, to make sure we have equal rights and proper representation in our society,” explained Cho. “I also want to be there to help the younger generation and be a good mentor for them.”

2011 LA Pride Parade Grand Marshall, two-time Olympic figure skater, Johnny Weir

The 2011 LA Pride Parade is one of the largest and most inclusive pride parades in the United States. With clear, blue sunny skies, over 400,000 people gathered to participate in the parade. The 2011 parade welcomed over 100 entries ranging from the Parent’s and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) to the leather and kink community, to the corporate and communities of faith groups.

The highlight of the 2011 LA Pride Parade was the presentation of the Grand Marshals and Community Honourees.

The Community Grand Marshal recognizes a portion of the community that faces death daily, and yet is forced to chose between service and truth, being secret, and being out. The 2011 Community Grand Marshal was the LGBT Servicemembers: The Riderless Horse.

The Grand Marshal is world-renouned, beloved and openly gay, and lives as an example of being true to who you are. This year’s Grand Marshal was two-time Olympic figure skater, Johnny Weir.

John Duran and Leyla Farah

This year’s parade along Santa Monica Blvd was broadcast to millions of viewers. Leyla Farah, a social media specialist co-hosted with John Duran, a civil rights attourney, former board president of EQCA, and current Mayor of the City of West Hollywood.

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The Vancouver We Love You [The T-Shirt Project] is now accepting orders for a limited print-run of Vancouver Pride t-shirts. These t-shirts are made of soft 100% cotton from American Apparel. These limited edition Pride t-shirts are a great way to symbolize your passion and pride for Vancouver. With the 2011 North American Outgames and Vancouver Pride just around the corner, they are sure to sell out fast.

The Vancouver We Love You [The T-Shirt Project] limited print-run Pride t-shirts are available in men’s sizes x-small to x-large and can be ordered online for only $29.95.

This Vancouver Pride plan to attend one of the most fun afternoon parties on the water; a cruise along Vancouver’s Harbour, on the CruiseyT.

Vancouver’s Pride cruises feature hit DJ’s including  Zach Shore, Marcus Purnell, Adam Dreaddy and Nick Bertossi, and performers Joane-E, Mantra, Carlotta Gurl, Raye Sunshine and Jaylene Tyme.

There are four popular pride cruises to choose from:

• Leather & Denim – Sunday, July 24 – 3-7pm
• Go Go – Sunday, July 31 – 6 – 10pm
• White Party – Sunday, July 31 – 5 – 9pm
• Monday Party – Monday, August 1 – 4 – 8pm

Pride cruises sell out fast. Tickets can be purchased in Vancouver at Little Sister’s Bookstore or Priape, or online at www.cruiseyt.com.

This year is CruiseyT’s 20^th Annivesary serving Vancouver’s LGBT community and to date, CruiseyT they have raised over $600,000 for local LGBT organizations.