All posts tagged with: 2012

The 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade was a perfect day – with clear, blue sunny skies, colourful floats, rainbow flags, sexy outfits, and diversity celebrated by nearly 650,000 people lining the parade route. The Vancouver Pride Parade is the largest event held in Vancouver and the annual parade was once again enjoyed by everyone.

The parade included many notable entries and participants including the Dykes on Bikes, Vancouver City Council members, local heroes like Bill Munroe and trans-gendered crusader Jenna Talackova who placed in the top 12 at the 2012 Miss Canada competition, corporate friends of the LGBT community like WestJet and TD Bank, and organizations that make a profound difference in the local community including Pink Shirt Day, the West End Soccer Association, Vancouver Police Department, Celebrities Night Club, and many, many more.

After three nights of competition where Viet Nam, Brazil and Italy each competed for top honours, it was clear on the final night that Italy would take home the top prize in the 2012 Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition in English Bay, in downtown Vancouver.

“Italy deserved the win” said Patrick Brault, Honda Celebration of Light producer, “the choreography and their use of color was simply spectacular.  The judges and the public had a hard time deciding the winner because it was so close but in the end it was a few points and a few extra public votes that made the difference.”

It was the first year in the 22-year event history that the public was able to go online and vote.

The 3-night event attracted over 1-million spectators, many of which came to enjoy the daytime SHOREfest music series at Sunset Beach and English Bay.

“We estimated about 400,000 people on site Saturday night to watch Italy’s show,” said Andrea Dowd-Dever, Producer of the 2012 Honda Celebration of Light, “It is wonderful to see so many people enjoying this amazing event and we are already planning an even bigger event for 2013.”

Vancouver Pride weekend officially kicked off on Friday, August 3, 2012 with the largest block party in downtown Vancouver – the Barefoot Davie Street Dance Party. While the event got off to an unusually slow start, by the time sunset came, the massive block party was just heating up.

The Davie Street Party had a new format for 2012. No longer were there two main entrances, but just one at the corner of Davie and Broughton, which added to the confusion of how to get into the gated street party. Additionally, new for 2012 were advance tickets, as opposed to the previous years Fast Track and General Admission passes. While the new ticketing and entry system had it’s challenges, organizers tried their best to keep things orderly.

The entertainment was spread out over multiple blocks. The cash-only event had beer, wine and cooler tickets available in each zone for the designated drinking areas. Police and security were on-duty to ensure liquor did not leave the gated areas.

As with previous years, the stages has live performances and featured local DJ’s and artists. Many event goers celebrated the kick-off weekend with colourful costumes, hip summer fashions and leather fetish gear.

Hot guys in speedos, summer sunshine, beats by Nick Bertossi, vodka flowing and JuJuBee performing poolside. It was a winning combination for the annual Rapture HEATWAVE pool party at the Westin Grand for Vancouver Pride this past weekend.

Not only did JuJuBee amaze party goers with her stunning good looks, amazing personality, and beautiful one-piece swimsuits, but her songs were amazing.

The highlight of the poolside party was when JuJuBee surprised everyone and jumped into the pool in the middle of her song!

JuJuBee was incredible all afternoon, mingling with all the guests, posing for photos, and enjoying the afternoon.

When it comes to the small car category, the 2012 Ford Focus Titanium is at the top of its class. With eye-catching design, incredible fuel economy, and an enjoyable driving experience, the Ford Focus Titanium will keep any tech geek happy, and an affordable price.

The 2012 edition comes in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. The Titanium edition is the top range of Ford’s line-up and the Focus doesn’t disappoint.

The exterior has clean lines and a great aerodynamic shape. The 18” aluminum wheels and tinted windows make the car scream sporty. Under the hood is the all-new 2.0 litre, direct injection four-cylinder engine with Ti-VCT, making it the equivalent of a six-speed power-shift (that means it has some get-up-and-go). An exterior sport packaged can also be added on the 2012 model.

Heated leather-trimmed seats and a power moon roof are just the start of the interior features. There’s no more need to mess around with finding the keys in the dark; the push-button start is a fun and faster way to get in and go.

The navigation and technology is what sets the Titanium edition apart from any other small car on the market. The hands-free MyFord Touch system connects the driver with text-to-voice, HD radio, iTunes tagging, voice-activated navitation and Wi-Fi capability. Contrary to belief, the system does not need to download and sync to your smartphone – it connects wirelessly through Bluetooth connection every time you get into the car. Although it’s not perfect, the Sync system usually reconnects back and automatically picks up where you left off.  The stereo is by Sony and it’s pretty decent for a small-car – they even throw in a sub-woofer in the back!

Another great driving feature is the active parking assist. Most people aren’t great at parallel parking to start with. Using the parking assist, the system calculates and automatically stears the car automatically. All the driver needs to do is control the accelerator and brake pedals, for a perfect parallel park every time.

Some tips for car buyers, if you like the surfer / wind-blown hair look, drive with the windows down; this car has serious air flow with the windows down driving over 50km/h; alternatively, just turn on the air conditioner to cool down. Also, the drivers seat doesn’t tilt back to give a true feeling of driving  a sports car, and there is also no lumbar support.

If you really want to see if you are an eco-friendly driver, navigate to the EcoMode on the dashboard. The more eco-friendly you drive, the more leaves you will earn. Poor driving habits including fast acceleration, heavy braking, and poor anticipation will quickly reduce your score.

It’s a fun, speedy and cute car to drive, especially if you’re into gadgets and want to look cool on a budget.

One of North America’s most beautiful pride festival locations is at Sunset Beach, home of the Vancouver Pride Festival and Market. The annual event, held on Sunday, August 5, 2012,  is located on the shores of English Bay in Vancouver’s West End.

The day-long event attracts over 125,000 people who come to hear local musicians on the main stage, support the over 150 community organizations at the market that support Pride in Vancouver, and to enjoy Vancouver’s only waterfront beer garden.

The family-friendly marketplace includes artisans, community organizations, corporate partners, and a wide variety of food vendors.

The Pride Festival and Market is open from 11:00am – 6:00pm.

Vancouver Pride week has kicked off and there are events happening all week long across the city – from the annual Pride Parade, the pride festival on the beach, the street parties and the pride cruises. One of Vancouver’s longest supporters of Pride is Celebrities Night Club. For over 30 years Celebrities has been hosting pride events. Here’s the line-up for Vancouver Pride 2012:

Tuesday, July 31 – Pride Tuesday, with $3 highballs and DJ’s DarylO, Timeline and JP Valdes.

Wednesday, August 1 – Pride Bingo for Life from 8:00-10:00pm, hosted by Vancouver’s favourite drag queen, Joan-E. All proceeds from the evening event will go to the Friends for Life Society. At 11:00pm catch the Dogwood Monarch Society charity drag show.

Thursday, August 2 – Hard Candy, from 9:00pm – 4:00am, with Vancouver’s hottest Go Go boys and hot top 40 remixes.

Friday, August 3 – Celebrities Pride Ball, from featuring LA’s very own, DJ Pornstar.

Saturday, August 4 – B You Saturday, from 9:00pm – 4:00am, there will be circus performers, Go Go boys, and performances by the House of Celebs Dance Group.

Sunday, August 5 – History X1, is a 13 hour non-stop party from 3:00pm – 4:00am. Best Butt contest at 4:30pm, where the winner will take home over $500 in prizes!

Advance tickets for most nights are at www.vancouverpride2012.com.

The hottest weekend in Vancouver gets started this Friday, August 3, 2012 with the largest block-party in downtown Vancouver; the Barefoot Davie Street Dance Party!

The Davie Street Village hosts the block party, which includes dancers, vendors, DJ’s and live entertainment on multiple stages. Event-goers are welcome to dress up in fabulous outfits and show their Pride.

Inside the Davie Street Dance Party there are a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage stations (a 19+ event). This is a cash-only event, so come prepared.

The Street Party has four entrances; the main entrance is at Broughton and Davie Street. New this year, participating West End retailers are selling advanced tickets, or you can buy online using contest code BW45 at time of check-out and save $5 (admission at the gate is $20, or advance tickets online using contest code BW45 for $15).

The Street Party goes from 7pm – midnight on Friday, August 3, 2012.

The 2012 Honda Celebration of Light kicked off on Saturday, July 28 with the first of three nights of firework presentations. The Celebration of Light is the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world, attracting up to 400,000 spectators along the shores of English Bay each evening.

The first night of fireworks on Saturday, July 28, saw Vietnam perform in it’s first international competition outside of their home country. Up next is Brazil on Wednesday, August 1, and Italy wrapping up the even on Saturday, August 4.

All of the firework shows are free to attend. The fireworks start at 10:00pm and lasts for 25 minutes. For visitors outside of downtown it is recommended to take public transit. Shore 104.3 FM will simulcast the soundtrack for the fireworks show.

Under cloudy skies and cool summer morning temperatures, over 400 participants turned out this morning to participate in the 8^th annual Vancouver Pride Run. The 10km walk and 5km run brings out active members of LGBT community to warm-up for the upcoming Vancouver Pride Week events.

The two-lap 10km race course through Stanley Park takes participants through the park and along the scenic seawall.  Walkers do a shorter single-lap.

The event attracts participants from Vancouver’s running community, members of Vancouver Frontrunners, Canada’s largest and longest-operating LGBT running club, and members of Frontrunner clubs in Washington and Oregon State.

Organizers were extremely happy with this year’s turn out and participation by event sponsors, volunteers and influencers from the local community.

RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drag U star JuJuBee, will be performing live from the rooftop pool party at the Westin Grand in front of a sold-out audience at Rapture: HEATWAVE on Saturday, August 4, 2012, during Vancouver Pride.

“I’m so excited,” giggled JuJuBee. “I’m going to be all dolled up. I’m excited to go back [to Vancouver].

Growing up, JuJuBee knew she was different. From the time she was a teenager, her instincts told her she was going to be a performer.

“I was always a theatre nerd,” explained JuJuBee. “My love for the stage allows me to be crazy.”

It wasn’t until after she came out of the closet, admitting she was gay, that she could truly realize her path ahead.

“I was living with my aunt,” JuJuBee explained. “She’s the coolest person in the world. I was like, ‘Whatever. You’re not going to stop me.’ I thought that doing drag was an art that was misunderstood. I didn’t really care or get bothered by anyone’s thought about my performance. I wanted them to feel the emotion about it. And there are so many songs that need to be shined on in a certain way. A way that could only be done in drag.”

JuJuBee’s proudest moment was when she auditioned for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

“RuPaul has always been THE drag queen,” JuJuBeen said in an excited voice as she described her drag idol. “When I first saw her on To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, you knew she was a genuine drag queen.”

At the time of her audition, JuJuBee was in a bit of a rut, working a few jobs. She was looking for something different, something more exciting. That’s when she got the call that she had been accepted to come try out for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Although JuJuBee did not take home the crown at the end of the show, she did proudly walk away with second runner up and an amazing experience that has helped propel her career.

“It was a really good experience as far as making new friends,” JuJuBee recalled as she described her best memories of being on the show. “Meeting the girls and finally meeting RuPaul, and being under his/her wings. Our lives have all changed. We share stories, talk and understand each other.”

But life as a drag queen hasn’t been all roses and sunshine. Yes, even drag queens have their moments.

“I’m an awful dancer,” said JuJuBee, describing her biggest weakness. “That’s the challenge right there. A lot of times when people meet me out of drag they think that I’ll be the exact same way, which is not true. JuJuBee is a character for me. I’m actually pretty shy. When I’m in drag, I’m loud and vibrant.”

JuJuBee fully admits that she needs to work on her dancing skills, but with her busy travel and performing schedule, she hasn’t had time to dedicate to it just yet. When JuJuBee does have down time at home, she admits to being a bit of homebody and playing video games.

Sometimes JuJuBee’s most awkward moments on stage aren’t because of her dancing, but rather, other drag queens!

“I don’t remember where this was, but a drag queen pulled off my wig during a performance,” said JuJuBee as she described the shocking experience. “It was the weirdest thing. It came out of nowhere. It was so odd.”

Note to other drag queens out there, you probably won’t want to try to pull that stunt on her again in the future.

Speaking of the future, JuJuBee’s future includes writing and producing her own album.

“I’ve been so slow and late into music,” JuJuBee admitted. “What I want to make is totally different from what everyone else is making. I’m writing a lot. Every chance I get, I sit down. I just jot it down as I think of it. It’s good beginnings, but I haven’t finished anything yet.

JuJuBee hopes to have her first song ready soon. In the meantime, guests who were fortunate enough to purchase advance tickets to the sold out Rapture: HEATWAVE event will be able to watch her perform live, and maybe even get to meet her in person.

“I’m here for two full days,” JuJuBee said, referring to her upcoming trip to Vancouver Pride. “I don’t have any plans yet, probably going to the parade. I’m not sure if I’ll be out in drag or not, you gotta come and see for yourself!”

Eight time Juno and four time Grammy award winning, Canadian, LGBT music legend, KD Lang, is on a summer long tour, with dozens of stops in three countries. The singer, song writer and actress was recently in Vancouver with her band, Siss, Boom, Bang.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Kathryn Dawn Lang grew up on the praries. She went on to collage at Red Deer College, where she was inspired to persue her love of music. Throughout her music career she has been inspired by Patsy Cline and fellow Canadian folk music icon, Anne Murray.

In addition to her Grammy and Juno awards, KD Lang has also won Female Vocalist of the Year awards in 1988 and 1989, and was the 4-time consecutive winner of Entertainer of the Year from the Canadian Country Music Association.

KD Lang performed Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, live at the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C. at BC Place. Just four months later, in May 2010, KD Lang filled in last minute on the Logie Awards show in Australia for Susan Boyle, singing the same song. More recently she performed You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, on the Christmas episode of Glee.

KD Lang came out in 1992 in an article published in LGBT magazine, The Advocate. She has been a strong supporter of HIV/AIDS care and research and in 2011 was inducted into the Q Hall of Fame Canada for her work of equality and rights for people around the world. She was also featured in the now famous ‘Coming Out’ episode of Ellen.

In 2008, KD Lang entered into a domestic partnership with her girlfriend of five years, Jamie Prince. They were separated at the end of 2011.

KD Lang is currently on tour in Australia, and will be touring across the United States in August and then in Canada in September.

LA Galaxy’s David Beckham at BC Place vs the Vancouver White Caps.

On Wednesday, July 18, BC Place was a sell-out for the LA Galaxy vs Vancouver White Caps MLS soccer match. White Caps soccer matches typically have a great turnout, but Vancouverites game out to get a glimpse of the European soccer legend, David Beckham.

David Beckham drew a sell-out crowd at BC Place

In the first half the Vancouver White Caps played strong against the LA Galaxy, leading the way 2-0. But half-way through the second half, fans had the opportunity to see Beckham score not one, but two goals against the White Caps, ending the game at a tie, 2-2.

Opening game ceremonies

Jenna Talackova and feminist lawyer, Gloria Allred, in the 2012 LA Pride Parade.

2012 has been a roller-coaster year for 23 year-old Jenna Talackova, who has just be named Grand Marshall of the Vancouver Pride Parade.

Jenna was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Born as a male, by age 4 Jenna began to identify as a female. By at 14 she began hormone therapy, and when she turned 19 she underwent gender re-assignment surgery.

In 2010 Jenna competed in the Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand, a competition for trans-gendered and transsexual women. She then went on to compete in 2012 for Miss Universe Canada.

Organizers of the Miss Universe competition disqualified Jenna from the competition because she was not a naturally born female. Upon receiving the news, Jenna engaged the renowned feminist lawyer, Gloria Allred, to represent her. They took their case to the Miss Universe Organization and to Donald Trump, the owner of the competition, and eventually reversed their decision citing, “[a]s long as she meets the standards of legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, which we understand that she does, Jenna Talackova is free to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant.”

Jenna competed in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada competition and made it to the top 12. She was one of four women to receive the Miss Congeniality award, but did not make it into the top five.

Joining Jenna as Grand Marshal’s for the 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade are local gay sporting advocate, Bill Munroe, and community  activist, David Holtzman. Jenna has made several appearances in 2012, including the LA Pride Parade in West Hollywood, California.

It’s the middle of summer, and training, well, it might be in full-swing for some, and for others, the fall marathon season seems to be months away. The 33^rd Annual Victoria Marathon takes place Sunday, October 7^th, 2012. The Victoria Marathon early bird registration deadline is quickly approaching – it’s this Sunday, July 15, 2012.

Currently there are over 4,300 registrations for the four race events. The marathon will cap at 4,000, half marathon at 6,800, 8km at 4,000, and the Kids Run at 1,000. The half marathon is the most popular event and it always sells out early.

“It is time to commit to run, walk, or volunteer on October 7 and we encourage all participants to choose a charity to support,” says Cathy Noel, General Manager of the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon.

The marathon early bird entry fee is $95. The deadline also applies to the Half Marathon and the 8K Road Race where the fees are $70 and $35. After July 15 regular registration fees will apply – $105 for the Marathon, $80 for the Half Marathon and $40 for the 8K Road Race.

For the fourth year in a row it will host the BC Marathon Championships. In 2011 three new course records were set. Thomas Omwenga set a new men’s marathon record in 2:14:33; Lucy Njeri broke the 22-year women’s marathon record in 2:37:56, and Natasha Wodak set a new women’s half marathon record in 1:15:27.

On Saturday, July 7, False Creek seawall was stormed by 1,035 people who stripped down to their underwear, raising an incredible $633,000 and bringing more awareness to cancers below the waist.

Proceeds from the annual Underwear Affair 10km run and 5km walk benefit the BC Cancer Foundation, supporting research and care at the BC Cancer Agency. British Columbia has the best survival rates of any other province in Canada and the BC Cancer Agency has become the model for cancer care and control around the world.

Finishing first place was Twilight movie series star, Charlie Bewley, who finished the 10km race in just over 37 minutes.

Here are my results:

• Time: 45:32
• Finish Male: 24 / 249
• Finish Overall: 27 / 622

Photo Credits: Jay Minter and Billy Hurr

The annual Gayday at Playland is the sign that Vancouver Pride is just around the corner. The LGBT community is invited on Saturday, July 14 from 10:00am – 8:00pm for a day of rides, carnival games, entertainment and fun. Wear a pink shirt to support anti-bullying.

The Vancouver Pride Society will have a Pride Festival area with a BBQ and information on Vancouver’s LGBT community.

Say “I’m here for Gay Day” at the gate and receive a $5 discount. For every ticket sold $6 will go to the Vancouver Pride Society. Park pass includes unlimited access to over 30 rides and attractions, including Revelation and the Drop Zone.

One of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, attracting an estimated one million people, the 2012 Pride Toronto festival and  parade was held June 22 – July 1, 2012. Pride Toronto celebrates the history, courage, diversity and the future of the LGBT community in Toronto.

This couple were married on a float during the 2012 Pride Toronto parade.

Bright, elaborate and daring costumes

The events take place over 24 city blocks in Toronto’s Church-Wellseley neighbourhood. The festival includes seven performance stages, 80 community booths, and 147 sponsor, marketplace and food booths.

Activities and community spaces include family pride, youth pride, clean and sober spaces, Trans pride, Dyke march and rally, and 40 affiliate events.

Celebrating diversity and culture

The week-long event involves a significant amount of human resources. Collaboration for the festival and parade takes of 5 full-time staff, 11 board members, 48 year-round volunteer team leads, 45 year-round volunteers, 1,200 weekend volunteers, and 296 performers. There are over 150 parade and march participants, and community groups.

Toronto will be hosting WorldPride in 2014, the fourth event ever held, and the first held in North America.

Toronto’s Pride festival attracts visitors from Greater Toronto and across the world, and generates an estimate $136 million for the local economy.

Photo contributed

For over 20 years, CruiseyT has produced the hottest, sexiest and most fun parties on the waters during Vancouver Pride. The 2012 CruiseyT Pride Cruises are even more exciting with two different cruises, both offering two DJ’s, entertainment and oxygen bars. The two most popular cruises for locals and visitors will be held on Sunday, August 5, with a fun industry and Pride wrap-up cruise scheduled for Monday, August 6.

Both Sunday cruises will tour Vancouver Harbour, English Bay, and Deep Cove (no jump off-ship please!), and are aboard three-level party-cruising ships. Roast beef dinner is included with your ticket and will be served as soon as the cruise departs.

The Sunday Pride Party Cruise is hosted on the MV Princess. Boarding starts at 4:00pm and the cruise is from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Aboard there will be a roast beef dinner as the cruise leaves the dock. DJ Adam Dreaddy and DJ Quest will play the entire cruise. Raye Sunshine and Iona Whipp will be performing. Advance tickets are $50.

If you like the twink-crowd, the Sunday Pride Go Go Cruise on the MV Britannia is your choice – but be warned, it sells out fast. Celebrities resident DJ, Zach Shore and DJ Brett T from Seattle, WA, will have cruisers moving on all three levels. Entertainment includes Joan-E and Carlotta Gurl. Advance tickets are $60.

To purchase advance tickets, purchase online, or at Little Sisters Bookstore or Priape in Vancouver.

The sexiest 10km run is happening this Saturday, July 7 in Vancouver, BC. It’s the BC Cancer Foundation’s annual Underwear Affair, and hundreds of guys and gal’s are going to be stripping down to their underwear.

If you are participating in the event, or coming as a spectator, there is a brand new location for the 2012 Affair. It’s located in Lot 6C (yes, 6C, not sexy), at 88 Pacific Blvd, right beside Roger’s Arena.

Check-in starts at 3:30pm.  If you’re participating in the costume contest it gets underway at 4:45pm. The 10km race starts promptly at 6:00pm.

The EXPOsed Afterparty starts as soon as the first runner crosses the finish line, with dancing going well into the night.

So now you know that hundreds of sexy men and women will be running in an amazingly awesome event this weekend, it’s important to remember the whole reason for this event is to raise funds to uncover the cure for cancers below the waist. Please make a donation today. Thanks!