All posts tagged with: Gay Life

It’s time for the Fraser Valley to wake up and embrace the LGBT community! Organized by the Fraser Valley Youth Society, the inaugural Fraser Valley Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2013, marching through the streets of downtown Abbotsford.

Friends, family, allies, and members of the LGBT community are welcome to attend the Saturday afternoon parade. The organizers are quick to point out that this is not an official parade with street closures, so the parade will take place on the sidewalks, at least for this year. Parade participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the youth-led pride initiative and to bring rainbow flags to show their support.

The parade will start at the Matsqui Recreation Centre (3106 Clearbrook Road), at 3:00pm on Saturday, travel south on Clearbrook Road, then turn east on South Fraser Way, ending at Civic Plaza (32315 South Fraser Way).

Dubbed The Bible Belt, the Fraser Valley, located one hour east of Vancouver, BC, has a poor reputation in the region for not being gay-friendly. Members of the LGBT community, both youth and adults, who live in the Fraser Valley claim they do not feel safe or are not welcome based on their sexual orientation, and want to make a stand for equality. PFLAG will be participating in the parade.

In the recent BC provincial election, Todd Hauptman, campaign manager for BC Liberal MLA for Langley, Mary Polak, made headlines across the province as he resigned his position with the campaign just one week prior to the election over differences related to LGBT rights and issues To date, no members of the BC Liberal or BC NDP party have come forward confirming their attendance to the Fraser Valley Pride events.

The youth-led group has hosted a walk for the past five years, and this year has expanded the event to draw greater awareness and attention to the LGBT community.

Following the pride parade there will be speeches from members of the community. To wrap up the days events there will be a screening of She’s A Boy I Knew at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, hosted by the Fraser Valley Youth Society.

Spencer Chandra Hebert, BC Provincial MLA for Vancouver-West End. Photo contributed.

Canada is regarded around the world for having created an environment of equality. Thanks to the Constitution of Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides same-sex couples equal rights to employment, health benefits, adoption, immigration, housing, finances and pensions, and marriage. Even with all these rights, bullying, specifically in schools, remains a sensitive and important issue today.

There are number of recent cases in Canada that have received international media attention where youth have committed suicide because they were faced with bulling by their school classmates. The public has been outraged and has are now calling on governments to take action.

Studies have shown the rate of suicide and depression of LGBT youth is higher than non-LGBT youth. To date, it has been the responsibility of schools to provide a safe education environment for students, free of discrimination and harassment. Most schools in Canada, public or private, can be held liable for harassment, name-calling and bullying of both students and staff under the Humans Rights Act.

Across Canada, most schools have not implemented specific anti-gay bullying or name-calling policies. The Yukon has excluded minors from protection of sexual orientation under the Human Rights Act, leaving youth vulnerable and at the highest risk of any other jurisdiction in Canada. Polar-opposite is British Columbia, which in updating school curriculums to incorporate LGBT topics; however, many believe more work needs to be done.

Without having specific policies or laws in any Province or Territory in Canada, some schools have taken action by setting up gay-straight alliances.

“One thing we’ve called for, for a long time now, is ensuring Codes of Conduct in all school districts across the province explicitly protect LGBT youth, and to ensure there are steps to deal with homophobia and trans-phobia,” said BC Provincial MLA for Vancouver-West End, Spencer Chandra Hebert.

“It’s not good enough to say we don’t think people should bully,” Spencer explains. You actually have to name the grounds of discrimination and explain them because people will sometimes discriminate against someone just because they don’t know any better, not because they actually hate gay people or because they’ve been told that gay people are bad.”

The BC Government is an advocate for Pink Shirt Day, a public awareness day in Canada asking for everyone to put a stop to bullying for both youth and adults. While the movement has sparked media attention and has raised awareness of the issues around bullying, the fundamental issues remain. The public is asking for new legislation to protect youth in British Columbia, and across Canada.

“A one-size-fits-all model doesn’t work,” Spencer said, explaining how new legislation needs to be specific. “It’s not one-size-fits-all bullying. It is explicit targets on LGBT kids back, and thus you need to respond to that specific action. The approach so far of ‘don’t do it, don’t be a bully’ hasn’t been all that successful.”

The Vancouver School District has been the most progressive district in the province, hiring an anti-bullying coordinator. School Boards are also working through co-governance, to find ways to help share knowledge around the province, educating both students and teachers. Other organizations, including, Out in Schools, are working with school districts on programing and resources to provide education and facilitate safer environment in public schools.

LGBT youth need the same rights as any other child in British Columbia. They deserve an opportunity to learn in a safe and welcoming environment, free of harassment and bullying. Although the BC Liberal Party has been in power for the last three consecutive terms, spanning 12 years, they have yet to announce plans to move forward with legislation or an all-encompassing strategy, and have left the duty and responsibility to the local school districts.

The BC Liberals were given the opportunity to respond to interview requests, however, at the time this post was published, all interview requests were denied citing it was too risky.

Since when is the protection of youth in British Columbia a risky subject? Leave your comments on this blog post.

Photo Credit: Express-Times File Photo

This week the National Executive Council of the Boys Scouts of America are continuing discussions on dropping the ban on gay scouts and gay troop leaders. Over 1.4 million people have signed the petition urging the organization to change their controversial and discriminatory practice.

It’s not just the public that is outraged. United States President Barack Obama and Eagle Scouts – Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon – LGBT leaders, and corporate partners are also asking for an end to the outdated policy.

“With LGBT people more visible and more triumphant than at any other point in our community’s history, the timing is right for the Boy Scouts to finally embrace gay scouts and gay troop leadership and put an end to this shameful policy,” said Rodney Scott, Board President of Christopher Street West. “Christopher Street West produced the world’s first LGBT Pride Parade in 1970 and this type of discrimination is precisely what compelled us to organize. We wanted equality in employment, education, housing and parity when it came to our relationships. Now, for gay youth and their families, we want equality in scouting.”

The Boy Scouts of America have been delivering programming including character development and value-based leadership training for over 100 years.

“Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation,” explained Deron Smith, Director of Public Relations for Boy Scouts of America. “This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs. BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families.”

While the Boy Scouts of America would not dictate a position to units, members of parents, the policy would not require chartered organizations to act in ways inconsistent with the principles, mission or religious beliefs.

In other words, the individual organizations the oversee and deliver programming would determine how to address the situation.

It’s expected that the National Executive Council for the Boy Scouts of America will take up the issue today, Wednesday, February 5, 2013, and potentially vote on policy.

What do you think of The Boy Scouts of America policy banning gay scouts and troop leaders? Sound off now. Leave a comment on this blog post.

It’s been three decades since Canada brought in the 1982 Constitution Act, proclaiming the Charter of Rights and Freedom, granting equal rights to all Canadians. It was a momentous moment in Canadian history; something that has become celebrated, honoured and highly regarded in our culture.

After decades of protests, marches, and court battles court battles, the gay and lesbian community won the rights for same sex marriage across Canada in 2005. It brought a renewed commitment and new meaning to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms for the lesbian and gay community. It brought hope and faith to the LGBT community.

Canada has been a recognized leader in equal rights around the globe. Although much work still needs to be done, including securing the right for men who sleep with men to donate blood, and for equal rights for transgendered people, Canada’s laws and equality rights have become a template for other nations.

Unfortunately, it’s not happening quick enough. In fact, 80 countries have laws that impression LGBT people, and seven countries still have the death penalty. It’s a harsh reality. The motivation is primarily based upon religious and cultural beliefs.

But there is hope. Today, 50 countries have anti-discriminatory laws, and 11 countries and two First Nations have legalized same-sex marriage, while another seven recognize same-sex unions. Adding to the count are a number of local jurisdictions which perform or recognize civil unions and/or marriage, including the most recent addition of three States in the recent US election.

While in Canada we celebrate our diversity openly and freely thanks to the Constitution Act of 1982 and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is important to recognize that oppression and silence can still be found around the world. It is important that every Canadian show respect for the LGBT community, and to get involved in helping to bring change in Canada and for those that still need our support around the world. Life is happier under the rainbow.

Canadian based singer, songwriter, actor and dancer, Tyrell Witherspoon, has quickly become one of the fastest growing independent, openly gay recording artists in British Columbia. Since the release of his first single two years ago, Tyrell has travelled across Canada performing for thousands of people at a variety of festivals, Pride events, and at some of the hottest clubs.

Over the next two months, Tyrell will be working on the next part of his journey, expanding his music career through the help of his current and future fans.

“I have launched my first Pledge Music Campaign to raise money to help produce my new EP, Scorpio, which I would like to release this January,” Tyrell explained. “I’m looking to raise $3,000 to afford studio costs and production.”

As an independent recording artist, there are a lot of costs that go into producing an EP. Funds raised will be used to pay for studio sessions for vocal recordings, hire an engineer and producer to create the album’s overall sound, and to promote the album once it’s released to generate both awareness and sales.

“Twenty-five per cent of any dollars raised above and beyond my target will help benefit Out in Schools,” Tyrell said as he described how the organization helps combat bullying in public schools across British Columbia. “They truly do some amazing work that I absolutely stand behind and believe in.”

If you would like to make a contribution to the creation of Scorpio, you can make a pledge on Tyrell’s Pledge Music Campaign page. Each pledge comes with a  special thank you reward from Tyrell.

Many artists pander for the pink dollar, but for singer/songwriter, Wynter Gordon, it’s about creating music she loves and songs that connect.

So how does an artist get such a large gay following? Certainly having catchy songs and great personality help. Wynter has become a regular on the annual Pride circuit over the past few years as she continues to put out hit after hit.

“At first, I didn’t mean to,” said Wynter as she explained how she fell into performing at gay concerts and Pride events. “It just kind of happened.”

Over the past few years Wynter has performed at many events including the 2011 North American Outgames in Vancouver to the Halstad Market Days in Chicago in 2012.

“I just love being around all these festivals,” Wynter said. “There is so much love. I feel love and accepted, even with all my flaws.”

Yes, it’s true. Most people have flaws, but we try to disguise them. Some, better than others. But Wynter has a personal connection to the LGBT community.

“I’ve had to protect family members who were gay,” Wynter said in a very emotional voice. Wynter didn’t want to get into details publically, but she was visibly upset. “I have so much respect for what you guys stand for. To be different in that sense.”

For Wynter, it’s not about pandering to a demographic or target audience. She’s true to herself, her beliefs, and her passions.

You can be certain that we’ll be seeing a whole lot more of Wynter during Pride 2013.

This week, 15 awards were handed out to LGBT musicians celebrating their achievements and talent in the music industry. It was all part of the annual RightOutTV music awards for Out artists.

The global competition raises awareness of LGBT musicians, their music, and their videos, while closer uniting the community and industry. Enteries were submitted from across the world including Portugal, Austria, Britain, Canada and the United States. There were two rounds of judging to determine the winners in each of the 15 award categories.

“This is only our second year and already the number and caliber of the artists submitting has reassured us that there is truly a need for this kind of acknowledgement for the LGBT music community,” says Marlee Walchuk, co- producer of the RightOutTV Music and Video Awards.

Winners of the 2012 RightOutTV Music and Video Awards:

• Best Video (Pro): Matt Zarley – Trust Me
• Song of the Year: Matt Fishel – Behind Closed Doors
• Best Song So Far: Matt Zarley – Change Begins with Me
• Best Video DIY (Do It Yourself): Corday – Weekend Warrior
• Best Pop/Rock/Adult Contemporary Video: Jeffery Straker – Gone
• Best Electronic/Dance/Hip Hop/R&B Video: Blinded by Stardust – Can’t We Just Dance Instead (feat. Biuna)
• Best Folk/Country/Jazz Video: Kat Devlin – Dear Emmi
• Best Performance in a Live Video: Rachael Sage – Everything
• Best “Living Room Performance”: Nhojj – He & Him
• Best Video So Far: Matt Fishel – Football Song
• Best Pop/Rock/Adult Contemporary Song: Jenn Foster – You Stayed
• Best Electronic/Dance/Hip Hop/ R&B Song: Darren Octert – This Modern Life (1984)
• Best Folk/Country/Jazz Song:  Summer Osborne – Be Still
• Fan Fave Award: Sonasfly

Youth who are, or are thought to be, LGBT, are at a higher risk of dropping out of school, of suffering from depression and self-harm. Working together, we can create safer, stronger communities, to work towards putting an end to bullying.

Here are 10 ways to help build a safer community:

1. Use respectful and appropriate language.
2. Do not ignore discrimination or harassment.
3. Stand for strong anti-bullying / harassment policies in schools and workplaces.
4. Advocate for films, books, events and campaigns that provide education around diversity and sexuality.
5. Be a responsible adult and publically oppose bullying and support diversity.
6. Bring cyber-bullying to the attention of the authorities.
7. Attend training workshops and seminars to learn how to respond to bullying.
8. Understand health education and how to get help.
9. Involve local LGBT resource centres, advocate groups and and health services.
10. Be available. If you know someone who is in distress, is being bullied or needs a safe zone, assist them with getting the immediate help they require.

One of the most popular locations for bunch in Dallas, Texas is Lucky’s Cafe. The retro diner is well-known for serving up fresh, homemade fare, friendly service and all at a great price.

Located at 3531 Oak Lawn, the quaint diner offers all the traditional American fare options, from eggs benny’s with hashbrowns, to hamburgers, onion rings and milkshakes. It’s all made to order.

One of their most popular brunch options, and local favourites, is the fried chicken and waffles. It’s served with white peppery gravy for chicken dipping and maple syrup to pour on over the hot waffles.

The iconic location was even labeled as a “must-see” by the popular Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue, noting their perfect pancakes and awesome omelets.

Supporting the local LGBT community is important to the staff and owners of Lucky’s Cafe. For a donation of $30 or more, guests can leave a personalized message on the diner wall. Many of the messages are in memory of friends or family who have passed away from HIV/AIDS. Proceeds go to support rights equality and programs for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Carole Pope is no stranger to the music scene. For four decades she’s been pumping out the hits, shocking the world with her avant-guard style and vocalizing her political opinions. Most importantly, Carole recognizes that the way musicians do business today has dramatically changed since she started her career.

“It’s a nightmare trying to get out there,” Carole said, describing her challenges as a solo artist. “Not everyone is out there [on the internet]. People who are under 18, who are older, or love retro music just aren’t online. It’s so time consuming.”

While today’s up-and-coming artists struggle with being found, many use social media to try to gain traction for their music. Sites like YouTube, Facebook Twitter and mySpace are all being used.

“That’s the good thing about the Internet, you can reach world-wide,” Carole said, explaining how she’s leveraging social media to promote her new work. “You can be on iTunes too. Everything is just out there.”

But Carole also quickly notes, as good as the technology is, it also has its downfalls.

“Anyone can make a video,” Carole said in disgust. “They aren’t good. That’s annoying. The internet is a great way to get your music out, most people can’t perform live.”

While Carole has a long history of being a rock star, she finds traditional media, like radio, doesn’t play her music. She’s found it to be extremely frustrating and limiting. Instead, she’s turned to social media to get her music out.

“I have a PR person, but I still go on,” Carole said as she described her love / hate relationship with social media. “I like Twitter. It’s like a little sound byte. But I need to find more time to get on stuff like Facebook.”

Even experienced artists struggle with getting their music heard. It takes a lot of time and dedication.

“I have a duet with Rufus Wainwright that people don’t even know about!” Carole said.

Carole leaves these words of advice for upcoming LGBT artists, “Perform at Prides. Many will try to stuff LGBT artists, but play wherever you can. Be true to yourself as an artist. It’s very competitive.”

It was a long, hard battle, but in 2004, the gay and lesbian community in Canada celebrated as same-sex marriage became law across the nation. Eight years later, our cousins to the south in the United States of America are still fighting for their rights for same-sex marriage.

Over the past two years, there has been a slow and steady movement. New York and Washington States for instance voted and passed the marriage law, and Proposition 8 was over-turned due in part to the ever successful and growing NOH8 campaign.

Same sex marriage is a contentious issue for a few, but for most, it’s long over-due.

“I think the whole thing is ridiculous,” said Manila  Luzon, one of the most adored contestants of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as she voiced her feeling on the progress the United States has made on same-sex marriage the last few years. “Honestly, the issue of gay marriage will eventually resolve itself and is going to be just another equal rights movement we’ll read about in our history books.”

True, it is just a matter of time. Many people have been working long and hard to help secure the equal rights of all Americans.

“I have no doubt it’s going to happen just because it’s what’s right,” Manila continued. “Hopefully what I offer to the movement is by being a positive figure of the gay community.”

Thank you Manila for your stand for equal rights and same-sex marriage.

Jessica’s outfit at Market Days in Chicago was designed by Derrek Lee.

The gays love their sexy divas! And one of the hottest diva’s who is quickly raising her profile in the LGBT community is none other than the fabulous Jessica Sutta.

In 2003, Jessica Sutta stormed the international pop music scene with the Pussy Cat Dolls. She built an amazing reputation as a singer, dancer, and entertainer. Her passion for music had her embark on a solo career, which has taken off, especially after her single, Show Me, was released in August 2011.

Since going solo, Jessica has aligned herself with the gay community. Not just because the gays love awesome pop music and know how to party, but because she really believes in LGBT rights.

“Pride events have really changed my life,” said Jessica as she described why she performs at so many gay pride events. “I love how strong the LGBT community is. Like the fight for civil rights, and the NOH8 Campaign. It’s an honour to be a part of that.”

Thousands of enthusiastic fans came to Market Days in Chicago to see Jessica Sutta perform live.

Jessica Sutta and Mr. Gay Canada 2012 People’s Choice winner, Brian Webb, at Market Days2012 in Chicago.

But Jessica didn’t decide to target the gay community because of her music.

“Growing up, I had friend that were gay,” Jessica said as she described her long term connection to the LGBT community. “They described how they felt like outsiders. I hope in my next lifetime I come back as a gay man. People respect who they are. They have the courage. Being gay is one of the most difficult things in life.”

One of Jessica’s proudest moments in the LGBT community was performing at San Francisco Pride.

“I connected with the audience,” Jessica explained as she described the explosion of energy she felt being on stage, performing in front of thousands of cheering fans. “They got me. I got them. I started to cry as I was getting off the stage.” It was a big emotional moment for Jessica; a moment she will never forget.

Throughout the summer of 2012 Jessica attended and performed at LA Pride, Toronto Pride and Market Days in Chicago.

Jessica was particularily excited about Market Days in Chicago.

“Just got chills thinking about performing,” said Jessica. “Performing my new single, Make It Loud! I can’t wait.” And the crowed loved every moment of her August 11, 2012 performance.

The LGBT community has shown their love for Jessica and her music. They have supported her solo career and have invited her to attend and perform at many events across North America. The community looks to icons like Sutta to help raise the profile and awareness of LGBT rights and issues and to support the important causes they face.

Photos from Jessica Sutta’s live performance at Market Days in Chicago, August 11, 2012:

Premier Redford, the first Alberta Premier to attend a Calgary Pride event, along with Mr. Gay Canada 2012 People’s Choice winner, Brian Webb.

Calgary Pride 2012 is a year to go down in their history. It was a perfect sunny day, attendance records were smashed as over 30,000 people came to celebrate culture and diversity in the community, and for the first time ever, an Alberta Premier attended the Pride festivities

“It’s fun to be here,” stated Premier Redford, the first Alberta Premier to ever attend Calgary Pride. “This is just another festival that celebrates part of our community.”

Ok, let’s be honest, gay pride isn’t exactly, ‘just another festival’, but it was a big political move for the conservative party leader.

“I’m very proud of the fact that I’m a different kind of Premier than we’ve had before,” Premier Redford explained. “I’ve been very consistent with my views with respect to the support of the gay community and human rights. I’m very proud of that.”

The Premier admitted their government has more work to do to protect the rights LGBT community.

“We are going to continue to ensure first of all that fundamentally in Alberta we have put in place what we need to ensure that all human rights are protected,” said Premier Redford. “I’m very optimistic about everyone’s rights in this province.”

The Alberta Premier was also quick to recognize the importance of celebrating diversity in the community and to keep the dialogue open.

“It’s really important that we keep celebrating and talking about this,” explained Premier Redford. “If you compare back to 1990 when 195 people came to Pride, versus today where there are 30,000 just celebrating life, that’s a tremendous accomplishment. But whether we are talking about gay rights […], it is important to talk about fundamental human rights.”

Although the Premier made no commitment for her government to tackle some of the pressing issues around protecting the rights of transgendered people in Alberta’s Human Rights Act, or any other equal human rights issues the province still faces, she was optimist about ensuring the rights currently in place are protected and respected.

“We are all Albertans,” Premier Redford stated. “We are an incredibly diverse population, and what I have committed to is making sure human rights are respected, and as people make choices in their life that we have a community that everyone’s choice is respected.”

Many people have questions about HIV/AIDS, or simply do not have enough education about it. Here are some quick facts you need to know:

1. 1 in 5 people with HIV do not know they have it.
2. People who know they have HIV are less likely to transmit it to others.
3. People with HIV who are on antiretroviral medications are less likely to give it to their sexual partners.

You can do your part by getting tested regularly.

Pride is a by-product of self-reflection and a sense-of-self. It’s a sign of maturity, looking at successes and failures over a period of time. Pride comes from the appreciation of celebrating accomplishments.

The LGBT community has been celebrating Pride since the tragic Stonewall Riots in New York City over 42 years ago. Over the past four decades many individuals, organizations, political leaders, celebrities and allies of the LGBT community have joined together to celebrate diversity and successes for equal rights in our communities, countries and around the world.

It’s the active engagement of protecting human rights, education of personal rights, and expanding the awareness to others which makes Pride events so important world-wide.

Be proud for being knowledgable on LGBT issues, for being involved, for coming out, and celebrating the accomplishments and hard work of the individuals who have helped earn equal rights, and for those who continue to bring rights to others.

Making our communities more visible, accessible and whole is key. Take part in your community. Be a part of something special, knowing you are helping yourself and others around you.

Most importantly, be proud.

What are you most proud about? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment on this blog post.

It’s going to be one of the most colourful, fabulous and fun weekends of summer 2012 in Calgary, Alberta, as the city hosts Calgary Pride. There are a whole host of events and activities throughout the weekend. Here are just a few of the key events not to be missed.

The weekend starts off on Friday, August 31, with the Calgary Pride Kick-Off Party at the Arts Hotel in downtown Calgary. The line-up of entertainment and music includes The Perry Twins (Los Angeles, California), Tyrell Witherspoon (Vancouver, BC), April Storm (Calgary, AB) and Goldstar (Calgary, AB). The Kick-Off Party is from 9:00pm – 2:00am and tickets can be purchased for $20 in advance at Priape.

On Saturday, September 1, Pure Pride presents The Official Calgary Pride Dance Party, featuring Chad Michaels, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 4, gay porn star Spencer Reed, DJ Nick Bertossi (Vancouver, BC), and Mantra (Vancouver, BC). The party will be held at Flames Central from 9:00pm – 2:30am. Tickets are available at Priape.

Stephen Avenue will be the place to be at noon on Sunday, September 2, as more than 60 parade entries make their way from the  Calgary Olympic Plaza to the SHAW Millennium Park. Lesbian rock singer, Carol Pope is the Grand Marshal, leading the way.

Following the Pride Parade is the Pride Calgary Street Festival at the SHAW Millennium Park hosted by Master Sara Moanies. There will be over 40 vendors, a large beer garden, and performances by Peter Breeze (Vancouver, BC).

For more information and a complete listing of events, visit the Calgary Pride website.

A bomb-shell blond with a rock’n body. That’s Jessie Malakouti. She’s the song writer, singer and mastermind behind Jessie and the Toy Boys, and she’s quickly working her way up the music charts and creating a fun group of pop-loving  followers in her path.

Her music career started in Los Angeles, California, where she was part of a small band that got the odd gig at a local bar or festival. With a passion for pop music and her creative energy bursting at the seams, she left the band to pursue a solo career.

From 2008 – 2010 Jessie lived in London, discovering the world of underground dance music. Inspired by music icons, including Lady Gaga, Jessie invested her energy to create energetic, fun, and memorable pop music.

Gone are the days of Jessie playing in dark, sweaty bars. Today Jessie has a number of chart-hitting singles and has put out a few full-length albums. She tours across North America on stages with thousands of fans grinding to her catchy songs including, All My Hoes Touch Your Toes.

Jessie is a proud supporter of the LGBT community. On Valentines day 2012, Jessie released Runway, a music video featuring Mollie Thomas, the first openly gay women running for Miss California USA.

Jessie and the Toy Boys performed on Saturday, August 11, 2012, at Market Days in Chicago, the largest LGBT music festival in the mid-western United States. She rocked it out in a comfortable pair of white Dr. Martin boots and an awesome pair of rhinestone encrusted denim short-shorts.

“Pray that none will be offended if I make the Christian religion an inn where all are received joyously, rather than a cottage where some few friends of the family are to be received.” – Richard Hooker

The proudly hung rainbow flag in the Christ Church Cathedral on St. Catherine’s Street in Montreal welcomes the LGBT community with solidarity. The Church is a community that celebrates diversity and strives for justice for all.

The neo-Gothic building, completed in 1859, was designed by British architect Frank Wills. The historic and opulently decorated Church is open daily and hosts’ regular church services. The cathedral is located at 635 West Ste. Catherine Street in Montreal.

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.

Barebacking in gay porn just doesn’t happen randomly. Studios set their policies and the models make the decision. For 19-year-old Chase Young, he has decided unprotected sex is for him.

Although Chase has only been working in gay porn for a year he clearly knows and understands the risks.

“You should know what you are getting into and get tested before you shoot a scene of course,” said Chase. “If someone wants to do it, or will do it, then let them. They should be grown up to know the responsibilities of that decision.”

Some models have been type-casted early in the porn careers because they actively participate in bareback porn.

“I try to keep barebacking at a low,” explained Chase. “I will do it only if I and the other models get tested. I get to see the results with my own eyes and get to know the model to make sure he doesn’t seem like a slut or that he would catch something easy.”

Getting to know someone doesn’t mean you can or cannot tell if they are HIV positive or negative. HIV can go undetected for months. It’s a risky business, but bareback sex sells.

People love to indulge in fantasies that they might not otherwise do themselves. Advocates for safer-sex practices condone barebacking in the adult entertainment industry and some studios outright do not work with models that have performed in bareback porn.