All posts tagged with: Pride

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 Jeff Merkley of Oregon – LGBT leaders, and corporate partners are also asking for an end to the outdated policy.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.

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.

Running a half or full marathon, completing a triathlon, or any other sporting challenge is a bit accomplishment. After completing the race many people aren’t sure what to do with their race bibs or the medals they have received.

Here are some great ideas on how you can proudly display your race pride:

Race Bibs

Write on the back of each race bib the date, location, distance and race time. After finishing more than a dozen races, it gets difficult to remember each race. Use them like a race journal to record the weather conditions and memorable moments from the race.

• Use a display binder with plastic page protectors. Slide bibs into each one.
• Hang a corkboard and pin up race bibs, photos, race maps and other race mementos.
• Local photo finishing stores can laser scan them and put them onto coasters or other merchandise.
• Frame them in document frames with custom matting.
• Create a scrapbook of race day memories including timing chips, photos, course maps, etc.

Medals

Medals are often tossed into a desk or shoebox or with other momentos. They should be proudly displayed. On cold or wet days, it’s especially motivating to see them hanging up as a reminder of what you can accomplish if you stick to your training.

• Hang them from a corkboard with other race photos or memorabilia.
• Stainless steel or wooden towel rods work great for mounting in a hallway or office.
• Have them custom framed with your race bib.

Race Shirts

Every race from 10k to full marathon has a race day shirt. Over time they really add up. Although you might wear some during training post-race, don’t just let them hang in a closet or go to a donation box, turn them into something useful that you can remember your important race day.

Race shirts can easily be reused and sewn into a number of different items including:

• A custom patchwork blanket or quilt.
• Pillows for a recreation room couch.
• Reusable lunch bags.

Do you have ideas of how you display your race day pride? Leave a comment on this blog post and share your ideas.

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.”

Rainbow flags waving proudly, colourful costumes marching through the streets, dancers doused in glitter, and hips shaking to the beat of the music – this was Calgary Pride 2012!

Records were smashed for Pride Calgary, as over 30,000 people attended the annual gay pride parade and festival in downtown Calgary. The 45 minute long parade marched down Stephen Avenue to Shaw Millennium Park, where crowds gathered for Premier Redford to address the crowd. Redford is the first Premier of Alberta to attend Calgary Pride.

The Grand Marshal leading the parade was legendary lesbian Canadian rock star, Carole Pope. The parade also included many local celebrities, performers, members of the public service, and community groups and organizations.

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.

Happy Calgary Pride! It’s going to be a weekend full of great entertainment, celebration and awesome events. Here are some tips to ensure you have a fun and safe Pride weekend:

1. The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18 years of age and older. Staff will ID guests who are consuming alcohol if they appear under the age of 30.
2. Non-alcoholic beverages including water, juice and pop are allowed in public areas. It is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages in public.
3. For everyone’s safety, please do not bring pets, furniture, large signs, drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, or objects that could be used as a weapon to any events or festivities.
4. Remember to use sunscreen. There are many convenience stores and pharmacies near the Parade and Festival grounds if you forget or run out.
5. Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are going to be consuming alcohol or be in the sun for long periods of time.
6. If you have an emergency or need medical assistance, please see a Calgary Pride volunteer, Police or security guard.

Remember to go out and have fun!

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.

Yee Haw! This weekend is Pride in Calgary! It’s been a particularly tough year in the LGBT community in Alberta, so this year is incredibly important for cow-town to come out and show support.

Earlier this year Calgary said goodbye to Club Sapien and  FAB Bar, and very soon they will also say farewell to the Calgary Eagle

“In the disappearance of these places there is a dangerous assumption that Calgarians are all wildly onboard and supportive of human rights for all,” said Dallas Barnes, President of Pride Calgary. “This is simply not true. The community is still feeling the violence and effects of homophobia within this city and that is why more than ever we need to celebrate Pride Calgary boldly.”

In addition, the community has also been under pressure for years because of the strong conservative political views within the province.

Since Premier Redford was elected, the LGBT community has seen a glimmer of hope. Redford is an Ally of the LGBT community. She has agreed to participated in the annual Pride festival and will make a short public address.

“For Albertans to play the diversity game, we must empower our allies,” said Barnes. “Allies are people who are wildly supportive and onboard with our cause and people who may disagree or have resistance to what we are up to.”

On a happy note, Alberta has also seen some great movements in 2012, including the reinstatement of funding for gender reassignment surgery and increased participating from the LGBT community in the recent provincial election.

Barnes has called upon Calgarians to come out and support Calgary Pride, citing the LGBT community needs to draw upon itself in order to grow.

“The only way Pride Calgary will grow is if we commit and engage as a community,” Barnes explained.

Whether you are straight, gay, bisexual, lesbian, transsexual, queer, questions, etc., Calgary Pride welcomes the support and invites everyone to come and celebrate at the many events this coming weekend.

The biggest, hottest, sexiest, and most energized party during Calgary Pride will be Pure Pride. It’s a night of outstanding entertainment, awesome music, celebration, and perhaps even some surprises.

Flames Centre will be bursting with beats by Vancouver’s DJ Nick Bertossi, along with Calgary DJ’s Jay Fraid, LEDJ, and Dopamine.

The list of entertainers is impressive. Star of RuPaul’s Drag  Race, season 4, Chad Michaels will be performing. Chad is one of the world’s top Cher impersonators. Vancouver’s Mantra will keep the crowd moving with her sexy, high energy performance and sexy dancers. And adult entertainer, dancer and model, Spencer Reed, will be an erotic performance not to be missed.

VIP tables are available for groups of four or six. VIP ticket holders will even get the chance to meet the cast and crew!

Tickets are available online.

“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.

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.

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.

Photo Credit: McKenzie McMillan

Photo Credit: Joane-E

The corner of Denman and Davie Streets are alive with colour today after the City of Vancouver painted the 4 crosswalks of the intersection with the colours of the rainbow, just in time for this weekend’s Vancouver Pride.

This is the first year the City of Vancouver has ever painted a crosswalk or any other landmark in the gay village for Vancouver Pride. Perhaps they got the idea from a blog post I published in June after returning home from LA Pride; where the City of West Hollywood painted the crosswalk in Boys Town in a rainbow at the cost of over $12,000.

City staffers did not return my requests of where the idea came from at the time I published this post. Regardless of where the idea came from, it’s a great gesture from the City of Vancouver. It is not known if the crosswalks will be painted only for Pride weekend, or if the City plans on making them  permanent.

The City of Vancouver is a large supporter of Vancouver Pride, the largest annual event held in the city. The city proudly flies the rainbow flag at City Hall, issues a proclamation announcing Pride Week, participates in the Pride Parade and hangs the colourful rainbow flags throughout the city.

A big thank you to the City of Vancouver for supporting Pride, embracing diversity and the LGBT community!

What a great way to start off the Sunday of Vancouver Pride… with a Pride Brunch cocktail! It’s the orange juice for adults.

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Grand Marnier
• 2 0z Orange Juice
• 2 0z Cranberry Juice

Pour all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice. Stir.

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.

On Sunday, August 5, 650,000 spectators will line the streets of downtown Vancouver for the largest LGBT celebration in Western Canada, the 34^th annual Vancouver Pride Parade.

Vancouver’s largest single-day annual community event, the Vancouver Pride Parade will be filled with rainbows, colourful floats, marching bands, and a variety of community groups. There are over 150 parade entries expected for 2012.

The three-hour long parade kicks off at 12:00pm at Robson and Thurlow, along Denman Street, and ends at Sunset Beach for the Pride Festival.

For the 13^th consecutive year, Vancouver’s legendary drag queen, Joan-E will host he parade at the corner of Denman and Davie. Her witty commentary is always a highlight of the parade.

The 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade Grand Marshals are Jenna Talackova, Bill Monroe and David Hotzman.

There are a number of road closures in effect on parade day. Public transit is encouraged in and around the downtown core. For people with disabilities, there are reserved accessible viewing areas along the parade route.