In one of my past blogs I questioned whether I should work at Pride or just go for personal enjoyment. I was siding with personal enjoyment when I got the call asking me to host the Central Stage once again. I had to say yes. I love doing it, I love Pride and believe in what it truly stands for no matter how commercial it has gotten. It still has its purpose; freedom to be who you are!

I have this motto “Go big or go home!” so for me this meant a Pride photo shoot, outfits courtesy of my Official sponsor Stag Shop, a flyer shot by Andre M, promoting the event, and ensuring I had bpm:tv and Scenester swag to toss out to the crowd.

Last year I hosted Central Stage on a Saturday night, this year was during the day on the Sunday. I much prefer the night as I’m sure you can guess. The crowd wasn’t hard to warm up, but I can’t blame them the music was good, but definitely could have been better in my opinion.

One thing I do have to say is it’s a privilege to play Pride Toronto. And those booked to perform need to deliver the Pride vibe not their selfish vibe. Given the opportunity to play at one of the world’s most attended, well received events is an honour, and with this comes a musical strategy of playing for the crowd not yourself. I found the DJs last year honoured this gift, while this year I felt some didn’t.

This upsets me because this is a festival of unity, depth, inspiration, happiness and freedom. And I felt that some of the DJs didn’t express what they could have. Let me make it clear some did deliver, yet the majority didn’t. At one point the crowd literally stood still noticeably not impressed while some yelled boldly “Give us dirty beats”. Believe me its not a good thing when the crowed yells at the DJ.

While in the holding area I turned to the DJ who was to go on next after a not so good act, and told him “they’re depending on you to deliver. This is your time to make your mark, and to do it right!” He just looked at me dumbfounded. While he tossed my bpm:tv lanyard I gave him to the side. Maybe he was nervous, maybe he didn’t care. No matter what him and the other DJs got hired to deliver on the basis of their Pride touch and involvement within the LGBT community.

Whether you agree with me or not I do know what I’m talking about or I wouldn’t be doing what I do. My opinion is just that an opinion, but honestly these DJs now-a-days need to wake up and realize sending out links on Facebook, Sound Cloud or whatever click and listen site their using does not make them a DJ!

It’s an honour that I’ve been asked twice to host Central Stage. I take it seriously, and I’m blessed to have been given this opportunity. I grew up with my mother volunteering for seven years at Casey House and ACT. I grew up within the gay culture, seeing and knowing what AIDS can put upon oneself, and those who love them. I take this very seriously. Pride is very near and dear to me.

To play Pride is a gift, therefore honour it!