It’s funny. You think at a time in Toronto where there is an abundance of parties and events a “gala” would be last thing on people’s minds. However that was not the case tonight at The Carlu. So stepping into the gilded marble foyar, pressing the button for the seventh floor, and sharing the elevator ride I didn’t know what to expect. Now I’ve been to many galas before so I’m a pretty jaded gala goer. Though I was not disappointed. Greeting you as you stepped off the elevator was plush red carpet bordered by a velvet rope. As you made your way down the red carpet you never knew who would surprise you.

Once you strolled down the red carpet you were greated by two big video screens of Toronto Pride 2009. There you ran the chance of reliving the bad outfits that you wore. Or seeing the guy who were cruising while strolling with a gaggle of your friends. Once behind the Toronto Pride pull-ups and behind the white curtain, it was mixed bag of guests. There among the many sponsors, Board members, and special guests were the 2010 award winners: Robert Sirman (Arts and Culture), Neill Kernohan (Human Rights), Kyle Rae (Lifetime Achievement), PRIDE House (Sports).  Circulating around the press and cameras were various politicians who support the Pride Toronto.

The Dangerous "Two Rae's" Bob (Left) Kyle (Right)

As the evening went on attendees sipped on cocktails and shared stories of why Toronto Pride is important to the city. Approaching Kyle Rae I congratulated him on his work with the community. Rae thanked me and said, “it was a joy and challenge to see Pride go on some years but the show must go on.” The one guest who everyone was waiting for was Ashley MacIsaac, the renegade fiddler and musician who has turned the art of making music on his ear.  Along with crafted sounds where the words of Kink My Hair – Writer and Director Trey Anthony who had the crowd captivated with her presentation.

This year’s gala was billed as having “top-drawer” entertainment and did not let people down. Though the only question I have is at $350.00 per individual ticket, Pride is suppose to be accessible to everyone. Yes this is a fundraiser and an event during Pride but here’s food for thought. Is Pride sending an exclusion message by having such a steep price for gala ticket and not making it cost-effective so more people of diverse backgrounds can attend? Could there be different way to show our Pride without the pomp and circumstance? For remember 30 years ago, the word “gala” would have never been associated with Pride. I wonder if those who gave their lives at Stonewall and the bath house raids knew their hard work would amount to a group of people standing around more worried about the location of nearest canape rather than activism behind gay rights. Now that we are mainstream and have our basic gay rights, in Canada, what do we fight for now with our Champagne Socialist complacentcy?

Last night I attended my first Christmas party of the season. I had a blast schmoozing with so many characters from the Church Street scene.  The food seemed never-ending. Even my Italian grandmother would have said, ‘This is a bit excessive.” As usual, a drag queen was a little schmammered. Or maybe it was jet lag? (Don’t worry Gurl, egg nog gets me too.)

One of the highlights of my night was watching local photographer David Hawe walk around with his digital camera, snapping photos of people so that he could later strategically photoshop angry cats and peopleofwalmart.com into the background. If you have no clue what I am referring to, I suggest you have a look at his Coronation photos from this past year on his Facebook. They are HILARIOUS! The man is a genius.

Before the party, I went to see my drag mother, Miss Conception wow the crowd during her Stage to Screen show (Woody’s, 6pm). This week she opened with an outstanding Liza set, followed by an homage to Shirley Temple and Baby Jane. She is truly an unstoppable force on Church Street. Week after week, she packs them in. Why? Because her shows are new and fresh every Sunday. In my opinion, her show is better than cable. She has more talent in her pinky than a lot of queens have had in their 20 something year careers. If you haven’t checked out Miss Conception’s Stage to Screen show, head on down to Woody’s this Sunday.

So, I’m fat. I’ll give you a moment to let it sink in. I know, it shocked me too, but I am a big girl. I’ve decided I’m going to lose weight for Christmas and the New Year, and to keep myself motivated I will be doing it publicly through this blog. I plan on approaching a few gyms in the area and talking to them about possible sponsorship for what I’m calling ‘Honey, they shrunk the drag queen’. If you own a gym and are interested in a drag queen spokesmodel, give me a shout. [email protected].

Tonight I’m heading on down to The Varsity to see a VIP screening of Tom Ford’s ‘A Single Man’. Unfortunately, everyone I’ve asked is busy. So, I’m going alone. How ironic and a tad bit depressing. Oh well. Until next time…

With love and venom,

Heroine Marks

xoxo

http://www.heroinemarks.com