Brian Burke (right) and his son Brendan celebrating Anaheim's Stanley Cup victory in 2007. (Photo: Toronto Star)
Pride weekend in Toronto starts today.
Along with it – a multitude of special events, occasions, and celebrations to create memories for everyone.
Along with these occasions, PFLAG Toronto – Pride Toronto Honoured Group 2010 will be participating in a few special ways to not only raise awareness of our continuing battle for equality, but to provide support and situations of inclusiveness for those who still need it.
Amongst the activities that we as Honoured Group get to participate in, we are hosting a PFLAG Toronto Pride Brunch and once again marching in the parade following the event on Sunday. We’re very fortunate to have Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke participating with us – a feat that will not only bring the memories of his now passed on son to the forefront but will also create an empowering feeling to young and professional athletes who struggle with feeling hopeless as GLBT athleses in the sports arena.
I had the opportunity to speak with Brian Burke regarding his decisions to participate with PFLAG Toronto this year and what he hopes will be accomplished in his doing so:
Me: How did you first hear about PFLAG Toronto and what made you decide to contact them?
Brian: They contacted me after Brendan first came out. I was touched by this. I will proudly march with them.
Me: After your experience, Do you feel that PFLAG Toronto provides a valuable service and contribution to the public?
Brian: PFLAG is an excellent support group for young gay people. It provides parents with a voice in support of the children they love.
Me: You have recently become involved with PFLAG Toronto’s activities for Pride Toronto’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations. Can you please explain your decision to become involved?
Brian: I was going to march with Brendan, we attended last year together. I loved Brendan very much. I still cannot talk about him.
Me: With this years Pride Toronto theme of ‘You Belong’ do you think that your participation will send a message to the professional sports community and young athletes?
Brian: Brendan showed great courage in coming out in the macho hockey world. This wall needs to come down. If my marching helps to continue spreading Brendan’s message, and I hope and believe it will, I am happy to do so.
Me: What do you hope to take from your experience at Pride Toronto this year by participating with PFLAG Toronto as ‘Honoured Group’?
Brian: I go with a heavy heart. This will be a proud, but sad, day for my wife and me. But if my participation encourages acceptance and love, I want to be there.
After this brief conversation with Brian it was very clear to me that Brendan was a lot to more to Brian than just a son – he was an inspiration, and will continue to be so for a very long time to come. His messages will resonate from his father, and this will be how he shows his Pride for many years to come…
SERIAL SEAN
SERIAL SEAN is a Toronto based entertainment entrepreneur that specializes in publicity, event planning, public relations, journalism, photography/videography and is the creative director behind his Performance DJ shows. Contact him through his website http://serialsean.com or follow him on facebook at http://facebook.com/serialsean .
