An aberration. An act to be reviled. A mortal sin punishable by death. Religious texts have not spoken well of homosexuality when they do speak of it, which—by the way—is infrequent. From Hinduism and Judaism to Islam, Buddhism and Christianity, every faith has a view of homosexuality. For the most part, the teachings and takeaways from these beliefs don’t bode well for gay men (most don’t mention Lesbians). The sacred really have it out for the profane.

Growing up gay comes with a lot of baggage: peer pressure, parental pressure and societal pressure—all on some level fueled and informed by religion. Whether someone adheres to religious doctrine in their own day-to-day living doesn’t seem to matter until the topic of homosexuality rears its head. Suddenly, everyone takes to the pulpit to share notions of homosexuality.

Invariably, the Leviticus card is played. It’s almost comic to hear someone who wouldn’t know scripture if it leapt up and bit them in the soul suddenly become an expert theologian when it comes to sacred text and homosexuality. However, most who start the verse in Leviticus that mentions homosexuality would be hard pressed to finish it in its entirety. But that’s what armchair preaching will get you.

Do queers create our own religion?

It’s no surprise that many gay people have disassociated themselves with religion altogether after years of being publicly decried and privately abused. The Pope makes no bones about taking potshots at gays when given the opportunity. Hey, we get it from the religious and secular worlds on a non-stop basis. Gays abandoning organized religion doesn’t surprise. However, gays embracing religion is a head-scratcher to many. Sort of like the Log Cabin Republicans. What’s up with that? Self-loathing? Denial? Conformity?

Why would a gay person want to belong to a religion that overtly rejects and reviles them, labels them a sinner or an evil force to be slain? What is it that gay believers get that supersedes the underlying contempt that comes from scripture, the pulpit and the flock? It seems out of step that a gay person would willingly participate in the Catholic Church, Temple or Mosque. Some gays who have not abandoned organized religion have turned to Buddhism and Hinduism to express their spirituality since these religions don’t single out and decry homosexuality in their text, per se. That’s not to say that followers and cultures built on these teachings haven’t adopted anti-gay attitudes. So, what came first, the homophobia or the homophobic?

Is homophobia nature or nurture?

For years, theologians, psychologists, sociologists and biologists have pondered and researched the question: is homosexuality nature or nurture? This has opened doors for more understanding and acceptance of queer people—it has also become fodder for those looking to fire a silver bullet at the “gay gene”. However, with many religious texts from different faiths having no mention of homosexuality, yet their followers decry homosexuality, I invert the question: Is homophobia nature or nurture?

One way that gay people—any people who don’t conform to organized religion for that matter—have managed to stay connected to the god force is by separating their spirituality from religion. The idea is: spirituality is innate; religion is a man-made manifestation of spirituality. Following that line of thought, do queers create our own religion? We created “Queer Nation” a few decades ago, why not a queer theology with its own doctrine and laws (think of the tax breaks!). Hey, if the Westboro Baptist Church can create its own violent doctrine in “God Hates Fags”, why can’t we counter that with a church that espouses “God Loves Gays”? Some say Toronto’s MCC has achieved a bit of that.

While we continue to grapple with our place in the world (depending on where we are in the world), we continue to wrestle with our spirituality and how to express it both internally and externally. Do gay people have a place in the churches, temples and mosques of the world? Can religion actually help stop homophobia? Are we destined to always run in opposition to one another? Time will tell. But one thing is sure, gay people are not without faith, belief or reverence. Some of us just pray in a different church and at a different altar.

Amen. Shalom. Namaste.

Andrew will be moderating a panel discussion about the relationship between queers and religion Tuesday, April 26 in the Village. All are welcome.

Bent Religion
7:00PM – 9:00PM
O’Grady’s Bar and Restaurant on Church
518 Church Street
Toronto, ON

The Official Boylesque Poster for Their November 20th performance

As gay men around the world get ready to see their life stories come on film (you pick whether you are Cher or Christina in the movie) in the new movie Burlesque there is one Toronto-based troop giving the girls a run for their money Boylesque. This troop of guys started by Benjamin Paley has been attracting attention where ever and well when ever they preform. They are more than just guys who love to take off their clothes in public the are performers. But in traditional Burlesque style they do not get naked on stage.Sorry guys if you want that kind of show, you’ll have to look elsewehere, Boylesque still keeps it “artisitcally high-brow”.  As Paley and his boys get ready are in rehersal for there show this Saturday, November 20th at Lee’s Place and the world about to go throw money at the movie Burlesque I sat down with this boy and got him to “bear it all.”

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Sharp Magazine's The Book For Men

Sharp Magazine Canada’s hybrid of GQ and Esquire launches their new “The Book For Men” this Tuesday, October 5th in an exclusive preview hosted by IN Fashion’s Glen Baxter. The Book, The Essential Reference for the Modern Man is chock full of helpful tips to live your life more stylishly and with elegance. From the best brandy and sports cars to must have shoes and suits. This guide to living is a must have for anyone who wants or can afford to appreciate the good life. Or someone who just wants positively sumptuous examples of  what really happens when money and taste are combined flawlessly. It’s available on the shelves at Indigo.

Words of Pride daily news!

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Artist of the Day: MEN!

Grand Marshal’s win Pride Toronto Theme Award!

MEN began in 2007 as the DJ team of JD Samson and Johanna Fateman of the band Le Tigre. At the same time, JD became involved in another project, Hirsute, featuring Michael O’Neill and Ginger Brooks Takahashi formerly of the New York indie‐pop group The Ballet, and artist/writer Emily Roysdon. In 2008, MEN continued to tour as DJs, while Hirsute continued to write songs and create a live performance. Eventually, Johanna decided to take a break from the touring life, and the two projects merged to become one.

MEN is JD Samson, Michael O’Neill and Ginger Brooks Takahashi contributions from Johanna Fateman and Emily Roysdon. MEN is a band focusing on the energy of live performance and the radical potential of dance music. Our lyrics speak to issues such as wartime economies, sexual compromise, and demanding liberties. The music is like smashing Gang of Four into the Talking Heads a la 2009. MEN seeks to develop a live stage show that transcends traditional boundaries of performance art, live music and visual art.

MEN play two shows, both part of the new weekend-long Alterna-Queer program. Friday, July 2 at The Great Hall and Saturday, July 3 at 8pm on South Stage.

This week is about images that caught my eye. Perhaps the effect of Spring trying to make its presence known, or the ramping of testosterone gel, take you pic. I’m calling these images, “Boys I like (to have all to my own).”

Greek native Stelios Niakaris goes far beyond just liking….

I’ve always loved the Dutch, and Van Gogh

And from the French gay flic “Jamais san toi” – “Never without you”

And finally this guy is sexy, and I love men in suits.

Pride Toronto’s 30^th anniversary festival features local heroes, international stars, literary lights, interactive arts and everything that is diverse, inclusive, queer and progressive on 9 stages spread over 35 blocks in downtown Toronto.

“Pride-goers can see Cyndi Lauper on the new Queen’s Park stage as part of the expanded Dyke Day program along with local favourites The Cliks, Saidah Baba Talibah, Dragonette, Betti Forde and more” says Mary Zondanos, Arts and Entertainment Manager at Pride Toronto.

Alternaqueer expands its program across the weekend with Lovers Love Haters (Debora Cohen from The Organ’s newest project), MEN, Misstress Barbara LIVE w/ Girls On A Ducati, Ryan G. Hinds, Josie Cotton, Woodhands, Diamond Rings, Private Life (Katie Stelmanis), Copenhagen’s Fagget Fairys and many more.

Divas reign supreme this year with Zelma Davis (from C+C Music Factory), Lolene, one the UK’s hottest exports, local darling Nancy Rancourt, resident Pride diva Simone Denny, Amanda Morra and R&B sensations Ivana Santilli and Jully Black.

Pride Week 2010 also features the TransVerse program, celebrating the Trans community with America’s Best Dance Crew Vogue Evolution, a commissioned dance piece by local superstar Scott Fordham (‘Full of GLEE’), Buck Angel, S. Bear Bergman, Alec Butler, Girlyman – who recently collaborated with Margaret Cho on her upcoming album, San Francisco hip hop notable Katastrophe and more including the official after party done in partnership with Pride Toronto’s South Asian program, FunkAsia!

Dance takes on many forms with Project Dance back for Round Two, along with Colour Me Dragg, Queer Idol’s tribute to Pride Toronto’s 30 year history, House of Monroe, FunkAsia’s amazing dancers, and – another first – the Pride Toronto Flashmob.

In 2010 for the first time, Pride Toronto introduces ‘Werq!’ a circuit music program which spans the whole weekend, taking over Wellesley stage.

“It all kicks off with Aqua Pride, a co-presentation between Pride Toronto and Prism Festival,” says Zondanos. “Prism is one of North America’s largest circuit festivals and we are proud to working with them again.”

The Werq! Stage features Ana Paula, Isaac Escalante, David Morales, Australian dream Kitty Glitter, Honey Dijon, Cajjmere Wray, Mike Viera, Pierre Fitch and others.

The Blockorama stage returns for the 12^th year with a solid line up of resident favourites and new discoveries in George Hislop parkette, including DJ Memphis Sugar, Nik Red, Ayo Leilani, Craig Dominic, Abstract Random, Troy Jackson, Michelle Ross, Ill Nana, Unruly Twin, DJ Bugo and Jojo Flores.

Those hot for electronic music can join JELO, Robb G, The House Moguls, Sydney Blu, Hector Fonseca, Dwayne Minard, MC Flipside, DJ Blackcat, Adam K & Soha, Panic Bomber, Deko-ze, Don Berns AKA Dr. Trance, Neill Macleod, DJ Ritu (BBC radio), Brandon Sek, Chiclet, and  the Yes Yes Y’all crew.

“Pride Toronto’s Village stage includes a stellar line up of Drag Queens, Kings and Burlesque,” Zondanos says, “featuring the Degenderit Cabaret, Zippers Angels, Carlotta Carlisle, GIA, Michel Doiron, Divinesque, Eddie Barnett, Michelle Ross, Ivory, Daytona Bitch, Divine, Genderfuct, Miss Conception, Sofonda Cox, Laura Landauer, Dirk and Flare.

For the younger set, Fruit Loopz produced by Supporting our Youth includes two stages with youth artists in sunny Alexander Parkette, complete with Toronto’s most talented young musicians, slam poets, dancers, actors and drag artists.

The Community Café, Pride Toronto’s community space in which performers donate their performance to the festival in celebration of the community includes the Asian Community AIDS Services, Canadian Tamil Congress, NIA, Bold Steps Dance Studio, Queer Dance Community, Hula Sun Village Dance Troupe, Sapphire Dance Productions and 88 Days of Fortune.

The Pride Lounge, the festival’s singer/songwriter space, will feature performances from Michael Caplan, Meridith Shaw, Melissa Li (from Good Asian Drivers), Michelle Mondesir, Shawnee Lynne, eMKeh, Jaceyln Holmes, Rachel Newman, VIVIV and more.

Literary program Proud Voices is back again with curator Susan G. Cole (Senior Entertainment and Books Editor at NOW Magazine) hosting an incredible and inspiring program with the Aqsa Collective, Truth Is…, Beth Ann Fisher, Christina Starr, Jess Dobkin, Rose Cullis, Krystle Mullin, Lex Vaughn, Mariko Tamaki, Jon Redfern, Shaun Proulx, Emma Donoghue, Pink Ink and Vivek Shraya.

Plot, Engage, Disperse, Pride Toronto’s interactive art program, returns again with students from the Toronto Alternative Arts school, youth from Sketch, life size twister, the “What Does Pride Mean to You” photo project from Pride Toronto’s Youth Committee, live graffiti, sketching and many other ways people can interact with the festival!

Pride Toronto’s new Spotlight Series showcases some of the individuals and organizations who contribute year round to the vibrancy of our cultural community. Carlyle Jansen presents ‘Crave’ a women’s erotic cabaret at the Phoenix, the women behind the ‘club skirts’ Dinah Shore present ‘Jet Setter’ at 99 Sudbury, and Matt Sims presents a special Pride edition of ‘HEY REBEL!’, one of Toronto’s best monthly all ages events at one of Toronto’s best venues, The Great Hall.

In addition, Zahra Dhanani of Funkasia, Nik Red and Shafik Kamani present the official Transverse afterparty at the Phoenix Concert Theatre; Denise Benson and Cozmic Cat present ‘CHERRY BOMB: PRIDE: A DEEPER LOVE’ at Revival; Big Primpin’ does a special edition at Wrongbar; Alan Kliffer presents ‘Gay for Comedy’ at the Panasonic Theatre and the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives present a remount of their National Portrait Collection.

“And that’s definitely not all,” says Zondanos. “There are many other performers we will be hosting at Pride this year, so stay tuned!”

For a full schedule of events, including dates, times and locations, keep checking www.pridetoronto.com.

Alterna-Queer, Pride Toronto’s alternative music program, goes big this year with programming at three different locations.

“I’m super excited to be part of the Alterna-Queer growth, and of having the opportunity to showcase both local artists and international talent from around the world.” says Bryen Dunn, Programming Coordinator for Pride Toronto.

The Alterna-Queer Warm-Up Party happens in Toronto’s West Queen West arts district, taking over the Great Hall for the evening of Friday July 2nd. Performances include-Vancouver based new romantic upstart, Lovers Love Haters, and Debora Cohen from The Organ’s newest project. This is also the first opportunity to catch Denmark’s Faggett Fairys for an intimate experience. These gals have ridden the pony to great success in Europe, and it’s now time for North America to get a taste. Rounding out this stellar line up is MEN, featuring the awesomely talented JD Samson (Le Tigre). And of course, the Alterna-Queer warm up wouldn’t be complete without its resident, DJ Triple-X.

On Saturday July 3rd Alterna-Queer takes over the South Stage on Church Street just north of Carlton. Local hip-hop duo Roney & Nani, performance diva Ryan G. Hinds, and electro darling Coko Galore kick off the afternoon in style. Vancouver’s Stink Mitt make a rare appearance strutting white trash rhythms, followed by Toronto’s loudest rock and roll machine Crackpuppy. Later we get our groove on with Toronto’s indie dance favourites Woodhands, followed by an encore performance by MEN. Josie Cotton and her band hit Toronto for their first ever Canadian gig, and ask us and Johnny if we’re queer. Finally, Mistress Barbara LIVE W/ Girls On A Ducati hits a Pride Toronto stage with a special performance and closing out is Fagget Fairys, the electronic queens of Europe and the people behind the hugely successful Trailer Park festival and the ArtRebels festival in Denmark.

Sunday July 4^th, Alterna-Queer happens in sunny Alexander Parkette with a solid line up of Toronto’s finest. Starting the day off is sweet sensation duo Airheart, followed by the brassy, in-yer-face, politically incorrect antics of Adolf Glitter and the dark-rave sounds of The Torrent. Tomboyfriend get down with as many performers they can cram on stage while Señor Kasio rock out, and Heavy Filth keep the dirt flying loud and low. People You Know show us how youngings can rawk the party, before Diamond Rings glams up the stage in an amazing solo show followed by labelmate Private Life, featuring the one and only Katie Stelmanis.

Pride Toronto is hoping festival goers will come early and stay late. “We’ve got you covered with a triple shot of Alterna-Queer love,” says Dunn.

For a full schedule of events, including dates, times and locations, keep checking www.pridetoronto.com.