In one of m past blogs I questioned whether I should work at Pride of just go for personal enjoyment. I was siding with personal enjoyment when I got the call asking me to once again host Central Stage. 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 day was hard to warm up the crowd, but I can’t blame them the music was good, but defiantly could’ve been better in my opinion.

One thing I do have to say is it’s a prevlidge 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 worlds 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 the 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 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 which I take seriously. 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!

Nate Knows … Why the Toronto Pride flag raising ceremony is important. I didn’t realize how important it was until I arrived at Nathan Phillips Square on Monday, June  28 and watched Councillor Kyle Rae deliver a very moving speech about how far our city has come in terms of equal rights for the LGBT community. The ceremony wasn’t just about gays raising a flag, it was about showing our respect for the community members who had fought so hard for a flag raising ceremony to even exist in the first place, let alone an entire parade! Toronto is far ahead of the rest of the world in terms of LGBT equality and that is something to be proud of. I was so inspired by the ceremony that I will be raising my own freak flag high this week! Happy Pride, everyone!

My Cindy Adventure.

First of all the weekend was amazing!!! Simply way too much to do and I am grateful that I know when enough is enough and when to say no. It’s all skills I learned in my recovery. So as I left off in my last post I has a wicked time at the Toronto Roller Derby’s Clam Slam on Friday.

Saturday night was the lovely Miss Cindy Lauper and wow I has a press pass so this was a sure thing right? John and I after a very stressful day with getting Maggi home for the weekend. She finally was delivered at 6pm and we headed down to Queens Park to meet our friend Drasko (who was already at the park) We travelled down Carlton and headed up University and walked behind the Parliament buildings and we were met with a massive line. It seem that the security was tight. We called our friend and he informed us that their was a VIP / Media line up on the East side.

Upon arriving at the gate I presented my pass to the yummy security guard and was met with “OH more media” and was informed that John my partner would still not be allowed to come in. So we stepped back and called Drasko who by this time was already in the media area. He was telling us that they were escorting Media out of the pit and in with the general public they were told not to use flash (I mean what photographer is not going to use flash in a dark park) John and I decided to go to church street and check out sober pride I mean by this time it’s only 8:30

As we were leaving we thought we would take stock of the whole situation. So picture a fenced in area of 5000 secure people with only a few entrances / exits completely surrounded by thousands of unsecured people for my safety I think we made the right choice. It’s too bad it would have been my first Concert ever. John and I walked East on Wellesley St to Church St. I was amazed at exactly how many people were still coming to see Cindy!!! By this time it was past 9:15 and the line to get in was easily went all the way around the park. Droves and droves of people.

Church St was defiantly not as busy as last year at this time I remember it taking me 2 hours to get from Wellesley St. to Carlton St. So in effect it was a good move to have attractions that brought people out of Church St. to relieve congestion.

Sober Pride

When I took on the assignment of Sober Pride I naturally thought it would be a good match. I do advocate for and work with people who are transitioning from a lifestyle of chaos to order. In many ways the work I do is, Harm Reduction Coaching. It applies to everyone I help people reduce the harm in their lives that are preventing them from living their lives to the fullest. The issue could be alcohol and drugs as much as money and relationships often it is everything at the same time.

My personal journey from Chaos to Order took the Harm Reduction path. It now has simply become my journey, and I live with out shame of my past and own it because I create it. I choose to see how I perceive my own past. I chose this path simply because I was not comfortable with the Abstinence Model for me it was too rigid, and I am not fond of support groups. I had one good friend who said it to me this way, :”I simply could not imagine sitting an a group of other junkies” I get it. I can honestly say I only truly know 2 people who have used abstinence and are Queer. Please don’t get me wrong it has it’s place and is very needed by some addicts.
John and I attended Sober Pride 3 times over Pride Weekend. Each time it was the same. Quiet! Quiet! and oh More Quiet. John and I did not get it at all!!! I had to really reflect upon this post and consider the value of this space from the perspective of all people who are in need of support with their sobriety. This space provides a safe place for addicts to just take a breath in the mist of all the chaos and come back to themselves with the support of others who are doing the same.

Pride is pretty crazy and for me, I know that when the crowds are too much all I really want is quiet, so I simply go home. It may explain my lack of desire to fight all the people at the Cindy Lauper concert. I have my partner, so for me this means that I am able to discuss any feeling that may come up. I get that not everyone has those structure in their lives. This space is Perfect! “The Eye of The Storm” I am proud The Pride Toronto provides this space.

The Parade / March / Party / Protest thingy… a conclusion to Pride.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Shaun Proulx Media and Pride Toronto I had the best seats in the house!!!! Check out all my Pics below.

Conclusion

This pic was taken by my friend Drasko it summed up this pride for me. In short it me in the middle of all the shit.

Political and powerful this Pride, I met so many great people. I had my eyes opened about the history of our pride and have a clearer understanding of where we as a community are heading. This pride I had my personal “story” changed and for it I have become more aware of the possibilities. I love that we as a community can have contrasting opinions and through inclusion and tolerance we remain strong. I have heard it from many of my friends this was the best pride ever!

Have you ever had one of those days when you just need something to lighten the mood a little? I have the perfect thing for you! Clam Slam! A little known Pride Affiliated event that’s chalk full’o craziness. First of all I do have to apologize to my Trans readers I so really wanted to cover the March that took place yesterday It was one of those event that I personally have never been too and I am aware of the struggles that this community is experiencing. I will cover some of my thought on this, in a whole post dedicated to the Trans Community as soon as Pride is over.

Early in the morning I went into Maggi’s room and discovered a whole bottle of Lorazapams that she felt she did not need to tell me about. I was feeling rather played by the time we had our guest come over to head out to the Toronto Roller Derby. I was in desperate need of something fun and very silly.

The Hanger, is located at Downsview park it’s quite the complex and I need to investigate the goings on there. I was surprised at the amount of space this complex took up. When we approached the building their was of course, music pouring out of what is a massive empty space with a simple rope line on the ground marking out the rink. Nothing like the old ’70s velodrome rinks. The players were skating around warning up and their was an overwhelming sense of camaraderie between the player a stark contrast to when the game was actually being played.

The crowd was so into the event cheering on team members with names like, Mexican Jumping Mean and Sista Fista. Over all the evening was highly entertaining and very fast paced. Those girls know how to have a good time. Hopefully next year they will have a Trans Team ’cause that would just make the whole event that much more fun. I will go back next year. Also The Toronto Roller Derby holds event through out the year so check out their full schedule on line.

In the end the Vagine Regime won 105 – 60 for the Clam Diggers.

Next on the Pride Train for me is Cindy Lauper have a great pride everybody!

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 .

Yesterday, I went to the Flag raising I actually have never been so, I thought since I had been trapped inside all weekend that I would get out.
The setting was the top of City Hall a smallish crowd along with various members of counsel were in attendance and several community leaders.
A short program led by the mayor and introduced by Counsellor Ray followed by a BBQ. See the pics below.

Finally I wanted to mention that I have a little amendment to my schedule this week and I have added The Clam Slam on Friday check out this Pride Craziness I can’t wait!!!!

I made it through the weekend and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful protest that John and I held in our home.
I am exhausted and pride is just starting. Friday night I attended the pride Media Launch party and I have to admit that that event was not sober friendly but I enjoyed it none the less. I did pop out a little early with my friend Drasko and went home to make steaks on the barbie.

So let me give a brief rundown of the sober events happening over the next week at Pride.

Today, I will be attending the Flag raising at City Hall if you don’t make it don’t worry over the next week I will be live blogging while attending events so keep coming back to see what I am up too. You can also follow me at www.thetinythings.com my micro blog to see more events that are not Pride official but rather Pride related.

This evening there will be a screening of the Film Beyond Gay- the Politics of Pride at the Isabel Bader Theatre and the National Portrait collection will be viewing at the festival site from 7:30 – 10PM every night this week. This is a remount of the Portrait collection of the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives.

On Friday we have the Trans march which will be great sober fun for the community starting at 7:00 PM Also later that evening at the Panasonic Theatre the Gay for Comedy Gala will take place.

On Saturday at 10 am the pride remembrance run and Proud Voices starting at 2 pm at James Canning Gardens of course the free zone starts at 10 am providing a totally alcohol and drug free zone lasting through to Sunday. Also the Dyke march starts at 2:00 PM at Church and Hayden.

Cindy Lauper headlines on Saturday night at Queens park I will be there backstage getting photos so check out my blog later this week.

Sunday is a busy day besides the big parade which starts at 2:00 pm along Young St. you can also check out the Market place and community fair in the Church and Wellesley Village. At 5 pm at Queens park the closing program called Never Say Goodbye is being held . Again all day the Free Zone providing Alcohol and drug free events all day.

I hope everybody takes the time to think about your health and and safety this week and most of all reduce the harm you do!

Pride Toronto has announced that its recent resolution to restrict the use of certain language during the 2010 Parade has been replaced by the requirement that each participating group read, sign and agree to abide by the City of Toronto’s Declaration of a Non-Discrimination Policy, and that all groups that uphold this policy are welcome to participate in the 2010 Pride Parade.

During a meeting between members of the board of directors, the executive director and well respected LGBT community leaders Pastor Brent Hawkes of the Metropolitan Community Church, human rights lawyer and Pride Lifetime Achievement award winner Doug Elliott, and 519 Executive Director Maura Lawless, the board unanimously voted in favour of a proposal presented by the three.

The proposal is two-fold: The purpose in the short term is to resolve the impasse that the organization has found itself in since moving to disallow the term ‘Israeli Apartheid’ in the Parade, based on complaints from community members and the assertion by the City of Toronto that the phrase contravenes various City policies. The decision caused widespread dissatisfaction in the queer community and allegations of censorship.

The first motion places the responsibility for determining a violation of City policy back in the hands of the City, as our review process has not established that violation. The second motion establishes a representative advisory panel of community leaders that will lead a broad based community consultation process with diverse queer communities to recommend a set of strategic principles and a decision-making framework that will help shape future festivals.

“We are extremely grateful to the community leaders that took the time to work on this proposal and help us examine ways to resolve this impasse,” says Pride senior co-chair Genevieve D’Iorio. “The Board’s intention has always been to make the best decision possible to ensure the success of Pride and we believe that this proposal is a really constructive way forward.”

“There are a large number of people that are sad at the way the community is currently torn over this issue,” says Pastor Brent Hawkes. “Pride has found itself in the middle of a difficult situation and we felt it was time to step in and see how we could help.”

Doug Elliott agrees. Recently during a keynote address at the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Pride Event, Elliott spoke out about the history of Pride and the way it has changed over the years. “It’s not always possible to meet everyone’s demands,” he says, noting that some of the demands Pride has experienced are ‘unrealistic’. “This solution upholds City policy without unfairly requiring Pride to interpret that policy regarding a controversial legal question. Hopefully this will allow a harmonious Parade this year, while a consultative process unfolds to allow community members to have their say in a constructive way about the future rules for the Parade and the ongoing relationship between Pride Toronto and the broader LGBTTIQQ2SA communities.”

In a recent press release The 519 called for public consultation and offered its support and resources to help find a resolution. Lawless stated “This proposal reinforces how important it is that the diverse queer communities help shape the future of Pride and I think the Board has shown great courage and foresight in committing to consultation and planning for the future.”

The two motions comprising the proposal are as follows:

That the board of directors approve the following resolutions:

1.    Be it resolved that the motion of May 21st regarding language restrictions of groups participating in the 2010 Pride parade be replaced by the requirement that each participating group read and sign and confirm to abide by the City of Toronto’s Declaration of a Non-Discrimination Policy and that all groups that uphold this policy are welcome to participate in the 2010 Pride Parade. Any groups that refuse to sign will not be permitted to participate.

2.    Be it resolved that Pride Toronto appoint a panel of LGBTTIQQ2SA leaders and friends to recommend a policy to protect and advance the qualities of Pride and ensure it is true to its core values and principles.  The mandate of the group would be to consult with the community  to develop recommendations to ensure a Pride that values and promotes freedom of speech and individual expression, inclusiveness and respect, pluralism and diversity, equity and fairness, celebration, humour and fun, and to make recommendations regarding Pride Toronto’s ongoing working relationship with the broader LGBTTIQQ2SA communities.

Over the coming days, Parade participants will receive a copy of the City’s Anti-Discrimination Policy with a request to sign and return it ahead of the Parade. Meanwhile, the team at Pride Toronto will be working hard to finalize arrangements for the 30th anniversary festival and we look forward to the community coming together to celebrate what Pride means to each one as an individual.

About Pride Toronto:
Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto’s LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit in 2009 of $136 million.

Toronto’s Pride Week has been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. For media accreditation for the festival, please visit http://www.pridetoronto.com.

* Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies