School may be out but with Toronto Pride now over, we’re filling out report cards. This year’s Pride saw the effects of a difficult time for the queer event institution, but the question remains:

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We interrupt all this Pride revelry just as it’s gearing up to take a moment to wish our grand country Canada a happy birthday tomorrow. We are so proud to live here. But the question remains:

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It gets better (for a little humor)

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!

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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!!!!