Europe somehow conjures up pictures of a gay utopian society for many.  A place where nelly men, butch women and everything in between walk down the golden streets arm in arm.  An advanced civilization where equal rights abound for all!  Well I’m here to tell you how fuckin’ fantastic we have it here in Canada.  Don’t get me wrong.  Loved London!!  Loooooved it!!!!  I’m a bit of a history nerd, and that city has it in spades.  But when it came down to gay life…

First off, the gay clubs are the same you’d find anywhere.  Some disco tunes, a couple go go boys and free flowing booze.  It’s a combo that’s tried, tested and true, but lacks creativity.

Next, the feeling of community you find on Church or on Ste. Catherine in Montreal wasn’t there.  I think because it is such a crowded and international destination that London lacked a cohesiveness and sense of belonging.

One of the first things I noticed when I returned to Toronto was the presence the gay community has in our city.  From rainbow flags, to the reach of the free gay rags and even popping up on TV and in commercials.  None of that was to be found in London.  Oh sure, one club was called GAY, but neary did I see a flag, and the feeling was more of ‘we have decided this area is the gay area of London and the businesses in this area would be smart to call themselves things like GAY to attract that clientele that will spend $$$ in their establishment’

Long story short.  There is NO gay place, like THIS gay home!!!

But now I’m back and it’s business as usual.  And by business I mean finding out that pictures that were taken 3 years ago are still being used to push magazines!  I guess I should shut up and be flattered, but since I don’t see any residual money from it… I get to complain… at least a little.