Toronto Pride 2010 is done, and over a week later I emerge from the sludge of the dance floor in one piece!

This year I attended for the first time, the raising of the flag at Toronto City Hall, and once again I count myself lucky to be living in a city where I can be myself!

About 12 Prides ago, there wasn’t really much of an alternative to for those who wanted to have a different type of Pride. One with a bit of soul and had a different voice to be heard. Sure there were stages where, if you pardon the bold statement, black men were tolerated by gay white men. However,  to hear the really good Soul, House, R&B, Reggae or Hip-Hop really gay men of colour were at DJ’s mercy. You were hard pressed to hear any Patra, L’ll Kim, or even Rick James.  So a committee was formed made up of members of black queer and trans communities that volunteer their time to put together Block-O-Rama every year.

Now in its 12 year, Block-O-Rama is loud, proud, strong and well attended. My own experience with Block-O-Rama is a personal one.  Having been to gay parties and event all over North America I wanted to see more of soul and multi-racial side to Toronto Pride. I first attended Block-O-Rama when my friend Junior promoted it and told me about DJ Jojoflores, a Montreal DJ, who was spinning the last set. From the moment I arrived, Block-O-Rama captivated me and had me coming back every year. Though Block-O-Rama has faced a number of challenges from changing locations annually to noise complaints this multi-cultural event with black faces has risen to whatever push-back it may face.

This year exclusively for GayGuideToronto.com I bring you two of the unique faces involved with Block-O-Rama, DJ’s Jojoflores, I caught up with him in Johannesburg as he just landed, and BlackCat who have sat down with me to give me their unique views of this event’s place in Toronto Pride on Sunday, July 4th from 12-10 p.m. in George Hislop Park.

DJ Jojoflores

Based in Montreal Jojoflores has built a reputation as music’s “Mixed Tape King” and in addition to being a well known, respected and energetic DJ he is CEO of Gotsoul Records and founder of the infamous Therapy events. In addition he’s opened a club, a record shop; and produced numerous records and CD’s.  He was voted “Best International DJ” 4 years running by NYC’s Undaground Archives.  His hard work and talent have garnered an enviable corporate client list which includes the Thompson Hotel Group, MAC Cosmetics, Apple, Hugo Boss, Vanity Fair, Puma, Details Magazine, Banana Republic, Cadillac, and The Delano Hotel. Headling events with Wyclef Jean, Jody Watley, K-OS, Jazzy Jeff and D-Squared. Jojoflores is the 2010 winner of the Marc Echo Stylus Award as House DJ of the Year.

Max MacDonald:  Why DJ Block-O-Rama again?

Jojoflores: I was able to make the time of Block-O-Rama against this year. I am usually in Toronto at this time of year. Every year they invite me back and show their loyalty to me and it’s a great party. I find it shows a great artistic spirit.

MM: What’s the importance of Block-O-Rama in your mind?

JJF: Well it’s one of the few events which is soulful and ethnic. Block-O-Rama is more geared to an ethnic group and I find it nice. It’s a very community oriented event.

MM:  What can your fans and attendees expect at Block-O-Rama 12?

JJF: [Laughs] I don’t know yet. They can expect to hear same type of music presented differently.  One of the things I try and do through my music is make people dance. However, that’s sort of tough as I don’t know the direction I will go. I will probably figure it out closer to the event.

MM: What would you say to an aspiring DJ who wants to be the next Jojoflores?

JJF: Hmmm…get your name out there and give out mixed CD’s. Try to get the right gigs but respect other DJ’s. It is also important to respect the art of DJ’ing and be business savvy. You have to set goals for yourself and try to get to the next level.

For information on Jojoflores click here.

DJ BlackCat

It’s funny. You think at a time in Toronto where there is an abundance of parties and events a “gala” would be last thing on people’s minds. However that was not the case tonight at The Carlu. So stepping into the gilded marble foyar, pressing the button for the seventh floor, and sharing the elevator ride I didn’t know what to expect. Now I’ve been to many galas before so I’m a pretty jaded gala goer. Though I was not disappointed. Greeting you as you stepped off the elevator was plush red carpet bordered by a velvet rope. As you made your way down the red carpet you never knew who would surprise you.

Once you strolled down the red carpet you were greated by two big video screens of Toronto Pride 2009. There you ran the chance of reliving the bad outfits that you wore. Or seeing the guy who were cruising while strolling with a gaggle of your friends. Once behind the Toronto Pride pull-ups and behind the white curtain, it was mixed bag of guests. There among the many sponsors, Board members, and special guests were the 2010 award winners: Robert Sirman (Arts and Culture), Neill Kernohan (Human Rights), Kyle Rae (Lifetime Achievement), PRIDE House (Sports).  Circulating around the press and cameras were various politicians who support the Pride Toronto.

The Dangerous "Two Rae's" Bob (Left) Kyle (Right)

As the evening went on attendees sipped on cocktails and shared stories of why Toronto Pride is important to the city. Approaching Kyle Rae I congratulated him on his work with the community. Rae thanked me and said, “it was a joy and challenge to see Pride go on some years but the show must go on.” The one guest who everyone was waiting for was Ashley MacIsaac, the renegade fiddler and musician who has turned the art of making music on his ear.  Along with crafted sounds where the words of Kink My Hair – Writer and Director Trey Anthony who had the crowd captivated with her presentation.

This year’s gala was billed as having “top-drawer” entertainment and did not let people down. Though the only question I have is at $350.00 per individual ticket, Pride is suppose to be accessible to everyone. Yes this is a fundraiser and an event during Pride but here’s food for thought. Is Pride sending an exclusion message by having such a steep price for gala ticket and not making it cost-effective so more people of diverse backgrounds can attend? Could there be different way to show our Pride without the pomp and circumstance? For remember 30 years ago, the word “gala” would have never been associated with Pride. I wonder if those who gave their lives at Stonewall and the bath house raids knew their hard work would amount to a group of people standing around more worried about the location of nearest canape rather than activism behind gay rights. Now that we are mainstream and have our basic gay rights, in Canada, what do we fight for now with our Champagne Socialist complacentcy?

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

My where have I been. With Pride gearing up and the world focusing on those hot, dirty boys at the FIFA World Cup it’s easy to forget Toronto Pride (http://www.pridetoronto.com)  is coming in less than three weeks. I know yours truly has stepped up the workouts, the body treatments and making sure I have that “glow”. However in prepping for the big day I’ve seen some tres cool gear I think you should know about. I’m not big about the rainbow colours this year. After all it’s not just about the end of the rainbow, it’s how you look getting there.

Cool Find Number One: Funkyfonic Lady Bug Headphones, $34.95. Available: Rolo Store, 24 Bellair Street (http://www.rolostore.com)

Don’t deny it. You love listening to Madonna’s Hung Up anytime you damn well want to during Pride. Why not stand out while bobbing your head.  These adjustable headphones are not only cool on but beat letting “Sony” use your ears as a free billboard. The head phones will also easily fit into your iPad, iPhone, iPod or MP3 player.

Cool Find Number Two:  Punk Shirt by Tuesday Night Band Practice, $125. Available:The Serpentine, 18 Hazelton Avenue (http://www.theserpentine.net)

I’m so not about the Pride colours this year and more about self expression. I was in Yorkville  popped into one of my favourite stores The Serpentine. Now before you “huff” that it’s one of those stuck up “too chic for you” boutiques in the window of the store there are candles flipping you the bird. If you have read FAB Magazine you know I have featured this store a few times as one of Toronto best dens for those who love black, goth and cool. This shirt is meshes the best of easy summer dressing for guys who still refer to their combat boots as “shit kickers” and download the Sex Pistols off of iTunes.

Screw the Pride Colours. Look Sex Pistols sexy...

With only three weeks to Toronto Pride starts. I will be bring you more cool pre Pride goodies each week.

Out with the Old…In with the Old? Looks like there may be a few wrinkles in your next Pride parade.

In the spirit of the New Year and new decade, let’s look ahead to new opportunities, new challenges and new successes. Yes, baby New Year shoved that old goat (2009) off into the margins of history – where he belongs – to rot in his oversized adult diaper and toothlessly gnaw on his cane.

And speaking of old guys being shoved off to the side, I recently received a very interesting press release from the Pride Committee talking about a new initiative as part of celebration of 30 years of Pride in Toronto: the new Pride Toronto 40 Plus Committee, spearheaded by Dexter Roberts. Read the full story