The Trans March will get under way in less than 3 hours. This is the 2nd year it’s happening and the 1st year it’s an official Pride Toronto event organized by Pride Toronto.
There’s been a lot of controversy around it since its inception. The general idea was floating around for years yet when Karah Mathiason and her partner Diane Granta spear headed its organization last year, Pride Toronto was caught off guard. PT was probably nervous because there was no request to close streets down for it; it was not planning marshals for it and so on. In the end, PT requested the march go down Church Street and end at The 519’s green space. The 519 supported the march, but not planning to have it end there, scrambled last minute while organizing its annual Starry Night fundraiser. I was not able to march last year but I was there at the green space. I think it was Pride Toronto that ended up offering a free drink ticket to those over 19 but left it up to The 519 to organize the distribution of that as well. It was messy, by no fault of Karah or Diane, but those who marched were pumped, proud and loud. It was clear the event would become a yearly staple; there was no going back to less visibility.
Pride Toronto vowed to be a part of the organizing of this year after some “consultation with community”. I don’t have strict definition of either consultation or community, but holding one meeting, strictly with people PT chose to invite, doesn’t cut it in my books. PT then selected a MTF centric group not affiliated with the running of the march last year to head the planning for this year’s event. Some amount of drama later, a trans man previously involved with organizing Fruit Loopz was brought in to pull the whole thing together.
I am glad the march is happening. I’m disheartened for last year’s organizers. I am going to the march because it’s important there’s the greatest number of people to increase the burgeoning visibility of trans people and their discrimination within and outside of the cis-queer dominating community. I hold no grievance towards the trans man who’s put so much work and energy into organizing this year’s march for Pride Toronto; I believe he feels similarly to me about the whole affair. It will be interesting to see if any people hold signs up during the march calling attention to the unfortunate way this year’s organization unraveled and demands a better approach going forward.
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Celebrate the Dyke March by supporting the Libido fundraiser!
Hosted by Deb Pearce, this year’s party features performers such as Lucas Silveira of the Cliks, Cozmic Cat and music from DJ Memphis Sugar and DJ Saratonin of Dinah Shore Weekend. Libido will also present raffle prizes from Good For Her, West Side Stories, Toronto Women’s Bookstore, Six West Community Acupuncture and Cherry Bomb.
“It’s a great way to celebrate Canada Day,” said committee member Mandy Rumbolt. “We have lots of great Canadian talent on the stage. We think it’s going to be a really good time.”
Advance tickets are $15 and can be bought at Good For Her, Toronto Women’s Bookstore and West Side Stories. Door tickets are $20. All proceeds go to the Dyke March.
Libido – the Dyke March Fundraiser / July 1 at 9 p.m. / The Gladstone Ballroom (1214 Queen St. West)
Tags: Dyke March, Libido, Pride
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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
Tags: Pride Toronto, Pride Toronto no longer restricts language, Toronto Pride 2010
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For Derek Forgie, the decision to establish Heterosexuals for Same Sex Equality (HSSE) came from wanting to stand up for same-sex rights as a straight man.
“My entire social circle, we’d sit around and we’d talk about these injustices and these things we’ve all been upset about,” he says, “and it’s like sitting around doesn’t cut it anymore.”
Founded in 2007, the Toronto-based organization seeks to promote messages of tolerance by tackling misunderstandings which negatively affect civil rights surrounding same-sex issues.
One of its main activities is delivering seminars in high schools, which attempt to debunk cultural myths and stereotypes about gay people in non-confrontational, accessible and light-hearted ways.
Forgie, and other heterosexuals who support equal civil rights, gender equality and LGBTTIQQ2S social movements are often referred to as allies of these communities.
For Forgie, this term requires turning support into action.
“I think it means vocally and publicly announcing your support of this community and I think it means being active about it and not just sitting by,” he says. “We want that fire in the belly to come our way, and to show it in numbers.”
In addition to school seminars, the HSSE gets involved in demonstrations, rallies, and letter-writing campaigns. Forgie invites other allies to march with the HSSE in the Pride Parade on July 4.
Tomorrow the HSSE is launching a new fundraising calendar called Sexy Smart 2011. The calendar showcases a plethora of Toronto female demographics in its pages, and will be used to support the HSSE’s high school seminars. Its launch party takes place at the Tranzac Club at 8 p.m, with the calendar later for sale on the organization’s website.
For Forgie, such initiatives are ultimately important to help educate and mobilize more allies.
“The people who are against same sex marriage, the people who are against two men holding hands on the street, they’re active and they’re out there and they’re making signs and they’re posting things here and there,” he says. “And we have to get the people on our side to show up in numbers too. I hope we become top of mind, that we become a voice on it.”
For more information on the HSSE, visit its website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Pride Toronto once again stands in solidarity with LGBTTIQQ2SA communities around the world with its human rights program, called Global Human Rights for Queers: What OUT is About 2010. This program promotes awareness of queer human rights abuses around the world, ranging from anti-sodomy laws to the death penalty in a number of countries.
“This is the fifth year since we introduced this annual program,” says Frank Folino, Human Rights Coordinator. “The 2010 program includes a wide variety of events, as well as several exhibits throughout the festival.”
Highlights of Global Human Rights for Queers: What OUT is About 2010 include:
Tuesday, June 29th – Bridging Queer International Human Rights at Home and Around the World: A panel discussion at the historic Gladstone Hotel in the heart of the Queer West Village, the event will feature panelists Arsham Parsi, Marilyn Byers, Kim Vance, and Kenji Tokawa led by moderator Andrew Vail. 1214 Queen Street, at 6 pm
Friday, July 2nd – Trans After Party: Annual performers Funkasia pay tribute to the Trans community through the edgy and the underground by hosting the official after party for the Trans march. At the Phoenix, 410 Sherbourne Street, 10pm
Saturday, July 3rd & Sunday July 4th -What OUT is About Exhibits: Visitors can learn about the civil and human rights violations faced by queer communities around the world and what can be done to support the continuing movement for equality. Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm – Church Street, north of Wellesley and Queen’s Park.
Sunday, July 4th – YogaPalooza – Peace, Love & Pride in Queen’s Park: Toronto’s Biggest Yoga Class ever is free on Sunday in Queens Park. Join in the unique celebration of music, movement and meditation for Human Rights led by renowned Yogi, Salimah Kassim-Lakha. Queens Park, mainstage, 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Register at http://yogavision.com/yogapalooza.
More information on all events can be found at www.pridetoronto.com/events.
About the Moderator and Panelists:
Andrew Vail: the creator/writer of The Middle Edge, which can be read on www.gayguidetoronto.com. He has also written for Xtra! as well as a variety of local and national publications. Andrew joined the group Lesbian and Gay Youth Toronto in 1982 and became a youth activist for queer rights, marching in many Pride parades over the years.
Arsham Parsi: is a founder and Executive Director of Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees – Also Coordinator and Cultural Ambassador of the Stockholm-based International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network (ILGCN), official member of the Brussels-based International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the Toronto-based Rainbow Railroad group, and the Berlin-based Advisory Committee of the Hirschfeld-Eddy Foundation for LGBT Human Rights.
Marilyn Byer: is proud to be one of the founding members with Barbara & Tom Beattie of PFLAG Canada-York Region On. (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgendered). Marilyn’s son “came out” to her in 1994, and this chapter was started in 1996. PFLAG’s mission is to support and educate- to cope with an adverse society; to enlighten an ill-informed public; to end discrimination and to secure equal human rights. She does by giving workshops, presentations and speeches for corporations, churches, and clubs and frequently in high schools on “How to end Homophobia”. Marilyn spoke at the “RISE” conference (respectful, inclusive and supportive education).
Kim Vance: is a founder and Co-Director of ARC International, based in Canada and Switzerland. ARC International is an organization which uses a unique community leadership development model to: facilitate international coordination and networking among organizations working to advance human rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity; develop and facilitate the use of tools to engage in international advocacy (particularly within the UN); and foster the relationship between grassroots organizations and governments and/or human rights mechanisms. Before founding ARC, Kim served as President of Egale Canada, and is a seasoned activist within the LGBT communities at the national and local level in Canada.
Kenji Tokawa: is a founder and coordinator of a program attempting to make arts and activism more accessible to trans people of colour – GenderFOC: writing workshops for trans/gendervariant people of colour. GenderFOC is only a seed project with funding from the Community One Foundation to run a small series of pilot workshops, and we are waiting to hear back on more funding to continue it. She has been a facilitator with the Trans Access Project out of the 519 Church Street Community Centre since spring 2008; we are a team of trans people who train social service providers how to make their services more accessible to trans people.
Tags: Pride Toronto 30 Years, Pride Toronto What OUT is About 2010, Words Of Pride, www.gayguidetoronto.com, www.pridetoronto.com, wwww.shaunproulxmedia.com
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There is a difference between “singing” and “sanging.” Those “in the know” know that “sanging” is reserved for a select group of vocalists. In case you weren’t aware, one of those vocalists is powerhouse diva Simone Denny.
Canadian native Simone is currently being heard by millions, as the voice of the theme song for NBC/Bravo Television’s hit reality show, ” Queer Eye For The Straight Guy.” “All Things (Just Keep Getting Better)” is the catchy tune which opens the show for the Fab Five, as the show’s resident gay experts have come to be known. The song is also the lead track on the “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy” soundtrack CD, which was recently released by Capitol Records.
Well-known on the dance and pop scenes in Canada, the U.K. and Europe, she is now poised to take over America. Now a solo artist, Simone is the former lead vocalist of the platinum-selling dance music group Love Inc. (“You’re A Super Star”), on Nulife/BMG. Ms. Denny’s vocal prowess has earned her 10 #1 hit songs worldwide, 4 Canadian Juno Awards and 4 Much Music Awards, including “Best Dance Recording” and “Video Of The Year.” In 2003, she toured the U.S. in support of her #1 Billboard Club Anthem “I Don’t Want You (Coming Back No More)” on Nervous Records. It’s still in recurrent play on New York City’s WKTU 103.5 FM and dance radio stations across North America. In Europe, she’s still heard as the featured voice on Love Inc.’s releases, as they continue to chart in the Top 5 across Europe. And she’s seen and heard regularly across the water in England, on their popular BBC Radio and on their music tv favorite, “Top Of The Pops.”
Born and raised in Toronto, Simone is of Guyanese heritage. Her Caribbean Canadian environment exposed her to a wide and eclectic mixed bag of musical influences. She grew up listening to calypso, reggae, Brazilian music, and of course, r&b. Some of her early influences include Tina Turner, Ve sta Williams, Etta James, AC/DC, Ben E. King, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Donna Summer, Bryan Adams, Prince, Michael Jackson, and many others. The lovely Simone began her career locally in Canada and quickly built up a name and a following. She held the lead role as “Mama Troy” in the Canadian production of the American gospel musical “Mama I Want To Sing.” That play is the longest running off-Broadway musical in the history of American music. As a testament to her versatility, she also recorded and performed with Canadian heavy metal band Damn 13,Simone Denny is a dynamic, soulful diva who is distinct in her desire to embrace allgenres of music, with no limits, transcending all boundaries. “I want to make peoplefeel limitless, beautiful and empowered,” she says. Her deep-rooted love of music isdriving her toward more musical accolades, as her killer voice, stage presence,shining personality and total understanding of the verb “to sang” clearly demonstrate!
Simone Denny plays Central Stage Friday, July 2.
Tags: Artist of the Day, Pride Toronto, Simone Denny
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DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRIDE TORONTO iPhone App!
Pride Toronto this year is launching of its own iPhone application. Designed and developed by Toronto-based firm Mobile Fringe, the Pride app is free and available through Apple’s App Store.
“Visitors new and old will rely upon the PrideTO mobile app to keep track of the various events, the entertainment activities and featured locations throughout the 10-day festival,” says Tracey Sandilands, Executive Director of Pride Toronto.
Powered by Mobile Fringe’s mobile event platform, the app features:
- List of Pride events with detailed information
- Map of event locations
- Affiliated events with map and detailed information
- What’s On Today – a filter of each day’s events
- Links to social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, You Tube, and the Pride photo album on Flickr where users can post their own photos directly:
Other information available includes contact info for the organization, location of Dis/Ability areas, TTC info and event tips.
Tags: Pride Toronto, Pride Toronto 30 Years, Pride Toronto iPhone App, Words Of Pride, www.gayguidetoronto.com, www.pridetoronto.com, www.shaunproulxmedia.com
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Ken Reaume aka VIVIV is a Scarborough, Ont.,-born songwriter. He is one of the many talented solo performers from the region who deserves more attention. mixes intricate finger-picking, flamenco and classical guitar flourishes that make stunningly captivating songs. Ken has self-released three albums – his recent album titled Four Horses through his own imprint Pariah Songs and a 7″ through Hatelife. He has also toured with Final Fantasy and Jana Hunter and played with Iron and Wine and City and Colour. – Dose.ca
VIVIV closes out the second year of the Pride Lounge on Sunday, July 4 in Paul Kane Parkette.
Tags: Artist of the Day, Pride Toronto, VIVIV
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