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In this edition ...
1. PRIDE Week in York Region ~ June 17 to 23, 2002 ~
Seven Towns Proclaim PRIDE Week ~ Flag will fly in Newmarket
2. Community PRIDE Kickoff Celebration ~ Sat. June 15
Baseball, barbecue, and dance at Sharon Community Centre
3. Launch Party for new PRIDE LIBRARY ~ Wed. June 19
York Region District School Board & Police Reps to Cut the Ribbon
4. SINGING THE RAINBOW ~ Sun. June 23
York Region's first multi-faith PRIDE church service
5. PRIDE York Region McBean Literature and Reference Collection
A new lending library for the people of York Region
6. What's New Online?
HEY YOU! ~ proud poetry by Ryan Kraft
7. Moonlight Cruise Fundraiser ~ July 21st aboard the Mariposa Belle
Dinner and Dancing with entertainment by comic Laurie Elliott!
8. Speakers Bureau Update
9. News and Action Briefs:
Turin Conference
Book Release: "Just Married"
Rainbow Club for Kids and their Queer Families
CUPE Pink Triangle Trans Reps Wanted
One Nation Under a Groove - Drummers Wanted
Petition: Secure Housing for People Living with HIV/AIDS
Focus on the Family Report: Canadian Attitudes on the Family
10. Upcoming Community Events
11. Get OUT There ~ Subscribe to Our Print Newsletter
12. About PRIDE York Region
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If you read and value this newsletter, please consider
investing in PRIDE York Region. Your $10 or $20
membership will help us keep the information flowing!
http://www.gaycan
ada.com/prideyorkregion/membership.html
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1.
*~ PRIDE Week in York Region ~ June 17 to 23, 2002
A Celebration of Firsts!
"The Town of Georgina hereby proclaims the week of June 17-23, 2002, as 'PRIDE WEEK' to increase
visibility, understanding and community
acceptance for York Region's LGBT citizens." By signing the order on
May 2, 2002, Mayor Jeffrey Holec made history as Georgina became the
first town in York Region to issue a Proclamation of PRIDE Week. Many more followed!
Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Markham, Richmond Hill, and
Whitchurch-Stouffville issued PRIDE Week Proclamations for the first
time this year. Regional Council added their support for a the second year running by granting
official Recognition of the week. Newmarket Council voted "yes!" on their first Proclamation and,
in keeping with our theme of "Equality through Visibility", also voted to fly the flag at Newmarket
Town Hall during PRIDE Week. This marks the first time a rainbow flag will fly at a municipal
building in York Region! (Watch for photos on our web site.)
These positive and affirming actions by York Region and seven of its
nine Towns send an important message to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgendered citizens that we are not only recognized but welcomed in our communities. Thank you
all!
Missing from the list of Proclamations .... Vaughan and King.
Mayor Di Biase of Vaughan responded to our request, saying, "At the
Council meeting of April 2, 2001, Vaughan Council adopted a policy of
issuing proclamations only for events of a municipal purpose. I regret, therefore, to inform you
that the City is unable to accommodate your request. I wish you the best of luck in your worthwhile
endeavours." At the request of a student at Vaughan Secondary School, we have asked for a review
of this decision.
In King Township, our request was not brought forward, despite numerous reminders. When asked how we
should report on Council's lack of interest, Township Clerk Chris Somerville suggested we simply
state the obvious, "King Township made no response." We estimate there are at least 600, possibly
as many as 2,000 LBGTQ citizens in King. PRIDE York Region will continue to seek the support of
this municipality.
~*~*~*~
2.
*~ Community PRIDE Kickoff Celebration ~ Sat. June 15
Baseball, barbecue, and dance at Sharon Community Centre
Baseball (weather permitting) begins at 1 pm, followed at 4 by a
barbecue with hotdogs, burgers and soft drinks at the bargain price of $1. GLAYR's PRIDE Dance
begins at 8 pm. Tickets $7 for members, $12 for non-members. Buffet dinner included. For more
information, call 905-905-727-9081 or email glayr@yahoo.com
~*~*~*~
3.
*~ Launch Party for new PRIDE LIBRARY ~ Wed. June 19
York Region District School Board & Police Reps to Cut the Ribbon!
Join us at the Krasman Centre, 10121 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, at 7 pm on Wednesday, June 19th
as we launch the PRIDE York Region McBean Literature and Reference Collection -- a new lending
library for the people of York Region.
Inspector Gary Colangelo, representing York Regional Police, and Don
McCahill, Principal of Thornlea Secondary School and member of the York Region District School
Board's Universality and Diversity Arena will cut the ribbon. A brief reception will follow with
coffee, tea, punch, and goodies. Our sincere thanks to the Krasman Centre for their support and
for sharing their space to house this special project.
For more information about this event, call toll free 1-888-4-GAY-YORK or email yorkpride@yahoo.ca
See item 5 in this newsletter for details about the PRIDE Library.
~*~*~*~
4.
*~ SINGING THE RAINBOW ~ Sun. June 23
York Region's first multi-faith PRIDE church service
Please join us on Sunday evening, June 23rd at 7 pm for a special
community celebration of PRIDE at St. Matthew's United Church, 333
Crosby Avenue in Richmond Hill.
Rev. John Joseph Mastandrea, Minister at Metropolitan United Church and a long-time volunteer with
the AIDS Committee of York Region will lead our exploration of the spirit and meaning of the PRIDE
rainbow,
assisted by a team of community volunteers. Music by Neill Kernohan
and members of the St. Matthew's choir. PFLAG York Region will host a social hour after the
service.
For more information about this event, call toll free 1-888-4-GAY-YORK or email yorkpride@yahoo.ca
No matter what your beliefs may involve, no matter if you're not a
regular church-goer ... this celebration is for everyone! Spread the word, bring your family and
friends and lets fill St. Matthew's with PRIDE!
~*~*~*~
5.
*~PRIDE York Region McBean Literature and Reference Collection
A new lending library for the people of York Region
When PRIDE York Region's Equity Specialist, Kevin McBean, suggested the creation of a GLBTQ library
for York Region and offered his private collection of over 60 books, we knew we'd found the perfect
special project to mark PRIDE Week 2002. Since January, with more volumes contributed by The
Association for Research on Mothering at York University, the York Region Lesbian Mom's Group, and
a number of
private donors, our collection has grown to well over 100 books, plus
an assortment of magazines. This is an ongoing project, so count on
many more books being added over the coming months and years. Our
categories include fiction, reference, support, humour, poetry,
non-fiction, children, and youth.
Here's a taste of what you'll find on the shelves ....
~*~ "In Your Face: Stories from the Lives of Queer Youth" (Mary L.
Gray, Harrington Park Press, New York, 1999) A groundbreaking and
informative collection of essays derived from discussions about gender and sexuality with gay,
lesbian, and bisexual youths. Fifteen teens, age 14-18, discuss their lives, personal backgrounds,
and visions for the future to give researchers, parents, and educators rare insight into the
difficulties of being a sexual minority. (Review by Booklist)
~*~ "The No-Nonsense guide to Sexual Diversity" (Vanessa Baird, New
Internationalist Publications, Toronto, 2001). Is there a gay gene? Do we have the right to operate
on hermaphrodite children? Gay, straight, bisexual, transsexualthe world is changing for sexual
minorities. In some countries, the battle for sexual equality is bearing fruit in
non-discriminatory legislation; in many others, gay people risk long prison sentences or even the
death penalty. The No-Nonsense Guide surveys the hidden history and geography of sexually
unconventional behavior. And it explores the reasons behind the war being waged against sexual
non-conformists by religious fundamentalists. This guide also contains an indispensable
country-by-country survey of the laws affecting sexual minorities.
~*~ "Faint Praise: A Jane Lawless Mystery" (Ellen Hart, Ballantine, New York, 1995) Full of wit and
wicked deeds, fast pacing and memorable characters, this is the sixth mystery featuring the lesbian
restaurateur and amateur sleuth. This time, Jane solves the mystery of TV personality Arno Heywood,
whose plunge to death and out of a
compromising situation sets off a series of bizarre and unsettling
events. Followers of Lawless will delight in the possible love
interest that arises for her as physician Julia Martinsen awakens
emotions long dormant in Jane's heart and in the promise that this
brightest of lesbian detective series burns ever brighter. (Review by
Whitney Scott for Booklist) Note: Our fiction collection includes four other Jane Lawless
Mysteries.
The library is housed at the Krasman Centre, 10121 Yonge Street,
Richmond Hill, Ontario. After our official opening on June 19th, books may be reviewed at the
centre, free of charge, during their regular hours of operation (1 pm to 5 pm, Monday through
Friday). A yearly membership to PRIDE York Region ($10 single / $20 family or
organization) is a requirement for those wishing to take books home.
Memberships will be available at the Krasman Centre or by mail. If
requested, a $10 deposit may be held in lieu of membership. Deposit is refundable upon return of
books, however it is suggested that at least $5 be donated to PRIDE York Region to cover library
operating expenses. ID and contact information will be required without exception. Note: No one
will be refused access to the library due to lack of funds. Please contact us to request
assistance.
For information or to donate books, please email yorkpride@yahoo.ca,
phone 1-888-4-GAY-YORK, or contact us by mail at PRIDE York Region, Box 182, Markham, Ontario, L3P
3J7.
~*~*~*~
6.
*~What's New Online?
HEY YOU! ~ proud poetry by Ryan Kraft
Check our Web site throughout PRIDE Week for breaking news. All event details are posted there and
updated daily. Our most recent addition to the online article library is the poem 'HEY YOU!' by
Ryan Kraft .....
hey did u hear me
I think u went to my school
did u ever stand up for me
when u saw them beat me down
shred me to pieces
and instigate my tears
Read the rest online at
http://www.gay
canada.com/prideyorkregion/articles.html#heyu
~*~*~*~
7.
*~Moonlight Cruise Fundraiser ~ July 21st aboard the Mariposa Belle
Dinner and Dancing with entertainment by comic Laurie Elliott!
Join us for this year's Moonlight Cruise on Sunday July 21st from 7 to 11 pm (boarding at 6:30).
Our four-hour cruise of Toronto Islands and Harbour aboard the Mariposa Belle includes
entertainment, a light
buffet meal, door prizes, and dancing on the upper deck. Tickets are
$45.00* and proceeds will support our toll-free help and information
phone line as well as other important LGBTQ services in York Region.
This year's featured entertainer is Laurie Elliott, popular Toronto
comic, well-known for her appearances at The Rivoli, The Clinton,
ALTdot Comedy Lounge, Buddies in Bad Times, and CBC Radio's 'Brave New Waves' series, to name just a
few. Laurie won the Tim Sims
Encouragement Award for most promising young comic of 2000, presented
in remembrance of Tim Sims, a gifted comedian who passed away in 1995
of AIDS-related illness. EYE Magazine said, "With Elliott the judges
[came] up with a winner who most closely reflects the values and
aesthetics Sims so dearly loved. Laurie Elliott takes risks and does so with honest bravado."
Watch for breaking news about Laurie Elliott and a possible "surprise
guest" on our web site at
http://www.gaycanada.
com/prideyorkregion/cruise.html
This event will sell out, so don't delay! Get your Moonlight Cruise
tickets* today!
* Our $5 Early bird discount ends June 15th -- plan to buy your tickets at the GLAYR Dance in
Sharon!
* Members of PRIDE York Region, GLAYR, and PFLAG York Region receive an additional $5 Early bird
discount on tickets.
For ticket enquiries, email yorkpride@yahoo.ca, call toll free
1-888-4-GAY-YORK, or mail your order with a cheque and self-addressed, stamped envelope to: PRIDE
York Region, Box 182, Markham, Ontario, L3P 3J7.
~*~*~*~
8.
*~ Speakers Bureau Update
This month our speakers are booked at Yellow Brick House and Family and Children's Services
Bradford.
If your organization or business could benefit from thoughtful
exploration of equity, inclusivity, homophobia and heterosexism, PRIDE York Region may be able to
assist. We have a number of speakers
available and can tailor our presentation to your group's interests and needs. Visit
www.gaycanada.com/prideyorkregion/resources.html for an overview.
To book a speaker or for more information, contact us at
yorkpride@yahoo.ca or write to: PRIDE York Region, Box 182, Markham,
ON L3P 3J7.
~*~*~*~
9.
*~ News and Action Briefs
~*~ CONFERENCE ON MARRIAGE, PARTNERSHIPS AND PARENTING
IN THE 21st CENTURY: Marilyn Byers, PRIDE York Region board member and President of PFLAG York
Region attended the Conference in Turin, Italy, June 5-8, joining lawyers, activists and
policymakers from around the world. The conference focussed on international perspectives for
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and their families, with a particular focus on
marriage and parenting. We're looking forward to a report on Marilyn's experiences there.
~*~ "JUST MARRIED: Gay Marriage and the Expansion of Human Rights", a
book by Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell of Toronto was released on June 1, 2002 from Doubleday. The
Globe and Mail said "engrossing ... this book provides a wealth of literate and sensitive
insights". PRIDE York Region hopes to add a copy to our library soon. For more information, visit
http://www.samesexmarriage.c
a/book/index.html
~*~ RAINBOW CLUB FOR KIDS AND THEIR QUEER FAMILIES: A Toronto based
social club for kids (recommended ages 0-12) and their queer families
who like to plan local family-oriented activities, and talk about
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, alternative family issues while experiencing the world of
parenting from the LGBT perspective. The group chat site is for discussion and information on
upcoming
activities with Rainbow Club, and is a resource for queer families or
LGBT people hoping to become parents. York Region residents welcome!
For more information, rainbowclub4kids@sympatico.ca or visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/gr
oup/rainbowclub4kids.
~*~ CUPE's PINK TRIANGLE COMMITTEE is looking for
transsexual/transgender union members interested in working with the
Pink Triangle Committee to advance the rights of transsexual,
transgender, lesbian, and gay workers. All trans CUPE members are
invited to apply, and trans workers with disabilities, First Nations
trans workers and trans workers of colour are especially encouraged to do so. For more information,
please contact your regional Pink Triangle Committee Representative:
Andrew Ehman, Hospital Employees Union <infoknight@shaw.ca>
Gerry Lavallee, Airline Division <glaval@sympatico.ca>
Fred Hahn, Ontario <cupe2191@sprint.ca>
Trish Salah, York University <salahp@yorku.ca>
Margot Young, Staff Advisor <myoung@cupe.ca>
or CUPE's national Equality Branch, Sandra Howell-Solc, Director
<showell@cupe.ca>
~*~ ONE NATION UNDER A GROOVE: Hand drumming group looking for new
members interested in participating in the Toronto Pride Parade on
Sunday, June 30. The group is mostly women but is open to all, stating "We especially encourage
diverse ethnicities as we value and believe in equity and inclusion." ONUG has been in existence
for 3 years and is organized and run on a volunteer, casual, and on-going admissions basis.
Potential members must have access to, or be willing to rent a drum. (Rental information
available.) No experience is necessary! Rehearsals are generally outdoors, at Cawthra Square
Park, beside The 519 Church St. Community Centre (a short walk from the Wellesley St. subway
station). For information, email onenationdrumming@hotmail.com or phone Diana at 416-785-5741.
~*~ TASK FORCE FOR SECURE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS: Imagine taking a complex drug therapy regimen for HIV infection
with no access to regular shelter, no bed on which to rest during the day, and no refrigerator to
store medication and food. Now imagine doing this during the cold winter months ahead.
Over 97% of the people on the waiting lists at Fife House -- the agency that provides 90% of the
supportive housing to people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto - were homeless at the time of
applying. 55% of Fife House's current clients are known to have been chronically or episodically
homeless prior to being housed by the agency. Please show your support for secure and affordable
housing for people living with HIV/AIDS by signing the e-Petition at
http://www.healthyhousing.ca/
e-petition.htm. Ask your colleagues and
friends to do the same. Together we can make a difference.
To learn more about the Task Force for Secure and Affordable Housing
for People Living with HIV/AIDS, please visit the web site at
http://www.healthyhousing.ca.
~*~ FOCUS ON THE FAMILY REPORT - CANADIAN ATTITUDES ON FAMILY:
Focus on the family released the results of a national survey this
week, that included a substantial section on "Attitudes to Homosexual
Marriage and Benefits." While the results for this section were not
included in the FOTF press release, they paint an encouraging picture
of the level of acceptance and understanding for same sex families
nationwide.
Quoting from the FOTF report, "Canadians are split almost evenly on the issue of legalizing
homosexual marriage. Just under half (46%) of Canadians interviewed for this study believe that
homosexual couples should be allowed to become legally married, while 44% believe that legal
marriage should not extend to homosexual couples. Younger respondents are significantly more
likely to think that homosexuals should be allowed to marry: 60% of those under the age of 40
support legalized homosexual marriage, a proportion which declines to 39% among those aged forty
and over. Women (52%) and residents of Quebec (60%) are also more likely to agree than men (40%)
or residents in the rest of Canada (42%). Forty-six percent of Canadians also agree that "children
raised by same-sex couples are as likely as any other children to be happy and well-adjusted." As
with attitudes to homosexual marriage, age and gender are important determinants: 55% of those
7nder age 40 and 55% of women agree, versus only 42% of those over age 40 and 38% of men. There
are no significant regional differences on the question across the country."
Additionally, the report states that 55% of Canadians agree that
"homosexual couples should be entitled to the same tax, pension, and
other benefits as heterosexual couples." The entire report is
available for download at
http://www.fotf.ca/familyfacts/a
ttitudes.
~*~*~*~
10.
*~ Upcoming Community Events
Tuesday, June 25, PFLAG's Monthly Meeting at St. Matthew's United
Church in Richmond Hill. Shared potluck dinner at 6:30, meeting begins at 7:30 pm with a special
speaker planned. All are welcome! This is the last meeting before the break for summer holidays.
Email
marilyn@idirect.com for more information, or visit
http://www.gaycanada.com/pflag-york
~*~*~*~
11.
*~ Get OUT There ~ Subscribe to Our Print Newsletter
If you're not already on our postal mailing list, just respond to this email with your name and
address and we'll send a sample copy of the PRIDE Edition of OUTthere your way, featuring THE PRIDE
RAINBOW, an article by Kevin McBean on the meaning of the PRIDE flag.
~*~*~*~
12.
*~ About PRIDE York Region
PRIDE York Region (formerly the Gay Services Committee of York Region), provides advocacy, support,
and referral services for the
lesbian/gay/bi/trans community, with the broader goals of furthering
inclusivity and celebrating diversity in York Region. We maintain a
speakers bureau and welcome invitations from area businesses and
organizations seeking to increase understanding and acceptance.
Please visit us online at
http://www.gaycanada.com/prideyor
kregion for
breaking news.
HAPPY PRIDE WEEK, EVERYONE!!
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This newsletter may be forwarded in its entirety.
Copyright PRIDE York Region, 2002
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