TORONTO is a great city for biking and offers lots of resources like  RIDE THE CITY  and   BIKING TORONTO.

DID YOU KNOW? 
There is a Rainbow (LGBTQ) Workshop Day
at Bike Pirates (of Toronto).

Bike Pirates is a completely volunteer-run
organization that provides a
Do-It-Yourself workspace where you can:

• Learn bicycle maintenance
• Work on your own bike on a drop-in basis
• Build up a new bicycle from scratch

They  also sell new and used parts, and even fully refurbished used bicycles.

We have striven to create an inclusive welcome space for all kinds of people to learn about their bicycle and maintaining it. A new portion of our programming is to include a specific time for members of the LGBTQ community to come into our space and become more empowered about bicycles. It will be staffed by LGBTQ and ally members of our volunteer group.

This new workshop-format event will take place every Third Wednesday of the month, from 6pm to 9pm.

Our Mission for this event is: To provide a safe inclusive space for those with a common interest in cycling, and to share skills through workshops and events.

Our Vision for this event is: To promote cycling among the LGBTQ community and to promote a sense of community among cyclists.

The first workshop will be on January 18, from 6pm to 9pm. This workshop will be on Preparing for winter: Taking care of your bike, and YOU the cyclist, during harsh winter conditions. Please join us!

Please note that during this time, the space is reserved for LGBTQ folks and will be closed to ordinary DIY participants.

1292 Bloor St. West

BikePirates.com

THIS IS SO SAD -A SAME-SEX relationship between two African penguins at a Canadian zoo is to be broken up by keepers who want them to breed.

 Pedro, 10, and Buddy, 20, have formed a close bond since their arrival at Toronto Zoo in May as part of a breeding program, the National Post reported.

"The two girls have been following them, we just have to get the boys interested in looking at them," Tom Mason, curator of birds and invertebrates at the zoo, said.

Mason said that if the penguins were not an endangered species the zoo would be happy to "let them do their thing".

Pedro and Buddy's separation will only last as long as they can inseminate their respective female partners -- while incubating eggs, the two may well be back "side by side."

Once breeding season is up, Pedro and Buddy will "probably" ditch their female partners and reunite, according to Bill Rapley, executive director for conservation, education and wildlife at the zoo.

UPDATE -

Polled as to whether the zoo was doing the right thing, nearly 34,000 TODAY.com readers responded – and an overwhelming majority of 83.4 percent said that the birds of a feather should stay together. “They are happy and healthy, leave them alone,” MemoryintheMachine commented. “They chose, we need to respect that!” jag24659 agreed.

Well, everyone can rest easy: The Toronto Zoo says the penguin pals will be reunited by spring 2012. “There will be a limited time of separation, but it will not be permanent,” Tom Mason, the zoo's curator of invertebrates and birds, told PinkNews.co.uk. “If Pedro and Buddy wish to get back together, they will be welcome to do so.”

Are you an HIV-negative gay or bisexual man?

Sometimes nervous in dating or sexual situations?

Ever drink alcohol or use drugs to take the edge off in social or sexual situations?

If you answered “yes” to these three questions, you may qualify for our research study that aims to help participants feel more comfortable in social and sexual situations.

WHAT YOU GAIN:
Free counselling sessions with a psychotherapist.
Financial compensation for your time.

WHAT WE GAIN:
A better understanding of the sexual health needs of gay and bisexual men to help us develop programs to serve you better.

If you are interested in participating in our study,
please contact Natalie at
416-979-5000 ext. 1-2179 or
email       sexualhealthlab  @    gmail.com

Study approved by Ryerson University Research Ethics Board.

I always feel like fall has officially
arrived when Nuit Blanche happens! 

For one sleepless night experience the city transformed by hundreds of artists for Toronto's sixth annual sunset-to-sunrise celebration of contemporary art.

Discover art in galleries, museums and unexpected places. From a streetcar, alleyways and storefronts to churches, ponds and parks, choose from more than 130 destinations and chart your own path.

One night only. All night long. Oct. 1,  6:59PM - Sunrise.

FOR 2011 - Discover more than 130 free and accessible contemporary art projects within three zones. Each zone features a mixture of Exhibition Projects and Independent Projects.

Some works encourage an intimate, evocative encounter with art, while others will wow you with large-scale interactive spectacle.

As a centrepiece to the event, the City of Toronto has produced a special project for 2011. Visit Toronto City Hall for Flightpath Toronto, a soaring installation by Usman Haque and Natalie Jeremijenko.

Originating in Paris, Toronto pays homage to its French roots by creating its own version of "Nuit Blanche." Translating to "White Night," Canada's largest city is transformed by more than 500 artists through 130 different projects. In it's 6th year, Nuit Blanche will welcome more than 1 million visitors--from dusk until dawn!

Drink Coffee  and  STAY UP!!

"What could be better than having fun and giving back at the same time?"-

that’s the idea behind T.G.I. SWAGGER 2011, taking place at Hotel Ocho on July 3, from 9pm. T.G.I. SWAGGER is being held in support of the NOH8 Campaign and Jer's Vision.

 

With Same-sex marriage and gays in the military remain on the political front burner, general education and anti-discrimination campaigns have recently drawn a wider audience. With the number of teen suicides that have occurred as of late, it is no wonder that so many have decided to stand up and pay attention. It is charities like NOH8 and Jer’s Vision that are ensuring that real progress occurs.

The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with "NOH8" painted on one cheek in protest. The NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 13,000 faces of politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more; and continues to grow at an exponential rate.

Jer's Vision is a world leader in anti-bullying and anti-discrimination programming. The organization is youth led and looks at diversity inclusively, (including homophobia, sexism, racism...) in parallel and through their intersections (ex. how sexism and racism affects a woman of color). Jer’s Vision runs programming all over Canada and the United States, working with over 75,000 people annually. Jer's Vision also is the proud leader of the International Day of Pink (DayOfPink.org), engaging millions of people in wearing pink and running programs that stand up to bullying.

Taking place on Sunday July 3rd 2011, the event is being held at Toronto's hottest new boutique hotel, Hotel Ocho, the event will feature a Black Carpet, tunes by internationally known DJs Designer Imposter (New York) and Betti Forde (Toronto), with the city’s favourite hosting duo Chrys & Kris. The event will also play host to a slew of special guests including actress Nicole Piña of The Lovers and Friends Show.

Guests will be treated to a completely unique experience with will include live nail art by guerrilla image squad, the |WÖR|iors, and the opportunity to purchase Pride themed items from event supporters like foodFIGHT, Girls Like Us, F! and more. The proceeds from the sale of each item going directly to the NoH8 Campaign. Custom cocktails and delicious hor d'oeuvres will round out this chic evening. The event will definitely be the perfect way to close Toronto Pride this year!

EVERYONE is up in arms this week over a cute, silly little video for Toronto Pride.

Tourism Toronto, in partnership with Pride Toronto, launched its P90X parody Pride Pump 2000x, filled with a mix of gays and lesbians  and the workouts are led by the dainty, over-sexed, workout-obsessed pretty boy.

In the video, instructor Brody wears skintight shorts to show off his glistening oil-rubbed skin, promoting a gym lifestyle centred on the fact that  many gay men and women want is “the best chest.” Amid “sparkle crunches,” a “disco break,” a  “bear” appearance and a lesbian who is grossed out by a penis (aren't most women??)  - I THINK IT'S CUTE AND FUNNY.

Stereotypes... exist for a reason people!

Where is your sense of humor?  Stereotypes exist because they sometimes are accurate. If there weren't enough true examples around, nobody could create a "stereotype" to begin with. The stereotype might not be true ALL the time, but it's true often enough to give it solid purchase in people's perceptions.

Do you not know a gym obsessed, weight obsessed, or  a fem guy?

So you at PRIDE.  With my shirt off!

WATCH THE PRIDE PUMP VIDEO

The militantly unapologetic and radically queer, survivor-centric TRIGGER Festival is provoking Toronto audiences for a third year this June 16^th, 17^th and 18^th with an incredible schedule of local, provincial, national and international professional artists.

TRIGGER hosts three incredible nights of film, theatre, performance, installation, music and discussion at The Steelworkers Hall and Raging Spoon reclaiming the notion of queer survival through art as activism and activism as art.

hosts three incredible nights of film, theatre, performance, installation, music and discussion at The Steelworkers Hall and Raging Spoon reclaiming the notion of queer survival through art as activism and activism as art.

Thursday, June 16^th opens TRIGGER with a film festival evening highlighting the inspirational new San Francisco films 50faggots by Randall Jenson and 4Play by Kyle Henry, the Australian short doc Every Ho I Know Says So and Vivek Shraya’s Seeking Single White Male featured at this year’s Inside Out.

On Friday, June 17^th TRIGGER opens the evening with Bait, a one woman play chronicling the 2010 Jamaican military incursion events written and performed by dub poet D-lishus, seen at Mayworks, Ladyfest, TRIGGER 2010. Toronto based dance crew Ill Nana and Mr. Rubber Toronto Mikiki perform alongside BC award winning artist Jody Franklin who founded MungBeing Magazine and The Misfit Library Literary Journal and has been featured on CBC Radio for his evocative art. African American Chicago based storyteller Ni’Ja Whitson who founded And What?! American hip hop group well known for her African Diaspora work with Columbia College, About Face Theatre and queer institution Andrew Harwood co-founder of TAAFI are showcased amongst an entire line up of powerful artists in the interactive performance extravaganza.

The final closing party takes place at Raging Spoon on Saturday June 18^th after a full day of workshops celebrating queer survival with Toronto Vogue troupe Kiki House of Pink Lady, Toronto/Montreal’s Yamantaka Sonic Titan band who recently premiered their no wave opera at Toronto Underground Cinema, soul tech trio LAL recently featured in Mayworks, NOW Magazine, World Performing Arts Festival in Pakistan and Dainty Smith Xtra! Writer, actor and professional burlesque performer.

TRIGGER FESTIVAL

BestGayToronto.com

Gay Pride Amsterdam is the yearly highlight for gay Amsterdam. This year the main Amsterdam Pride weekend will be  from August 4-7th, 2011.

Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest and most special gay prides around the globe! With street parties all weekend long, the best club circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade on Saturday.

Last year Amsterdam Gay Pride drew in a record amount of visitors. Some 500,000 people watched the Canal Parade, where a record 80 boats took part.

Our friends at Travel Leaders have negotiated amazing rates for an 8-day/6 night package  running from August 1-8th.





Roundtrip airfare from Boston (other departure gateways available, pricing upon request)
            6 nights hotel – city center near all attractions
            Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
            All taxes and surcharges
            Local escort from Travel Leaders to show you around
           The price is $1998.00 per person based on double occupancy.

This is an awesome way to experience Amsterdam and Pride! 
Call David for all of the details  1-800-942-1280  or  email him.

Join DAVE for an unforgettable 8-day/6-night getaway to exciting and beautiful AMSTERDAM, a city that is easy to get  around by bike, canal boat or on your own two feet! You will be impressed with its eclectic architecture, excellent museums,  mazes of canals, great shopping and its SERIOUS PARTY SCENE! The mix of people and cultures is like no other in Europe.

Come with me and be introduced to the unique history, PARTY SCENE and spirit of Amsterdam - from the historical city  center to the heart of the famous RED LIGHT DISTRICT to the many "COFFEE SHOPS" to the AMSTERDAM PRIDE  festivities - you will be amazed at its unique, laissez faire attitude. You won't be disappointed.

AUGUST 1 - BOSTON - AMSTERDAM: Depart Boston's Logan International Airport aboard your overnight, transatlantic
flight to Amsterdam with full meal and beverage service available. (other departure cities available).

AUGUST 2 - AMSTERDAM: Morning arrival at Schipol airport in Amsterdam where we board our private motor coach for
the drive into Amsterdam. We will check  in @ a deluxe hotel  the heart of Amsterdam.

AUGUST 3-7 - AMSTERDAM: Buffet breakfast is included at our hotel each day and all other meals are on your own. All days
are at leisure to explore Amsterdam. Dave can assist you in choice of activities. Enjoy the many Amsterdam PRIDE festivities
- throughout the city and the famous Canal Parade on Saturday, August 6. Thousands from around the world flock to
Amsterdam for the many parties, street festivals and other special events.

AUGUST 8 - AMSTERDAM-BOSTON: Buffet breakfast and hotel check-out. Transfer to the Amsterdam airport to board our
return flight to Boston with full meal and beverage service.

This is an awesome way to experience Amsterdam and Pride! 
Call David for all of the details  1-800-942-1280  or  email him.

Going Down in LA-LA Land 
premiered at this year’s Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in Miami as the coveted final night feature this week. And got RAVE REVIEWS!

 It will  show  in TORONTO May 22nd, and Casper will be in town for the screening!

Going Down in LA-LA Land
TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 1
Sunday May 22 | 9:15pm

 Based on the novel penned by Andy Zeffer, this film explores the ups and down, and trials and tribulations of trying to make it in Hollywood. What would you do to survive and achieve your ultimate dream? 

Directed by Casper Andreas, the film stars Matthew Ludwinski as “Adam,” a Hollywood newbie looking to get his start in the world of lights—camera—action.

Adam is a recent transplant from New York City who has arrived in Los Angeles to make it big as an actor. Unfortunately, he shares his dream with thousands of other out-of-work actors, and when he lands a job as a production assistant at a porn company he is initially adamant that he is going to stay behind the scenes. It isn't long, however, before the lure of extra cash sees Adam stepping in front of the camera and eventually turning to escorting.

We recently caught up with Matthew to talk about his starring role, the steamy sex scenes and working with Casper Andreas. 


"I know what it's like to feel objectified.  I know what it's like to feel used.  I know what it's like to feel desperate.  And every actor has thought at some point about the casting couch, and has had the thought, "I wonder if it is possible to sleep my way to the top?" 

"But really his whole journey from arriving to Hollywood bright and excited to the process of his disillusionment—I’ve experienced all of that.  I think most actors have."

When asked -  What was it like working with director Casper Andreas?

"Casper and I were already friendly from working together on his film, "Between Love & Goodbye  ," a few years ago.  I knew we liked each other and would get along.  We became good friends working on this movie.  It made coming to work everyday a blast!  I also came to ADORE the two other leads, Allison Lane and Michael Medico.  Working with people you like is such a joy.  I couldn't wait to start each day."

  Casper Andreas has done several popular films.

Including Slutty Summer  and A Four Letter Word  -
both of which starred the adorable  JESSE  ARCHER!



Check out their
Facebook Page and keep up on all of the news and interviews!


Watch for this film to come to your town!
We'll be covering it all this summer!
It is the #1  Must See Gay Film of the year!
(it's in Boston this weekend!)






BUY THE BOOK!
         Casper's  latest  DVD   ...... 

The invaluable unpredictability
of Gregg Araki’s urgent and
indispensable cinema arrives at 
TIFF Bell Lightbox this Spring.

Still one of the most unconventional and relentlessly intriguing voices in independent cinema, Araki’s oeuvre intertwines themes of tragic romantic love and alienated youth set against the backdrop of post-punk anthems, hyper-stylized Valley Girl vocabulary and eye-popping art direction.
 
His radical explorations of sexuality as mutable and unpredictable continue to push boundaries throughout his tenth feature, Kaboom, one of the unquestionable hits of last year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The film will have its theatrical release at TIFF Bell Lightbox on April 8 and launches a full retrospective of his films which includes his debut feature, the Warhol-inflected Three Bewildered People in the Night (1987); the celebrated abuse drama Mysterious Skin (2004), featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt; Splendor (1999), a screwball comedy that uniquely meshes the worlds  of Preston Sturges and Jean-Luc Godard; Smiley Face (2007), his beloved slap-happy stoner comedy; Totally F***ed Up (1993), an expedition into the melancholic teenage wasteland of the ’90s; and Nowhere (1997), the Araki-described ‘Beverly Hills 90210 on acid’ starring Shannen Doherty, Rose McGowan, Ryan Phillippe, Heather Graham, Mena Suvari and Christina Applegate.

Gregg Araki will also join TIFF Bell Lightbox Artistic Director Noah Cowan on April 9, 2011 for an in-depth look at his career – from his scrappy beginnings to his current status as one of the recognized pioneers of American independent cinema.

KABOOM! 

Kaboom kicks off the movie week on April 8th.  Gregg Araki returns with a giddy vengeance with his wild new comedy, which shoves a typically Arakian crew of frequently stoned, sexually fluid San Fernando Valley dwellers up against portents of conspiracy and apocalypse. When a sweetnatured, bisexual punk-waif and his tart-tongued lesbian pal arrive for their freshman year at a southern California college, they embark on a lively round of experimentation with sex and substances.

However, their frolics take on a more ominous cast when dream visions, mysterious messages and threatening figures in animal masks seem to foreshadow dark times on the horizon. Unapologetically libidinous and hilarious, Kaboom s perhaps the first great paranoiac-dystopian sex comedy in the history of cinema.

Details, showtimes and tickets online!

HERE WE GO AGAIN.

You may recall all of the drama last summer when  Pride Toronto's leadership abdicated its responsibility as organizers of the city's gay pride festivities by allowing a controversial group called Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA) to march in the annual parade.

Outraged pro-Israel and anti-discrimination groups, as well as city politicians, pressured Pride Toronto to reverse its decision, which it did, before flip-flopping at the last minute and allowing QuAIA to march.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he will withhold more than $100,000 in city funding to the annual gay pride parade if an anti-Israel group again is allowed to participate.

Ford, who was elected on a right-wing, waste-slashing agenda last November, told the Canadian Jewish News last week that he will cut funding to the annual Pride Toronto event if Queers Against Israeli Apartheid is allowed to participate in this summer's parade.

"Taxpayers dollars should not go toward funding hate speech," Ford told the weekly, repeating a pledge he made while campaigning for the mayor's post.

Pride Toronto received $123,807 from the city last year.

Writer Terry Levine says, " One can legitimately oppose Israel's occupation of the West Bank -- I do and have done so vocally -- but for purported gay activists to be so blinded by their pro-Palestinian views that they, to paraphrase the quote above, bark at the finger of gay-friendly Israel while overlooking the glaring moon of Arab and Muslim intolerance toward gays is ridiculous.

If QuAIA members want to protest in front of the Israeli embassy or board the next flotilla to Gaza, they're welcome to. But to spray their venom at an event that celebrates gay pride and the struggle for gay rights is obscene."

A Valentine's Day Flash Mob featuring 20 kissing couples hoping to spread some love by surprising unsuspecting shoppers and vendors at a Toronto, Canada market is the newest YouTube Sensation, and is also creating quite the controversy! The video is touching and moving, and to some, perhaps shocking?

The Valentine’s Day Kissing Flash Mob showcases people from all walks of life kissing at a Toronto market. As you will see in the video, one of the vendors at the market was quite distraught at such a public display of love and affection.

The video was the brainchild of the independent Canadian band Lazybones  in the hopes of spreading some love across the world on Valentine’s Day and beyond.   It's a nice attempt.  Not the best flash mob project we have seen, but cute.

"We wanted  the song to be the perfect sweet love song. But we wanted it to have tension. So we made a song that sounds perfectly sweet at first, but secretly critiques the very notion of romantic love that many of us are obsessed with, and what it costs to get it. We wanted to celebrate love, but make it clear that love is everywhere, in multiple forms - many of these significantly different than the form we have delivered to us thousands of times a year in Disney fairy-tales, romantic comedies, and sitcoms. We wanted to point out the ways in which love is purchased by wealth, and even by forced clichés that evoke a Pavlovian response of conditioned romanticism. But we wanted to also point out that love is real, pure, and beautiful despite these tensions. With the help of some amazing musicians, including guest vocals from Jill Barber, I felt like we had accomplished that. In fact, we were so excited about this little song that we wanted to release it as a single - not as part of a record."

WATCH THE VALENTINES  VIDEO

HELP WANTED! 

Pride is just around the corner!  This year Pride week runs June 24 to July 3. Pride Week in Toronto is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest festival in Canada!

Pride Toronto (PT) is now accepting applications for entertainers for the 31st annual festival, says DJ TK, planning coordinator for PT.

TK says he’s looking for performers in every style and genre, so DJs, musicians, drag kings and queens, dancers, comedians, community groups, theatrical troupes and performance artists, get ready to impress.

“I want to see applications in every discipline you can think of,” TK says. “This year we really want to program a lot of local artists and showcase Toronto performers.

“Especially for the local performers; we really try and get out and see the local acts perform in Toronto.”

DJ TK, planning coordinator for Pride Toronto.(From DJ TK)

The application process is open now   and the deadline for submissions is Feb 4.

Past performers include Cyndi Lauper, Kelly Rowland, Deborah Cox, Mel C, Esthero, Islands, Lesbians on Ecstasy, RuPaul, Divine Brown, Jully Black, Thelma Houston, Indigo Girls, Uh Huh Her, Dragonette, The Cliks, Kinnie Star, Carole Pope, Sandra Bernhard and Crystal Waters, to name a few. Headlining acts for 2011 have not yet been finalized.

PT performers will be included in the official Pride Guide, will be featured on the PT website and will get coverage through Toronto media partners, TK says.

To get involved, go to www.pridetoronto.com/festival/arts-entertainment-2011/ to fill out an application. Include a photo, a demo tape or YouTube video, and other support materials. More information is available on the PT Facebook group .

People come to Toronto for the world class attractions, the shopping, the nightlife, the cultural events and the restaurants!

What better way to experience Toronto restaurants, than WINTERLICIOUS!


Toronto's favourite winter gastronomic celebration again offers TWO popular programs for you to savour. Discover new favourite restaurants by sampling mouth watering three-course prix fixe menus at 150 of Toronto's top restaurants. Food gurus will want to explore the culinary event series of 14 unique foodie experiences featuring diverse cuisine and notable chefs.

Prix Fixe reservations will be accepted starting January 13, 2011

*Insider tip....sign up for Groupon Daily Deals too, in Toronto!

Opera Atelier
holds a unique place in the North American theatre community, producing opera, ballet and drama from the 17th and 18th centuries. These productions draw upon the aesthetics and ideals of the period, featuring soloists of international acclaim, period ballet, original instruments, elaborate stage decor, exquisite costumes and an imaginative energy that sets Opera Atelier apart.

Opera Atelier is pleased to offer members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and their allies 2-for-1 tickets to see Acis and Galatea  this fall.

Join us for the opening of our 25th Anniversary
Season and bring a friend on us!

Showtimes
Tues. Nov. 2  7:30 p.m.  and  Wed. Nov. 3  7:30 p.m.

Regular Single Ticket Prices
Section B: $101.00   Section C: $67.00


How to Purchase?
Buy online at ticketmaster.ca with the code: NYMPH
or call Ticketmaster at (416) 872-5555. *

Where to go?
Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge Street
(North of Queen St. East, across from the Eaton Centre)


Best Gay Toronto

Broadway triple threat ,
New York hottie Nick Adams will star as the ABBA-obsessed Adam/Felicia in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical.

The glittery Academy Award–winning 1994 film, starred Guy Pearce as Adam/Felicia.

Priscilla. The Musical premiered in Sydney in 2006 and became the most successful Australian musical of all time. The show, which has also received acclaim in a production in London’s West End, will make its North American debut in Toronto in October, followed by a Broadway premiere next spring.

The spectacular new stage musical will begin performances at The Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto for a twelve-week only, pre-Broadway engagement beginning October 12, 2010 and officially opening on October 26.


Currently appearing in the Tony Award^® winning revival of La Cage Aux Folles as one of the “Cagelles,” Adams has also appeared on Broadway in the recent productions of A Chorus Line, Chicago, Guys and Dolls and The Pirate Queen.



We
  Love
    You
         Nick!

Best Gay Toronto
Best Gay New York

During  this years  30th anniversary Toronto Pride Parade, how would you like to get married  on a float as the parade takes place in front of 1.3 million people?!

Submissions are  now being accepted from couples in the U.S. and Canada who would be interested in taking part in this special day.
 
"Canada is reaching its 5th anniversary of nationally recognized same-sex marriage, and we want to show our solidarity and support for the gay community and equal marriage rights.
 
All travel, accommodation, marriage licence, officiant, and rehearsal costs will be covered by the event sponsor, ManCrunch.com . In addition, there will be a reception after the parade.
 
We welcome any and all couples to visit Man Crunch  to submit their stories. We are also open to re-marriages of couples who are already married or second, symbolic ceremonies."

Tapestry new opera works  celebrate their second partnership with Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, to present the world premiere of Dark Star Requiem, a dramatic oratorio from poet Jill Battson and composer Andrew Staniland, during the opening weekend of the 2010 Festival. - Which is this weekend!

Dark Star Requiem explores the 25-year history of the AIDS pandemic with astonishing power and hope. Shining a light on those affected by the fear, confusion and devastation that AIDS has wrought, this world premiere features four outstanding soloists and two percussionists alongside two of Canada’s premiere ensembles: the Elmer Iseler Singers and the Gryphon Trio. The four soloists have impressive talent and represent our national, cultural diversity: Neema Bickersteth (soprano), Krisztina Szabó (mezzo soprano), Peter McGillivray (baritone) and Marcus Nance (bass-baritone).

 

Tapestry Managing Artistic Director Wayne Strongman says: "We are so proud to be producing this important and beautiful new work, with such a brilliant array of artists. The creative team, the performers, and the producers have that rare synergy that comes when a work of such integrity is on the line. For a company like Tapestry, which places collaboration at the top of its mandate, the ongoing partnership with Luminato has also deepened our relationship in our own community as well as abroad. It is a wonderful meeting of creative spirits!"

The world premiere of Dark Star Requiem is commissioned by Luminato, with additional support from the Ontario Arts Council, and co-produced by Tapestry new opera works and Luminato.

Dark Star Requiem

premieres June 11 and 12, 2010 at 8pm during the opening weekend of Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity.

Presented in Toronto’s breathtakingly beautiful new Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Dark Star Requiem will be shown on Friday and Saturday night and is sure to garner public and artistic accolades for its power, poetry and poignancy.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

Friday, June 11 – Saturday, June 12, at 8 PM
at Koerner Hall in the Royal Conservatory of Music, 273 Bloor Street West

TICKETS     

$30 – 50

 

For more information, visit Luminato

 

Tickets through all Ticketmaster outlets call 416-872-1111 or visit TicketMaster

 

 

.


Best of Gay Toronto

 

 

Applications for the
Pride Parade 2010
are now open.

Applications close 4 June 2010.

Pride Toronto , as the organizer of the Pride Parade, encourages everyone to have an open, tolerant and supportive attitude. This year our theme is about "Celebrating 30 years of Pride in Toronto"; all participants are encouraged to incorporate this theme into their messaging, to be supportive of the celebration of Pride, and the queer community as a whole.

After all, the parade is not only about Pride in your community, but celebrating diversity and the variety of life in Toronto while respecting subtle differences amongst its citizens and visitors, and creating an inclusive experience for all.

Pride Toronto encourages participation by all groups, be they community groups, businesses or organizations.

This year, Pride Toronto celebrates 30 years, while reflecting on the past, and building for a future. Tell us your stories through Art Direction, Costume Design, Choreography, (Sound/Music) Mix and Special Effects. Go glitz & glam. Be colourful and creative. Go big. And have fun.

Prism 2010 , North America's largest circuit party, partners with Pride Toronto to present for the first time ever, "Aqua Pride" on a Pride Toronto stage. AQUA PRIDE 2010 is a water-themed daytime event featuring Michael Viera, Isaac Escalante and Brazilian sweetheart, Ana Paula. Come, get wet and have fun!

"We're very excited to be working with Prism Toronto to bring Aqua Pride to the Pride Toronto site. They work year round to contribute culturally to the city and have consistently supported local talent over the years. This is a very natural progression for us both", says Pride Toronto's Arts & Entertainment Manager, Mary Zondanos.

"Be prepared for the biggest party of the weekend as we transform the TD Wellesley Stage, into the most glamorous and wettest Aqua party yet," says Gairy Brown, Executive Director of Prism Toronto.

Single event tickets and weekend passes are on-sale now exclusively at PRIAPE   or through Priape retail locations in Toronto and Montreal. Call PRIAPE at 1-800-461-6969 for more details or for a store near you.

Cyndi Lauper Headlines Pride Toronto's 30th Anniversary Festival

Cyndi Lauper Headlines Pride Toronto's 30th Anniversary Festival

 

Cyndi Lauper, one of the world's most recognized Queer icons, comes to Toronto on Saturday, July 3 2010 for a FREE concert in Queen's Park.

An unwavering advocate for LGBTTIQQ2SA* rights, Cyndi Lauper established herself as a household name with the 1983 single "Girls Just Want To Have Fun", kicking off a long career which includes more than 25 million in record sales and nominations for 13 Grammy awards, 2 Emmy awards, 2 American Music Awards, 7 American Video Awards and 18 MTV awards.

"It's an honor to always have the genuine affection of the gay community," Cyndi says. "They have never turned their back on me and I will never turn my back on them. We've had a long and enduring love affair."

The Grammy award-winning singer and Emmy award-winning actress is currently working on her newest studio album scheduled for release in June. Lauper is also featured on the new "Celebrity Apprentice" edition on NBC starting March 14 and later this year launches her own reality show.

Lauper's performance during Pride Week will be part of a full program of entertainment and activities in Queen's Park; the newest addition to the ever-expanding Pride Week site which includes eight stages over more than 22 city blocks and an attendance of more than one million. Plans for the new Queen's Park site include a beverage garden and more Pride Week Streetfair exhibitors.

"We are happy that Cyndi and her incredible team worked with us to make this happen" said Mary Zondanos, Arts & Entertainment Manager for Pride Toronto. "Her work both as a performer and an activist is an inspiration to us all. There will be tears, and I'm sure some will be mine."

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