This summer, only one queen will reign supreme!  On Sunday, June 21, the makers of Stride* – The Ridiculously Long Lasting Gum* – will host a contest to select Miss Stride; a drag queen who will dance a ridiculously long time on top of the Stride* Gum Uber Bubble* float at this year’s Pride Parade in Toronto.

The float celebrates the launch of Stride gum’s newest flavour, Uber Bubble – a ridiculously pink gum that delivers on fun and a classic bubble gum flavour. 
 
The excitement kicks off at Woody’s, Toronto’s unofficial Pride Week headquarters, on June 21; fittingly, the longest day of the year.  A bevy of top drag queens will strut their stuff, dressed in uber pink, in an all-out showdown in front of a panel of judges.

The winner will be crowned Miss Stride, win a $1,000 cash prize and the ultimate opportunity to dance the entire Pride Parade route on top of the fabulous Stride Gum Uber Bubble float. We will also provide the Miss Stride winner with the opportunity to collaborate with Canadian fashion designer, Farley Chatto, on an uber fierce outfit to wear on her journey down the Parade route. 


 
No purchase is necessary to enter. The contest is free** and spectators will receive free samples of new Stride Uber Bubble.

The Best of Gay Toronto

        

Pride Week is one of the largest Pride's in the world  (OVER 1 MILLION  PEOPLE!)  and Pride Toronto is proud to present a multitude of diverse Official Pride Week Events produced by our partner organizations during the entire month of June 2009.

Official Pride Week Events are produced by our partner organizations and also are formal part of Pride Week on June 19 - 28, 2009.

"Can't Stop, Won't Stop is the most important element for our fearless unstoppable partner organizations that create the most vibrant cultural diversity of Official Pride Week Events in our LGBTTIQQ2S communities are taking place with the spirit of Pride during the Festival" said Frank Folino, Official Pride Week Events Coordinator.

Pride Week  Events:

• Pride Week 2009 Official Launch Party: Friday, June 19th, 2009
• The Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall: Monday, June 22nd, 2009
• Global Human Rights for Queers: Film Screening : Monday, June 22rd, 2009
• Pride Gala & Awards Dinner: Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

                                 

• The Community Fair & Marketplace: Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th, 2009
• Eight live Entertainment Stages over three days - Friday, June 26th to Sunday, June 28th, 2009
• Family Pride: Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th, 2009
• The Dyke March: Saturday, June 27th, 2009

 

• The spectacular Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28th, 2009
  
  

VISIT PRIDE TORONTO for a complete list of events, times and more!

The Parade will  be broadcast LIVE for the first time on CP24!


The Best of Gay Toronto!

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Celebrate PRIDE with....
 Corktown's Queens of Comedy!

 

"Can't Stop Laughing,
            Won't Stop Laughing..."

 

It's Pride's biggest comedy party on Thursday June 25th, live from the historic Alumnae Theatre in the heart of Corktown (just 5 minutes from The Village).

Your host, Proud FM personality Richard "Big Dick" Ryder. And featuring John Hastings, Ian Lynch, Ted Morris, "Mother of the Pride" Shelley Marshall and Special Guest the "fantabulous" Debra DiGiovanni!

Plus, pre-show lounge warm-up grooves with Caballero. Lounge/lobby opens at 8pm, show to follow at 9pm.

Location: The Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley St., at Adelaide

TICKETS ONLINE



The Best of Gay Toronto

        

Gay Beach Summer Season
is just weeks away!


and if you want something NO ONE ELSE has yet, this hot new line from Barcelona is what you need! 

ES COLLECTION

Previously only available in Spain, it is spreading worldwide this year, but still in limited quantities.

Now going into its fourth  year of production they will be unveiling the 2010  underwear collection this fall in the US. I just got back from Barcelona and bought a couple of the swimsuits from the 2009 collection - VERY HOT! Clean lines, fresh styles, bold color combinations and amazing fit!

This swimwear and underwear for men, is honestly some of the hottest styles we have seen with PERFECT construction and craftsmanship. Made in Barcelona, "ES tries to be unique, different and fresh in a market that is fast and more brands are joining this fast market every day. Made in Barcelona with the best fabrics that we can get from the EU market but still we can be competitive with any other brand out there on quality, price,design and delivery."


     
                      

Their designs have a wonderful cut to them, accenting your body perfectly!  I purchased some of  their men’s underwear and men’s swimwear, and they fit comfortable and like a glove!  Many of the swimsuits  features the "Pack Up" system which can easily be removed if aren’t in the mood for extra padding however is perfect for giving you that perfect "beach bulge" if you want it! It does not make your package look HUGE or anything. But it just accentuates your own package nicely and provides a wonderful  smooth fit.


One of the great things about ES Collection Swimwear is the high quality of craftsmanship.  With extras like the metal grommet holes and the plastic tips on the drawstring you’ll never have to "fish" out the drawstring. They also use high quality zippers, rubber logos, and just overall high quality finishing.

Word of advice  - As for sizing, I would suggest, if ordering from the US/Canada, order 1 size larger than usual. Both my partner and I are 32-33" waist, and would normally buy  Medium - but  their Large fits perfect.  I always find European clothes run smaller than most US brands are labeled.  If you are used to European sizes, these run true.

And who doesn't love a  SALE!  Each collection features "X" number of pieces in so many sizes. Each year when the new collection is launched, anything that did not sell from the previous collection, is marked down! So when you visit their website ES COLLECTION, make sure you check out the SALE OUTLET.

MUST SEE - VIDEO of the NEWEST ES STYLES and all of their HOT models!


If you are visiting Barcelona, stop by their main store and see the entire collection on display.
Consell de Cent, 218  and right around the corner is ES4U, the outlet store at Casanova, 56!

They also have a shop at 35007 Las Palmas de G.C., Carnary Islands and soon will  have stores in Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid!
And of course, you can order  worldwide via their ES COLLECTION site!


The New Gay Travel Guides  and  Best Gay Cities


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SNAP!

is surfacing as one of the country’s preeminent photography based auction events that continues to grow year after year.

The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) is proud to announce the 8th annual SNAP! Photo Competition and Silent Auction.


Event night is Sunday March 1st, 2009

Back by popular demand, SNAP!09 will again be held at the National Ballet School (400 Jarvis Street)
2009 Honorary Chair – Glen Baxter, Fashion Television

5:00pm: VIP Cocktail Reception      6:00pm: Doors Open

• Cocktail Reception
• Art Preview
• Auction Registration
• Silent Auction Opens
• Cash Bar

7:30pm: Live Auction begins         Entertainment provided by DJ Sumation

More  Details  @  SNAP


The  Best of Gay Toronto

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InterACTion is an anonymous community blog. 

Each month they offer up a new "hot button" topic for discussion. 

What do you think? Share your thoughts. Add your views.  Read what others think.  No registration required.  

    This months topic of discussion -

The HIV Stigma campaign  began 3 months ago to challenge mainly gay and bi men's prejudices and attitudes towards those who are poz. The issue is especially important to consider now given the attempts at criminalizing HIV transmission and exposure. Does disclosure matter if you're having safe sex?  


InterACTion is a program of Gay Men's Outreach at the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

InterACTion is generously hosted by GayGuideToronto.com



The Best of Gay Toronto

        

 

 
FEBRUARY 2009 ...
CANADA'S PREMIERE
NEW WORKS FESTIVAL TURNS 30!

Buddies' announces a stellar line-up for the 2009 Rhubarb Festival of new works. For 30 years The Rhubarb Festival has offered Toronto artists a critic-free environment to experiment with contemporary theatrical explorations. Rhubarb encourages established artists to take new risks and emerging artists to explore the medium of performance creation in an inspired, encouraging space.

Buddies In Bad Times Theatre presents an exciting line-up of new, original, contemporary theatre, performance and dance for our 30th Rhubarb Festival. This year's festival kicks-off with a special feature presentation of acclaimed New York performer Taylor Mac in The Be(a)st of Taylor Mac as part of his cross-Canada tour.

One Performer -- Taylor Mac.  No set but lots of costumes and a giant suitcase. 

This show has played over 40 theatres around the world including the Sydney Opera House, London's  SoHo  Theatre  and Stockholm's Sodra  Teaturn.

A flamboyant chameleon of words, music, and sociopolitical tirades, visual and vocal phenomenon Mac employs gender-bending surrealism to explore the human condition and challenge the contemporary culture of fear.  Obie Award-winner David Drake (The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me) directs. A MUST SEE!


The 2009 line-up features a host of brave new offerings from by Toronto's hottest indie artists such as Lex Vaughn, Jenn Goodwin, Erin Sheilds, Meav Beaty, Andrea Donaldson, Amos Latteire, Chad Dembski, Alex Wolfson, Susie Burpee, Michael Rubenfeld, Catherine Hernandez, Alistair Newton and Halifax's Secret Theatre. Buddies is also proud to bring you a special presentation of Public Recordings' internationally acclaimed /Dance/Songs/.

Canada's oldest and largest new works festival is famous for playing fabulous host to the most outrageous acts you'll catch all year round. This year's line-up features one-of-a-kind performances you won't see on any other stage!

"We've got comedy, theatre, contemporary dance, drag, performance art and rock 'n' roll all under one roof. Once you're in the door you're in for a wild ride.

Evening Passes are available for a lean $17, and that gets you in to the shows of your choice that night. $25 gets you a Week Pass so you can come and go, take your time and catch every show at your own pace.

A limited number of Festival Passes are available for a mere $60. Our Festival Pass gives you unlimited access to any performance on any night and comes with a copy of Rhubarb-o-Rama, edited by Franco Boni and featuring rare short plays by artists of Rhubarbs past such as Jacob Wren, Darren O'Donnell, Moynan King, Daniel MacIvor and more."


Please support theatre in Toronto, during these hard times.  Shows are  being forced to close due to lack of funding. We must keep the arts  alive!

Feb 4 - 22, 2009
Buddies In Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander Street, Toronto ON
Box Office 416-975-8555


The Best of Gay Toronto and the New Gay Travel Guides

 

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Mr. Leatherman Toronto (MLT) once again hosts one of North America’s largest and most acclaimed leather celebrations, November 27-30 (the last weekend in November, and American Thanksgiving weekend).

Four days of official events, including meet-and-greets, dinners, brunches, leather market, Bootblack Toronto Contest, and much more, climax at the Mr Leatherman Toronto Competition 2009 & Victory Ball on Saturday night.

The Mr Leatherman Toronto Competition 2009 & Victory Ball is based in the Toronto Gay Village, and all events are for the first time in years within a walking distance. Neighbourhood venues will be teeming with leather and fetish activities, including new parties and sessions.



“One of the largest, wildest, and most euphoric leather celebrations anywhere in North America” - Fab Magazine








“A spectacular show … One of the most butch-elegant amongst many high-quality productions” - Mr. Marcus, Bay Area Reporter



VISIT THE MLT site for all the official dates, times and events this weekend!




The Best of Gay Toronto and the New Gay Travel Guide

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Move over Martha: former Designer Guys Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman  took up residence on Canada's national station, CBC, with a fresh new daytime talk show in 2008.  And they are a HIT!  Think Queer Eye meets Oprah.

Toted as a "lifestyles" show, Steven and Chris tackle pertinent issues of the day such as entertaining, cooking, fashion, health, and their specialty, home decor.  SO GAY! 

The bickering boys also interview a slew of celebrity guests, who usually  have to fight to get a word in edgewise amidst the hosts' constant (and entertaining) cattiness.


See Steven and Chris on YouTube!


The Best of Gay Toronto  and the New Gay Travel Guide

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With a permanent collection of more than 68,000 works of art spanning more than 1000 years, the Art Gallery of Ontario is among the most distinguished art museums in North America.
 
In 2002, the Gallery began an extraordinary chapter in its 108-year history when it launched the Transformation AGO expansion project, scheduled to re-open to the public on November 14, 2008. Multi-faceted in scope, Transformation AGO involves the unprecedented growth of the permanent collection, an innovative architectural expansion by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, and the strengthening of the museum’s endowment resources.

On Friday, November 14, the fully-transformed Art Gallery of Ontario will open to the public with three days of free admission.

• Friday, November 14, 4:00 pm-midnight, Free Access to all Visitors
• Saturday, November 15, 10:00 am – midnight, Free Access to all Visitors
• Sunday, November 16, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm, Free Access to all Visitors

Transformation AGO is creating the imaginative centre of the city.

Transformation AGO is creating a place where the power of great art is lived and celebrated, a place that will become an international cultural landmark.


The Best of Gay Toronto  and the New Gay Travel Guide

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FASHION CARES is an annual gala in support of the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT). 

Halloween has never looked so good! ACT is back with a decidedly spooky theme. Part Hitchcock, part Haute Couture and a marvellous excuse to dress up and show you care.


Saturday, November 1, 2008.

Featuring performances by Dame Shirley Bassey, Kreesha Turner, Katy Perry and others.



Gala and General Admission tickets on sale now!



The Best of Gay Toronto and the New Gay Travel Guide

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National Coming Out Day is an internationally-observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. It is observed on October 11 by members of the LGBT communities and their supporters.

The day was founded by Dr. Robert Eichberg and Jean O'Leary in 1988, in celebration of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights one year earlier, in which 500,000 people marched on Washington, DC,  for gay and lesbian equality.

National Coming Out Day events are aimed at raising awareness of the LGBT community among the general populace in an effort to give a familiar face to the LGBT rights movement.



Despite its name, National Coming Out Day (so called because it originated as an event in the United States) is in fact observed in many countries, including Switzerland, Germany Canada and the United Kingdom. As of 2008 The Netherlands also has Coming Out Day on 10-11.


HRC RESOURCE GUIDES FOR COMING OUT


COMING OUT ON YOU TUBE


2008 LIST OF COMING OUT EVENTS AROUND THE US  Find out what's going on in your area!

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WELCOME TO THE BEST OF GAY TORONTO!

We have officially launched! And we'll be filling this site with lots of new information over the coming weeks!

 Toronto is a thriving Mecca for Canadian gays and International tourists.
The Gay Village, galleries, theatres, nightclubs, gay marriage and more!

Let us be your guide to everything gay and gay-friendly in Toronto and also show you some things off the beaten path, that only the locals know about!

We’ll be covering it all!   THE BEST OF GAY  TORONTO!



For advertising information and SEO perks for your business, contact us today!

Michael Snell and  Derrick  Sorles   (773) 878-5323       or  e-mail us!

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It's sad when a great gay party vanishes...

such is the case with FOLSOM FAIR NORTH TORONTO.

The Toronto version of  San Francisco's Folsom Street Fair was dubbed Folsom North, FFN , and ran for 6 years every July, but earlier this year, it was announced they would not produce an event for 2008.


"After a lot of thought and serious discussion we have decided not to produce a 6th version of FFN this July.

This was a hard decision, as we all love creating the party in Allan Gardens!

The time we have to devote to producing an event of this scale is limited this year.

Rather than scale back the event we have chosen to take this year off.

We thank you all for your support and ask that you join our mailing list.


We will keep you up to date with all the current news about FFN!"


Stop by the Folsom Fair North site 
to be on the mailing list for future updates.







The Best of  Gay Toronto  and the New Gay Travel Guide

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Well known to nudists in Canada, Hanlan's Point Beach is situated  on Hanlan's Point near Toronto, on the shore of Lake Ontario. Part of the beach was officially recognized by the city in 2002 as being clothing optional. For those who don't care for nudity, there is a wide adjacent stretch of beach where bathing attire is required.

Hanlan's Beach can be reached most directly by taking the Hanlan's Point ferry at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay. The ferry cost is currently $6.50 CAD per adult for a return trip and the schedule varies depending on the day of the week and season. After the fifteen-minute trip, it is necessary to walk or cycle another ten or fifteen minutes along a paved path. The beach is shielded from the path by a stand of natural brush and trees. There are designated wooden walkways through this natural area to ensure that foot traffic does not degrade it. Aside from the cost of the ferry there is no admission fee.


Toronto Island is a must see and it is basically free, an oasis in the middle of the city. The island is a like a large peaceful park with beaches (there's the nude beach, gay beach as well as regular beaches), rollerblading, biking and walking paths, and even an amusement park and free petting zoo for children.

The Best of Gay Toronto  and the New Gay Travel Guide

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June is  GAY PRIDE month around the world!

It is traditionally celebrated the last Sunday of June, in most cities. Pride celebrations stemmed from the Stonewall Riots in New York City.

The Stonewall Riots were a series of violent conflicts between LGBT people and New York City police officers that began during a 28 June 1969 police raid, and lasted several days. They were centered at the Stonewall Inn and are widely recognized as the catalyst for the modern-day movement towards LGBT rights.

Gay pride or LGBT pride refers to a world wide movement and philosophy asserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Heterosexual people have sometimes asked me, "Why do you have to have a  pride day? Why are you so proud? We don't have  straight pride day?" - It's about not feeling ashamed of who we are. It's about showing people our numbers, that we are in fact EVERYWHERE. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Gay pride is about appreciating yourself and other members of our community for being different. GAY PRIDE means accepting yourself and celebrating who you are.


     

Gay pride advocates work for equal "rights and benefits" for LGBT people.  The movement has three main premises:
 
 - that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity,
 
 - that sexual diversity is a gift,

 - and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.

Someone at Cedar Rapids Pride said, "Often the hardest person to come out to is yourself.  GAY PRIDE doesn't just happen. It is hard work to overcome the profound effects of abusive religion and cultural abandonment that afflict all minorities. Self-esteem is the greatest achievement that you can reach in life. Your sense of self-worth is so valuable, that you work hard all of your life to find and express it. To reach your goal of self-esteem and happiness requires knowledge and positive experience."

Jed Ryan from Lick The Web says, "So, what is "Gay Pride?" It may not be so important that we find a universal definition. What's more important is that all of us feel positively and lovingly about being who we are-- in our case, definitely including but not limited to being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered-- at least for one moment in our lives and hopefully more. And that can be in June or any other month, at the Parade or any other location, or whether you're 17 or 70. Ultimately, the real and most important meaning of "pride" is in within each one of us."

Marches celebrating Pride (pride parades) are celebrated worldwide, and every year, the number of gay people and their supporters grows bigger and bigger! We're here, we're queer, you'd better get used to it!


Michael  Snell
New Gay Travel Guide

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JUST WEEKS  AWAY!     WILL YOU BE THERE????

A week long of Pride - June 20-29th, 2008!

GAY PRIDE TORONTO

Pride Toronto has been in existence in various forms since the late 1970's and annually since 1981. Over the years, what began as a statement on the existence of lesbians and gays, has evolved into an inclusive and award winning arts and cultural festival.

Today, Pride Week in Toronto is one of Canada's premier arts and cultural festivals recognized as a "Signature Event" by the City of Toronto, and is one of the largest Prides in the world. An integral part of Canada’s history as an open and diverse society, Pride Week in Toronto is a one-of-a-kind event featuring ten days of dynamic arts and culture, community activities and fabulousness.

If you have never been, Toronto Pride is A MUST!

Daytime events, nighttime events with Prism Toronto,  live perfomances and much much more. Over 1,000,000  celebrate pride day in this gay friendly city.


Pride Week features 10 days of world class arts and cultural programming, community activities, one of the world's largest street festivals, Pride Parade and Dyke March, Family programming, and much more.

VISIT PRIDE TORONTO for complete details and schedules!




The Best of Gay Toronto!

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When Woofstock launched in 2003, the Toronto Star called it “the summer of canine love”.  What else can you call 140,000 dog lovers and their four-footed friends coming together each year for this wildly popular doggie love-in!

Woofstock is the largest outdoor festival for dogs in all of North America. Last year it was beamed around the world on CNN for the entire weekend. (There is also a smaller Woofstock in California)

Quirky and fun, Woofstock is a free admission non-stop party that takes place at the  hip, newly expanded location, the historic St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood, home to the world-famous food market as well as the dog-friendly Sunday Antique Market.


It grows and grows every year! 2 days of jam-packed fun, events and dogs dogs dogs! 

June 7 & 8. 10am-6pm.

WOOF !   WOOF !





The Best of Gay Toronto

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The 10th ANNUAL TORONTO INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL  MAY 5-10th, 2008!

Santé is the ultimate wine and culinary festival experience designed to appeal to all wine lovers - Oenophiles to enthusiasts. Get set to experience one of the world’s truly outstanding wine festivals that features amazing vintages, world-famous winemakers, celebrity chefs and spectacular cuisine in a wide range of entertaining events at spectacular Toronto venues.  -  While this is not an exclusively gay event, it does draw its fair number of gay and lesbian wine lovers.

Santé: Toronto International Wine Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary with a new name, exciting new events and a glamorous focus on new world wines from sun-drenched Australia and California.

Santé at 10 blends festival classics such as the Ultimate Winemakers Dinner and Sip Savour and Shop with fabulous new events showcasing up and coming vintages and tomorrow’s top celebrity chiefs.

Forty-two international wineries will be visiting Santé for the very first time! These debuts will add to the total of seventy-four participating wineries.

There is so much to see and do - and taste! Don't miss it!


I'll drink to that!

The Best of Gay Toronto

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