What's With The Pussy?
Dear Pride Diary:
Momma’s been a bizzy bitch.
Lordy!
Since we last chatted, I got all gussied up for the annual Pride Gala Awards, a swank evening honouring some of the people who have shaped our queer community, held once again at the glamourous art deco fabulosity of The Carlu.
On the way in my cab I saw the making of a home spun protest of the said gala, a street-corner version called the People’s Gala. Some don’t like any exclusivity in what they see should be an inclusive week of Pride events.
I get it. But. It’s. A. Fundraiser.
Nevermind. No one should expect anyone to see through each other’s personal lenses. Right?
While there I shot some interviews with Toronto Mayor-to-be 
George Smitherman, Toronto Pride Grand Marshals Todd Klinck and Mandy Goodhandy (who, as so many trans people do, made me verklempt from sharing her tale of tenacity with me), and playful Liberal dude Glen Murray, who loved my ascot so much he asked me to take him shopping. These chats will all be part of the Summer of Pride series I’m hosting for OUTtv, as we travel cross-country this summer, celebrating Pride in Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver following this weekend here in Toronto
Oh yeah, about those kitties. They are my friend Sergio’s new babies, adopted ferals, who also made it into this jammed week. According to Sergio, from behind the bandages, they are being quickly tamed.
Onwards. Yesterday was one of my favourite days of the year: Canada Day. I think we all felt a little extra pride in our country this year, boosted from our marvelous Olympic hosting and showings at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, don’t you? The day before, President’s Choice had sent over some rainbow ice cream (?), packed in dry ice, so Eddie started our national holiday by dumping the ice in warm water in our kitchen, which turned out to be quite the extravaganza to awaken too, while also cooling off our pad considerably. Also annoying: not being able to see the stove so to make a coffee. But whatever!
We Couldn't Play Ice Monkey AFTER An Espresso?
Yesterday evening saw Starry Night once again take over Cawthra Park in the queer village, next to the 519 Community Centre. Money raised from drinks sold throughout the night goes to the Centre, in support of the amazing services it provides our community. As I said to Matthew Cutler – one of the driving forces of the 519 – for many queer people who arrive in Toronto from outside towns and cities, the 519 has for years been the first stop they make to get their bearings here in the largest queer community in the country.
Shooting more Summer of Pride footage, I also chatted with another 519 driving force: Matthieu Chantelois, and celebrity bartenders Deb Pearce, Eddie (weird to interview your beau), Rick Mercer, Dean & Dan Caten, as well as CBC talk show hosts, Steven and Chris. It was also amazing to meet so many people who watch and love The Shaun Proulx Show on OUTtv – thanks for saying hi and the kind words!
Canadian Icons Come Home For Pride
Today saw me at The Phoenix Concert Theatre, where we shot an interview for The Shaun Proulx Show with Vogue Evolution, whom everyone knows as the queer group who stole hearts on America’s Best Dance Crew.
On Stage Post-Rehearsal
Afterwards, I offered to teach them a few of my own tricks Vogue Evolution showed me one of their simpler moves, one that now has my knees and lower back aching.
Like A Friday Night, All Over Again.
And so Toronto Pride Week continues. As THE weekend hits I’ll provide as much sketchy reporting I’ll do my best to check in with picks and such and will also FB and Tweet as best I can!
This is my favourite time of year, one of authenticity and love and celebration. HAPPY PRIDE to you and yours.
xS
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