Junos 2016

GayCalgary Magazine was thrilled to be welcomed, again, as the only LGBT media outlet accredited at the Junos this year. The first time was in 2008, when the Junos were held in Calgary. Our writer, Jason Clevett, had also received accreditation for GayCalgary Magazine when he was able to travel to other cities where the Junos were being hosted but, for me, this was my second time to be able to cover the event.

Being at the Junos alongside a very select amount of major media from across Canada was pretty exciting. Jason was responsible for doing interviews during the media scrums while I was doing photos on the red carpets. While Jason was pretty much stuck behind a table, I was able to wander over to hear some of the winners being interviewed, and was proud to constantly hear Jason ask some great questions, which is one of the reasons why we have been welcomed back. Check out the photos on page 48.

Bears, otters and admirers from throughout Alberta came to Calgary for the annual Bearaccus Bear weekend hosted between ARGRA and Fab Albearta. Friday and Sunday events were hosted at the Blind Monk and the main event, Saturday night, was at the Arrata Centre. It looked like, with the warm weather, that it was the most togas worn at the event since its inception four years ago. The last three years saw weather on the cold side. The year the event started there was a pretty bad blizzard, so this was a nice change. Check out the photos on page 43.

For the past couple of months, Evolution Wonder Lounge in Edmonton has been doing preliminary drag competitions for Edmonton drag queens, and Cowboys Dance Hall in Calgary doing a preliminary drag competition for Calgary queens. So the best of the best battled it out at the finale for Alberta’s Next Drag Superstar, with host Jackie Beat, at Evolution. Each queen brought it with some amazing outfits, and stomped out great numbers.

I never knew that some of the comedy numbers I have seen in the past from other drag queens were actually from Jackie Beat. Seeing her do it live – not lip syncing – floored me. Each time she was done on the microphone my face was sore from laughing so much. I can’t recall laughing so much at a drag show. At the end of the night, Lilith Fair had won the title of Alberta’s Next Drag Superstar, with Misty Meadows, from Calgary, coming in second place. Check out the photos at http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1153.

The largest event that GayCalgary is proud to sponsor every year is the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo. This year was a little different for us. GayCalgary usually has a booth set up at the show so people can walk by and pick up back issues of the magazine. Since we don’t print hard copies anymore, it gave us a chance to actually check out the show when, in the past, I would have been stuck behind a table or running around doing interviews with talent.

This year continued to reflect the Expo’s policy on inclusivity by welcoming a cosplayer, Alexa Heart, who is transgender. During the set-up for the interview, she expressed how amazing Calgary was. She had gone to other events where hotels refused to let her check in, and received transphobic comments. She said she did not have any issues at all here, and that the people from the Calgary Expo and attendees have been great. She was also excited to see that we were sponsors of the Expo and was hoping to bump into us at some point – so watch for the interview in an upcoming edition.

It was pretty cool to see how many people from the LGBTQ community were in attendance. Several had dressed up for the event, while others were there just to check things out. Lots of vendors were even showing geek related LGBTQ products that you would not see typically sold in stores.

The event boasted its second highest amount of people in attendance at 103,500, just shy by 500 of the record they set last year during their 10th Anniversary. Watch for interviews from the Calgary Expo rolled out over the next several months. For those who missed it, the Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo is happening in September. Photos at http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1154

On the Saturday night of the Calgary Expo weekend Hot Mess had a dance party at Flames Central. The night featured Alyssa Edwards from the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She performed alongside 17 dancers from Alberta Ballet, who showed off four excerpts of their production Love Lies Bleeding, which was developed with and based on Sir Elton John’s life.

It was amazing to behold: this was not your typical drag number. Alberta Ballet was in full control of the lighting and stage visuals. Alyssa Edwards had only learned the choreography earlier in the afternoon, but you would have assumed she had been part of the regular cast; the performance was flawless.

I had along with me Geisha Vi, a guest cosplayer brought up from the U.S.for the Calgary Expo. She heard that Alyssa Edwards was performing in Calgary and was excited that I was able to bring her down to the event. People enjoyed the opportunity to take photos with her in full attire and she too had a great time. Check out the photos at http://www.gaycalgary.com/pa1155.

If you are looking to do something during the May long weekend and enjoy camping, I highly recommend the annual Sandy Page Campout. It runs from May 20th to 23rd this year. The event takes place in Wayne Alberta, just outside of Drumheller in a valley in the badlands, where there are only a couple of houses en route to the remaining 103-year-old hotel in this ghost town that used to be a coal mine.

There are lots of RV and tent sites, with outdoor games happening throughout the weekend. There are also historical hiking trails around the valley to check out, where buildings used to be. This is pretty much a Gay Pride campout and everyone is welcome. Cost is only $30 per person – regardless if you are there for one night or for the whole weekend. Reservations are not needed: just show up.

There are coin op showers on site, a fully functioning saloon and restaurant. Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/617538701738376/ for details.

Also starting on the May long weekend, running from May 20th to 28th, is the 18th Annual Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival at the Plaza Theatre in Calgary. Each night offers a different theme and a great selection of movies. Gala events will also take place at venues a short walking distance from the theatre in Kensington. Read more about the event at http://www.gaycalgary.com/p5104

From June 3rd to 12th, 2016, is Edmonton Pride. The Pride Parade and Festival occur on June 4th, but there are a large number events slated throughout the week. Just remember that Edmonton Pride has moved the parade to Whyte Ave, and the Street Festival to the End of Steel Park. Read more about the event at http://www.gaycalgary.com/p5104.