Pride Center of Edmonton holds Fundraiser Dance
On March 15th, the Pride Center of Edmonton is holding a special Roman-themed dance at the Alberta Avenue Hall (9210 118 Avenue) in Edmonton, as a fundraiser for the organization. Doors open at 8pm for cocktails and snacks, and the dance itself starts at 9pm. See their ad on page 35 for more information.
Tawde Insists Absence from Pride AGM
GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine’s February follow up article, “Pride Back on Track” stated that Todd Clarke (aka. Tawde) had shown up for the second Pride Calgary AGM and was turned away with two other individuals responsible for causing a commotion that disrupted the December AGM. Clarke has since objected, claiming work responsibilities kept him away that night. The Pride board confirms that Clarke did not attempt to enter the January AGM, conflicting with the eye witness account that GayCalgary received that night.
Clarke also claimed GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine wrongly referred to him as Volunteer Coordinator, however at the time of press, Clark was still officially listed as “Media, Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator” on the Pride Calgary website. John Skorka, acting Male Co-Chair of Pride Calgary believes Clarke delegated the responsibility to another director, but is uncertain whether this was officially documented to warrant a website update.
Broadway Across Canada announces 2008/2009 Season!
Broadway Across Canada recently announced its spectacular lineup of shows in Calgary and Edmonton for 2008 and early 2009! From August to February, Broadway fans will get to see long time favorites and brand new smash hits all come to Alberta!
The season kicks off with the hysterical smash hit Monty Python’s Spamalot, running July 29th to August 3rd in Edmonton and August 5 – 10 in Calgary. Spamalot is followed up by the return of Andrew Lloyd Webbers CATS. Last performed in 2006, it just had to come back less than three years later. CATS runs from September 23 – 28th in Calgary and September 30th to October 5th in Edmonton. Hot off the hit film version, Hairspray hits Edmonton November 11th – 16th and Calgary November 25th – 30th. International percussion phenomenon STOMP returns January 13th – 18th in Calgary and continues on in Edmonton from the 20th to the 25th. The season wraps up with everyone’s favorite singing redhead (besides Bette Midler, of course), little orphan Annie from February 17th – 22nd in Calgary and March 10th – 15th in Edmonton.
Full show information and subscription information can be found at www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca!
Calgary Outlink Hires New Executive Director
Melissa Luhtanen, President of Calgary Outlink, was happy to announce that the organization would be returning to regular office hours as of February 11, 2008. She bid a fond farewell to Tamrin Hildebrant who decided to move on to other new and exciting challenges, but looks forward to working closely with her, as a volunteer in ongoing OutLink projects.
“The staff positions that we have at OutLink are being re-worked by the Board to face a growing need for support to the various groups we offer and a need for volunteer outreach and organization,” says Luhtanen.
The Board welcomes James Tweedie as their new Executive Director, who will be leading these new initiatives for funding and organization. In addition to James’ position, OutLink is seeking a part-time program manager.
“This year promises to be one of growth and change. Join us in working together to make OutLink what the community envisions as a supportive and caring community centre.”
Reverend to Receive Order of Canada
This month Canada became the first country in the world to bestow its highest civilian honour on a gay activist.
The Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, gay activist and senior pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, was invested as a member of the Order of Canada this past February 22nd.
The Order of Canada is Canada’s highest civilian honour. Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. Over the last 40 years, more than 5,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
“To my knowledge, Rev. Dr. Hawkes, is the only person to receive their country’s highest honour in recognition of their gay activism,” said Douglas Elliott, founding president of the International Lesbian and Gay Law Association.
Rev. Dr. Hawkes has been a champion of human rights and social justice for decades, and is a leading advocate in the struggle for equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. A man of fearless conviction, he presided over Canada’s first legal wedding of a same sex couple – also the first in the world - and has continued to call for tolerance, understanding and respect for all Canadians. Rev. Dr. Hawkes has previously been honoured with the City of Toronto’s Award of Merit, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the United Nations Toronto Association Global Citizen Award and the YMCA Peace Medal.
