OUTtv Wins Complaint Against Shaw Cable
Vancouver, BC – November 5, 2008
Yesterday the CRTC released an important decision regarding a dispute between Canada’s national gay and lesbian programming service, OUTtv and Shaw Cable systems. The CRTC ruled that Shaw has subjected OUTtv to an “undue disadvantage” in its marketing practices. In addition, the CRTC ruled on a number of other important issues including channel placement and audit rights.
It was noted in the decision that the marketing practices of Shaw have caused the penetration rate of OUTtv to be lower on Shaw systems (0.49%) than on other BDUs (ranges from 6.61 - 18.11%).
“We are very pleased [about] the thoughtful decision of the CRTC on this matter”, noted Chief Operating Officer Brad Danks, “the decision really demonstrates how clearly the CRTC understands the impact of a carrier’s marketing and packaging on the economic health of a programming service. Hopefully our friends at Shaw will work with us to create an appropriate marketing situation for OUTtv.”

Survey Finds Lesbian Sexuality Nature not Nurture
November 20, 2008
Lesbian dating site Pink Sofa has released survey results which reveal that, despite arguments otherwise; sexuality is not a choice for most lesbians.
Of the more than 5,000 respondents in the Pink Sofa poll, more than 60 per cent believed they were born lesbian or bi-sexual, with only six per cent attributing their sexuality to a life event or their upbringing.
Further, only seven per cent of respondents said their sexuality was a conscious choice. About a fifth of participants took the middle ground believing their sexuality was a combination of nature, nurture and choice.
Pink Sofa respondents are not alone in arguing the genetic influence of sexuality.
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge inadvertently supported the nature debate, with a recent post on The Daily Beast blog, referring to the banning of gay marriages.
“Gay people are born every day. You will never legislate that away,” she said.
Etheridge suggested that since banning gay marriage California could forget about getting any tax payments from her.
It seems as though the long standing nature versus nurture debate will continue to be discussed for some time yet.
http://www.pinksofa.com/guest/your_say/post.asp?topicid=204

AIDS Calgary Holiday Hampers
Calgary, AB – December 1, 2008
Make a difference this holiday season in the lives of families and individuals that are less fortunate by helping provide the necessary items for our Holiday Hampers. This holiday season AIDS Calgary is raising $16,000 to deliver Christmas to at least 110 families and individuals. Your donation in any amount helps them bring that little piece of joy to the community members they serve.
For many Calgarians the AIDS Calgary Holiday Hamper Program is the only hope of receiving essential items that many of us take for granted.
Their hampers are stuffed with the makings of a wonderful holiday dinner as well as personal care items to help sustain our clients over the cold winter months. In addition to traditional holiday food such as potatoes, stuffing, and cranberries, our clients also receive a grocery store gift card to purchase a main course of their choosing such as turkey or ham.
Many of their clients struggle to purchase what most would consider to be necessary items. Your donation ensures that their hampers can also include personal care and household items such as laundry detergent, shampoo, and a new toothbrush.
In 2007, AIDS Calgary delivered holiday cheer and 80 hampers to people in need. The need has increased and this year their goal is to fill 110 hampers.
Quite simply, the AIDS Calgary Holiday Hamper is the only Christmas many of their clients receive. Throughout December, AIDS Calgary staff and volunteers will be packing and delivering hampers around Calgary and they need your help to make this possible.
Please make your donation today. Call 403-508-2500 to make a donation via credit card. Or mail a cheque payable to AIDS Calgary at 110, 1603 – 10 Avenue SW, Calgary AB, T3C 0J7. Help make one family’s Christmas a truly joyful season.