http://pride.clients.apolitic.com/index.php en kevin@pridetoronto.com Copyright 2012 2012-01-26T21:23:03+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/pride-toronto-announces-new-dates-for-worldpride-2014/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/pride-toronto-announces-new-dates-for-worldpride-2014/#When:21:23:03Z Pride Toronto announces new dates for WorldPride 2014 For Immediate Release25 January 2012 (Toronto, ON) - Pride Toronto announced today that WorldPride 2014 in Toronto is now scheduled from June 20 to 29, 2014. “In the interest of good planning, the new dates ensure Toronto is capable of accommodating the predicted influx in tourism for WorldPride 2014,” said Pride Toronto Co-Chair, Luka Amona. In determining the new dates, Pride Toronto’s Board of Directors took into account other street closures and events as well as its participants, community members, and volunteers.“The new dates also bring the event in line with the recommendation of the Community Advisory Panel that Pride Week be moved back into June to reflect the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots,” said Pride Toronto Co-Chair, Francisco Alvarez. Pride Toronto is currently focusing its efforts on planning its 2012 festival. It continues to consult with its partners and affiliate organizations in London, England, host city of WorldPride 2012, as Pride Toronto prepares to host WorldPride in 2014. -30- About Pride TorontoPride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual event in downtown Toronto during the last week of June. Pride Week is one of the premier arts and cultural festivals in Canada. It is also one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world with an estimated attendance of over 1.2 million people. It celebrates the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities. *Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, 2 Spirited, AlliesAbout WorldPrideWorldPride, under license from InterPride, is an international celebration incorporating activism, education, history and culture of global LGBTTIQQ2SA communities. Contact:Peter McHughCommunications Advisor, Pride Torontocommunications@pridetoronto.com647.801.2567   2012-01-26T21:23:03+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/torontos-2010-pride-parade-watched-by-12m-viewers/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/torontos-2010-pride-parade-watched-by-12m-viewers/#When:17:52:04Z 6 July 2010 Toronto's 2010 Pride Parade watched by 1,2m viewers For the second consecutive year, CP24 was the only network to bring live coverage of Toronto's famous 2010 Pride Parade to viewers at home. The combination of blazing sun and thousands of joyous parade revellers contributed to CP24 outshining its Pride 2009 ratings, with an impressive unduplicated Total Reach of 1,236,000 total viewers, 48% more than the previous year. Viewers showed their Pride by tuning in to both the 2 p.m. live broadcast (532,000) and the encore presentation at 8 p.m. (767,000).* CP24.com is CP24's online destination for coverage of Pride, and was the top visited page on Sunday bringing the Pride Parade to the GTA and the rest of the world as well. Highlights of the Pride 2010 Parade remain online for visitors interested in reliving the most exciting moments. "CP24's dedication to all things Pride is now a tradition in the city and we are delighted with our record setting day for Pride Parade viewers," said Bob McLaughlin, Vice-President and General Manager, CP24. "In recent weeks, Torontonians have repeatedly turned to CP24 as the #1 destination for the biggest news stories in the city and Pride is no exception." "These are incredible stats," says Tracey Sandilands, Executive Director of Pride Toronto. "We were excited last year by the number of ‘virtual attendees' the broadcast generated, but this year has gone to a whole new level." Sandilands says the ability to share the event with so many people that aren't able to attend in person offers the organization an unprecedented opportunity to increase awareness of issues facing queer communities worldwide. * Source: BBM Canada Preliminary Overnight Reports About Pride Toronto:Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit in 2009 of $136 million. Toronto's Pride Week has been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. For media accreditation for the festival, please visit http://www.pridetoronto.com. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies About CP24:CP24 is Toronto's source for breaking news. Following the mantra "we're always with you," viewers can watch CP24 on television, listen on the radio, and follow along online at CP24.com. The station is owned by CTV Inc, a division of CTVglobemedia. For more information:Michael AinMarketing and Communications Manager, Pride Torontomichael@pridetoronto.com 416.927.7433 ext. 226Patricia Garcia, CTV Inc., 416.384.2645, patricia.garcia@ctv.caEmily Young Lee, CTV inc., 416.384.3004, emily.younglee@ctv.ca   2010-07-08T17:52:04+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/great-food-at-pride-torontos-weekend-festival/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/great-food-at-pride-torontos-weekend-festival/#When:16:33:14Z For immediate release 2 July 2010 Great food at Pride Toronto's weekend festivalPride Toronto's festival this weekend includes a street fair with a variety of food vendors. Located at various points around the Village, a variety of foods will be available from Friday through Sunday night along Church Street between Wood and Alexander, along Wellesley near the corner of Church, at the new festival venue, Queens Park and in each of the four beverage gardens. "Festival-goers will be able to experience a multitude of different flavours and types of food," says Tracey Sandilands, Executive Director of Pride Toronto. "Celebrity chef Susur Lee and his sons have taken a stall, and will be offering their latest exciting foodie options." Lee's Toronto restaurant is Now Magazine's Number 2 restaurant in the city. Other food vendors that will be feeding revellers at Pride include Silvia Piantoni from La Bruschetta - also one of Now Magazine's top 50 Toronto restaurants, Poutini's House of Poutine, Jack's Bakery, and Mastersoft and Delight ice-cream sellers who are in their 27th year of participation in Pride. Portabello Burger offers big portabello mushrooms, local and vegetarian with goat cheese and chipotle mayo. Jinja Ninja's provocatively shaped cookies will be on offer, and luscious Caribbean fare will be available in all the beverage gardens. BBQ Gourmet's popular ribs will be where they have been for years. But that's not all. "The street fair will also have community booths and arts and crafts sellers," says Sandilands. So for those that aren't into the musical entertainment or the parade and marches, the marketplace environment offers an alternative. So too does the regular Family Pride where families with young children can find entertainment and food for them in the Church Street School grounds, and the FreeZone where there is music playing but the environment is drug- and alcohol-free for anyone in recovery. Pride Toronto's 30th anniversary festival weekend kicks off on Friday night with a Trans March down Church Street and music on two stages. On Saturday morning the street fair sets up, by the afternoon all eight stages will be rocking through until late, and again on Sunday from noon to 11 pm. For information on entertainment and events, visit http://www.pridetoronto.com/events. About Pride Toronto:Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit in 2009 of $136 million. Toronto's Pride Week has been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. For media accreditation for the festival, please visit http://www.pridetoronto.com. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies For more information:Michael AinMarketing and Communications Manager, Pride Torontomichael@pridetoronto.com 416.927.7433 ext. 226   2010-07-02T16:33:14+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/pride-toronto-presents-asl-pop-sensation-chase/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/pride-toronto-presents-asl-pop-sensation-chase/#When:15:29:39Z Independent artist and Pop singer Chase is breaking down barriers between the Deaf/hard of hearing/hearing communities through one singular experience: Music. He combines his passions of performance, music and sign language through choreographed sign-language dance and hit-worthy vocals. "For the first time in Pride Toronto's history, we have an ASL performance, it's very exciting!" says Programming Coordinator TK. When 24 year-old Michael ‘Chase' DiMartino started posting his choreographed and sign language interpretations of popular songs on YouTube, it was something he did for fun. Then his video for Britney Spears' ‘Womanizer' wound up on the star's website - making him a bona-fide YouTube sensation - and folks started pursuing the 25-year-old performer and sign language interpreter for professional gigs. Now Chase is writing and producing his own music and creating music videos that the hearing as well as the Deaf can both enjoy. Chase's first single, ‘Falldown' and follow-up song ‘Hard Candy' are available for purchase on iTunes. His first album will be released this summer. Pride Toronto welcomes Chase to the Queen's Park stage for a performance of his original music and ASL-infused interpretations of pop hits on Sunday, July 4th at 6pm in Queen's Park. Pride Toronto is also providing ASL Entertainment Interpretation for Jully Black on Saturday, July 3 at TD Wellesley Stage (11pm) and at Fruit Loopz on Sunday, July 4 in Alexander Parkette. Also, throughout the weekend Pride Toronto has roaming ASL interpreters to assist festival attendees. In addition to ASL services, Pride Toronto offers a wide array of Dis/Ability Resources, including: . Viewing Stands and Areas at the Trans March, Dyke March and Pride Parade. Main stage Viewing Stands for entertainment at Queen's Park, South Stage, and TD Wellesley Stage. Wheelchair loans, Attendant Care, Accessible Washrooms and other mobility assistance. Braille, Audio, and Large Print formats of the Pride Guide (presented in partnership with VoicePrint). Shade and Water for Working Animals. Deaf/Blind Intervenor services . Wheel-Trans drop-off and pick-up For more information on any of Pride Toronto's Dis/Ability services please contact d.ability@pridetoronto.com or visit us at one of our two Dis/Ability Headquarters (Church/Maitland or Queen's Park) during Pride Weekend. About Pride Toronto: Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit to the city in 2009 of $136 million. Toronto's Pride Week has previously been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. http://www.pridetoronto.com/ *Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies FOR MORE INFORMATION:Michael Ain, Marketing and Communications ManagerTel: 416.927.7433, Ext. 226michael@pridetoronto.com www.pridetoronto.com   2010-06-29T15:29:39+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/new-focus-on-electronic-music-at-this-years-pride-week/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/new-focus-on-electronic-music-at-this-years-pride-week/#When:21:09:11Z For immediate releaseJune 18, 2010 Pride Toronto presents the best in electronic music! This year's festival features a wide array of electronic music genres jumping on various stages throughout the 35 block, 8 stage festival site from Friday, July 2nd right on through to Sunday, July 4th. “This year is by far the best for electronic music at the festival” says Arts & Entertainment Manager Mary Zondanos.With the new “WERQ!” Program, co-presented with the Prism Festival (North America’s largest circuit music festival) Pride Toronto creates a space at TD Wellesley Stage that circuit music lovers will not soon forget. This venue, in the heart of ‘The Village’ starts off Saturday, July 3rd with the transplanted water–themed Prism event, ‘Aqua Pride’. Later that night catch popular DJ/producer Cajjmere Wray, round two of Scott Fordham’s Project Dance, local starlet Ivana Santilli performing songs off her new album and Canadian gem Jully Black closing the first day of this very exciting new program.  Sunday, July 4th Miami’s Kidd Madonny kick starts the show, followed by Montreal’s Dominic Pandolfo, local legend Cory Activate, DJ/performance artist Serial Sean and porn sensation Pierre Fitch brings the boom boom. The evening continues to put four solidly on-the-floor with drag DJ Kitty Glitter joining the party all the way from Australia, followed by local drag artist Daytona Bitch and hometown heroes DJ Jeremy Khamkeo and Joee Cons rock the lot leading up to Chicago-style heavy-hitter Honey Dijon.On Central Stage, Friday July 2nd, catch Canadian diva Simone Denny, Toronto’s own Baby Joel, circuit sensation Hector Fonseca and Toronto’s Sydney Blu making a rare special appearance since her recent move to Miami. Saturday, July 3rd features locals alongside international talents: her hardcore highness Lady Bass opens the stage followed by, DJ Dru, and hip hop crew Yes Yes Y’all. Direct from the BBC to Central Stage DJ Ritu rocks the world beats, followed up by Toronto’s West Side Brandon Sek. The early evening makes you go hmmm with Zelma Davis from C+C Music Factory to Central Stage, followed by César Murillo dropping Afro-Cuban rhythms. Local DJ’s Steve Rapson, Craig Dominic and Blackcat rock the party leading up to emerging LA-based diva Lolene, and wrapping up the night is Toronto cutie Chiclet dropping another of her flawlessly mixed sets.  Sunday July 4th brings veteran spinner DJ Cat, Christopher Lee Leduc and emerging producer Danny W. Nancy Rancourt makes her first appearance at Pride Toronto, followed by DJ competition champion Adam Smith. Crossing the border from Rochester are Xotec and Jon Herbert, while Sonny D brings the Maritime noise. Locals Sumation, djChez, Neill Macleod, Jamal take the stage and DJ/Producer Dwayne Minard featuring Steven Taetz and Amanda Morra headline the night with their latest jams. Also on Sunday, July 4th head over to South Stage for the annual ‘Dirty Disco’, this year featuring newcomers Jayforce, MC Flipside and Chicago’s The House Moguls. Local heroes Don Berns AKA Dr. Trance, Robb G, DJTK, Adam K & Soha, “Canada’s hardest working DJ” Deko-ze, and “the peoples’ DJ”, JELO keep bodies jumping. And ‘Carry On’ with the crew at The Phoenix afterparty - admission is free! That same night, head over to Queen’s Park for the closing segment ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’, which starts with Chase, doing the very first ASL performance in Pride Toronto’s history. Miami’s Panic Bomber hits the stage with a special Pride set; Isis, of the notoriously successful Thunderheist duo hits the stage for her first big show since going solo and local darlings Azari & III show us why in just a few short months they’ve gained notoriety from the likes of BBC Radio’s Annie Mac. Make sure to stick around for the special secret closing headliner, sure to make hearts swoon. For complete listings, set times, artist biographies and more, check out the Official Pride guide online at http://www.pridetoronto.com! About Pride Toronto: Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit to the city in 2009 of $136 million. Toronto's Pride Week has previously been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. http://www.pridetoronto.com *Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies FOR MORE INFORMATION:Michael Ain, Marketing and Communications ManagerTel: 416.927.7433, Ext. 226michael@pridetoronto.com www.pridetoronto.com   2010-06-28T21:09:11+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/pride-gala-sizzles-with-top-drawer-entertainment/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/pride-gala-sizzles-with-top-drawer-entertainment/#When:20:24:01Z For immediate release 24 June 2010 Pride Gala sizzles with top-drawer entertainment This year's Pride Toronto Gala and Awards ceremony will be held next week at the Carlu. Five deserving winners will receive awards for their contribution to Toronto's queer community, and the audience will enjoy quality food and entertainment in the venue's exquisite ambience. Produced by Kimahli Powell, director of the 2009 dora-nominated Secrets of a Black Boy, the line up is impressive. The evening is hosted by trey anthony, Toronto's accomplished playwright, television writer and producer who is currently finishing her first fictional novel, the program for the evening goes on to feature other well-known local celebrity performers. Ashley McIsaac has garnered international acclaim by playing the fiddle in a hard-nosed, traditional Cape-Breton style, while adding his own spin, mixing genres and updating Celtic music to appeal to a broader spectrum of fans. With an impressive list of performances behind him, Ashley will perform for the audience and the award winners. "Our line-up this year is incredible," says Pride ED Tracey Sandilands. "Other performances include Saidah Baba Talibah, well-known drag artist Miss Conception, Laura Landauer, Waawaate Forbister, bass baritone Douglas Miller and the ever-popular Singing Out community choir." Choreographed by local talent Scott Fordham, the evening also include pianist Michael Rose and background music will be provided by Toronto's own DJ Winnie. The Red Carpet will be hosted by CP24's Nalini Sharma and CTV's Galit Solomon, with the usual style they bring to their TV appearances. The audience is expected to include Ministers Michael Chan and Kathleen Wynne, as well as former award winners. Table sponsors include Labatts, Desjardins, REO Law, Tourism Toronto, Miller Thomson, and Tibotec. More info about the entertainers TREY ANTHONY : A former producer for the Women's Television Network and a writer for the Comedy Network and CTV, trey is also the producer of 'dat girl sho is funny (The Urban Womyn's Comedy Festival) and has performed her standup comedy on-stage at Second City, The St. Lawrence Centre, and Yuk Yuk's. She wrote and starred in the sketch comedy television show After Hours with Kenny Robinson, and was nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award in 2002. trey is also the co-writer of the hit play I Am Not A Dinner Mint: The Crap Women Swallow To Stay In A Relationship, and is currently completing a new stage play entitled Black Mothers Don't Say I Love You. She was also recently a playwright in residency at the prestigious Canadian Stage Company (CanStage), and is finishing her first fictional novel. ASHLEY MACISAAC : One of the most celebrated Canadian roots musicians of all time, having sold in excess of 500,000 albums, Ashley has garnered international acclaim by playing the fiddle in that hard-nosed, traditional Cape-Breton style, while adding his own spin, mixing genres and updating Celtic music to appeal to a broader spectrum of fans. Considered something of a local legend and prodigy by the time of his impressive 1992 debut Close To The Floor, Ashley broke through to the mainstream with the double-platinum genre-bending Hi, How Are You Today? in 1995. International radio play for the single, "Sleepy Maggie", and a regular slot on MuchMusic made Ashley an instant Canadian icon. Ashley has toured with the likes of Philip Glass and The Chieftains, and performed on the Conan O'Brian show, The Today Show, at Carnegie Hall and the Acropolis in Greece. He continues to record and release records, with his 11th album, Crossover, slated for release later this year. SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH : Saidah Baba Talibah is the daughter of Obie award-winner and Tony- and Grammy-nominated Salome Bey, Canada's Queen of Jazz, Blues and Spirituals, and the niece of Andy Bey, also a Grammy-nominated musician. She offers up a distinct and fluid blend of bluesy rock, deep funk and hot, buttered soul with a voice that can go from a seductive, soft purr to a powerful bellow at the turn of a dime. Born and raised in Canada, her music has been greatly influenced by Toronto's musical and ethnic enclaves. She first created stories that reflect the multitude of sounds and styles emanating from the city as a founding member of the seminal soul/rock group Blaxäm and was prominently featured on their 1998 EP, Kiss My Afro. Her most recent project, The Phone Demos, came out on digital release this past October. Talibah will preview songs on her highly anticipated debut (S)Cream! MISS CONCEPTION : The character of Miss Conception was born May 15th 2000. By meeting other Queens he landed himself a spot in Zelda's Drag Idol 2003, winning the title of the first Zelda's Drag Idol ever. Over the years he's won; Miss Canada Continental, Smirnoff Twisted, Coors Light "Queen of Halloween", Ontario's Next Top Drag Queen, Miss Zelda's and Miss 501, Drag Idol, Miss Gay Universe, Miss Gay Toronto & Entertainer of the Year. In 2005 he became the Entertainer Director for Pride Toronto and has since hired many other Drag Queens for the annual festivals' stages. He has great bars he performs in, such as Woody's and Zelda's and he is always working on new material for his across country tour, someday he wishes to be a big as Dame Edna. You can hear Miss Conception on air at Proudfm.com 103.9 weekdays from 10am -3pm. website missconception.ca LAURA LANDAUER : Laura Landauer is a Canadian actress, singer and comedian. Her short films have appeared on television shows across North America and Europe and her live comedy act was named one of Now Magazine's top 10 comedy shows in Toronto. Laura appeared as a guest judge on Video on Trial and as a finalist on Bathroom Divas. She also appeared in the film The Love Guru. WAAWAATE FORBISTER : Waawaate is an award-winning actor and playwright. In 2009, his production of "Agokwe" - a one-man play which he wrote and starred in - won six Dora Awards. He is also a choreographer, dancer and producer. A proud Anishnaabe from Grassy Narrows First Nation, he is a graduate and winner of the Distinguished Performance - Male award from Humber College's Theatre Performance Program. Credits include: Toronto at Dreamers Rock (Magnus Theatre); A Very Polite Genocide (Native Earth Performing Arts); Agokwe (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre); Pawaajigun (Nish); Death of a Chief (Native Earth/National Arts Centre); The Rez Sisters (Theatre North West); Schoolhouse (Blyth Festival); The Passage (Pu-Kawiss Productions); National Artist Program (Canada Winter Games 2007 - Whitehorse). SINGING OUT : Singing OUT! is one of those communities that lives in fulfillment of its mission statement (PRIDE-MUSIC-BELONGING) by bringing energy and excitement to all communities through the gift of music. In the LGBT communities across North America and Europe, mixed choruses are relatively rare. We remain a non-auditioned community choir, bringing musical excellence to the stage and featuring men's and women's choral arrangements in addition to the mixed chorus sound. The men and women of Singing OUT! revel in this diversity while standing united as an SATB group. Musically we cover the sacred to the sacrilegious and everything in-between. Our goal is musical excellence so whatever we are singing, we strive to sing it very well - be it jazz, the Rankin's, "Some of our best friends are straight" or intricate a cappella harmonies DOUGLAS MILLAR : Bass-baritone, Douglas Millar is a native of Prince Edward Island where he misspent his youth flitting between churches and pubs, singing anything at all. Subsequently, he reformed and refined himself as a "classical vocal artist," having trained in Vancouver, Paris, Princeton and New York. Since moving to Toronto in 2007, he has sung regularly with the COC, the Elora Festival Singers, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and most recently, with Tafelmusik. Tonight's selection is based on a poem by Langston Hughes. Litany is a prayerful supplication, in this case for love. SCOTT FORDHAM : Born and raised in Deux-Montagnes, Qc., Scott was exposed to and began dancing at quite a late age and since his move to Toronto at the beginning of 2008, he has choreographed and/or danced for international artists Deborah Cox , Anjulie, India (World's Salsa Princess), Divine Brown, Jully Black, Addictiv, Danny Fernandes, Creature, Cookie Couture, Fritz Helder & The Phantoms, Simone Denny and Untitled among others and also opened for acts such as Katy Perry, LL Cool J, Ginuwine, Shirley Bassey, Monica and Mel C to name a few. He has been featured in videos by Divine Brown" Meet Me at The Roxy ", Creature, Protest the Hero and most recently for major European act Cascada in "Pyromania". He has Choreographed for City TV's "NYE Eve Bash 2010", performed on Toronto's Fashion sCares, choreographed on Much Music's Disband as well as performed on Much(MOD) , MTV and Fashion Television MICHAEL ROSE : Now a resident of Toronto, Michael Rose, pianist, has worked with Edmonton Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Opera in Concert (Toronto), Opera Nuova, and The Banff Centre. In 1984, while still a student at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music, Michael was chosen by CBC Television as the pianist for their first excursion into classical music video. After studying abroad and winning prizes in several competitions, including the Rio de Janeiro Competition for Vocal Accompanists, he returned to Canada to join the faculty of the Alberta College Conservatory of Music in Edmonton. Recent engagements include Toronto Operetta Theatre (EARNEST, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING; MIKADO; IOLANTHE; KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY), Opera in Concert (I PURITANI; KAMOURASKA; IL MONDO DE LA LUNA, GIULIO CESARE) and Summer Opera Lyric Theatre (VANESSA; FALSTAFF; VENUS AND ADONIS). DJ WINNIE : Toronto DJ Winnie - behind the decks for nearly 7 years, she has played every type of event: parties, clubs, festivals, launches, exhibits, art shows, fashion shows, erotic fairs, large corporate gigs, weddings, you name it. She is one of the most flexible djs in town, making you move, wherever, whenever! Her sounds include electro, techno, dance, hip hop and retro beats. KIMAHLI POWELL : A senior development professional at Dignitas International, Kimahli moonlights as a director of the stage. Favourite directing projects include the dora-nominated Secrets of a Black Boy (Danforth Music Hall, 2009) The Price of Bleach (Rhubarb, 2008), Secrets of a Black Boy workshop presentation (Enwave Theatre, 2007), The Passion of Winnie (stage direction; Isabel Bader Theatre, Luminato, 2007), 365 Days/365 Plays (LMDA Conference/LKTYP, 2007), The Polished Hoe (Assistant Director; Enwave Theatre, Frank Collymore Hall, Barbados, 2007), The Colour of My Heart (Salvador Allende Arts Festival for Peace, 2006; Rhubarb, 2005; RPS Festival, 2005), Demeter (Culture Shock Canada/National Arts Centre, Ottawa/Winchester St. Theatre, Toronto; 2004). Kimahli is the 2005 Ken MacDougall Award recipient for Best Emerging Director. He is also on the fundraising committee for the Black Coalition for Aids Prevention. About Pride Toronto:Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit in 2009 of $136 million.Toronto's Pride Week has been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. For media accreditation for the festival, please visit http://www.pridetoronto.com. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies For more information:Michael AinMarketing and Communications Manager, Pride Torontomichael@pridetoronto.com 416.927.7433 ext. 226   2010-06-28T20:24:01+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/proud-to-go-green-pride-torontos-environmental-action/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/proud-to-go-green-pride-torontos-environmental-action/#When:17:14:00Z For immediate release 25 June 2010 Proud to Go Green: Pride Toronto's Environmental Action Pride Toronto is green with Pride this year after it was awarded a multi-year grant in the fall of 2009 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for its "Greening Pride Week" project. "We're off to an unbelievable start!" says Ryan Lester, Pride Toronto's Director of Fundraising, adding, "We're on target to achieve or exceed all of the year-one deliverables while including additional elements such as an environmental awareness and presence at this year's festival." "With the technical expertise of our collaborator The Icarus Foundation, Pride Toronto will be working to develop strategies on measuring and reducing our environmental impact, and educating staff, volunteers and festival attendees on the environmental dimensions of the festival," says Anu Radha Verma, Green Project Coordinator. Environmentally-friendly measures are already seen at Pride Toronto. At the office, printing is on recycled (post-consumer) paper and lighting has switched to energy-efficient T12 fluorescent lights. For this year's festival, generators will be fuelled by a biodiesel blend, children at Family Pride can participate in environmentally-themed activities, and touch screen technology will share information without paper. Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4: For paperless information about green initiatives at Pride, please visit the green info touch screen terminals located on Wellesley Street (north side, just east of the Wellesley subway station). Saturday, July 3: Environmental activities for children at Family Pride (11 am to 1 pm; 3:30 pm to 5 pm) at Church Street Junior Public School. About Pride Toronto Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit in 2009 of $136 million. Toronto's Pride Week has been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. For media accreditation for the festival, please visit http://www.pridetoronto.com. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies About The Icarus Foundation The Icarus Foundation is a Canadian not-for-profit environmental, policy, research and education organization focused on sustaining a climate friendly tourism industry. The Icarus Foundation provides practical information, programs and research that encourage and enable hosts and guests to minimize the greenhouse gases generated by tourism activity. http://www.theicarusfoundation.org For more information:Anu Radha Verma - Green Project Coordinator, Pride Toronto anu@pridetoronto.com 416.927.7433 ext. 223   2010-06-25T17:14:00+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/pride-toronto-to-no-longer-restrict-language-in-the-parade/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/pride-toronto-to-no-longer-restrict-language-in-the-parade/#When:21:25:35Z For Immediate Release 23 June 2010 Pride Toronto to no longer restrict language in the Parade Pride Toronto has announced that its recent resolution to restrict the use of certain language during the 2010 Parade has been replaced by the requirement that each participating group read, sign and agree to abide by the City of Toronto's Declaration of a Non-Discrimination Policy, and that all groups that uphold this policy are welcome to participate in the 2010 Pride Parade. During a meeting between members of the board of directors, the executive director and well respected LGBT community leaders Pastor Brent Hawkes of the Metropolitan Community Church, human rights lawyer and Pride Lifetime Achievement award winner Doug Elliott, and 519 Executive Director Maura Lawless, the board unanimously voted in favour of a proposal presented by the three. The proposal is two-fold: The purpose in the short term is to resolve the impasse that the organization has found itself in since moving to disallow the term ‘Israeli Apartheid' in the Parade, based on complaints from community members and the assertion by the City of Toronto that the phrase contravenes various City policies. The decision caused widespread dissatisfaction in the queer community and allegations of censorship. The first motion places the responsibility for determining a violation of City policy back in the hands of the City, as our review process has not established that violation. The second motion establishes a representative advisory panel of community leaders that will lead a broad based community consultation process with diverse queer communities to recommend a set of strategic principles and a decision-making framework that will help shape future festivals. "We are extremely grateful to the community leaders that took the time to work on this proposal and help us examine ways to resolve this impasse," says Pride senior co-chair Genevieve D'Iorio. "The Board's intention has always been to make the best decision possible to ensure the success of Pride and we believe that this proposal is a really constructive way forward." "There are a large number of people that are sad at the way the community is currently torn over this issue," says Pastor Brent Hawkes. "Pride has found itself in the middle of a difficult situation and we felt it was time to step in and see how we could help." Doug Elliott agrees. Recently during a keynote address at the Law Society of Upper Canada's Pride Event, Elliott spoke out about the history of Pride and the way it has changed over the years. "It's not always possible to meet everyone's demands," he says, noting that some of the demands Pride has experienced are ‘unrealistic'. "This solution upholds City policy without unfairly requiring Pride to interpret that policy regarding a controversial legal question. Hopefully this will allow a harmonious Parade this year, while a consultative process unfolds to allow community members to have their say in a constructive way about the future rules for the Parade and the ongoing relationship between Pride Toronto and the broader LGBTTIQQ2SA communities." In a recent press release The 519 called for public consultation and offered its support and resources to help find a resolution. Lawless stated "This proposal reinforces how important it is that the diverse queer communities help shape the future of Pride and I think the Board has shown great courage and foresight in committing to consultation and planning for the future." The two motions comprising the proposal are as follows: That the board of directors approve the following resolutions: 1. Be it resolved that the motion of May 21st regarding language restrictions of groups participating in the 2010 Pride parade be replaced by the requirement that each participating group read and sign and confirm to abide by the City of Toronto's Declaration of a Non-Discrimination Policy and that all groups that uphold this policy are welcome to participate in the 2010 Pride Parade. Any groups that refuse to sign will not be permitted to participate. 2. Be it resolved that Pride Toronto appoint a panel of LGBTTIQQ2SA leaders and friends to recommend a policy to protect and advance the qualities of Pride and ensure it is true to its core values and principles. The mandate of the group would be to consult with the community to develop recommendations to ensure a Pride that values and promotes freedom of speech and individual expression, inclusiveness and respect, pluralism and diversity, equity and fairness, celebration, humour and fun, and to make recommendations regarding Pride Toronto's ongoing working relationship with the broader LGBTTIQQ2SA communities. Over the coming days, Parade participants will receive a copy of the City's Anti-Discrimination Policy with a request to sign and return it ahead of the Parade. Meanwhile, the team at Pride Toronto will be working hard to finalize arrangements for the 30th anniversary festival and we look forward to the community coming together to celebrate what Pride means to each one as an individual. About Pride Toronto:Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit in 2009 of $136 million.Toronto's Pride Week has been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. For media accreditation for the festival, please visit http://www.pridetoronto.com. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies For more information:Michael AinMarketing and Communications Manager, Pride Torontomichael@pridetoronto.com 416.927.7433 ext. 226 2010-06-23T21:25:35+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/ultra-nate-and-suzanne-palmer-perform-at-aqua-pride-2010/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/ultra-nate-and-suzanne-palmer-perform-at-aqua-pride-2010/#When:19:43:29Z For immediate release 22 June 2010 Ultra Naté and Suzanne Palmer perform at Aqua Pride 2010 Pride Toronto announced today that due to promotional commitments for her new album in Europe, Kelis is no longer able to perform at Toronto Pride. She sends her deepest apologies and hopes to reschedule soon.However, as an event that never disappoints, Aqua Pride, this year a collaboration between Pride Toronto and one of the events in the annual Prism festival, presents Ultra Naté and Suzanne Palmer. Now in its seventh year, Prism Festival has hosted a variety of established artists including Brett Hendrickson, Kelly Rowland, Peter Rauhofer, Ana Paula, Honey Dijon, Abel, Tony Moran Deborah Cox, Hector Fonseca, Chaka Khan, Mya, Tracey Young, Offer Nissim, Mickey Friedman, Roland Belmares, Lena Love, Manny Lehman, Isaac Escalante and many more. "This year's edition of Prism Festival's Aqua Pride is going to be off the chain with these two notorious divas! We can't wait!" says Pride Toronto's Arts & Entertainment Manager, Mary Zondanos. In 2010 Ultra Naté celebrates two decades of chart-topping hits. A musical chameleon, Naté is always experimenting new sounds. This year it's non-stop recording for the diva with the likes of David Morales, Quentin Harris, Nervo (who co-wrote David Guetta's ‘When Love Takes Over'), Tony Moran and a collaboration with Michelle Williams (formerly of Destiny's Child). Naté will be aiming for super stardom later this year with the release of her new album ‘Hero Worship'. Suzanne Palmer, a featured vocalist on many tracks by the Grammy award winning Peter Rauhofer, is back with ‘Big Love' playing in clubs all over the world. Tracks like ‘Hide U', ‘Show Me', her smash ‘643/Love's On Fire' (with Tiesto), ‘Luv 2 Luv', ‘Home', ‘Sound Of The Drum', ‘Fascinated', ‘Free My Love', ‘Style', ‘Much Better', ‘Alright', ‘Muscles', ‘Hide U' Palmer never cease to stun crowds. Having spent the last several months recording, including a recent trip to Israel to record tracks with Offer Nissim, Palmer makes a special stop in Toronto especially for this annual ‘can't miss' event. Since 2006, the Prism team has worked hard to build a solid foundation in the city, increasing attendance by 30 percent at their annual festival over the last four years. Prism takes place this year at the Kool Haus, Guvernment, Skybar, Fly Nightclub and Pride Toronto's Wellesley Stage. Year-round, Prism produces events in venues throughout the city: Prism College, Madonnarama, Britney Mania, Prism Divas, Eden (Labour Day), Arrival (New Year's) and a slew of other events that keep our local talent busy (Shawn Riker, Marc Falco, Jeremy Khamkeo, Cajjmere Wray, GIA, Lena Love, Jamal, Sumation, Cesar Murillo). Prism was also behind the legendary 'Queer As Folk Babylon tour', producing 100 shows for over 200,000 people across North America. Prism has carved out a reputation for producing some of the hottest late-night parties during Pride Week. Their annual Prism Festival has featured artists like Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland, Offer Nissim, Ana Paula, Peter Rauhofer, Manny Lehman, Flava, DJ Abel, Francois Sagat, Tony Moran, Tracy Young, Deborah Cox and Sydney Blu. Single event tickets and weekend passes are on-sale now exclusively at http://www.priape.com/prismtoronto or through Priape retail locations in Toronto and Montreal. Call PRIAPE at 1-800-461-6969 for more details or for store locations. About Pride Toronto: Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit to the city in 2009 of $136 million. Toronto's Pride Week has previously been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. http://www.pridetoronto.com/ *Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies FOR MORE INFORMATION:Michael AinMarketing and Communications Manager, Pride TorontoTel: 416.927.7433, Ext. 226michael@pridetoronto.com www.pridetoronto.com   2010-06-23T19:43:29+00:00 http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/human-rights-at-pride-what-out-is-about/ http://www.pridetoronto.com/site/human-rights-at-pride-what-out-is-about/#When:18:36:31Z For immediate release 22 June 2010 Human Rights at Pride: What OUT is About Pride Toronto once again stands in solidarity with LGBTTIQQ2SA communities around the world with its human rights program, called Global Human Rights for Queers: What OUT is About 2010. This program promotes awareness of queer human rights abuses around the world, ranging from anti-sodomy laws to the death penalty in a number of countries. "This is the fifth year since we introduced this annual program," says Frank Folino, Human Rights Coordinator. "The 2010 program includes a wide variety of events, as well as several exhibits throughout the festival." Highlights of Global Human Rights for Queers: What OUT is About 2010 include: Tuesday, June 29th - Bridging Queer International Human Rights at Home and Around the World: A panel discussion at the historic Gladstone Hotel in the heart of the Queer West Village, the event will feature panelists Arsham Parsi, Marilyn Byers, Kim Vance, and Kenji Tokawa led by moderator Andrew Vail. 1214 Queen Street, at 6 pm Friday, July 2nd - Trans After Party: Annual performers Funkasia pay tribute to the Trans community through the edgy and the underground by hosting the official after party for the Trans march. At the Phoenix, 410 Sherbourne Street, 10pm Saturday, July 3rd & Sunday July 4th -What OUT is About Exhibits: Visitors can learn about the civil and human rights violations faced by queer communities around the world and what can be done to support the continuing movement for equality. Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm - Church Street, north of Wellesley and Queen's Park. Sunday, July 4th - YogaPalooza - Peace, Love & Pride in Queen's Park: Toronto's Biggest Yoga Class ever is free on Sunday in Queens Park. Join in the unique celebration of music, movement and meditation for Human Rights led by renowned Yogi, Salimah Kassim-Lakha. Queens Park, mainstage, 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Register at http://yogavision.com/yogapalooza.More information on all events can be found at http://www.pridetoronto.com/events. About the Moderator and Panelists: Andrew Vail: the creator/writer of The Middle Edge, which can be read on http://www.gayguidetoronto.com. He has also written for Xtra! as well as a variety of local and national publications. Andrew joined the group Lesbian and Gay Youth Toronto in 1982 and became a youth activist for queer rights, marching in many Pride parades over the years. Arsham Parsi: is a founder and Executive Director of Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees - Also Coordinator and Cultural Ambassador of the Stockholm-based International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network (ILGCN), official member of the Brussels-based International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the Toronto-based Rainbow Railroad group, and the Berlin-based Advisory Committee of the Hirschfeld-Eddy Foundation for LGBT Human Rights. Marilyn Byer: is proud to be one of the founding members with Barbara & Tom Beattie of PFLAG Canada-York Region On. (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgendered). Marilyn's son "came out" to her in 1994, and this chapter was started in 1996. PFLAG's mission is to support and educate- to cope with an adverse society; to enlighten an ill-informed public; to end discrimination and to secure equal human rights. She does by giving workshops, presentations and speeches for corporations, churches, and clubs and frequently in high schools on "How to end Homophobia". Marilyn spoke at the "RISE" conference (respectful, inclusive and supportive education). Kim Vance: is a founder and Co-Director of ARC International, based in Canada and Switzerland. ARC International is an organization which uses a unique community leadership development model to: facilitate international coordination and networking among organizations working to advance human rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity; develop and facilitate the use of tools to engage in international advocacy (particularly within the UN); and foster the relationship between grassroots organizations and governments and/or human rights mechanisms. Before founding ARC, Kim served as President of Egale Canada, and is a seasoned activist within the LGBT communities at the national and local level in Canada. Kenji Tokawa: is a founder and coordinator of a program attempting to make arts and activism more accessible to trans people of colour - GenderFOC: writing workshops for trans/gendervariant people of colour. GenderFOC is only a seed project with funding from the Community One Foundation to run a small series of pilot workshops, and we are waiting to hear back on more funding to continue it. He has been a facilitator with the Trans Access Project out of the 519 Church Street Community Centre since spring 2008; we are a team of trans people who train social service providers how to make their services more accessible to trans people. About Pride Toronto: Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization that hosts Pride Week, an annual festival held during the first weekend of July in downtown Toronto. Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities and is one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the world with a total economic benefit in 2009 of $136 million. Toronto's Pride Week has been named Best Festival in Canada by the Canadian Special Events Industry in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and is recognized as one of only eight Signature Events in the City of Toronto. It is ranked one of the TOP 50 festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) as well as one of the 18 Marquee Festivals of Distinction in Canada. With attendance of over 1.2 million, it is the third largest Pride celebration in the world and the largest in North America. For media accreditation for the festival, please visit http://www.pridetoronto.com. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies For more information:Michael AinMarketing and Communications Manager, Pride Torontomichael@pridetoronto.com 416.927.7433 ext. 226   2010-06-22T18:36:31+00:00