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Sexual Health Clinic
The clinic offers confidential, non-judgemental services in a safe, positive space.
Services include:
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
testing and treatment
• Counselling
• Pap tests
• Low cost birth control
• Plan B - emergency contraceptive pill
• Pregnancy testing (fee) and prenatal referrals
• HIV testing, including anonymous testing
• Condoms
• Referrals related to sexual health issues
The clinic is open Monday through Friday. Walk-in
and appointment-based clinics are open to everyone.
Call 625-5976 (toll-free 1-888-294-6630, ext. 5976)
to find out which clinic you should visit, as it depends
on the service you need. More information is also
available at TBDHU.COM
The Health Unit is located at 999 Balmoral, at the corner of Williams.
Both the #8 James bus and the #12 East End bus stop at our building.
Greetings from the
Thunder Pride 2012 Chair
It’s amazing to think that what started off as
a conversation with my son in our car as we
traveled back from a pride event in
Minnesota that Thunder Bay should have its
very own pride celebration, would become a
reality. When the idea was shared with a
couple elementary teacher union friends,
Valerie Dugale and Ellen Chambers, the ball
was set in motion. Through invitation and
connecting with local organizations and individuals we had our first planning meeting on
December 21st, 2010. An amazing group of
people who shared a common vision came
together to discuss and organize Thunder
Bay’s first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ) community event;
it would be called Thunder Pride.
The Thunder Pride committee includes people from the LGBTQ community, as well as
allies, friends and family alike, that represented various union, political, educational,
social, religious, and non-profit organizations. The common vision that brought us
together was the idea of inclusivity, where
all community members, LGBTQ, friends
and family of LGBTQ people, and allies,
could work, learn, play, and live in a safe
and welcoming community that celebrates
and respects diversity. What better place to
have a community pride celebration than
our very own city, Thunder Bay.
Through the recognition and support of the
City of Thunder Bay Mayor and Council,
Thunder Pride established its first annual
event where a flag raising took place at
City Hall. Flying the Thunder Pride and
Rainbow Flags at City Hall in 2011 had a
huge and personal impact on many LGBTQ
community members in Thunder Bay. We
are grateful to see that this will continue.
Over a one week period in June, Thunder
Pride 2011 embraced education, antihomophobia awareness, music and live
entertainment, film and literary, a community-family picnic at the Marina, and a time
to remember loved ones. Through the generosity of in-kind donations and financial
contributions from numerous local businesses, organizations, individuals, the City
of Thunder Bay, and through the volunteer
efforts of over 100 community members,
Thunder Pride 2011 was a success!
Thunder Pride 2012 is comprised of many
wonderful and dedicated LGBTQ and ally
community members. Planning and orga-
nizing this year’s week-long celebrations,
June 10-17, is once again made possible
through the generosity of many local businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals. Everyone, of all sexual orientations,
is invited to attend any of the events. The
official kick-off for Thunder Pride 2012 will
commence with the flag-raising on June
5th at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall.
I would like to thank all the team players
of the Thunder Pride committee and subcommittee for sharing their time, energy,
ideas and passion to making Thunder
Pride fun, entertaining, and engaging! On
behalf of the Thunder Pride 2012 team, I
would like to express my gratitude to the
City of Thunder Bay and all our sponsors
for the amazing support for making
Thunder Bay a welcoming, inclusive and
safe place for LGBTQ community members, young and old.
Everyone is welcome to come out and
enjoy the Thunder Pride 2012 festivities.
In solidarity,
Rachel A. Mishenene
Rachel A. Mishenene
Chair of Thunder Pride 2012
Thunder Pride is an annual community celebration of LGBTQ and diversity rights in Northwestern Ontario.
The week long pride celebration is planned and organized by volunteers, allies and LGBTQ people. Thunder Pride is made possible through the generosity of Thunder Bay businesses,
organizations, and individuals. To get involved as a volunteer for any of the 2012 events, please go to our web page: www.thunderpride.ca To get involved as a committee member for
2013, please email us at: thunderpride2011@gmail.com
Photos for Thunder Pride provided by Margaret Evans and Rachel A. Mishenene
We thank The Chronicle Journal for their involvement in producing Thunder Pride 2012. Thunder Pride is circulated free of charge by The Chronicle Journal to nearly every home in Thunder Bay.
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
3
Highlights from
the LGBT history of
Thunder Bay
The 50s and 60s were a time of slow change
and then increasing ferment. The civil rights and
feminist movements became active in the 60s
and provided a model for the development of a
gay liberation movement in the 70s.
The Seventies
This was a decade of gay liberation and activism,
with a strong reaction of the religious right. The
seventies saw the beginnings of LGBT community development in the new city of Thunder Bay.
A short-lived group formed at Lakehead
University, Simpson Street was a social focus for
the community, and political changes began to
be discussed.
The Eighties
Progress, Plague and Reaction - The 80s were a
time of a many developments. Provincially, the
Human Rights Code was amended in 1986 to
include sexual orientation. Gays of Thunder Bay
became the first community organization. The
AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay was formed.
Thunder Gay Magazine became a weekly feature
on community television.
The Nineties
There were many changes and developments
during this decade of the 90s. Some of these
seemed problematic as a number of community
efforts faded or failed. However new efforts
sprang up and moved developments forth in
broader ways. This was a decade which clearly
was one of ebb and flow.
Community Response!
I was fortunate enough, to be enlisted as a volunteer photographer for the
first "Thunder Pride" week celebration last year, here in the city. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised, at the planning and efforts
put forth by this committee of enthusiastic volunteers. The many events, that
were scheduled, were organized very well. As a board member and volunteer of another festival in the area, I realize how much these volunteers give
of themselves, and hope this year, that the people of Thunder Bay, will come
out to share the various gatherings, offered in this one week of wonderful
celebration. The one day music festival, that closes the week, brings in
something for everyone, and also includes the local colour of this area, for
this incredible happening. My hope for this year is that this city with the
"giant heart", will come out in acceptance and appreciation, for an opportunity to meet new friends, and see old ones.
Margaret Evans
Last year I was involved in Thunder Pride festival and it was great! Everyone was extremely nice and friendly. The music and booths really put
it over the top! I am looking forward to attend this year to run my own booth, make new friends and listen to some great music!
Breymann Welch-Clark, 2011 Volunteer
Last year I had the pleasure of being involved in Thunder Bay’s first Pride in the Park celebrations. It was a successful event in every way,
filled with good music, good food and lots of happy, relaxed people enjoying themselves. I was proud to be part of such a warm-hearted,
inclusive event, one which exemplifies how this world should – and can – look and feel for everyone. I’m looking forward to another great
Pride in the Park celebration this year!
Ann Boo, 2011 Volunteer
I have been open about my sexuality in the Thunder Bay community for 20 years and the fact that Thunder Bay had its first gay pride last
year made me feel happy that Thunder Bay started on a path to create an all-inclusive community. Also, volunteering at last year’s pride celebration was ground breaking, fun and rewarding because the city officially recognized persons who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered for the first time. It was a chance to support Thunder Bay’s small yet growing gay community and to combat the homophobia that
resides in the community and to be involved in the education process.
2011 Volunteer
Yes you are right.. the organizers of "Pride in the Park" did a great job ... the musicians and the sound was excellent... home made fries and
hamburgers were very tasty and the weather cooperated... really enjoyed supporting diversity!
Chantal Alviani
What a great presentation, it is great to see young people getting involved.
Bradley Hetsler
The 21st Century
The first decade of the 21st century saw a number of dramatic developments, in particular the
legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada.
Human rights complaints against the public
school board led to a move to change policy and
to the development of Gay Straight Alliances in
high schools. Several new initiatives have
evolved, including the Sexuality and Gender
Equity (SAGE) working group, the province-wide
program Rainbow Health Ontario, Thunder Pride
in 2011, and new support groups in 2012.
At the breakfast I had tears in my eyes listening to their performance and
again while watching the video. Beautiful. I agree. It's so wonderful to see
youth getting involved in something that encourages love and freedom to
be your authentique self.
Brenda Richtig
I am so grateful that this is all happening here in Thunder Bay :D
Lee Matawapit
I am a proud parent of rainbow children. A son and a daughter. My
daughter was an integral part of a GREAT team that brought GSA to
Hammarskjold High School prior to her graduation. I'm excited to see
Thunder Pride take place!
For a more in-depth look at LGBT history in
Thunder Bay, go to Ebb & Flow: LGBT community
in Thunder Bay (members.shaw.ca/thundergay).
4
Abigail Barrie
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
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Yours sincerely,
Keith Hobbs, Mayor
City of Thunder Bay
www.thunderbay.ca
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
5
The Team:
Thunder Pride 2012
The Thunder Pride 2012 Committee is made up of
local LGBTQ and allies who have shown their dedication to making this year’s pride celebration a fun
and engaging event for everyone.
Pride in the Park volunteers gather around Cynthia Olsen, 2011
event Site Manager (and 2012 event Chair) as she instructs the
Rachel Mishenene, Chair
crew what needs to happen to prepare for the event.
Brenda Richtig, Secretary
Photographer: Margaret Evans
Todd Miller, Treasurer
Tom Boland, Community Relations and Sponsorship
Raymond Moonias, Smudge and Drum Opening Ceremony
Ellen Chambers, Anti-Homophobia Awareness Breakfast
Shannon Cruickshank, Literary & Storytelling
Myra Beck, Film Festival
Bob Manson and David Belrose, Walk of Healing
THUNDER PRIDE will be an annual community celebration of LGBTQ and diversity rights- the first civic Pride Week to be held in Northwestern
David Ivany & Gabe Picard, Drag Extravaganza & Pub Crawl Ontario. Its proposed goals are to:
Cynthia Olsen, Pride in the Park
• Celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Thunder Bay’s LBGTQ community.
Sandra Snider, Church Service & Luncheon
Amy Kelterborne and Myra Beck, Volunteer Coordinators
• Provide support, encouragement and education to Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgendered and Two-Spirited People, family and friends in
Jimmy Wiggins, Poster Designer
Northwestern Ontario.
David Belrose, Website Designer
• Work with community groups, academic and other organizations to develop programming, initiatives and events dedicated to reducing
homophobia- during THUNDER PRIDE and throughout the year.
A special thank you to those that supported
• Build a pre-eminent arts and cultural celebration for the City of Thunder Bay, its residents and the surrounding region.
our committee and sub-committee!! Thank you
for making each of our events a success!!
Vision:
Supporting Members:
Thunder Pride will be: A celebration of the diversity of those living in the Northwest
Rhonda Stock
Kezia Picard
The best pride weeks are those that involve and attract the whole community. Thunder Pride has the potential to be a community event that
Kalinda Hardy
Ma-Nee Chacaby
provides safe spaces for everyone. Outreach efforts will be undertaken to attract Pride Week visitors from outlying areas in the Northwest and
Julia MacArthur
Jen Metcalfe
from the U.S.
Robin Cooper
Blaire Welch-Clark
Brian Arbour
Breymann Welch
The success of Thunder Pride will be measured by the quality of contact, and the connections made, between people.
Thunder Pride Goals
Thunder Pride Volunteer Coordinators
By Amy Kelterborn and Myra Beck
Volunteers of Thunder Pride 2012 help with the
many facets of preparation and executions of
the week long events that celebrate the diverse
LGBTQ and ally community.
Volunteers, off all background, bring with them
the energy and enthusiasm needed that supports and celebrates our diverse and rich community.
As a Thunder Pride volunteer, you will play an
integral role in the Thunder Pride Family and
will help us in our endeavours to advance the
vitality of our Annual Pride Festival.
Thunder Pride operates through the dedicated
support of over 100 volunteers. We would like
6
to extend our gratitude to those who have volunteered in 2011, and those who will join our
2012 volunteering team.
If you are a returning or first-time, volunteer
please complete the online application found at
www.thunderpride.ca
Recipe for a Good Volunteer
• A pound of dedication
• A heapful of love
• A handful of enthusiasm
• A cup of community spirit
• A pinch of humour
Mix everything all together and there you go!
These simple ingredients that we all have make
for a superb volunteer!
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
Top 5 Myths and Misconceptions
about the LGBT Community
1) All gay men like musical theatre,
interior design & fashion; all lesbians
like sports, power tools & plaid.
Of course this is not true. Just as heterosexual
men and women do, homosexual men and
women have varied interests that are personal
to each of them. These misconceptions stem
from the stereotypes that have been created
revolving around these particular areas and in
some cases are quite true. However, we must
all remember that everyone is different and
therefore we should not assume that just
because a man is gay that he is going to burst
out singing his favourite Cher or Madonna
song and that just because a woman is a lesbian that she is going to throw on her tool belt
and go out back to build you a shed.
2) Homosexuality is a choice.
There have been many scientific on this matter.
The honest truth is that no one knows what
causes homosexuality. We can guess at what it
is, talk about chemicals in the brain, ponder
whether the boy spent too much time with his
mother when he was a kid or even measure
finger lengths all we want, but it won't help us
find the answer to this age old question. This
also speaks to those who claim to be able to
cure homosexuality. That's like saying you can
cure someone from liking the colour blue or
the taste of chocolate.
3) AIDS is the gay disease.
This is just flat out untrue. While it is true that
the spread of HIV was more prevalent in the
gay community when it was first discovered,
the group that has the current highest rate of
HIV contraction is actually straight women.
Anyone who has unprotected sex of any kind is
at risk for HIV if they are unaware of their partner's sexual history. So if you are opposed to
the use of contraceptives, you might want to
consider getting tested together before getting
physical. Otherwise the best policy is the good
old No glove, no love.
4) All drag queens want to be women.
Surprising as it may be, this is not true. Many
drag queens are actually straight men who
have no desire to change their gender. There
are also women who prefer to dress as men
which is less commonly known due to the
more outrageous idea of a man in a dress as
opposed to women in men's clothing. The technical term for these people is transvestites. This
is one category of the larger umbrella term,
transgender. The transsexual community is also
under this category and it is made up of those
who are on hormone treatments or those who
have or are going to have gender reassignment
surgery.
5) Children of gay couples will catch
the disease.
Okay, first of all, being gay or bi or trans or
whatever people choose to identify themselves
as is not a disease and it is definitely not contagious. If it was, everyone in the world would
probably be gay by now and this wouldn't be
an issue. In fact, homosexuality was removed
from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders, or DSM, in 1973.
Michael Gravelle, MPP
Thunder Bay - Superior North
Warmest wishes to everyone
at this year’s Thunder Pride!
Let’s all keep working together
to build a more inclusive,
culturally vibrant and
open-minded community.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way,
there have been many studies done in regards
to children being brought up by both homosexual and heterosexual couples or individuals.
They have been found to have an equal chance
of becoming homosexual themselves and have
also been shown to have an equal chance of
being well-adjusted in their own lives.
Enjoy the
celebrations!
[borrowed from Windsor Pride www.windsorpride.com]
179 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 3C1
T: (807) 345-3647 | 1-888-516-5555 | www.michaelgravelle.ca
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
7
Welcome
back!
for another week of
Thunder Pride 2011 Co-Chairs, Ellen Chambers
and Rachel Mishenene, welcome visitors and
community members to Pride in the Park 2011.
Photographer: Margaret Evans
Thunder Pride Festivities
The Thunder Pride 2012 team is very excited about the events that we’ve planned
for this year!
The Thunder Pride committee includes people from the LGBTQ community, as well
as allies, friends and family alike, that represented various union, political, educational, social, religious, and non-profit organizations. The common vision that
brought us together was the idea of inclusivity, where all community members,
LGBTQ, friends and family of LGBTQ people, and allies, could work, learn, play, and
live in a safe and welcoming community that celebrates and respects diversity.
What better place to have a community pride celebration than our very own city,
Thunder Bay.
Through the recognition and support of the City of Thunder Bay Mayor and Council,
Thunder Pride established its first annual event where a flag raising took place at
City Hall. Flying the Thunder Pride and Rainbow Flags at City Hall in 2011 had a
huge and personal impact on many LGBTQ community members in Thunder Bay.
We are grateful to see that this will continue.
Over a one week period in June, Thunder Pride 2011 embraced education, antihomophobia awareness, music and live entertainment, film and literary, a community-family picnic at the Marina, and a time to remember loved ones. Through the
generosity of in-kind donations and financial contributions from numerous local
businesses, organizations, individuals, the City of Thunder Bay, and through the volunteer efforts of over 100 community members, Thunder Pride 2011 was a success!
Thunder Pride 2012 is comprised of many wonderful and dedicated LGBTQ and ally
community members. Planning and organizing this year’s week-long celebrations,
June 10-17, is once again made possible through the generosity of many local businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals. Everyone, of all sexual orientations,
is invited to attend any of the events. The official kick-off for Thunder Pride 2012
will commence with the flag-raising on June 5th at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall.
I would like to thank all the team players of the Thunder Pride committee and subcommittee for sharing their time, energy, ideas and passion to making Thunder
Pride fun, entertaining, and engaging! On behalf of the Thunder Pride 2012 team, I
would like to express my gratitude to the City of Thunder Bay and all our sponsors
for the amazing support for making Thunder Bay a welcoming, inclusive and safe
place for LGBTQ community members, young and old.
Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the Thunder Pride 2012 festivities.
In solidarity,
Rachel A. Mishenene
Chair of Thunder Pride 2012
8
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
Thunder Pride 2012
Festivities
June 10 to 17
During the week, a wide variety of events are
planned. Our primary goal is to reach out to
the LBGTQ population, offering encouragement, friendship, safety and support. Through
partnership with local organizations in various
social, business, educational, union, and religious sectors, and through the volunteer efforts
of individuals, our focus for Thunder Pride is
about embracing of our wonderfully LGBTQ
diverse population.
Further details will be updated on our webpage
www.thunderpride.ca as they become available.
Tuesday, June 5
Thunder Pride Kick-Off
Flag Raising and Media Launch
10:00 a.m. at City Hall
Sunday, June 10
Opening Smudge and Drum Ceremony
10:00-12:00 p.m. (venue TBA)
Monday, June 11
Anti-Homophobia Awareness Breakfast:
Planting the Seeds of Possibility
7:30-9:00 a.m. @ the Prince Arthur Hotel,
17 Cumberland St. N., Provincial Room
Tickets $15 per person
Purchase tickets in advance at: the Growing
Season (Cash Only), 201 S. Algoma St.
& Lakehead Elementary Teachers of Ontario
office #5-1112 Russell St.
Tuesday, June 12
Literary and Storytelling
7:00-9:00 pm. @ the Mary JL Black Library,
901 S. Edward St.
Wednesday, June 13
Thunder Pride Film Festival
7:00 & 9:00 p.m. @ the Lakehead University
Centre Theatre, UC1017
Tickets $8.00 per person
Thursday, June 14
Walk of Healing
7:00 p.m. @ the garden Labyrinth at
St. Paul's Anglican Church, 808 Ridgeway St. E.,
and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church,
207 Brodie St S.
Friday, June 15
Drag Extravaganza
9:00 p.m. @ the Finlandia Hall, 314 Bay St.
An all ages event with a $5 cover charge
Saturday, June 16
Pride in the Park
12:00-6:00 pm. @ Marina Park
Free event for the whole family
Saturday, June 16
Pub Crawl
Three Venues
8:00 p.m. @ Gargoyles Grille & Ale
(room: A Little to the Left),
11 Cumberland St.; S $3 cover charge
9:00 p.m. @ the Sovereign Room,
220 Red River Road; free admission
9:00 p.m. @ Black Pirates Pub,
215 Red River Road; $5.00 cover charge
Thunder Bay Catholic Schools
Diverse and Inclusive
Students in Thunder Bay Catholic schools vary on many
dimensions, including gender, ethnicity, interests, abilities, culture,
age, and background.
At Thunder Bay Catholic, we provide a positive school climate that
• is welcoming and caring
• respects and celebrates differences
• promotes positive learning outcomes
• instills a sense of belonging
Our schools are inclusive.
We embrace the diversity and work
to address the uniqueness and
sacredness of each child.
Sunday, June 17
Church Service & Luncheon
Westminster United Church, 650 River St.
10:30 a.m.
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
9
Flag Raising
June 5, 2012 at City Hall
By Rachel Mishenene
Once again, the City of Thunder Bay will be
flying the Thunder Pride flag and the rainbow
Pride flag to celebrate the second annual
Thunder Pride Week, June 10 - 17.
The flag raising ceremony will be held at 10:00
a.m. on Tuesday, June 5 at City Hall. A local
musical lesbian duo, Outside the Lines, will provide acoustic entertainment.
Flying the Rainbow Flag at City Hall in 2011
had a huge and personal impact on many
LGBTQ community members and allies in
Thunder Bay. We are grateful to see that this
will continue. The flag-raising will be the official
kick-off for Thunder Pride 2012.
What is the Rainbow Flag?
[Information borrowed from Wikipedia]
The rainbow flag, also called the pride flag, freedom flag, or
gay pride flag is a symbol of the diversity of the lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, and
the LGBTQ social justice and equity movements that have
been taking place since the 1970’s. Having originated from
California it is now used worldwide.
The rainbow flag was designed by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Originally created
with eight colors, pink and turquoise were removed for production purposes and as of 1979 it
consisted of six coloured stripes, which should always be displayed with red on top or to left. It
is most commonly flown with the red stripe on top, as the colours appear in a natural rainbow.
Thunder Pride 2011 flag raising ceremony at City Hall. Some Thunder
Pride committee members posed for the first inaugural event.
Aside from the obvious symbolism of a mixed LGBTQ community, the colours were designed to
symbolize: red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (harmony), and purple/violet (spirit). The flag is commonly flown horizontally, with the red stripe on top, as it would
be in a natural rainbow.
Displaying the LGBTQ Pride symbol:
Displaying the pride symbol in a public place indicates to the LGBTQ community members and
allies, that the space is a welcoming and safe place that recognizes and respects the diversity of
the LGBTQ community.
Everyone is welcome to come out to City Hall
and be a part of the festivities.
In 2011, City Hall celebrated Thunder Pride by raising the
Thunder Pride flag and the Rainbow flag. On June 5th the flag
raising ceremony will once again take place at City Hall.
Thunder Pride Logo
The Thunder Pride flag was developed specifically to represent Thunder Bay’s LGBTQ community.
The six colours can be seen through the silhouette of the recognizable Sleeping Giant. The
design was created by Rachel Mishenene.
An additional logo was created, by Jen Metcalfe, in the creation of the Thunder Pride flag.
In 2011, City Hall celebrated Thunder Pride by raising the
Thunder Pride flag and the Rainbow flag. On June 5th the flag
raising ceremony will once again take place at City Hall.
On behalf of the City of Thunder Bay, Paul Pugh accepts a framed
thank you poster from the Thunder Pride 2011 Co-Chairs Ellen
Chambers and Rachel Mishenene. (Photograph: Rachel Mishenene)
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
June 10th - 17th
Best wishes to organizers and participants
Bill
Mauro
MPP
THUNDER BAY-ATIKOKAN
Thunder Bay Constituency Office
240 Syndicate Avenue South • 623-9237
www.billmauro.onmpp.ca
10
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
The Thunder Pride logo has also been printed on stickers, clothing
and memorabilia. These items will be available at the events during
Thunder Pride week.
Anti-Homophobia Awareness Breakfast
Theme: Planting the Seeds of Possibility
survey of over 1000 students are telling and chilling. Threequarters of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer
The focus of the breakfast is to heighten our awareness of
and questioning (LGBTQ) students feel unsafe in at least one
homophobia and transphobia, particularly on how it affects stu- place at school - particularly the hallways and washrooms.
dents in our schools. It is our hope that those attending the
Three-quarters of all participating students reported hearing
breakfast will leave with
expressions such as “that’s so
an understanding of the
gay” every day in school. Half
Monday, June 11, 2012
dangerous impact homoheard remarks like “faggot”,
phobia has on all stu“queer”, “lezbo”, and “dyke”
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
dents, and also with some
Over half of LGBTQ students,
Venue: Provincial Room, Prince Arthur Hotel daily.
tools to combat homophocompared to a third of nonCost: Tickets are $15 per person
bia. Anti-homophobia eduLGBTQ, reported hearing such
cation is similar to antiremarks daily. Many students do
Tickets available at:
racist education, human
not have one single person that
The Growing Season (Cash Only), 201 S. Algoma St.
rights education or incluthey can talk to about being
and Lakehead Elementary Teachers of Ontario office
sive education. It is imporLGBTQ, not even sure that their
#5-1112 Russell St., 624-9159
tant to specifically name
own parent will accept them. It is
the discrimination that is
our hope that by bringing more
awareness to this situation - and how we can make positive
faced in order to address it and prevent it. School boards have
changes ourselves, we will truly make our schools and commubeen charged by the Ministry of Education with implementing
nity safe for all.
anti-bullying policy, but non-specific anti-bullying is often not
enough. In school districts that have specific anti-homophobia
Keynote speaker James Chamberlain has devoted his profespolicies students report feeling safer. Anti-homophobia educasional life as a teacher to making schools safe for all students,
tion and policies are both key to making safe schools.
particularly LGBTQ students, challenging school boards to
address this serious issue. James was prevented by his school
The First National Climate Survey on Homophobia in Canadian
Schools was conducted by the University of Winnipeg and Egale board from reading a children's story book about two mommies
Canada, in 2009 and 2010. The findings from that Canada-wide to his kindergarten class. James filed a human rights complaint
By Ellen Chambers
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
and this human rights challenge was successfully upheld by the
Supreme Court of British Columbia. James continues to advocate for the safety of LGBTQ students through his work with
the Pride Education Network, as coordinator of professional
development at the BC Teachers' Federation and as a presenter
at workshops across the world. He has even made an impact by
leading educators from Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario
in anti-homophobia training. James will share some examples
of success in British Columbia schools and the possibilities for
us in our schools as we continue the work that has begun in
Thunder Bay and across the province. James will present the
audience with ways that we can become change makers in our
own lives and the community at large. This is sure to be a talk
that will challenge and inspire. We are fortunate to have this
dynamic and devoted activist start off the activities of Thunder
Pride week. Don't miss this important event.
Look forward to seeing you there!
James Chamberlain, a
teacher from BC and
coordinator of LGBTQ,
anti-racism and antipoverty and programs for
all schools in BC will be the
keynote speaker for 2012.
(Photograph: Pride Education Network)
11
Pride in the Park
By Cynthia Olsen
The aim of this event is to build upon the strength of our community
and encourage all people of Northwestern Ontario to celebrate our
diversity. The schedule is sure to please a full spectrum of tastes as well
as fully engage audience participation throughout the park! The festival
site will be hopping with your favourite food vendors.
Come check out our kids activities! Your kids can get decked out in
rainbows, blow bubbles, hula with hula hoops, get creative with collaborative art, and bound around in a bouncy castle graciously donated by
the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club! Thunder Pride is a family and kid
friendly organization committed to inclusion of every sort of family,
come meet the community!
Based on feedback from last year, we want to increase the involvement
of our youth at this year’s Park event. We will have engaging activities
for you run by youth. There will be the opportunity to anonymously ask
ANY questions youth may have – and they will be given the not so
“straight” answer. Come out and get your hands dirty with colourful
dyes and make your own tie dye creation (supplies will be provided)
This year’s Family Festival will have something for everyone! Come celebrate Thunder Pride at beautiful Marina Park under the open skies for
an afternoon filled with fun and games, music and merriment!
Partners in Pride
Learn more about the some of the programs and services available in
our community, including health care organizations, social service agencies, faith communities and more. Representatives will be available to
answer questions and distribute resources. Some of the participating
organizations include Rainbow Health Ontario, Thunder Bay District
Health Unit, Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship, NorWest Community
Health Centres, Thunder Bay Counselling Centre, Children’s Centre
Thunder Bay and AIDS Thunder Bay.
Pride Passport
Everyone visiting Marina Park for the day’s celebration can pick up a
passport that guides them to various destinations around the park.
There will be activity stations for children and teens, as well as interactive displays as part of Partners in Pride. Collect stamps at each destination and submit your completed passport for the opportunity win prizes.
Main Stage (by Jen Metcalfe)
We are excited to announce that the incredible JANE SIBERRY has
accepted our invitation to headline our Pride in the Park stage for
2012!! ~ Your entire afternoon will be swimming in a spontaneous
soundtrack for an open-minded community ~ This year's roster will
offer up a live stream of musical entertainment, featuring local talents
(of both Queer community members and our Allies) ~ Already confirmed to blast their musical positivities from the stage this year, are
local favourites “outside the lines”; “Tea Time Drive”; “Holly (Baby)
Maki”; and special incognito guests ROTFL (T-Bay's answer to LMFAO)!
With Thunder Sound (the TBCA sound team) providing the amplification
to groove along with in the beautiful setting of Marina Park, you’ll be in
for a diverse audio-journey from noon through to 6pm on Saturday
June 16th... this is the pot-of-gold, friends!
12
V - VENDORS
- Thai Kitchen
- Norma Jeans
- Fox on the Run
- Poppin Hut
- Ittibitz Ice Cream
- Tastebuds Pitstop
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Time: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Marina Park
Cost: Free
M - MERCHANDISE
- Thunder Pride
- Musicians
AP - ARTISANS IN THE PARK
CA - CHILDREN’S AREA
- Bouncy Castle (Boys & Girls Club)
- Arts & Crafts
YZ - YOUTH ZONE
- Tie Dye Station
- The Other 10%
- DieActive
P - PORTABLE TOILETS
P
XX - Vehicle access by parking pass
P
ST - STAGE
VI - VOLUNTEER & INFORMATION BOOTH
PP - PARTNERS IN PRIDE DISPLAYS
- Rainbow Health
- AIDS Thunder Bay
- Thunder Bay Counseling Centre
- Children’s Centre Thunder Bay
- Children’s Aid Society
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Queer Ontario
- CUPE
- NorWest Community Health Centre
- Catholic Family Development Centre
- Lutheran Concerned in Canada
- and more…..
FESTIVAL CHECKLIST:
- Remember to bring….
- Lawn chair/blanket
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Umbrella (rain or shine)
- Cash
- Insect repellant
- Pride Flags
- Open Minds!
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
XX
XX
PLG
WR
AP
M
P
P
P
CA
YZ
PP
V
P
V
V
V
V
V
VI
ST
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
13
Film Festival
By Myra Beck
If you prefer more adventuresome fare than
the usual cinema multiplex offerings, you're
in luck. Thunder Pride Film Festival is back
this year, so grab your popcorn and find a
seat because this year's festival is sure to
please.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
Venue: Lakehead University in
Theatre Room UC 1017
Cost: $8.00
Thunder Pride Film Festival (TPFF) is a cultural event with a mission is to recognize
and celebrate the art of LGBTQ Cinema by showcasing Canadian and International
queer films and filmmakers. The objectives of the Thunder Pride Film Festival is to
both stimulate and solidify its position of a burgeoning, important and recognized
local film festival. The film festival will continue to grow each year and engage
people while educating, embracing, and encouraging an awareness of our diverse
LGBTQ community and issues. Through community partnership, we hope to establish a sense of belonging in Thunder Bay.
The two films shown this June include:
“Beyond Gay
The Politics of Pride”
by Bob Christie.
This film is about the struggles, challenges and triumphs that the LGBTQ
global community and individuals are
faced with. The Chair of Vancouver’s
Pride takes the viewer on a virtual tour
of what countries are doing to celebrate pride.
“Undertow”
by Javier Fuentes-Leon
This film is the winner of 40+ film festival awards. It is an extraordinary drama
that tells the tale of an unusual ghost
story set amongst the Peruvian seaside;
where a married fisherman struggles to
reconcile his devotion to his male lover
within his town's rigid traditions.
Through your feedback and continued support, I will continue to strive to make
the Thunder Pride Film Festival engaging and entertaining.
14
Raymond Moonias anxiously waits for Jim Giles, Toronto filmmaker of “La Dany” to sign his film cover at the 2011 Thunder Pride Film Festival. (Photograph: Rachel Mishenene)
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
Smudge and Drum Ceremony
By Raymond Moonias and Ma-Nee Chacaby
Thunder Pride is here for the second year and as a two-spirited person, I am happy to see the
diversity of people from all walks of life come together to share another pride celebration.
This ceremony will include a traditional Aboriginal smudge and drum, and a short teaching
about two-spirited people.
What is a smudge?
Sage, Tobacco, Cedar, and Sweetgrass are four traditional medicines used and honoured by
Aboriginal people across Ontario and beyond. Each medicine comes with its own teachings
and is used for sacred ceremonies and when giving thanks to the Creator and Mother Earth.
The smudge is a burning of one or more of the medicines. The purpose is to cleanse and
renew energy; removing negative energy and instilling positive energy. The circle is another
important element in Aboriginal culture, where it represents many things, including unity,
balance and harmony.
What is a drum?
Singing, drumming, dancing, and storytelling are a few customs that embody the culture
of Aboriginal people. A drum is a symbol of Mother Earth’s heartbeat. Songs accompany
the drumming to give thanks and to acknowledge the interconnectedness we have with
nature and Mother Earth. There are many teachings about the drum.
Traditional teachings about culture and spirituality vary as there is a rich diversity of
Aboriginal peoples across Canada and North America. Traditional teachers and Elders hold
the cultural and traditional knowledge for Aboriginal people.
Thunder Pride is about integrating respect, love and harmony, where the unity of life’s
diversity is celebrated. We welcome families and friends to come out and participate in
this special opening.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Venue: The Spirit Garden at Marina Park
Cost: Free
Raymond Moonias (right) stands proud with local musician and Thunder Pride’s Stage Manager for “Pride in the Park” outside of City Hall at the 2011 flag raising ceremony. Moonias is the 2012 Smudge and Drum Ceremony event chair.
(Photograph: Rachel Mishenene)
Ma-Nee Chacaby, an Aboriginal elder and two-spirited community member, prepares for a traditional smudge and prayer. (Photographer: Margaret Evans, 2011)
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
15
Thunder Pride Literary
& Storytelling Event
By Shannon Cruickshank
From the classroom classic, Heather Has Two Mommies, to
John Irving’s recently released In One Person, Queer literary
accomplishments spark scintillating conversation and unflinching debate. Once rendered nearly invisible, a now growing
assortment of Queer novels and narratives has brightened the
Canadian literary scene. As a result, readers are able to experience a dynamic, inclusive cast of characters and themes.
Thunder Pride’s Literary and Storytelling Event celebrates the
success and accomplishments of talented authors, and the
impact their work has on both Queer and mainstream readers.
Zoe Whittall joins powerful cast of local writers!
We are pleased to announce that award winning author, Zoe
Whittall, has agreed to join Thunder Pride as our 2012 guest of
honour. As the Globe and Mail has stated: “Zoe Whittall might
just be the cockiest, brashest, funniest, toughest, most lifeaffirming, elegant, scruffy, no-holds-barred writer to emerge
from Montreal since Mordecai Richler...” Clearly, Zoe has had
many successful achievements over the years. She is the
author of two particularly distinguished novels: Bottle Rocket
Hearts and Holding Still As Long As Possible. Zoe’s most recent
novel, Holding Still As Long As Possible, was shortlisted for the
Relit Awards; named the American Library Association’s
Stonewall book of honour; and is the winner of the prestigious
Lambda Award. Zoe, with her wit, talent, and sheer force of
humour is sure to draw a crowd. If you would like a good seat
at this year’s literary night, please consider arriving early.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Venue: Mary J.L. Black Library
Cost: Free
Zoe Whittall will join a powerful team of exceptionally talented local writers and story tellers; folks who are proud to call
the north shores of Lake Superior home. Organizers of this
event would like to thank Susan Goldberg, Ma-Nee Chacaby,
Ray Moonias, and Rachel Mishenene for happily agreeing to
share their words with us on June 12th. But it doesn't end
there. We are also pleased to announce the addition of two
young, promising writers from Thunder Bay's youth group, The
Other 10%. We couldn't be happier with the line-up.
Susan Goldberg
Susan Goldberg is a writer, editor, essayist and blogger, and
coeditor of the award-winning anthology And Baby Makes
More: Known Donors, Queer Parents, and Our Unexpected
Families. Her personal essays have been featured in Ms. magazine, Lilith magazine, Here Come the Brides, McGraw-Hill
Ryerson’s iLit textbook series, Xtra!, interfaithfamily.com and
The Globe & Mail, among others. Her CBC radio documentary,
Finding Out, aired in 2006. In 2002, she won the Editors’
Association of Canada Tom Fairley Award for her substantive
work on the essay anthology Misinformed Consent: Thirteen
Women Share Their Stories of Unnecessary Hysterectomy. Susan
blogs about, among other things, cancer, (queer) motherhood,
sleep deprivation and toe jam at www.mamanongrata.com.
She’s currently working on a novel, called Step on a Crack.
Ma-Nee Chacaby
Ma-Nee is a key staple among Northwestern Ontario artists, literary and otherwise. Ma-Nee is a respected Elder and Two
Spirited mentor. She has shared her repertoire of stories and
narratives with hundreds of adoring, giggling, children through
her work with the Lakehead Public School Board and the
Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. She has written
and presented her written work in venues across Northwestern
Ontario. Ma-Nee is not only a wordsmith, she is also well
known for her visual art work. Ma-Nee will be showing her
paintings on June 17th at Thunder Pride's Waterfront event.
Ray Moonias
Shannon Cruikshank, event chair and organizer, welcomes everyone to the first Thunder Pride
Literary and Storytelling event in 2011 at the Learning Cafe. (Photograph: Rachel Mishenene)
16
Ray's home community of Eabametoong First Nation produced
a true poet. Ray stole the show at last year's Thunder Pride
Literary event with his moving performance and clear descriptions of hope, brightness, love and longing. Ray has a full
schedule as an activist, a volunteer and an honour role student
at Confederation College. Ray is very supportive of the
Negahneewin College Learning Cafe where he can be found
reading his work on Wednesday nights. Ray jumps in with
both feet, leaving his audience to reap the rewards of a candid, lucid performance.
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
Rachel Mishenene
Rachel is one of two
education advisors
for McGraw-Hill's
Native Study Literacy
textbook, "Strength
and Struggle:
Perspectives from
First Nation, Inuit
and Metis Peoples in
Canada." Rachel
selected well-crafted
short stories, poems,
songs and visual art
by First Nation,
Metis ad Inuit people across Canada
and developed the
corresponding lessons for educators and students. Rachel has
also written and created educational resources for
Ningwakwe-Learning Press & CBC Radio’s ReVision Quest, and
for Matawa First Nations. Importantly, Rachel's own creative
Endeavour’s are rich in imagery, humour and poignant commentary.
The Other 10%
We would like to thank the Thunder Bay Children's Centre for
recognizing the importance of contributions made by young
people who are part of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
intersex and questioning communities. Thanks to the work of
Julia McArthur and Betsy Martin Thunder Bay now offers a
drop in group for youth 12 - 25 years old. Meetings are held
at the Centre of Change every second Monday from 5:00 7:00 pm. Representatives from The Other 10% will boldly
share their creative writings and performance skills at the
Thunder Pride Literary and Storytelling Event. This highlight of
the night will offer everyone an opportunity to show support
for young, promising writers.
The Thunder Pride Literary and Storytelling event is sponsored
by the Thunder Pride Committee, the Northern Woman's
Bookstore, Thunder Bay Public Library, Lakehead University
Student Union's Gender Issues Centre, Pride Centre and
Aboriginal Awareness Centre, as well as contributions by
Sweet Peas Restaurant and the Prince Arthur Hotel.
Last year’s Literary Event drew a full house, standing room
only. This year the event will take place on Tuesday, June 12th
at the new Mary JL Black Library in Thunder Bay. Our first
writer will take the stage at 7:00 pm sharp.
Walk of Healing
By David Belrose and Bob Manson
Last year a very meaningful and moving evening
during Thunder Pride was the Walk of Healing.
This year, the Walk of Healing will again take
place. It will start with a traditional smudge and
prayers at the garden Labyrinth at St. Paul’s
Anglican Church where we will proceed with a
walk of silence to Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
where a candle vigil will take place. The route we
will take us from St. Paul’s Anglican Church to
Syndicate Ave, heading north to Arthur Street,
east on Donald Street, continuing to the corner of
Brodie Street and Donald St.
This event is in honour of loved ones who have
died of AIDS, suicide, and for those who have suffered from gay-bashing. People will have an
opportunity to light a candle in memory of a
loved one or to give hope to eliminating homo-
phobia, biphobia, transphobia, and discrimination
that LGBTQ people are faced with.
Each participant will receive a flower generously
donated by Rollason Flowers.
Included in the service will be AIDS Thunder Bay’s
Memorial Quilt which features a tree covered in
red ribbons. Each one signifies a life lost to
HIV/AIDS. The Quilt was a means for the agency
to deal with the grief and loss of so many clients.
Ribbons are still being added, five in the last two
years. The agency realized that it is also the community that has also suffered and now occasionally displays it outside of the agency.
This is a quiet event during Pride week. The entire
community is invited to share in this walk and ceremony. By walking and standing together we show
that this is a caring community.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: St. Paul’s Anglican Church &
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Cost: Free
Community members on the Walk of Healing. (Photographer: Rachel Mishenene, 2011)
S o l utio ns that cha n g e live s .
David Belrose, chair and co-event organizer stands in the Labyrinth at St. Paul's Anglican Church where community members gathered for an
opening prayer ceremony. (Photographer: Rachel Mishenene, 2011)
The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre is a nonprofit organization
that supports families, individuals, couples and workplaces
through a variety of counselling, outreach, education and
support solutions.
» Mental Health and Addictions
» Counselling and Support
» Budgeting and Debt
Management
» Education & Training
» Support for Children and Youth
807.684.1880
» Employee Assistance Programs
Toll Free: 1.888.204.2221
Thunder Bay Counselling Centre is a proud sponsor of Thunder Pride Week 2012
www.tbaycounselling.com
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
17
Drag Extravaganza
By Dave Ivany and Gabe Picard
Thunder Pride 2012 is proud to present
our second annual Drag Extravaganza!
The roaring success of Thunder Pride’s
2011 drag-show Extravaganza set the bar
for drag show entertainment in Thunder
Bay. This year, we are working hard at
making this year’s event bigger, better,
and much more fabulous. It’s a night of
guys as gals, gals as guys, and everything
in between.
The Drag Extravaganza will take place at
the Finlandia Club (314 Bay St.) on
Friday June 15th. Doors open at 9pm
with entertainment starting at 10pm.
This year will be filled with more dancing and mingling, with a whole lot of
show! This event is open to all ages.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Venue: Finlandia Hall
Cost: $5.00 / person
All ages
Drag King Flare, from Toronto, will be back to celebrate
another Thunder Pride. Photographer: Margaret Evans
18
David Ivany is Fabulous
Portia!! Photographer:
Margaret Evans
Photographer: Margaret Evans
Thanks to some feisty, enterprising
kings and queens and promoters
pounding the pavement, the local drag
scene is absolutely thriving! Without
an ‘official’ gay bar in town, the regu-
lar drag shows have provided a space for
the LGBTQ community to cut loose and
have a good time. This focus on positive,
prideful and inclusive shows has kept these
events booming. Our homegrown drag royalty have been featured on CBC National
Radio and the main stages at Pride events
across Canada. With local drag taking a
turn for the theatrical, our performers are
going to keep serving you some uniquely
Thunder Bay Drag Realness. The talent
includes Empress Paloma Marquez and
Ivan Love and Fabulous Portia, Thunder
Bay’s current king and queen of the north.
Other entertainers like Pantasia LaPremiere,
prodigal daughter, and powerhouses like
Natalia Summers and Ridah Strawng are
just the tip of the iceburg.
We have incredible talent returning to the
city for some blow-out performances you
won’t forget. The pulse of amethyst and
silver is strong and its magnetism pulled in
a fabulous Toronto king, Flare, whose performance last year’s Extravaganza quickly
went from Leonard Cohen to straight up
David Ivany (2nd from left), the event co-chair and
organizer (along with Gabe Picard – missing from photo)
for the drag show extravaganza, strikes a pose.
Photographer: Margaret Evans
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
Photographer: Margaret Evans
Burlesque. Flare will be returning to this
year’s Drag Extravaganza with a whole
new thumping show. Joining him will be
another performer from Southern Ontario,
a sweet and sassy queen, Ms. Fluffy
Souffle. With Fluffy’s gender blurring performance and sharp wit will keep you
laughing all night long. Keep a close eye
on the events page at www.thunderpride.ca as we reveal our schedule of
fierce performers and information about
the kings and queens.
With a queer friendly DJ from the local
scene to keep you grooving between sets;
it’ll be an unforgettable night!
In our own Thunder Bay way, we’ll have
you gagging on the Eleganza! So, come
on down to the Finlandia on June 15th.
Feel the Pride and experience the glamour!
If you’re feeling ready for the stage, get in
touch with David at
queerradio@luradio.ca - slap on a pair of
heels or work boots and get practicing.
Thunder Bay’s drag king, Ivan Love.
Photographer: Margaret Evans
Pub Crawl
By Dave Ivany and Gabe Picard
After a fierce week of the LGBTQ community werqin’ it throughout
the city, it’s time to get downtown and get down!
On June 16th, three venues will be hosting a
Saturday, June 16, 2012
night of queer and allied DJs and performers who
Time: 9:00 p.m.
will have your booty shaking and your body
sashaying.
Three Venues
Black Pirates Pub / $5.00
At the Black Pirates Pub, doors open at 9:00 p.m. and admission is $5,
a small price to relish in big talent with DJ Fabulous Dave( 8bit/Disco/Electro facebook.com/FabulousDave0), Miss Temperance
(Electro/Deep House/Minimal), and DJ TLA (Top 40/House) weaving a
foxy soundtrack to help you shoot an arrow that’ll go real high
(hooray for you).
Sovereign Room / Free
At the Sovereign Room starting at 9:00 p.m., DJ Luv and Jaqi Iraqi will
be ruling the dance floor with a soft glove for absolutely free.
A Little to the Left (Gargoyles) / 8:00 p.m. / $3.00
If gettin’ sweaty ain’t your flavor, head on down to Gargoyles at 8p.m.
for their ‘A Little to the Left’ showcase where, for only $3, relaxing
acoustic and live music will help you to unwind and take it easy after
a busy and bustling day.
One of our featured DJs, DJ TLA, throws no shade when it comes to
Thunder Bay’s LGBTQ community, raving “I am excited to be coming
back to my hometown and seeing what the Pride is like [here]. Pride is
my favourite moment of the year, as I have never been to a Thunder
Bay one [and] only have experience from Toronto. It’s the one time of
year that everyone comes together in celebration of equal love and I
think there’s nothing that can compare to that!” This homegrown talent knows where the hits are, from a set that will keep you “bumping,
grinding, or singing along,” to where he will be curing his hangover
the morning after: “My favourite thing about Thunder Bay is most likely the Hoito! Best pancakes in the world.” Taste a little preview of
what DJ TLA is going to offer up on the 16th by hearing his mixes and
beats by visiting his websites: about.me/tla, www.facebook.com/djtla,
and www.soundcloud.com/tlamusic!
After bending the world, it’s time to enjoy it. You better werq!
Closing Church Service
By Myra Beck
In closing of the Thunder Pride 2012 week long festivities, Westminster United Church will open its doors and will provide the public with a service
officiated by Minister Scott Gale. Musical entertainment by Morning Star Derosier and Tall Poppy Syndrome will be provided for your enjoyment.
The service will be followed by a luncheon.
We look forward to seeing you there.
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Venue:Westminster United Church
Cost: Free / Includes Lunch
19
Terminology
By Kezia Picard
Ever wonder what this acronym or
that word meant when it was made in
reference to sexual orientation or
equality rights?
Here is a list of common terminology that I
hope will help you.
Ally: A person who advocates and supports equality
and equity for everyone and who actively challanges
heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia,
heterosexual and genderstraight privilege in themselves and others; a concern for the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people.
Asexual: A person who is not sexually attracted to any
gender or who does not have a sexual orientation.
Androgyne: A person who identifies as neither male
nor female.
Bigendered: Person who identifies with, and has characteristics that are, both male and female.
Biphobia: An irrational fear or hatred of people who
are bisexual.
Bisexual: “A person emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to males/men and females/women. This
attraction does not have to be equally split between
genders and there may be a preference for one gender over others” (LGBT Resource Centre, University of
Southern California).
Cisgender: A person who identifies with, and whose
behaviour conforms to, societal expectations of their
gender; when one’s gender identity and biological sex
match (see ‘gender identity’ and ‘sex’).
Coming Out: The process of accepting one’s sexual
orientation, gender identity, or sex identity and to
share it with others (e.g.; to ‘come out’ to one’s family
and friends).
Cross-dressing: To dress in the clothes typically associated with another gender/sex.
Discrimination: “The prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their membership – or perceived
membership – in a certain group or category. It
involves the actual behaviors towards groups such as
excluding or restricting members of one group from
opportunities that are available to another group. It
involves excluding or restricting members of one
group from opportunities that are available to other
groups” (Wikipedia).
Drag: To perform in gendered clothing as an act.
Drag Queens perform in very feminine attire and Drag
Kings perform in very masculine attire.
Gay: A man who is sexually, physically, and/or
emotionally attracted to men. It is sometimes used
as an umbrella term to describe the whole LGBTQ
community.
20
Gender: The societal roles and social categories associated with femininity or masculinity. Whereas gender
refers to social roles, the term ‘sex’ refers to biological
and physical sex characteristics (see ‘sex’).
Gender Binary: The assumption that there are only
two genders and that a person must belong to either
one or the other gender.
Gender Identity: How a person identifies themselves
and relation to gender roles. This could mean refusing
to identify with any
gender.
Gender Normative: A person whose behaviour and
actions conform to social expectations of their gender.
Genderism: The expectation that people behave
according to the roles associated with their perceived
gender and discriminating against people who do not
conform to those expectations.
Genderqueer: A person whose behaviour and actions
do not conform to behaviour that is either feminine or
masculine. Such behaviour challenges the assumption
that gender is binary (see ‘gender binary’).
Hate Crime: A crime that is motivated by hatred based
on an individual or group’s identifiable characteristics
(e.g.; sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race,
religion, age, etc.).
Hate Speech: Speech that disparages an individual or
group on the basis of an identifiable characteristic
(e.g.; sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race,
religion, age, etc.).
Heteronormativity: The assumption that all people are
heterosexual and/or the belief that heterosexuality is
preferable to homosexuality or bisexuality.
Heterosexism: The privileging of heterosexuality and
devaluing non-heterosexual behaviours. Heterosexism
can include the assumption that all people are heterosexual and the belief that heterosexuality is superior.
In contrast to homophobia – which is an irrational
fear and hatred – heterosexism includes all of the
subtle biases, attitudes, and discrimination that nonheterosexual people can face on a day-to-day basis
(e.g.; a coworkers assumption that one’s spouse is of
the opposite sex).
Heterosexual: A person who is sexually, emotionally,
and/or physically attracted to someone of the opposite sex.
Heterosexual Privilege: The unearned benefits that a
person receives by adhering to societal expectations of
heterosexuality (e.g.; freedom from discrimination).
(See also ‘heteronormativity’).
Human Rights: In Canada discrimination or unequal
treatment on the basis of an identifiable characteristic
(such as sexual orientation, gender, gender identity,
race, ethnicity, religion, age, and/or disability) is prohibited.
Homosexual: A person who is sexually, emotionally,
and/or physically attracted to someone of the same
sex.
Homophobia: An irrational fear or hatred of people
who are homosexual.
Identity Sphere: “The idea that gender identities and
expressions do not fit on a linear scale, but rather on
a sphere that allows room for all expression without
weighting any one expression as better than another”
(LGBT Resource Centre, University of Southern
California).
In the Closet: A person who is homosexual, bisexual,
intersex, or a transperson who cannot or will not
share their sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, or gender
identity with their family, friends, coworkers, or the
wider community. People usually stay ‘in the closet’
because they fear discrimination.
Intergender: A person whose gender or gender identity falls between genders or is a combination of different genders.
Institutional Oppression: The systemic and systematic
oppression of people on the basis of an identifying
characteristic (e.g.; sexual orientation, gender, gender
identity, race, ethnicity, age, religion, etc.) that is reinforced by society and the institutions of a society.
Internalized Oppression: When a person who is a
member of an oppressed group comes to believe that
discriminatory attitudes and behaviours are true and
acceptable (e.g.; when a person who is homosexual or
bisexual comes to believe that heterosexuality is
preferable). (See also ‘heteronormativity’).
Intersexed Person: A person whose sex is not easily
determined by the medical profession.
Lesbian: A woman who is sexually, emotionally, and/or
physically attracted to women.
LGBTQ: An acronym used as an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, queer,
and questioning.
Oppression: The unjust use of power to discriminate
against a group of people. Oppression can also be
widespread and institutionalized (see ‘institutional
oppression’).
Outing: Exposing one’s true sexual orientation, gender
identity, or intersexed status without that person's
consent.
Pangendered: People who do not identify as either
male or female and/or whose gender identity includes
various gender expressions.
Pansexual: A person who is sexually attracted to all
gender expressions.
Passing: Someone who hides their gender identity
and/or sexual orientation to ‘pass’ as heterosexual or
cisgender (see ‘cisgender’).
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
Queer:“An umbrella term which embraces a matrix of
sexual preferences, orientations, and habits of the notexclusively- heterosexual-and-monogamous majority.
Queer includes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transpeople, intersex persons […]. A reclaimed word that was
formerly used solely as a slur but that has been […]
overturned by members of the maligned group, who
use it as a term of defiant pride. ‘Queer’ is an example
of a word undergoing this process. For decades ‘queer’
was used solely as a derogatory adjective for gays and
lesbians, but in the 1980s the term began to be used
by gay and lesbian activists as a term of self-identification. Eventually, it came to be used as an umbrella
term that included gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and
transgendered people. Nevertheless, a sizable percentage of people to whom this term might apply still
hold ‘queer’ to be a hateful insult, and its use by heterosexuals is often considered offensive” (LGBT
Resource Centre, University of Southern California).
Questioning: Someone who is questioning their sexual
orientation and/or gender identity.
Sex: A scientific term that refers to a specific expression of external and internal sex organs, chromosomes, and hormones. Sex thus refers to biological
characteristics of a person’s body and is therefore
distinct from one’s gender identity (see ‘gender’ and
‘gender identity’). This term, however, is incomplete
as it is usually divided into ‘male’ and ‘female’ bodies
which, as a result, does not recognize intersexed
bodies.
Sexual Orientation: The expression of one’s sexual
desire for the same gender/sex, opposite gender/sex,
and/or multiple genders/sexes.
Straight: A person who is heterosexual.
Transgender: A person whose gender identity is different from their anatomical sex. Transgender is distinct
from sexual orientation and does not imply either heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.
Transphobia: An irrational fear or hatred of people
who are transgendered.
Two-Spirited: An Aboriginal who embodies masculine
and feminine characteristics. “It often implies a masculine spirit and a feminine spirit living in the same
body. Traditionally, two-spirited individuals were seen
as having a gift and they performed traditional duties
of both genders” (Canadian Federation for Sexual
Health).
Ze/Hir: Gender neutral pronouns that can be used
instead of he/she and his/her. They are pronounced as
‘zee’ and ‘here’.
An LGBTQ Youth Community Group
By Julia MacArthur,
Member of the Other 10%
The Other 10% is a group of young people who started meeting
in November 2011. I think that a lot of us have had the idea of
starting a group like this, but it’s both hard and easy to actually
get it going. Hard, because labels, rules, inclusions and exclusions, reaching out and asking are hard. Easy, because once we
did it, once we put the call out, met some other people, and
introduced ourselves, we started to really like each other.
The Other 10% is a name that was chosen by democratic vote by
the group’s members. In the 1950s, the Kinsey Reports found that
about 10% of males between the ages of 16 and 55 were exclusively homosexual in behaviour. Although this number has been
challenge repeatedly over time and in different studies, it’s entered
our culture as a mythical number, a notion that we are not alone.
Not even in Thunder Bay. Not even in our darkest hours.
There have been other groups like The Other 10% in the past in
Thunder Bay, interested in getting together, socializing, getting
solid information, and feeling safe. This is not a new thing; we
have by no means invented the wheel. We have tried to learn
from people’s experiences in the past, and to look at what has
gone on in our city before us.
Today, people are facing access to more information than ever
before. Everyone is. The queer kids, the allies, and the homophobes and transphobes who bully and abuse them, and the
bystanders, young and old, individuals and organizations, who do
nothing to stop the hatred.
In the past, sometimes it was possible to fly under the radar. It
was possible “that’s so gay” wasn’t in style in your town, or your
school. It was possible that you wouldn’t get called a fag or a
dyke or genderbender in the corridors at school. A lot of the time
it happened anyway, but still, some people could escape it.
Maybe it was possible that you could pretend that you or your
kids had never heard of the LGBT. But today, with gay being the
insult du jour, with girl on girl being the main attraction in
pornography, with trans* actually existing in the media, the
pressure hasn’t lessened. In some ways, we’ve been told by
people with a lot more experience than us, it’s greater. Kids
know who they are and who
they like at a younger age. But
they are also being told how to
act as a “boy” or a “girl” at
more extreme levels at a
younger age. They might be
told that they are a fag or a
lesbo before they have even
had time to work out their feelings for anyone, regardless of
gender. They are facing bullying
at a younger age. They understand that for a whole bunch of
kids their age, it did not get
better enough fast enough to
keep going.
If you want to join us, we meet every second Monday at the
Centre for Change from 5-7pm. It’s open to all
LBGTTIQ+Questioning people between the ages of 12 and 25. If
you want more information, email other10percent@childrenscentre.ca or check out Facebook.
That’s why the Other 10%
exists. We don’t talk about that
at every meeting. We usually
have fun, talk to interesting
people (especially each other)
and eat snacks. But really, we
are all here because none of us
ask those “why don’t you”
questions. None of us make
you declare who you like, boys
or girls. None of us ask why
you have that hair cut or wear
those clothes, or why your
name doesn’t fit the gender
you look.
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
21
Thunders Bay’s
heart continues
to grow a
“Giant”
♥
sense of Pride
By Tom Boland
The year 2011 marked the inauguration of a Thunder Bay festival that promises to be an annual celebration of diversity in
Northwestern Ontario. “Thunder Pride 2011” was a weeklong, arts and cultural celebration and an economic driver for
the city of Thunder Bay. On the heels the tremendous success
of last year’s celebration of PRIDE, the organizing committee
proudly announces plans for “Thunder Pride 2012”, another
full week of education and fun scheduled to take place
between Sunday, June 10 and Sunday, June 17, 2012.
Thunder Bay is one of the most diverse and dynamic "Cultural
Capitals of Canada", a distinction awarded by the
Government of Canada to recognize and support Canadian
municipalities for special activities that harness the many benefits of arts and culture in community life, (2003 –
Department of Canadian Heritage). As the unofficial capital of
Northwestern Ontario, the city and the region have welcomed
and embraced populations and cultures from around the
world. The vitality of Northwestern Ontario’s arts and heritage
community is celebrated each year through a variety of per-
22
formances, programs, exhibitions, and festivals. Thunder Pride
2012 promises to again extend such celebrations of tolerance
and acceptance to members of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, queer) community, by hosting a
variety of daytime and evening activities ranging from walks,
readings, and school-based activities to drag shows, dances
and outdoor stage events. All Thunder Pride events are
planned for the enjoyment of members of the LGBTQ community as well as friends, family members, and the community at
large.
As a community, Thunder Bay has come a long way with
respect to the acceptance of our gay, lesbian and two-spirited
population, but education needs to remain a focus. Many of
our schools have recognized the need for support among our
students, students who have long been bullied, harassed and
unaccepted. Community groups have rallied together to support victims of hate crimes and homophobic intolerance.
Thunders Bay’s heart continues to grow and with it, a
“Giant” sense of Pride. The time is right to celebrate our
“Pride” with a week of activities dedicated not only to the
healthy and safe acceptance of all people for who and what
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
they are, but also in celebration of the diversity that continues to strengthen our city.
We believe that support of this venture will contribute significantly to the overall quality of life in our city. Again this year,
we hope to attract people and support from regions throughout Northwestern Ontario and even from across provincial
and international borders. We believe that such regional support will not only result in a boost of economic activity
throughout the week, but that it will be the catalyst for such
activity for years to come. More importantly, Thunder Pride
will continue to position Thunder Bay as a place where everyone is accepted; a safe and welcoming place to attend school,
to raise a family, to start a business, to live. Thunder Pride,
similar to other Pride celebrations in Sudbury, Peterborough,
Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax, Montreal and
places all across this great country, helps to build unity, safety
and tolerance for residents and visitors alike. Thunder Pride
makes a great city even greater.
Thunder Pride 2012 thanks ALL SPONSORS for helping make
this year’s festivities possible!!
Major Sponsors Thank you
Thunder Pride is made possible through the donations and contributions by local businesses, organizations, and individuals. We are very grateful for your support in making Thunder Bay a welcoming and
inclusive place for all LGBTQ people. For a list of our sponsors, please check our webpage at www.thunderpride.caThunder Pride 2012 would like to thank the following major sponsors:
N
W
E
S
Thunder Pride 2012
Sponsors:
Intercity Shopping Centre
ETFO (Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario)
LETO (Lakehead Elementary Teachers)
Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel and Suites
Porter Airlines
TB Shows
Finnport
Thunder Bay Counseling Centre
Northwest Funeral Alternative Inc.
Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship
Rainbow Health Ontario
SASI Spring Water
Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay
Rollason Flowers
Media Sponsors:
Thank You Thunder Bay!
Thunder Pride 2012 gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the following businesses and individuals who have contributed to the success of our
pride week and for making Thunder Bay a welcoming and inclusive place for the LGBTQ community and allies.
Bonobo’s Foods
CAW Local
CRC Communications Ltd.
Diane Gordon
Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario
Finnport
Fox on the Run
Intercity Shopping Centre
Ittibitz Icecream
Jack Hallam
Lakehead Elementary Teacher Local
Lakehead Public Schools
Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship
LU Radio
Magic 99
Margaret Evans Photography
Norma Jean’s Restaurant
Northern Women’s Bookstore
NorWest Community Health Centres
OPSEU
Outside the Lines
Prince Arthur Waterfront Suites
Rachel Mishenene
Rainbow Health Ontario
Rainbow Printers
RBC Bank
Rebecca Johnson
Rob Richardson
Robert Manson
SASI Spring Water
Shaw TV – Channel 10
Sweet Peas Catering
Tammy McKinnon
Tastebuds Pitstop
TBay Tel
TD Bank Group
Thai Kitchen
The City of Thunder Bay
The Poppin Hut
Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club
Todd Miller
Tom Boland
The Chronicle Journal
Magic 99.9
Giant 105.3
LU Radio
Shaw TV
The Walleye
THUNDER PRIDE 2012
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