Protest in Moncton Ficials in a Quest for Raising Awareness by Nathan Adams Movement Will Show the Government How and Celebrate Diversity
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Veldhoven Nominated: Order of Nova Scotia mherst resident, longtime gay rights activist and Wayves Acolumnist Gerard Veldhoven has been nominated for the Order of Nova Scotia. Born in the Netherlands, he has been active in many issues re- lating to the LGBT community. “His work has been recognized to promote understanding and acceptance not only in his community, but throughout our province at large that has left Amherst, Cumberland County and Nova Scotia a far more accepting place to inhabit for every single resident,” says MLA Brian Skabar. “Gerard has made Nova Scotia a better place; as a parent, a commit- ted partner, a volunteer, a community leader and pioneer for human rights.” As founder of the Cumberland Pride Society, Veldhoven has continu- ally worked along Amherst town of- Protest In Moncton ficials in a quest for raising awareness By Nathan Adams movement will show the government how and celebrate diversity. He contacted protest was held outside Moncton much the people of New Brunswick oppose the long-term care facilities throughout the City Hall on Wednesday, March 30 abolition of the Council, and that it can help province to raise awareness in those A in the hope of stopping the abolish- convince them to reverse their decision to cut facilities in order to gain equal treat- ment of the NB Advisory Council for the it. “I am hoping that people who are driving or ment for senior LGBT community Status of Women. The goal was to get as walking by on the way home from work will see members. His article, “Equal rights in many women and supportive men to at- the protest and ask questions, find out about a Just Society,” has been recognized Veldhoven at St Patrick’s Day Irish Stew Supper at Menz Bar tend, with the women wearing bandannas the closure of the NB ACSW or, if they already and he has presented this at special in Halifax, hosted by Safe Harbour. Photo by Anita Martinez. over their mouths. The women carried signs know about it, galvanize them, and inspire them speaking engagements. Promoting stating “NB Women Silenced by Alward,” to take action,” she said. gay- and grand-parenting is also a favourite granddaughters, is presently writing his mem- while the men carried “In Solidarity” signs. “In the short time that I’ve been with the passtime. His guest speaking engagements oirs. He and his late partner, Norman Carter, The NB ACSW, an agency that has served as ACSW, our chairperson has produced columns have included PFLAG, the Zonta Club and the were together 36 years and their October the independent voice for women since 1977, defending the need to have pride parades, de- Senior LGBT Group in Toronto. Gerard has 16, 2004 marriage is believed to be the first advocates for the women of NB and raises crying homophobic and hetero-sexist language, also been involved with other activists in Nova publicly-performed ceremony in Nova Scotia. awareness on their issues and concerns. The and has written about trans issues,” she said. Scotia and New Brunswick. They allowed TV cameras to be present so as Council hosts public educational events year- “Every time we have dealt with an issue relat- Amherst Mayor Rob Small also expressed to promote equal marriage. Gerard is known to round throughout the province, publishes a ing to the LGBT community, I’ve felt that the praise: “Gerard has not only strived to make Wayves readers as a regular columnist. Asked bi-annual statistical report on the status of NB ACSW has an admirable knowledge base to Amherst a better place to work, live and be how he would react to being inducted to the women, and maintains a toll-free line women work from and I never felt that their dealing proud of, he has worked tirelessly to ensure Order of Nova Scotia Gerard said it would be can call if they need to find out about services with the issues were tokenistic. The LGBT that Nova Scotia is recognized to be open and a further recognition of the queer community available to them. community has a strong ally in the NB ACSW.” welcoming to all.” of the province. “Being nominated is both Beth Lyons, NB ASCW’s event coordina- Veldhoven, the father of two sons and two humbling and exciting,” says Veldhoven. tor and researcher, said she is hoping that this International Day Against Homophobia n Prince Edward Island, Abegweit Rainbow countysexualhealth.com . can only be purchased in advance at Planned national Day Against Homophobia. All are Collective, in partnership with PFLAG Frontrunners/walkers of Newfoundland Parenthood at 203 Merrymeeting Road, or at invited. This will mark the first time The City IPEI, AIDS PEI, and UPEI Rainbow Al- will host an informal run/walk, tentatively the Travel Bug in the Avalon Mall or 155 Water of Corner Brook as honoured this important liance are planning a showing of “Fish out scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on May 17, starting at Street, St. John’s. The location for the event has day and we believe the first time this action has of Water,” with a panel discussion after the the Quidi Vidi Boathouse. To confirm time and yet to be determined, so please contact execu- been taken in Western Newfoundland . viewing. At press time the details have not location e-mail [email protected]. tive director Costa Kasimos at (709) 579-1009 The Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project all been worked out, so check ARC’s web- As in the past years, there will be a Rain- or toll-free at 1 (877) NO MYTHS (666-9847). will hold an IDAHT event in Halifax. Please site at www.arcofpei.com or e-mail info@ bow Peace March, organized by PFLAG and E-mail executivedirector@nlsexualhealthcen- visit the Halifax LGBT Events Board at gay. arcofpei.com for up-to-date information. AIDS Saint John. The march will begin at 5:45 tre.org or visit the website at www.nlsexual- hfxns.org/events for all the details. The Pictou County Centre for Sexual Health p.m. at the Fort La Tour site on Harbour Pas- healthcentre.org. and the Pictou County Women’s Centre will sage in Saint John, NB, and will make its way On 17th May hold an open house from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 to Centenary-Queen Square United Church, at 11:30 Mayor Regular Columns p.m. on May 17 at 503 South Frederick Street in 215 Wentworth Street, for our annual Service Greeley of Cor- New Glasgow. There will be brochures, posters, of Prayer and Hope at 7:00 pm, followed by ner Brook and information and light refreshments available to refreshments. For more information, contact well as Christian Chef’s Corner 10 • Groups & Services 12 • I Am What I celebrate this day. The Pictou County Centre Mack MacKenzie or AIDS Saint John. Corbet, Founder Amherst 4 • Kibitz and Bitch 6 • Lesbian Soap Box Dia- for Sexual Health is also looking to form a Planned Parenthood (NL Sexual Health and Chairperson ries 4 • Last Word 14 Deadline for May issue: Friday, May 6 (first Friday of focus group with LGBTTQQI individuals in Centre)’s Annual International Day Against of Corner Brook every month!) [email protected] • On- the community to identify needs and supports, Homophobia breakfast, with guest speaker Pride Inc. will raise line: www.wayves.ca • Join us on Facebook: as well as a working group—please call Rayann T.A. Loeffler, will be held on May 17, beginning the Pride Flag at Wayves Magazine Rocks! • and Twitter: @ at (902) 695-3366 if interested. PCCSH has at 7:15 a.m. and will run through to 8:30 a.m. City Hall in rec- WayvesMagazine a Facebook page. Its website is www.pictou- Tickets are $17.00 each (cash or cheque) and ognition of Inter- 2 — May 2011 — Wayves Atlantic Canada News Safe Harbour MCC of the Youth Board. “I have always NACS Art for Life other marginalized populations in Parties kicked off in January and run had a good time being on the Youth northern Nova Scotia. monthly right up until July. Pride Closes its Doors Board. I defiantly think more people Auction For more information contact Week occurs in August and will in- On April 3, seventeen of the twenty- should join and provide their input to The Northern AIDS Connection NACS at (902) 895-0931, e-mail clude the flag raising event on August seven members, and fourteen friends make the Youth Project even better Society is pleased to present its tenth [email protected] or visit the website 17, Pride dance on August 20, and the of Safe Harbour met to discuss and than it already is!” Anyone interested annual Art for Life Auction. This spe- at www.northernaidsconnectionso- parade on the 21st. Other events will in joining or getting more informa- cial evening will be held on Monday, ciety.ca. be announced as Pride approaches. tion on the Youth Board can go to June 13 at the Best Western Glengarry If you would like to volunteer with the Youth Projects website at www. Hotel in Truro, NS. Viewing will be- River of Pride River of Pride, visit the website at youthproject.ns.ca. This is definitely gin at 6:00 p.m. and the auction will www.fiertemonctonpride.ca. an experience you don’t want to miss begin an hour later. Elects New Board out on. Local distinguished artists Rob River of Pride held its AGM at Halifax Pride Scott, Bruce McCabe, Rob Marshall, Triangles on March 30 and elected Michelle Brake, Janice Stewart and a new board for the 2011-12 Pride Public Meetings Dance In Amherst many others have all generously do- Cumberland Pride would like to an- season.