DOCSLIB.ORG

Ready and Resilient, Strong Enter Its 30Th Year the Opportunities and Challenges That Lie Ahead

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ready and Resilient, Strong Enter Its 30Th Year the Opportunities and Challenges That Lie Ahead ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013 2 3 MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS “As the needs of people living with and affected by HIV have changed over the past 30 years, ACT has kept up with the changing times. ” RICHARD WILLETT AND JAMIE SLATER - CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR act turns 30. world-class fundraising gala Fashion Cares, featuring a It’s a bittersweet milestone we never expected star-studded lineup headlined by Elton John, delivered and quite honestly hoped not to reach. While this its final, spectacular bow. We focused our energies on occasion certainly allows us to pause and reflect on our our signature fundraising events - SNAP! and the past, it also presents us with an opportunity to think annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life - where we about our future. raised an impressive $600,000 thanks to our committed As the needs of people living with and affected sponsors and generous donors. by HIV have changed over the past 30 years, ACT In addition, the board undertook a review has kept up with the changing times. This year was no and update of its governance policies to strengthen exception as we made efforts to modernize services and its abilities to provide oversight and ensure legislative make them more accessible to the people we serve. compliance. In order to make these improvements, ACT Thanks to the determination and sound engaged external consultants to perform a review of leadership of ACT’s management over the past year, its operational functions and technology systems. This the agency has continued the trend of reducing its review resulted in recommendations aimed to improve deficit through innovative and strategic cost-saving efforts. We are confident that ACT is well-positioned to operational effectiveness and address the evolving needs 2012-2013 | ACT ANNUAL REPORT of the agency in a manner that is aligned with our enter its 30th year strong and resilient, ready to take on mission and strategic priorities. the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. We also took bold strides to focus our fundraising efforts while reaching new revenue sources that had been previously untapped. After 25 years, our RICHARD WILLETT JAMIE Slater 2 Chair Vice-Chair 3 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “ACT has been obsessed with getting the message out about HIV prevention, safer sex, and emerging issues in HIV and AIDS...[we] continue our long-standing tradition of producing eye-catching, edgy, sex-positive and bold materials.” HAZELLE PALMER - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR when we look for examples of ACT’s boldness and materials. This year also solidified our use of new innovation, our prevention and education resources technology with over three million hits to our website, and campaigns quickly come to mind. Since our over 17 Facebook likes and close to 3,000 Twitter inception in 1983, ACT has been obsessed with followers. getting the message out about HIV prevention, safer As important as our agency resources are, sex, and emerging issues in HIV and AIDS. Over the we also know that we would not be able to have the years our campaigns have drawn attention, controversy, impact without the incredible dedication, expertise and and earned respect. And, with every campaign there knowledge of our staff and volunteers. is the hope that it will be a catalyst for behavior- This year’s report details the range of change, provide new information, and enhance overall programming and services our staff delivered in 2012- understanding about the complex issues of living with 2013 that made sure we met our first strategic goal of and preventing HIV and AIDS. These campaigns have providing exemplary programs and services. Some key also helped to enhance ACT’s profile and reputation in statistical highlights include: 254 service users accessed the HIV/AIDS sector and among the communities we our employment services through Employment serve. So, we’re proud of our communications vehicles, ACTion; 424 people sought counselling and case our resources, and poster campaigns. management services; seven Community Health This past year saw a record production of new Forums were held with 490 people attending in the resources, posters, program brochures, promotional room and 3,200 online; Positive Youth Outreach cards that continue our long-standing tradition of conducted 73 outreach events and launched a new, updated resource called My Sex Life a healthy sexuality ACT ANNUAL REPORT | 2012-2013 | ACT ANNUAL REPORT 4 producing eye-catching, edgy, sex-positive and bold 5 guide for young poz people; 743 service providers Our work to address our third strategic goal in the settlement sector benefited from trainings to stimulate a strong community-based HIV-AIDS through the Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative response includes our ongoing participation on the Toronto (WHAIT) and the online resource Shared Toronto HIV Network, the Ontario AIDS Network, Health Exchange (shexchange.net) developed by ACT and the Ontario Working Group on Criminal Law and Top Drawer Creative Inc. for WHAIT’s work and HIV Exposure, the Public Health Agency of received two international awards of distinction; on- Canada Working Group on Youth and HIV, the line outreach hit an all-time high this year with 592 Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance, and research significant conversations with gay men about safer sex, projects such as the demonstration project on PreP HIV transmission and prevention; and 79 community (pre-exposure prophylaxis), iSpeak: Heterosexual service providers and researchers attended ACT Black Men’s Study (in partnership with Africans in Research Day for knowledge transfer opportunities Partnership Against AIDS, Black Coalition for AIDS and insight on community-based research on HIV and prevention and ACCHO), and the Employment related issues. Change and Health Outcomes (ECHO) study (in Our volunteers contributed over 28,000 hours collaboration with OHTN). to ACT last year. That figure translates to 13 full-time It’s been a busy year that has seen over staff equivalents. This demonstrates the extraordinary 16,000 service user visits to our agency for support, contribution that ACT volunteers provide to our information, employment training, and social agency. interaction activities. Our second strategic goal focuses on Our appreciation to our many friends in strengthening our organization. To this end, this the community who continue to support our work past year we undertook an operational review that and have demonstrated their commitment through resulted in recommendations that will enhance our volunteering, donations, sponsorships, and joining us IT and Information Management systems, updated at our events – the AIDS Walk, SNAP! and, for our policies for volunteer programming and programs final Fashion Cares. and services, and created - for the first time - draft Thanks to all of you for making it possible for Research policies (to be finalized this current year) ACT to make a difference in the lives of people living to guide our research projects and involvement in with, affected by and at risk for HIV and AIDS. other community-based research initiatives. We Your commitment helps us to achieve our goals conducted two agency-wide evaluations to inform the and encourages us to be bold! 2012-2013 | ACT ANNUAL REPORT work we do: the Volunteer Experience Survey was completed by 252 volunteers (program/service and fund development) and our Service User Satisfaction HAZELLE PALMER Survey, circulated annually every October, resulted in Executive Director 4 114 participants. 5 RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE RECENT ACT-LED RESearch AND research at ACT is grounded in community- EVALUation proJectS based research principles. ACT research and evaluation activities are based on the knowledge 1 iSpeak: examined the HIV-related needs, needs of our programs and services, and the directions challenges and priorities of heterosexual and priorities outlined in our 2010-2015 strategic Black men. 2 plan. ACT research engages in projects that support Research with a Purpose: reviewed recent program development and enable staff to better research to develop a knowledge base understand emerging trends and issues related to HIV related to ACT’s current health promotion and the communities with whom we work. priorities--stigma, mental health and HIV across the lifespan. 3 What’s in it for Me?: developed a workshop RESEARCH PROJECT SNAPSHOT: LIVING WITH HIV OVER THE LONG-TERM series aimed at enhancing the research literacy of people living with HIV. NOTES: FINDINGS: 4 TowelTalk Manual Project: identifies and documents the clinical dimensions of Study is a collaboration Ambiguity around the therapeutic counselling in a sexualized with Casey House. meaning and use of “long- term survivor”. environment. 5 Aim of developing a Serodiscordant Couples Study: proposes knowledge base related to People living with HIV to address a gap in the current service long-term survivorship of are consistently engaged HIV which includes, but in heealth management landscape by engaging serodiscordant is not limited to, issues strategies and activities. (poz-neg) couples in Toronto in a couples- related to aging. support group. Impacts of living with 6 HIV accumulate over time. A/C Track: this survey tracks behaviours, knowledge, health system utilization, Potential shifts for service and related issues with the African and provision appropriate to HIV as a long-term, Caribbean populations in Ontario. chronic, and episodic illness. ACT ANNUAL REPORT | 2012-2013 | ACT ANNUAL REPORT 6 7 KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION AND KTE ACT RESEARCH DAY (ACTRD) actrd is a free community event held annually since 2003. The 2012, Getting High on Research, was attended by 79 people and included two keynote presentations, a panel discussion, and four concurrent workshops. The content of the event focused on critical issues regarding community-based HIV research, mostly in Toronto. 95% 94% 100% felt ACTRD felt workshops indicated ACTRD increased their increased their generated a better knowledge about capacity to engage understanding of issues related to in community-based how research may community-based research.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • I Was Here Episode 1: Church Street with Brian Sambourne and Richard
    I Was Here Episode 1: Church Street with Brian Sambourne and Richard Isaac Please Note: These transcripts reflect a taped conversation and as such might not read as grammatically correct in every instance. Introduction Catherine: I Was Here was created with generous financial support from the Accessibility Project at the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the storytellers and are in no way endorsed by, or representative of, the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. Disclaimer Catherine: A warning to those of you who may be listening with small children, this episode features frank discussion of sexual practices. Cold Open Brian: And he was still full of tears, and he said to me, Brian, why me and not you? You were randy in your day. You had sexual partners. Now this sears you, when you hear, and you think to yourself, why me and not you. And I just said to him, Wayne, just luck, that’s all it was. [music] Interview 1 Catherine: You are listening to I Was Here, a podcast featuring older adults who have interesting stories about, or long histories with, spaces and places in Toronto. I am your host, Catherine Dunphy. [music] Catherine: In this episode, I am talking to: Brian: Brian Sambourne. I am age 66. I came out in the 1970s in the gay and lesbian community through MCC. I continued to be involved in my community and I thrive because of it. Richard: Richard Isaac. I am 73.
    [Show full text]
  • November 2006 Wayves
    ��������������������������� ��������������������� �������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������� ������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������� ��������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������� �������������� ������������ �������������� �������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������������������� SpiceWAYVES_FLOP.ai 6/9/06 2:39:15 PM 2 November 2006 Wayves C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Wayves November 2006 3 Halifax Pride ’07 Tewksbury Moncton Board Elected Men’s Dance Gives The By Bill McKinnon The new Board of Directors By Rob Myers, Mr. Leather Monc- The Halifax Pride Committee is for 2007 was elected. Micha Dav- ton 2006 making an early start in getting ies-Cole & Tamara Matheson will The Moncton Leather Chapter Shirt Off His ready for 2007 – well ahead of serve as Co-chairs, Kari Gundersen and I are planning Moncton’s last year. They held the Annual as Secretary
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to the Miscellaneous Human Sexuality Periodicals, Circa 1950-2003 Collection Number: 7687
    Guide to the Miscellaneous Human Sexuality Periodicals, circa 1950-2003 Collection Number: 7687 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections Cornell University Library Contact Information: Compiled Date EAD Date Division of Rare and by: completed: encoding: modified: Manuscript Collections Andrea September 2004 Andrea Hektor RMC Staff, 2B Carl A. Kroch Library Hektor Peter Martinez, February 2015 Cornell University October 2003 Ithaca, NY 14853 Ezra Corral, (607) 255-3530 July 2008 Fax: (607) 255-9524 RMC Staff, [email protected] February 2015 http://rmc.library.cornell.edu © 2003 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY Title: Miscellaneous human sexuality periodicals, circa 1950-2003 Collection Number: 7687 Quantity: 9 cubic feet Forms of Material: Printed materials. Repository: Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library Abstract: Mostly small runs of periodicals on a variety of human sexuality subjects, including lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transsexuals and transgender people, AIDS, feminism, and gender and sexual identity. Titles may be published in the United States or internationally. Language: Collection material in English COLLECTION DESCRIPTION Mostly small runs of periodicals on a variety of human sexuality subjects, including lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transsexuals and transgender people, AIDS, feminism, and gender and sexual identity. Titles may be published in the United States or internationally. Includes conference brochures from the 1963 and 1964 conferences of ECHO, East Coast Homophile Organizations. Bringing together the Daughters of Bilitis, the Janus Society, and the New York City and Washington, DC chapters of the Mattachine Society, ECHO was the first attempt to create a national coalition of organizations focused on equal rights for lesbians and gay men.
    [Show full text]
  • Luka Amona James Dubro
    Luka Amona Luka has been active with Pride Toronto starting in 2009 and since joining the Board, he has taken a very active role in participating and leading a number of Board Committees including Co-Chairing the CAP Implementation Committee which is the committee charged with providing strategic advice and guidance to the Pride Board on the implementation of the recommendations of Community Advisory Panel report (CAP). Luka is grateful to the community for the increased support that enabled Pride pull through a rather challenging period and ensured the delivery of a successful Pride festival. While a lot of progress has been made and the organization is in a much better position than it was just nine months ago, he acknowledges that Pride needs to continue to listen and engage all the communities that it serves so that their priorities are always aligned and reflected in the activities and festival events delivered by the organization. With 15 years private, not-for-profit and public sector experience acquired from working in a variety of roles in Europe, Africa and North America. Luka brings along broad and diverse skills, knowledge and abilities that includes: community outreach & engagement, advocacy, human resources management, strategic planning, change management, governance and financial management. Raised in England he believes his experience and knowledge will be particularly valuable to the organization as it looks to elevate its community engagement and accelerate its preparations for World Pride in 2014. James Dubro James Dubro has been an investigative journalist and television documentary producer/writer specializing in organized crime in Canada for over 35 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Event Program
    + WELCOME TO THE 2010 ANNUAL EMERY AWARDS + benefiting Marc Ecko Cut and Sew Tuesday, November 9, 2010 Cipriani Wall Street | New York City Cocktail Reception | 6:00 PM recognizes and supports Dinner and Awards Ceremony | 7:00 PM After - Party | 9:30 PM the Hetrick-Martin Institute Emcee for providing a nurturing Wendy Williams environment and the opportunity 2010 Honorees Arianna Huffington | Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Huffingtonpost.com for LGBTQ youth to achieve Marc Ecko | Founder and CCO of Marc Ecko Enterprises Ryan Murphy | Creator, Writer and Director of Glee their full potential. Live Auction Host Bethenny Frankel Special Performance Matthew Morrison DJ Corey Craig Hosted By: Rob Smith, Event Chair MISSION STATEMENT THE EMERY S. HETRICK AWARDS Former Youth Advisory Board The Emery S. Hetrick Award (or “Emery”) for Outstanding Contributions to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth is presented annually to individuals or or- ganizations that meet these young people’s critical needs. About Hetrick-Martin The Emery S. Hetrick Award (or “Emery”) for Outstanding Contributions to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, The Hetrick-Martin Institute, founded in 1979, is the oldest and largest non-for-profit, multi-service Transgender and Questioning Youth is presented annually to individuals or organizations that agency dedicated to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, provid- meet these young people’s critical needs. Emery S. Hetrick, a psychiatrist, activist, researcher, artist, ing a broad range of vital programming, including educational services for at-risk youth in The and musician is best remembered for his thoughtful and creative leadership in the lesbian and gay Harvey Milk High School; individual, group, and family counseling; concrete services and case community.
    [Show full text]
  • 2006 OVATION Award Winning Entries Booklet Table of Contents
    2006 OVATION Award Winning Entries Booklet Table of contents 1. Congratulatory Letter from IABC/Toronto President Page 2 2. Complete List of 2006 OVATION Award Winners Pages 3-6 3. Message From the Director of Judging Page 7 4. 2006 OVATION Award Judges Page 8 5. OVATION Awards 2006 SPONSORS Page 8 6. OVATION Awards 2006 Committee Page 9 7. Marketing Communications • Legal Aid Online: Making Legal Aid Work Easier for Lawyers (pages 10-12) • McCain Foods Canada: Potato Facts Marketing Communications Campaign (pages 13-16) • Harbinger Communications and Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Battle the Canadian Touch Deficit (pages 17-19) • Sleep Country Canada: Breakfast in Bed – in Winnipeg (pages 20-23) 8. Electronic and Interactive Communication • iStudio Holiday Guide (pages 24-27) 9. Interactive Media Design • Explore Michener Interactive Viewbook (the “Viewbook”) (pages 28-29) 10. Other Graphic Design • “50 Years of Innovation” Icon (pages 30-31) 11. Media Relations up to $50,000 • All The Season’s Wants and Wishes at Second Cup (pages 32-34) • The Retail Launch of Inuit Legend Barbie (page 35) • “Concierge: The Grocery Cart of the Future” (pages 36-38) • Prospecting the Future (pages 39-42) • Fashion Cares 2005 – M.A.C VIVA GLAM Bollywood Cowboy (pages 43-46) 12. Employee/Member Communication • The Launch of Hbc Life (pages 47-49) 13. Special Events • FACE Of Fashion 2005 – Helping FACE Help Families (pages 50-53) • Gingivitis Week 2005: The Great Canadian Rinse-Off (pages 54-56) 14. Issues Management • Garbage Collectors’ Strike – June 2005 (pages 57-59) 15 Media Relations over $50,000 • The Launch of Virgin Mobile Canada (pages 60-62) • Sean John: The Future of Fashion Comes to Canada (pages 63-67) • Toronto Unplugged (pages 68-71) OVATION AWARDS 2006 WINNERS This is always an exciting time of the year for me.
    [Show full text]
  • LOV July 2009
    THE SIX DAYS OF STONEWALL JULY/ AUGUST ISSUE 01 . 2009 living out vancouver lovmag.com PARTYTIME! PRIDE CELEBRATION ESSENTIALS PRIDEIN OUT OF THE CLOSET AND FASHIONONTO THE CATWALK VANCOUVER’S HOTTEST MALE MODELS ROCK THE RUNWAY THU JUL 30, 2009 CELEBRITIES 1022 Davie St. Doors 9 p.m. PrideShow Starts 11in p.m. Music by DJ Quest Performance by House of LaDouche $20 Advance at Little Sister’s Bookstore (1238 Davie St.) Priape (1148 Davie St.), and online at Celebritiesnightclub.com Fashion$25 At the door MODEL: NICOLAS D E HASS, MAKEUP: S TEVE N C ARTY, ARTY, S TYLIST: TYLIST: D EA NN A P ALKOWSKI. 3 4 in JULY/AUGUST ISSUE 01 . 2009 14 FEATURE Six Days in ’69: Revisiting the Stonewall Rebellion 26 PRIDE IN FASHION Boys’ Co, Michael Graft. Michael Co, Boys’ Gay culture’s impact Apparel: on mainstream fashion since Stonewall Steven Carty Carty Steven Grooming: 41 Deanna Palkowski Palkowski Deanna ylist: t S PRIDE HIGHLIGHTS The parties, performers and places to be Joe DallAntonia, Wayne Phillips Phillips Wayne DallAntonia, Joe Models: TJ Ngan Ngan TJ Photo: 6 TO OUR READERS 30 BODY & SOUL Team Vancouver Heads for Copenhagen 9 NEWS Is gay dating a new Olympic sport? 35 TRAVEL INSIDE STORY: What does the future hold for Ritchie Five Favourite Gay Getaways Dowrey after being attacked in a Vancouver gay bar? Local, national and international News Briefs 38 FOOD & DINING The Oasis Gets Fresh 23 STYLE 45 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Summer Fashion Must-Haves PopOuts: Gay pop culture News Briefs Rethinking the Beach Bungalow Vancouver Queer Film Festival Dump-to-Dream-Home DIY 50 JUL/AUG EVENT CALENDAR 5 living out vancouver EDITORIAL & CREATIVE TO OUR READERS DIRECTOR TJ NGAN elcome to the fi rst issue of LOV (Living Out Vancouver), Vancouver’s EDITOR fi rst gay men’s magazine.
    [Show full text]
  • Cruising "Alexander: the Other Side of Dawn" "Can We Talk" 31 Mins. By
    CANADIAN LESBIAN AND GAY ARCHIVES Moving Images Cruising •"Different from the others", starring Conrad Veidt Theme(s): Homophobia (German, 1919) Credits: Jerry Weintraub. USA 1980 video/VHS •)"Respect", music video by Erasure (1989) Accession: 2007-119 Theme(s): •Film •Music England video/Beta Accession: "Alexander: The other Side of Dawn" Theme(s): Gay Youth "Family Secrets" Eps#1 "Birth Mothers Never Forget" USA 1977 video/VHS Theme(s): Families Remarks: Taped from Television. TV-movie sequel to Credits: Makin' Movies Inc. Canada 2003 video/VHS•22:45 "Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway" with Accession: 2006-008 Leigh J. McCloskeyas a youth trying to escape the sordid world of male prostitution. Eve Plumb, Earl Holliman, Alan Feinstein, Juliet Mills. "I Believe in the Good of Life" West Wing footage. Accession: 2006-155 Dec. 2001. From West Wing Art Space. Many Art Fags including the debut of The Hidden Cameras. "Can We Talk" 31 mins. By Norman Taylor for the Theme(s): •Art Coalition for Lesbian/ Gay Rights in Ontario. •Parties Credits: Norman Taylor. video/VHS•30:55 Credits: Shot by Guntar Kravis. Canada Dec. 2001 video/VHS Remarks: Item is a slideshow video which discusses and Accession: 2006-053 debunks myths in the gay and lesbian community. Myths include the following: "Gay "Is He. ." can be spotted a mile away", "Homosexuals Theme(s): •Coming Out are known by the type of work they do", •Comedy "Homosexual is a sickness", "Homosexuals are Credits: Director: Linda Carter•Writer: Charlie David•Actor: Charlie child molesters", :Homosexuality is David. Canada 2004 other (see Form Details field)•Mini DV•9 min.
    [Show full text]
  • Gay and Lesbian Seasonal • Summer 2008
    GSFF Gay and lesbian seasonal • Summer 2008 summerplay! 2008 summerplay! 2008 summerplay! 2008 summerplay! 2008 “THE MOST EXCITING MUSICAL IN YEARS!” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune How did four blue-collar kids become one of the greatest successes in pop music history? Begins August 21st TORONTO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, 5040 Yonge Street (Formerly The Ford Centre for the Performing Arts, located beside the North York Centre TTC stop) (416) 872-1111 • JerseyBoysToronto.com For groups and gift certificates: (416) 644-3665 Original Cast Recording On Photo: Chris Callis summerplay! 2008 summerplay! 2008 MOUNTAIN ROAD WINE COMPANY IMAGE SPECIAL PRICES FOR DESIGNERS PRINTINPLUGS2 10% OFF FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Our Specials BROKERS WELCOME 11” X 17” 4” X 6” Business cards Flyers Full Color Posters Full Color Postcards 1000 Full Color $59 1000 Full Color $120 69c Each 5000Two sided$275 Office Package 1000 Business Cards, LetterHeads & Envelopes $179 Color Copies 3E9achc B/W Copies 3Each Premium Wines from the Beamsville Bench No Minimum - Volume discount Available Email: [email protected] 4016 Mountain Street, Beamsville, Ontario www.imageprint2.com 648 A, Yonge St. #4, Toronto,ON. M4Y 2A6 (1 block north of Yonge & Wellesley) 905-563-0745 • www.mountainroadwine.com Tel : 416-922-9686 Fax: 416-922-9821 Toll free:1-866-821-5532 summerplay! 2008 summerplay! 2008 From the Publisher cover photographer, the guys, and the gals, all coming together and working as a team with smiles all around. Chris Edwards was so sweet to come up to me in between her fabulous poses and encourage the direction that we are taking with this publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Chasing Away the Winter Blahs…
    Built-In cooking by LeasideLeaside Come visit our showroom Depend on us. Store Hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 6 pm Thurs - Fri: 10am - 8 pm Saturday: 10am - 5 pm Sunday: 12am - 5 pm winterplay! 2009 3 4 winterplay! 2009 Size 14+ consignment stores serving the GTA 8108 Yonge St., Thornhill, ON 905.764.0099 66 Commercial Ave., Ajax, ON 905.231.1091 www.curvaceousconsignments.com winterplay! 2009 5 6 winterplay! 2009 PublisherFrom the Publisher Among the many hobbies I had as a teen, I used today, years after I got away from the to spend hours sketching beautiful females on big misinformed teachings of religion to growing into huge canvases. My women were elegant, with a more of spiritual person, I still sleep with a long flowing hair, thick beautiful lashes, and sexy picture of the Virgin under my mattress. Last lips. They were my goddesses; earth mothers with week, as I was telling a friend of mine that little a lot of warmth. story, she asked me “why?” I couldn't tell her then. I have always loved women (mind you, I have I think it probably has to do with feeling never been with one; is this the proper place for a protected, as “the mother” is there with me, confessional?). My mother, my sister, and all my watching over me while I sleep. girl friends would tell you how much I love Having said all this though, I have to say I am spending time with them. Women, in my opinion, gender blind. I have to like you based on your make great and caring friends.
    [Show full text]
  • Queerness in the Transnational Caribbean-Canadian Diaspora
    1 The University of the West Indies Centre for Gender and Development Studies Issue 3 – 2009 Queerness in the Transnational Caribbean-Canadian Diaspora Amar Wahab and Dwaine Plaza ______________________________________________________________________________ Abstract January 29, 2008—A mob of 20 men broke into the home of three young men in Kingston, Jamaica. According to reports, the machete-wielding attackers badly beat and severed limbs of one man who is in critical condition in hospital. A third victim is still missing. Witnesses say he jumped off a cliff to his death (Gleaner January 30, 2008). May 12, 2008—Under pressure from gay rights groups and a sponsorship boycott of live dancehall shows by local beer giant Red Stripe, some Jamaican dancehall stars are offering free performances to events at which no Red Stripe products are sold or consumed. …Last month, title sponsor Red Stripe pulled its financing from the major live shows Sting and Sumfest, which it has sponsored for six and seven years respectively, in what it says is a response to the continued use of violent and anti-social lyrics during performances… “We have noticed that there is a negative trend that has been creeping into some of the music...This is very damaging to our culture, the music and to our country as a whole,” corporate relations director Maxine Whittingham told reporters. Red Stripe’s initiative comes on the heels of an ultimatum issued to the Jamaican government by Canadian human rights group Egale Canada1. The organization has successfully 1 Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere. Egale Canada describes itself as a national organization advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people across Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • The Man Behind the Curtain at Buddies in Bad Times Th Eatre ›23
    NEW LIFE AT POLITICS & TIP OF CREWS & TANGO PRIDE TORONTO THE HAT Church St bar Sign-vetting Local milliner reopening ›11 policy turfed ›16 honoured ›25 TORONTO’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS #663 MARCH 25, 2010 FREE 40,000 AUDITED CIRCULATION ›20 Brendan Healy The man behind the curtain at Buddies in Bad Times Th eatre ›23 COMMENT 6 XCETERA 8 NEWS 11 OUT IN THE CITY 23 XPOSED 33 MORE AT XTRA.CA 2 XTRA! MARCH 25, 2010 Toronto’s gay & lesbian news 7:30 p.m.: your dream man says yes! 7:31 p.m.: your search for the dream home begins. With longer branch hours and Mobile Mortgage Specialists that come to you, getting mortgage advice is convenient. 7:32 p.m. At TD Canada Trust we would like to add to the excitement of buying your first home, not Time for the stress. So when it’s time to discuss your mortgage options, you can meet with one of mortgage our in-branch representatives 8 ‘til late six days straight. Or one of our Mobile Mortgage advice. Specialists can come to you, days, evenings, weekends, even outside of branch hours. Just tell us the “where” and “when” that works for you, and we’ll help you understand the “how”. It’s just another way we’re making banking more comfortable. Visit any branch or call a Mobile Mortgage Specialist at 1-888-660-5965. www.tdcanadatrust.com/myhome more at xtra.ca XTRA! MARCH 25, 2010 3 H><CJEL>I=I=:;6HI:HI =><=HE::9>CI:GC:IH:GK>8: MTH.
    [Show full text]