Archive for June, 2012

Jun 30

Dyke March

I was in the Dyke March

Clearly I am not a lesbian. But when the opportunity to participate in the Toronto Dyke March was presented to Lisa and me this afternoon, we couldn’t resist. We were each handed a vagina, told to hold it high in the air and chant the following:

My hole has lots of surprises
Dykes come in all shapes and sizes
We are the holey army
We’re here, we’re holes, we’re fabulous please fuck with us

It brought tears to my eyes. Making our way from Church and Bloor we walked South on Yonge to Carlton and then west to Jarvis. After that the march was over, and we returned our holes more confident than ever. This weekend is very important to the gay community because it’s the only time we can be free to be open, and share our experiences with other gay people.

Sure being gay is not the taboo it once was, but we still have farther to go in terms of awareness and acceptance. Many gay couples don’t hold hands in public because they fear being physically attacked. Think about how easy it is for straight couples to demonstrate affection in public; it should be just as tolerated for gays.

Our children should be free to attend school without being bullied because of who they are. I’ve always maintained that homophobia is a form of misogyny: the fear of the vagina and anything feminine. It has to stop, and one day it will.

Lisa and me holding our vaginas

Lisa marched with me

Participants lied down to remember gays who have been murdered

Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble

Holding hands, the only week it’s safe for gays to do so

Lesbians and bikes. Loves it!

We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it!

I’m a celebrity!

Jun 30

2012 Pride and Remembrance Run

Keith, Cathy, Lisa and Katie

The 2012 Pride and Remembrance Run has come and gone. For 5 years prior, I ran the event in support of a local LGBT not-for-profit charity, but this year I made the decision to document the actions of others. It was definitely a hot morning, but the competitors were in a jovial mood.

Out of all the organized runs in Toronto, The Pride and Remembrance Run is my favourite. There’s a joyous spirit that hovers over the event, as the LGBT community comes together in solidarity to raise money for worthy causes while remembering those who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS.

I love Toronto, but most importantly, I love Torontonians. No where in the world can you find such generous people. I’m bias I know, so just roll your eyes and shut up!

Happy Pride.

Keith, Cathy, Lisa, Katie

Lisa and Matt

Confetti

They’re coming!

Run for charity!

Matt waiting for Lisa to cross the finish line

The winner crossed the finish line in under 15 minutes

Katie finished under 28 minutes

Keith finished under 30 minutes

Lisa finished under 31 minutes

Cathy finished under 45 minutes!

She’s certainly showing her spirit!

John and Bill. Keep running boys!

They were exhausted

Recovered!

Jun 29

2 Comments

Transsexual Pride March

Pride has begun and the boys are out

It’s pride week in Toronto and this weekend is going to be a scorcher. The weather has so far been unbearably humid. I was debilitated by a headache all day and could barely move during the afternoon. I had to drag myself out of bed and go for a walk because I believe that fresh air does the body and soul some good.

The Transsexual Pride March was held this evening and I headed up Church Street to support a group in my community of fellow queers that needs to be heard and given their rights, because to exclude them from our society is shameful.

I hope that one day we’re more collectively tolerant of one another. As Harvey Milk once said:

“It takes no compromising to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no survey to remove repressions.”

Saying that, this is Canada, and everyone has equal rights. I wish my country was more unfair so I would have something to protest.

UPDATE: I had to correct some embarrassing grammar mistakes. I’m drunk. Sue me.

He was too cocky

Break dancing by bankers

Where I get what’s left of my hair cut

What’s up boys?

So Canadian…

A strange movement in Canada. Angry circumcised men.

Men’s choir

Trans rights now!

A boring pic, but who cares?

Rainbows everywhere!

Damn right!

Shirtless and fine!

Everyone’s beautiful

The march goes on

We all deserve respect

Keep fighting

Jun 29

Silly Maude

I have been reunited with Maude. Look how happy she is.

Jun 27

4 Comments

Nora Ephron has passed away

Nora Ephron, celebrated writer, director, wife and mother has died at the age of 71. She leaves behind a legacy of films, including one of my favourites, Silkwood, for which she co-wrote the screenplay.

It was a terrible shock to learn about her death last night, because I didn’t know that she was sick. Apparently she had been battling acute myeloid leukemia for the past six years.

I can go on and on about how much she meant to me, but it would seem trivial and selfish to try. All I know is that I will miss her work, and the grace in which she conducted it.

Much love to her, and all she brought to this crazy world.

Jun 27

14 Comments

Farewell, Argentina

“Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever.” ~Karen Blixen

It’s hard to believe that it was a year ago that I set foot on Argentina soil for the first time. Little did I know the spiritual journey that was ahead of me.

For those unfamiliar, my motivation for moving to Argentina was complex. Like many people I was living my life based on other people’s expectations and their definitions of normal, and I was unhappy. I was not depressed, but I had that sense deep inside my soul that life was stagnant, and it didn’t feel good. I knew next to nothing about Argentina, so with an adventurous spirit I gathered all my courage, abandoned material possessions, and hopped on a plane headed to Buenos Aires.

I have had a lot of highs, and many lows. Perhaps more lows. Expectedly, I learned a lot about myself. For starters, learning a new language was not as easy as I initially believed. But I had a passion to see and to do as much as I could, and eventually return home.

In the end, Toronto is my home. That is the ultimate lesson that I have learned. I didn’t know how much I was going to miss it until I was gone. I’ve lived overseas before, and I’ve travelled extensively. Attachments can be dangerous obstacles to overcome, but the one connection that I was not willing to break, was my bond with Maude, my English Bulldog. There you have it. The truth. I am, and always have been, an animal lover.

Today is my last day in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will miss it, and though I will no longer be living here, I will most definitely come back. There’s too much to see and do in this diverse, lush country, that to not return would be criminal.

Of all the things that I will miss the most, none is more painful than saying goodbye to Ramiro.

The generous and hospitable Argentine spirit is not an exaggeration. Ramiro has opened up his home to me, and has been the most thoughtful and considerate person. What I have observed in Ramiro is resolve. He has a deep-rooted passion housed in a solid foundation of calm and serenity. I have learned from him that no matter how sullied the road ahead may be, to remain positive, because tomorrow may never come. I am a more grounded person for having known him. I knew that he was special the moment we met. It’s not goodbye. It’s “see you later.”

So as insanely sentimental and absurd as this post is, I would like to say farewell to Argentina with a quote from my favourite book, Out of Africa, written by Karen Blixen:

“It’s an odd feeling, farewell. There is such envy in it. Men go off to be tested, for courage. And if we’re tested at all, it’s for patience, for doing without, for how well we can endure loneliness.”

Chau.

Jun 26

Another trailer for Damages season 5

Much juicier!

Jun 26

The epitome of grace and elegance

Ladies, you know you’re jealous.

Jun 26

10 Comments

Te Amo Buenos Aires

For the past two days I’ve been battling a nagging headache. I can’t shake it, no matter how many drugs I take. I finally had to force myself out of the bed because sleep alludes me. Feeling that a brisk walk would do me good, I ventured outside for a coffee and to snap a few photographs. I am experimenting with online photo filters and thought that this vintage effect accurately reflected the rustic quality of Buenos Aires urban living.

I’m well aware that I spend a lot of time on my blog complaining about Buenos Aires, but make no mistake that I am conscious that there is so much here to admire. For starters, it’s a beautiful city, populated by vivacious personalities from all walks of life. It’s difficult to be bored while lumbering around from one café to the next. It might not be what I’m used to, but there is a reason why Argentina is romanticized the world over, and that is in part due to its unique charm highlighted by its noisy and littered streets.

Perhaps that sounds like a backhanded compliment to some, but I couldn’t have meant it without a heavier weeping heart and much sincerity. I’m certain there are a plethora of other blogs out there who paint a rosier picture for those who demand it, but I’m more accustomed to complaining, because deep down inside, I’m an 80-year-old man washing his driveway with a hose in white socks and slippers yelling at the neighbourhood kids to get off his property.

Te Amo Buenos Aires indeed.

DORK!

Jun 24

Reserva Ecológica de Buenos Aires

Sunday in Buenos Aires can be boring. More than a usual day. If that’s possible. This afternoon I ventured over to Reserva Ecológica de Buenos Aires and walked for almost three hours. The reserve was declared a national park on Earth Day in 1986 and is popular with bird watchers, with over six species of parrots (incentive much!?) calling it home. A former dumping ground, and covering 360-hectares it is also popular with runners, walkers, sunbathers and cyclists.

The ecological reserve is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday with guided tours available on weekends. It’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and a short walk from the trendy Puerto Madero barrio.

Check it out if you get a chance.