Pride 2009
By Bonnie McDougall
Among the many highlights of my trip to Toronto Pride this year, was the strong Police presence throughout the streets of The Village, most notably, York Regional Detachment. This division, and in particular, Constable Corie Dilts, provided a 'fantasy-come-true' for those of us who covet motorcycles and the women and men who ride them, in or out of uniform. For a small donation, which will be directed to charities supporting Cancer and Aids Research, Constable Corie and others from the detachment would allow a photo or two to be snapped on the gorgeous white police motorcycle on display.
I opted for a solo shot and one with the very amiable Constable Corie, who informed me that a total of $800.00 was collected over the weekend. Having the police provide such a friendly, positive presence during our Pride celebrations not only speaks well for those who Serve and Protect, but also helps to solidify the trust and respect that is being given and received between our LGBTQ community and Law Enforcement throughout the country. A big 'shout out' to York Regional Police...and many thanks for the photo opp.
A newbie goes to Pride 2008
By Judy Scott
I walked in the Dyke March at Toronto Pride this June. So what, you may ask. Hundreds of women did. Yes, I reply, but I am 68 years old and only came out last September. Being in the parade was a major step (pun intended) for this formerly conservative grandmother of three.
Toronto Pride was memorable because
- it was my first time appearing as a lesbian in public - there must have been dozens of cameras pointed in all directions the whole weekend; I wonder if any of my uninformed relatives or friends saw it. Hope so. And
- I arrived at the hotel on Friday with a partner and left Sunday without one!
Despite Saturday's being miserably hot and humid, some of the warmth I encountered came from the feeling of at last being part of my true tribe. I kept thinking: ALL these people are gay! Most of them are young enough to be my grandchildren but many are the same age as I am. Everywhere, people smiled at my rainbow-hued lei and the several colourful buttons I received and immediately pinned to my shirt.
There were too many booths to count - some raising money for charities, some selling rainbow-oriented clothing and jewelry. Being proud and yet a bit cautious, I bought a beautiful bracelet with Swarovski crystals in our rainbow colours. To someone who knows, I will be immediately recognized as lesbian. To someone who doesn't, it's just a pretty bauble.
There were cruises (of the nautical kind), dances, bands, acrobatic dancers twirling on their heads for spare change and more bare boobs and bums than I've ever seen in my life, all sizes and shapes, all worn by smiling faces. I wondered briefly if, when I bought something with a $20 bill, I'd get my change back in nipples and dames.
It was a great show, terrific validation of my choice to come out and be my authentic self and a memory I will pull up from time to time, for fun.
The partner? Well, that is still being negotiated. You lifetime lesbians know the routine.
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