Q News
Posted on
January 4th, 2012
2012 Begins
2011 seems to have gone out like a lamb as compared to many previous years, at least for some of us. It certainly did not start out like a lamb, it exploded – and it exploded all over the world. National debt crisis in almost every major country in the world, political instability, social upheaval, bank failures, and the ever looming possibility that 2012 is the final year for civilization. That is if you believe that the world truly will end as so many are predicting.
So what happened in 2011… for one thing the LGBTQ Community saw massive change. In the United States with the repeal of “Don’t ask don’t tell” there was a surge of pride in the community, proof that nothing is impossible. Some states have legalized same sex unions, while others have only further entrenched themselves against the concept. The extreme right is continuing to beat their war drums claiming the demise of society because of LGBTQ people.
I find that to be interesting… it was not after all the fiscal policies of the LGBT Community that crashed Wall Street or has thrown the world into economic chaos. Actually according to statistics, the LGBTQ Community accounts for the vast majority of consumer spending in Canada and the United States. Let’s face it… having a bad day? Is there better therapy then zipping out and spending a little money? Better then what some people do, at least in my opinion.
But I digress. 2011 also saw no less than three major predictions that the world was going to end… remember November 11, 2011 at 11:11? Of course no one was sure if that was AM or PM, and there there is the whole business with time zones getting in the way… 11:11 where exactly? Not that it really matters, my typing of this blog post clearly indicates that it didn’t happen… yet.
Bullying was something that continued to run unabated. Even with the huge social outcry, it still continues to be a significant issue in society. More than just in school, in the great big corporate world it is rampant. Most people don’t even seem to realize it, maybe as adults we are just used to be brow beaten that we brush it off? Or perhaps the fear of retribution, like losing one’s job, is just so great that we numbly go about our days?
I for one think that 2011 was a good year. Yes, it was a difficult one, but sometimes one has to consider what good can come from challenge. We as a community in Canada were given reminders of how fortunate we really are. The world around us fell into chaos, and that chaos illustrated how strong our community is, how closely knit together we really are.
Many charities have reported a sharp increase in volunteers and in funds from the community – something that was desperately needed after the federal cut backs of 2008 – 2010. Our Q Hall of Fame Inductee, ted northe survived lung cancer and having almost 80% of a lung removed, and in 2012 celebrates his 75th year.
Was 2011 a year that many would like to forget? Sure, there are moments that I wish I could erase. As a dear friend once said to me… “Bad things will always happen in life, we cannot change that nor hope to control it. What is most important is what you learn from your experiences, and how you use that knowledge to make a difference in the world.”
2011 taught me much, and I for one am going to try to make a difference, no matter how small.
Posted on
August 2nd, 2011
Q Ball 2011… A Night to be remembered…
Q Ball 2011 was perhaps one of the most inspiring nights I have ever experienced, not only was I filled with pride at the success of the event, but the PRIDE felt for our community has never been stronger.
It was a night of inspiration, hope, love, and community. We were each dazzled by stunning performances by Jayleen Stonehouse, Symone, and Raye Sunshine. The room was beautiful. The acceptance speeches of the inductees… brought us to tears and then doused us with hilarity. The history told was nothing short of amazing.
We had three guest speakers that night, The Honourable James Moore, The Honourable Hedy Fry, and ted northe. All were brilliant, but perhaps the most poignant was that of Mr. northe as he regaled us with a sixty year history, experienced first hand, of our community. A room full of people brought first to tears, and then to their feet as Mr. northe received a standing ovation that lasted enough that like a rock star he went back onto the stage.
To best quote the evening, here is some of the feedback we have received:
“The most inspirational night of my life”
“Perhaps the truest sense of community and pride I have felt in many years, it really is what having pride is all about”
“I think it’s always tempting when we now have so many equal rights and privileges that it was easy – it’s good for us to continue to hear the stories of the people who made it happen and to hear the stories that show just how far we’ve come… when I hear stories like we heard from the inductees last night – stories that happened well within my memory, things that happened to people we know and love, things like Paul’s own story of being bullied despite the fact that we was probably bigger than those who bully through all kinds of intimidation … all of that somehow makes it clear that Freedom Fighters of all kinds have made a huge difference, and Lest I Forget, events like last night are really important – it’s important to remember what those before us have done and to celebrate the victories in awesome style. I so appreciate the Queens!”
Here is a shot of some of our inductees that evening.
From Left to right are 2009 Inductees: Janine Fuller, ted northe with our 2011 Inductees: Karen Busby, Garth Wiens, Kammelle Toe (Representing the Dogwood Monarchist Society – DMS), Kneeling is Marty Mojo Stevens also with the DMS, Kevin Dale McKeown or “QQ” the journalist, NiQ, Delwin Vriend, Jeremy Dias, Michael Murrell (With DMS), Raye Sunshine (with DMS)
Posted on
July 5th, 2011
TEE OFF to FIGHT BULLYING in retrospect
I was in great spirits… then I looked out the window. It was pouring out, not the typical Vancouver rain that is more of a mist, but a good old prairie rainstorm. I stood at the window in a daze… the weather forecast said scattered showers, there was nothing scattered about this.
BUT being the eternal optimist that I am I sucked it up, and got ready to go. By 8:45 am I was in the car and headed out to pick up one of our most wonderful volunteers. As I sat waiting for her to get coffee, the rain was still coming down. We headed to the golf course and at one point had the wipers on full, and STILL had a hard time seeing… all I could think was “this is not happening”.
Then… we turned the corner onto university drive, and… the pavement was DRY. It was dry on the road, dry on the sidewalk, dry in the driveway of the course, and dry on the greens. It had not rained a drop at the course – yet only a few short blocks away it was torrential. Miracle of miracles, I must have earned some good karma that day. At about 11:00 the clouds that were threatening to dampen not just the greens, but my spirits too, broke – and a single beam of beautiful sun shone down directly on the registration hut. It was surreal, like having our own personal spotlight from the heavens.
And so, the day began – and what a day it was. The Unstoppable Connie Smudge was the tour de force of our day as she whipped about the course in her well dressed cart, music blaring. Her unstoppable spirit, energy, and sense of fun infected everyone. Some of the players had never in their lives seen a live drag queen, a few even looked rather… uncomfortable at first. I’ll give Connie credit though, it did not take her long before even the most conservative of them were laughing and having a grand time. Her great purple suitcase filled with wigs, and smocks, and ever so stylish sun glasses dressed most of the players for their photo shoot with her. She sang, danced, and even swung a club!
I’d have to say that the most popular spots that day were the Mortgage Evolution Caesar bar, and the lovely tee managed by ProMotion (BC women in sport). The putting contest (Sponsored by Brazenshot) gave our players a great finish to their 18 holes. Fountainhead of course was the most gracious of sponsors having covered the cost of the power carts for our players. These carts not only gave legs a good rest, but made sure that the tournament was on schedule.
We had some great sponsors that day, Resmor Trust, Sutton, The discreet spot.com, Zanchell Holdings, LMT Coaching and Consulting, XTRA!, the Empress of Canada Foundation, and of course the three mentioned above.
I think it is really important to also thank all of the AMAZING volunteers that helped with the day. It was their support, work and diligence that helped to make the day so special. We could not have done it without you. So thank you to: Cory, Big Daddy, Shane, Katie, Cody, D’Arcy, and last but not least Ken. Special props to Tiffany from the University Golf Club – what an amazing girl she is.
The dinner started on time and the food was SUPERB. SOLOS was there and gave us all a dash of cold water with a rather heart wrenching presentation. Connie helped with a little bit of MC work and then gave us a FAB number to lift our spirits as high as the heavens.
Our evening entertainment – the absolutely amazing Jayleen Stonehouse – kept each person in the room enthralled with her sultry and inspired vocal styling. The sound system was not good, at all, and yet she managed to belt out music like nobodies business. That woman can sing, man can she sing. She certainly has created a new fan base for herself, many had never heard her sing before.
All in all, it was an amazing day – and to the man or woman upstairs, thanks for the sunshine, and the burn.
Some quotes from participants:
“This was the best tournament I have ever been too – can’t wait for next year” (C.M.)
“Paul, I have never enjoyed myself so much or had such a great day. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to put this on. Please tell me you are doing it again next year!” (S.J.)
“This is one of the best run, most organized tournaments we have ever held” (Golf Club)
“I attend about ten tournaments every year, and this is by far the most fun I have ever had at a golf tournament – I hope you will do it next year because I want to play!” (J.S.)
Posted on
March 9th, 2011
Canadian LGBT Hall of Fame, the Q Hall of Fame, announces 2011 inductees!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Canada’s LGBT Human Rights Hall of Fame, The Q Hall of Fame, announces 2011 Inductees
Twelve inductees, as selected by Canadians, will be recognized for their contributions to Human Rights and Equality in Canada.
Vancouver, BC — On July 30, 2011, Q Ball, a red carpet fund-raising gala and induction ceremony will be held in Vancouver to officially honour inductees of the National organization the Q Hall of Fame Canada. All inductees are nominated by the Canadian Community. Former inductee include such notables as former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Olympian Mark Tewksbury.
The 2011 inductees are:
Individual:
Rick Bébout – Long time journalist and member of the Body Politic.
Karen Busby – Law Professor, Solicitor and Human Rights Advocate.
Jeremy Diaz – Founder of Jer’s Vision and National Advocate for youth and equality in our education system.
Gens Hellquist – Pioneer of gay liberation in Canada having started the first gay/lesbian organization in Saskatoon in 1971.
NiQ Lavergne – Activist and Founder of the Victoria Lesbian Buddy Program.
k.d. lang – Internationally acclaimed musician, singer, philanthropist, and human rights activist.
Kevin Dale McKeown – Author, activist, and pioneer in the movement for Equality.
Cynthia Petersen – A partner with the Toronto firm of Sack Goldblatt Mitchell, Cynthia Petersen has argued a number of prominent cases on behalf of gay men and lesbians.
Mirha-Soleil Ross – Artist, performer, entertainer and activist.
Delwin Vriend – Canadian who was at the center of a landmark provincial and federal legal case, Vriend v. Alberta, concerning gay rights in Canada.
Garth Weins – Entertainer, activist, and founder of many social programs in northern British Columbia.
Societies/Charities/Organizations:
Dogwood Monarchy Society – The Dogwood Monarchy Society (DMS) is the “mother” Court of the Canadian Drag Court System. The DMS has successfully been an advocate of, raised awareness, support and over 10 million charitable dollars for the community of Vancouver for 40 years.
“Not only is the Hall of Fame about honouring our pioneers, but it is also about documenting and remembering the accomplishments and lives of these amazing members of our community,” commented Paul Therien, Chairperson for the Q Hall of Fame Canada. “They are role models, not just for members of the LGBT community, but for all Canadians. The Q Hall inductees are a true source of pride, admiration and dignity for us all. It is through the vision and accomplishments of such pioneers that future generations may better understand and embrace our community and culture.”
Over the years, inductees have become persons of great achievement in the LGBT community making significant efforts to ensure our collective freedoms. Their extensive work with human rights and charitable organizations has garnered widespread public support of fellow citizens, and tremendous admiration by peers.
On June 24, 2011 at the University Golf Glub in Vancouver the Q Hall of Fame is organizing a golf tournament to raise funds for the Safe Online Outreach Society (SOLOS) as well as a university scholarship and grant program. SOLOS’ mission is to increase the capacity of youth, parents and professional to effectively respond to online exploitation, whether sexual, emotional or societal, through non-punitive, educational based approaches. The scholarship program is designed to support youth who are active in combating discrimination in School, Sport or Life.
In 2011 the Q Hall of Fame Canada is partnering with GLISA’s North American OutGames and the International Human Rights Conference being held in Vancouver to host a day and a half symposium on the Canadian Hate Crimes Legislation and how it impacts Law Makers, Law Enforcement, the Judicial System and the Community.
Q Ball will be held Saturday, July 30, 2011 at the close of the International Human Rights Conference held at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver. Tickets are $90. For more info and tickets, visit www.qhalloffame.ca
“Partnering with the International Human Rights Conference this year for Q Ball made sense to us as it fully aligns with the mandate of the Q Hall of Fame” said Therien “This is about human rights pioneers, and what better place to honour them then at an international conference.”
ABOUT THE Q HALL OF FAME:
The Q Hall of Fame Canada is a national resource headquartered in Vancouver to house and commemorate the diverse history of the LGBT community. Not only is the Hall of Fame about honouring those that have pioneered the rights of the LGBT community, but it is about documenting and remembering the accomplishments and lives of these amazing people. Inductees are selected by an independent committee from nominations received from people in the community. www.qhalloffame.ca
ABOUT Q BALL:
Touted by international media in 2009 as being a glamorous black tie event attended by many of Canada’s leaders in the LGBT and Canadian Community, Q Ball is the induction ceremony for the Q Hall of Fame. In an effort to ensure that Q Ball is affordable for all, tickets have been reduced by almost 50% to $90.00 – with limited seating tickets will sell quickly.
Proceeds from Q Ball go to a national university scholarship program, the Q Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to youth who have demonstrated their commitment to equality in education, sport and life.
ABOUT GLISA:
The Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association is the organizing group of the OutGames and the International Human Rights Conference. For more information about GLISA and the 2011 Vancouver North American OutGames and Human Rights Conference please visit: http://www.vancouver2011outgames.com/
For more information, contact: info@qhalloffame.ca