To download the Summer 2009 Rainbow Newsletter click HERE
Please note that this file is in .pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you don't have Adobe on your computer you can install it free of charge at www.adobe.com
To download the January 2009 Rainbow Newsletter click HERE
Please note that this file is in .pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you don't have Adobe on your computer you can install it free of charge at www.adobe.com
To download the RSO Halloween 2008 Newsletter click HERE
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To download the Pride 2008 Rainbow Newsletter click HERE
Please note that this file is in .pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you don't have Adobe on your computer you can install it free of charge at www.adobe.com
To download the Summer 2008 Rainbow Newsletter click HERE
Please note that this file is in .pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you don't have Adobe on your computer you can install it free of charge at www.adobe.com
To download the Spring 2008 Rainbow Newsletter click HERE
Please note that this file is in .pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you don't have Adobe on your computer you can install it free of charge at www.adobe.com
To download the January 2008 Rainbow e-Newsletter click HERE
Please note that this file is in .pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you don't have Adobe on your computer you can install it free of charge at www.adobe.com
Below is a "text only" version of the much more colourful actual newsletter. Due to the size of the original .pdf format file it could not be uploaded.
If you have any question or wish to contribute to future newsletters please contact rick@rainbowservice.org
RAINBOW News - September 2007
Rainbow Service Organization (RSO) is committed to promoting, advocating, and celebrating the interests of the queer, questioning, lesbian, bisexual, two-spirited, transgender, and gay community since 1993; incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in February 2007.
HAPPY PRIDE!
Come As You Are!
PETERBOROUGH 2007 PRIDE GUIDE
Peterborough PRIDE exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Intersex and Two -Spirited (LGBTTQI2 -S) communities.
Values Peterborough PRIDE believes in:
• treating each other, volunteers, stakeholders, and participants with respect and dignity;
• recognizing and valuing the contribution of volunteers, staff, and stakeholders;
• the transparency and accountability of our actions;
• celebrating diversity by accepting and respecting differences and working to understand the diverse cultural complexities that influence identity, assumptions, behaviours, expectations, and beliefs;
• honouring our past by remembering our history and educating both the LGBTTQI2 -S communities and the communities in which we live.
Wednesday, September 12
Film Festival of Pride (Night one)
Lecture Hall, Sadlier House,
751 George Street North, Peterborough
Doors Open at 6PM, Films 6:30PM - 8:30PM
ARIE (2005) 16 min.
BLOW (2006) 7 min.
THE AGGRESSIVES (2005) 63 min.
TINA PAULINA LIVING ON HOPE STREET (2006) 10 min.
UNTITLED (2006) 6 min.
Free admission: Donations to Rainbow Service Organization in support of Gay Straight Alliances in local schools and Rainbow Youth Coalition Video project are encouraged.
Queer Youth Dance
All ages, wet/dry event, please bring your ID.
8:30 pm
Sadleir House Dining Hall
751 George St. Peterborough
Thursday, September 13
Film Festival of Pride (Night two)
The Steele Centre, Sutherland Campus, Fleming College
599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough
Doors Open at 6PM, Films 6:30PM - 10:15PM
INVISIBLE SON (2005) 11 min. (There will be a Special Appearance by Ed Lee, Film Maker)
RED WITHOUT BLUE (2007) 74 min.
SOMMERSTRUM (2004) 98 min.
Free admission: Donations to Rainbow Service Organization in support of Gay
Straight Alliances in local schools and Rainbow Youth Coalition Video project are
encouraged.
For changes and updates contact sunshyne@nexicom.net
Banner/T-Shirt Building
Bring your creativity and help build banners to be included in Saturday's Pride
Parade OR bring your own t-shirt and redecorate it for Pride!
3:30 pm South Lawn Sadleir House
751 George St. Peterborough
Friday, September 14
Chris Boyd's Theme Dance Event
Age of Majority (19+) event
The Trasheteria - 123 Water St (Simcoe and Water)
Doors open @ 9:30pm, Show @ 11pm, Dance to follow
Tickets: $6 in advance @ the door before 11PM, $8 after 11PM
PRIDE SUPER Saturday, September 15
PFLAG Youth and Parents Brunch
11am-1pm
All youth and parents are welcome. Come out and meet others in the community!
361 Aberdeen Ave., Peterborough
(take Chemong bus to Wolsely and walk in to Downie then to Aberdeen)
Food will be provided at no cost but donations will be accepted.
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Dianne McKay via email at pflagpeterborough@hotmail.com (preferred) or by phone at (705) 749-9723.
Everyone Loves a Parade!
2pm sharp
Peterborough City Hall
500 George Street North
Bring a friend, the family, yourself and most of all - your pride! Don't miss this awesome opportunity to be out and proud in your own community! Reading of the Proclamation at City Hall will be followed by the 5th annual Peterborough Pride Parade. The theme this year is "Come As You Are!" - it's all about you (and us) so let’s not be afraid to show our spirit! Finish-up this fabulous walk down 'the main drag' at the riverside Millennium Park ‘Festival in the Park’. Hang out and meet friends or participate in some great activities organized and other informative booths! There is no cost involved in the events, but donations will be accepted to help cover costs.
Pride Follies and Dance
All ages event (identification required)
The Market Hall, George Street
Starting at 7pm. Doors open at 615
$5 per person (all-evening access)
Dress it up. Take it out. Strut your stuff.
Peterborough Pride comes but once a year, and that's a darn good reason to
whoop-it-up at the official Pride Follies Show and Dance.
Pride Follies will feature performances by:
songstress Kay Pettigrew
renowned performance artist David Bateman
dance group "Old Men Dancing"
classic drag performers Kevin and Sean
special appearance by Deb Pearce, daytime host on ProudFM (103.9fm)
Queer and Questioning Quiz time!
9:00pm - Dance with local DJ until 2am!
Sunday, September 16th
Pride Champagne Brunch
Elements Restaurant
11:30am to 4:00pm
Elements Restaurant - 140 King Street, Peterborough
(corner King and Water)
Cost: $ 25.00 (This price includes a $5.00 donation to Peterborough Pride)
Includes a choice of 4 main courses Peterborough PRIDE menu and a glass of
champagne & orange juice
All food prepared fresh to order!
For further information on the menu and to make reservations please call (705 )
876-1116.
Hike the Trent Trails
Starting at 4pm
Meeting at the junction of Armour Road and Naussa Mills Road.
Evalyn Parry House Concert
2pm
Cost at door: $10/$6 students/unwaged
Evalyn Parry, singer-songwriter, poet, theatre artist and ironic social commentator, is performing a house concert in East City. Whether she's costumed as a singing maxipad, rhyming off a incisive spoken word rant about bottled water or chemical lawn care, or singing about sailors, pro-wrestlers, gay rovers or bumblebees, Evalyn's live performances are as thought-provoking as they are hilarious, and as deeply political as they are personal.
Evalyn is the recipient of the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award (Ontario Arts Council, 2003), and The Beth Ferguson Award for Upcoming Songwriter (Ottawa Folk Festival, 2001), and nominee for the KM Hunter Award for Music (Ontario Arts Council, 2006).
Evalyn has a new double album out. If you've seen her perform before, you're in for a whole new show.
Sunday, September 16 at 2pm, also featuring Ziy.
For details, please contact ziysah@yahoo.ca or call 743-8529.
The Rainbow Service Organization presents . . .
Saturday October 27
MASQUEERADE!
PARTY and DANCE
SSFC—Steele Centre
9pm—2am
Best Costume Contest
Age of Majority Event
(Identification Required By All)
Doors open 8.15pm
Chartered public transit EXPRESS bus available to safely
take patrons to downtown public transit bus
terminal leaving SSFC at 1am
(users must show transit pass or pay transit fare).
AIDS WALK FOR LIFE
WHY WALK?
WHY WALK? Whatever your reason, join the fight against HIV/AIDS in our community and Walk. When you Walk and collect pledges for the AIDS Walk for Life, you are making a difference in the lives of those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in your community. We encourage you to Walk, form a team, fundraise, donate, volunteer, or all of the above! And remember, all AIDS Walk for Life proceeds support direct services for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in your community!
HIV/AIDS affects us all. There is no cure and no vaccine. We Walk for those who are no longer with us. We Walk to support those living with & affected by HIV/AIDS. We Walk to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in our own communities. We all have our reasons. We hope that one day we won’t need to Walk any longer. Until then, the Walk will do us good.
Canada’s most important HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness event is
the annual AIDS Walk for Life. During the national event, cities and communities
from across the country will host Walks to raise funds for local services and
programming and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Have questions? Interested in volunteering? Collect pledges… it is never too late. Contact Suzanne at PARN 705 749-9110:1-800-361-2895 [email: suzanne@parn.ca]
Sunday September 23, 2007
Millennium Park
Peterborough
1PM Registration
2PM The Walk Begins
Message from the RSO Chairperson
Submitted by Rick Lambert
Happy 5th Peterborough Pride to everyone! The theme "Come as you are!" really speaks to me about how pride is a celebration of the diversity of our community as groups and individuals. I hope more and more of us feel free to be ourselves in our daily lives and not feel the need to hide and censor ourselves. For some of us the journey continues but Pride celebrations, wherever they take place, provide a safe opportunity to glimpse the freedom we all seek.
The diversity of our community is a source of strength but also presents challenges. RSO has a mission that includes trying to serve the interests of the broader queer community and that encompasses varied and, on occasion, conflicting interests. Gender, age, orientation and language are but a few ways in which we differ and they help define what we want to see reflected in our community services and events. Luckily we are being joined in our efforts by other organizations including PARN, Trent Queer Collective, Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG), Rainbow Youth Coalition (RYC), Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and many helpful volunteers and allies so the job is getting easier for all. Peterborough Pride is a good example of the collaboration that is building. Also the ongoing work of the Police Liaison Committee is breaking new ground both for cooperation in the broader community and ensuring that the queer community is protected in a way that is respectful and sensitive to all our needs. Special thanks goes to Kevin Forrest, past-chair of RSO, for leading this effort.
We are continuing to work ha rd on building a community where everyone feels good and able to be who they are. We welcome individuals and partner organizations to help us in this effort. We are all volunteers and ready to welcome your ideas and helping hands. Join us to share in the new energy and spirit of the coming year!
JOIN THE DEDICATED RSO WINNING TEAM
Join our winning team as a valued Volunteer.
As a Rainbow Service Organization (RSO) Volunteer you will have fun and be supporting the queer, questioning, lesbian, bisexual, two - spirited, transgender, and gay community.
RSO is on the move up and we need a few volunteers to support increasing planned activities by the organization in the community, as well as Board Directors and board committee work.
To join the team, please contact rso@pipcom.com.
Board committees:
Board Development, Communications, Newsletter, Events, Finance, Fundraising, Project-Liaisons (Hospital, Police, Trans Day of Remembrance, International Day Against Homophobia, Peterborough PRIDE), and Social Action.
Current Board Directors: Rick Lambert – Chairperson, C. W. (Bill) Gunson – Vice
Chairperson, Shirley Switzer – Secretary, Barry Boyce – Treasurer, Andrea
Barclay, Lynda Flagler, Bryan Nayler, Jessica Sachse, and Kaitlin Acres—
Special Advisor.
UPDATE
Gay Nicaraguan man goes into hiding after
refugee bid denied
A young Nicaraguan man who says he fears he will be killed in his home country because of his sexual orientation has gone into hiding in Toronto after his latest bid to stay in Canada failed. Alvaro Orozco, 22, has been holed up at a friend's place after his refugee claim was denied, but came out briefly over the weekend to speak with the CBC. "Most of the time, I'm hiding because I'm not s upposed to be anywhere. I feel like a fugitive. It's really bad," said Orozco.
His case made headlines in Canada and Nicaragua in February when the Immigration and Refugee Board denied him asylum saying they didn't believe he was gay. His lawyer filed a motion to reopen the refugee claim. Again, he was denied. He based his refugee claim on the fact that it is against the law to be gay in Nicaragua, where an anti-sodomy law was enacted in 1992. "It wasn't like lots of countries where they still have the laws, but they're like residues of old times and they're not acted upon. [The law] was a clear intention to persecute people and actually this does happen to this day," said Suhail Abulsameed of Support Our Youth, a gay support group in Toronto that has been helping Orozco.
NDP MP Olivia Chow has also taken up the case, and is pressuring Citizenship and Immigration Minister Diane Finley to allow the Nicaraguan man to stay in Canada. At this point, his last chance is to be accepted under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
The media attention in Nicaragua has also magnified Orozco's fears he'll be thrown in jail or killed if he returns to his home country. "Now they know my name. If I walk in the street in the nighttime or any time in my country, the y can kill me," said Orozco. Orozco first came to Toronto two years ago after a lengthy journey from his home country where he fled at age 12. He hitchhiked across Central America, lived in Mexico, and then illegally entered the United States by swimming across the Rio Grande.
Officials arrested him and sent him to a detention centre, where he spent a year behind bars before he was released on a promise to return to Nicaragua. But again he fled first to a church, then to Canada in 2005. Orozco claims he was forced to flee Nicaragua because of the laws against homosexuality. He also says his father beat him and threatened to kill him because of his sexual orientation.
In February, an Immigration and Refugee Board adjudicator denied his refugee claim application, questioning whether Orozco was indeed homosexual since he never chose to pursue same-sex relationships while in the U.S. Orozco's lawyer argued the 22-year-old decided not to reveal his secret because he feared the church helping him might stop if it learned he was gay.
Online petition of support: www.petitiononline.com/alvaro/
Egale Canada’s efforts to advance equality for LGBT
people and their families continue
Egale Canada
We’ve been active in the courts and in politics. We’ve had some spectacular successes and some setbacks, but we remain committed to ensuring that Egale Canada is at the forefront of LGBT advocacy in Canada. Here is an update on some of the things we’ve been working on:
Civil Marriage:
It is hard to believe that it has been just six months since the House of Commons rejected a motion to re -open the debate on civil marriage in Canada. In the four years since the Ontario Court of Appeal recognized that civil marriage should be open to all couples, more than 12,000 LGBT couples have married and the number is growing. With our partners from Canadians for Equal Marriage, Egale Canada worked to ensure defeat of the Conservative motion to re-open the marriage debate, and we are pleased to report that Canada’s support for equal marriage is having a positive impact on LGBT rights around the globe.
The marriage issue should finally be off the Parliamentary agenda, but a few
related issues have arisen.
Recognition of Marriage:
Earlier this year, Egale Canada became aware that Canadian immigration officials were refusing to recognize same-sex marriages performed in countries like Spain and the Netherlands. That policy has now been changed, though Egale Canada will continue to monitor this situation.
Marriage Commissioners:
Egale Canada has undertaken a large research project comparing the status of marriage commissioners across the country, and we are actively monitoring human rights complaints by or against commissioners in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Parenting Issues:
Egale Canada appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal (represented by Andrew Pinto) as an intervener in the Susan Doe case to challenge the constitutionality of federal laws regulating sperm donations by gay and bisexual men even in the situation where they are donating to a known recipient who has requested their participation. Unfortunately, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the stringent conditions of the Donor Semen Special Access Program, which means that people wishing to conceive children using a gay or bisexual sperm donor may still face significant hurdles and administrative hassle in donating. Egale Canada has also provided extensive media commentary (and, if the cases are appealed, may intervene) on recent cases concerning birth registrations. Many provinces permit only a mother and a father to be registered on a birth certificate. In a recent Ontario case, the court ruled that two women can be registered, and in another case, the Ontario Court of Appeal held that two women and a man could be registered. Egale Canada is working on developing strategies to ensure that the birth registration decisions (a matter of provincial law) are given effect across the country. Finally, Egale Canada participated in a national consultation on assisted human reproduction this spring, which was organized by the National Association of Women and the Law. We will continue to monitor proposals for regulations under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which are expected in the near future.
Customs Censorship:
Little Sister’s, the beleaguered LGBT Vancouver bookstore, was back before the Supreme Court of Canada, and Egale Canada was there to support them. Even though the Court found in 2000 that the Canadian government has unfairly targeted the bookstore and subjected it to harassing censorship, the bookstore claims that nothing has changed in Customs administration since that ruling, and that its difficulties continue. Little Sisters sought to have its legal costs for a new trial paid for by the government, but lost. The bookstore is now trying to decide if it can pursue its new challenge without funding.
Canada Pensions:
In 2000, the federal government amended the Canada Pension Plans rules, limiting the ability of the same-sex partner of a person who died before 1999 to make a claim for a survivor’s pension. The government legislation also limited the retroactivity of any payments to one year. In Hislop, surviving partners of those who died between 1985 (when the Charter’s equality provisions came into effect) and 1998 joined together in a Canada-wide class action to argue that barring them from making a claim was arbitrary and discriminatory. The retroactivity limit was also under challenge. Egale Canada intervened in the case. The SCC decision came down in March, with mixed success: survivors of partners who died between 1985 and 1998 are now able to claim benefits, but the claim can only be retroactive to 12 months prior to the date of the claim.
Age of Consent and Sexual Behaviour:
Amendments to the Criminal Code have now been passed, raising the general age of consent to all sexual activities other than anal penetration from 14 to 16 years. Inexcusably, and in spite of Ontario and Quebec court of appeal decisions that state explicitly that an unequal age of consent is contrary to the Charter, the legislation does not rectify the discriminatory age of consent to anal penetration (still 18) in section 159 of the Criminal Code. As it has in the past, Egale Canada presented a brief to the Parliamentary Committee reviewing the Bill, recommending against raising the age for consent to sex and advocating that the age of consent to anal penetration be amended to conform to the other Criminal Code provisions. In other matters related to sexual behaviour, Egale Canada presented a brief last year to a Parliamentary Committee studying Canada’s bawdyhouse laws, recommending that criminal laws prohibiting consensual adult sex in semi-private places be repealed. We will review and analyze the implications of two recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions on bawdyhouse laws this summer. We are also actively following the nascent Charter challenge on the rights of sex workers.
Canadian Blood Services and Hema-Quebec:
Egale Canada is a party in the Freemancase, which relates to Canadian Blood Services’discriminatory policy prohibiting men who have had sex with men, even once, since 1977 from donating blood. That case is currently at the trial level at the evidence-gathering stage. We are also following the Lomago case against Hema-Quebec dealing with the same policy. Our Director of Advocacy participated in a CBS consultation in April to discuss possible modifications to the MSM exclusion policy, where she argued that the policy is discriminatory and therefore both over- and under- inclusive. She advocated that, in the interest of effectively screening for HIV and other blood borne infections, the policy should target risk behaviours rather than discriminate based on affiliation with an identity group.
Trans-issues:
Egale Canada had been prepared to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in the Nixon case (Ms. Nixon is a trans woman who wanted to volunteer at Vancouver Rape Relief), but leave was not granted. We support MP Bill Siksay’s Private Member’s bill on the inclusion of gender identity in the Canadian Human Rights Code, and Egale Canada is working with Ontario MPP Cheri Di Novo in her efforts to have gender identity incorporated into the Ontario Human Rights Code. Egale Canada has written a letter of support for Cheri Di Novo’s Private Member’s Bill, known as “Toby’s Law,” in memory of Toby Dancer. We are advocating with MPPs for the re -listing of SRS in Ontario. Additionally, we have undertaken a significant research project on the state of trans protection across the country.
Defamation/Fair Comment:
Rafe Mair is a talk-show host in British Columbia who is being sued by anti-gay activist Kari Simpson for some comments he made about her on the air. The case against Mair was initially dismissed at trial and overturned on appeal. Egale Canada is following the Mair case, which is now before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Human Rights:
Egale Canada is continuing to work on and develop positions towards various other human rights issues. These issues include: Can religious groups or people with strong religious beliefs who provide goods and services (like hall rentals or Braille translation) refuse to provide these goods and services to LGBT groups? Should Egale Canada promote the use of laws that limit discriminatory expression by human rights commissions? We have provided research, advice and media commentary on various cases, are actively following others, and continue to monitor other issues that are relevant to LGBT Canadians. Many thanks to our Legal Issues Committee and to all community members who have assisted us in our advocacy work. In the wake of the cancellation of the Court Challenges Program, we have redoubled our efforts to ensure that Egale Canada is there and able to advocate for LGBT rights to the fullest whenever there is a case or an issue affecting our communities. Our participation would not be possible without the generous pro bono support of our lawyers and without your donations. If you want to help Egale Canada continue its important and groundbreaking work in LGBT advocacy, go to http://www.egale.ca today and make a donation. Every dollar helps us make a difference.
Ponderisms
I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that
most people die of natural causes.
Garden Rule: When weeding, the best way to make
sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable
plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?
In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal. How it is one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here and drink whatever co mes out?"
Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there? I'm going to eat the next thing that comes out of its butt."
Why does your OB-GYN leave the room when you get undressed if he's going to look up there anyway?
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
Annual Conference of Affirm United
Submitted by Jim Abel
Affirm United (an organization for the LGBTT community along with their families and friends in the United Church of Canada) held its Annual Conference at St Andrew's United Church in Peterborough on the Civic Holiday weekend. Since this is the 25th anniversary of Affirm, the organizers were delighted that more than 100 people from across Canada came to celebrate. The theme of the Conference was "Never Doubt", based on Margaret Mead's famous assertion: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful concerned citizens can change the world." We even had a theme song entitled "Never Doubt", composed by Gordon Miller. Brian Nichols, psychotherapist, teacher, humanitarian, one of Peterborough's treasures, led the participants in three two -hour theme sessions. In the first, we explored the positive episodes of our life story. The second session afforded us the opportunity to share the dark moments in a safe place with supporti ve people. In the third session, we discovered that by acknowledging and naming both the light and the dark and by seeking and keeping the proper tension between them, we can reach a whole new creative level. Brian invited us to play and exercise our bodies, our minds and our spirits. It's too bad that David Giuliano, moderator of the United Church of Canada, as well as friend of Brian Nichols and co-creator of the theme sessions was unable to attend for health reasons. David was with us in spirit. Everyone also took part in a variety of workshops and (over)indulged in awesome food. That's how you know it was a United Church event! The Sunday service touched a whole range of emotions. The joyous music, led by Gordon and young Jessie Negropontes and Chris Giffin, shook the building from the foundations to the rafters. Then former moderator Anne Squire calmed and moved us with her compassionate recounting of the struggles and successes in the United Church over the last 30 years. Pride really is faith in the idea God had creating us as we are. Even the resident bat enjoyed the weekend! Overheard at the picnic at the zoo "Adam, this is Yves", followed by a pause during which eyes started to dance and chuckles grew into guffaws. Then, "Hey, those guys that claim it was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve, are right!!! They just don't know how to spell Yves!!!"
CITY GRANT FUNDING
After incorporation as a not-for-profit organization in the Province of Ontario
on February 15, 2007, the Board of Directors submitted an application for a City
of Peterborough Community Investment Grant. The goal for seeking the
grant was to have the financial resources to best serve the needs of our
QQLBTSTG community. These goals are as follows:
• community education on issues pertaining to queer, questioning, lesbian,
• bisexual, two-spirited, transgender, and gay community issues through
• awareness workshops, our newsletter, website and electronic event notices
• strengthening community partnerships through expansion into other sectors
• Advocacy for the health , protection and human rights of the queer, questioning, lesbian, bisexual, two -spirited, transgender, and gay community
• continued Board Development and Strategic Planning for Board of Directors
• maintenance, repair and replacement of resource library as deemed necessary
• increased opportunities for social interaction in a positive, affordable and
• accessible space
• support and promotion of activities and events such as
Peterborough PRIDE, the International Day Against Homophobia,
and Trans Day of Remembrance.
We are happy to report that we have been successful again in our application and received a Community Investment Grant from the City of Peterborough for 2007—2008. We are most fortunate that our city has expressed confidence in their Queer community and regard the members as valued and contributing citizens. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge our gratitude to our community leader PARN who sponsored our application for previous grants before our incorporation.
RSO salutes Owen from our community partner-leader PARN for his dedication and effort for the 9th Annual Friends for Life Bike Rally this Summer. The Friends for Life Bike Rally is Canada's third largest fundraiser benefiting an HIV/AIDS organization. Basically, there were hundreds cyclists who, on Sunday July 29rd, left Toronto and rode a bicycle six-day, 600km to Montreal. They will raise thousands of dollars for men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS. All proceeds went to the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation.
RAINBOW News May 2007 Edition
Rainbow Service Organization (RSO) is committed to promoting, advocating, and celebrating the interests of the queer, questioning, lesbian, bisexual, two-spirited, transgender, and gay community since 1993; incorporated not-for-profit February 2007.
May 17, 2007
INTERNATIONAL Day
Against Homophobia
Are people born gay or lesbian?
Sexual orientation is NOT a choice
For the International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, Fondation Émergence is launching its annual awareness campaign. This leads us to ask: Is being gay a question of nature or nurture? So far , science has proven itself incapable of providing a definite answer with some sort of consensus. However, there is agreement on one fact: sexual orientation is not a choice. It's this fact that inspired this year's campaign theme.
When it comes to sexual orientation, it's not rare to hear someone say "I respect your choice." Well no, it's not a choice. It's no more a choice than people's skin or eye color is. The campaign's theme Sexual Orientation is Not a Choice is illustrated through or nurture has no bearing on gays' and lesbians' lives; some day they will discover and become aware of it. In this aspect, they are not different from heterosexuals.
Mr. Laurent McCutcheon, President of Fondation Émergence, said he hopes that " people's realizing that sexual orientation is not a choice will be enough to put an end to homophobia, which is the main goal of this campaign."
Specifically for various outreach workers in the education field, the material for this campaign is intended to be educational. The pamphlets provide a large quantity of information on sexual orientation. Teachers,other professionals, parents and all of society will also find a list of resources and educational tools. The posters and pamphlets, in English and in French, are being distributed in communities and can also be ordered from Fondation Émergence through its website for the May 17 at www.homophobiaday.org.
Remember that May 17 will be the International Day Against Homophobia. We are inviting the media to place this event on their agendas, schools to hold awareness activities , community organizations to set up activities, and public institutions to pass resolutions in support and to fly the rainbow flag proudly.
Canada's Conscience
June Callwood, Casey House Founder and Honourary Director, journalist, author and activist known as " Canada's Conscience", died peacefully in the care of her family and close friends, after a courageous and well-spent life. June Callwood was 82. Casey House mourned for the loss of a dear friend and champion whose vision led to the creation of Casey House as a place of medical excellence, love, and compassion in the care of people with HIV/AIDS.
June Callwood considered Casey House her greatest legacy, and collaborated with the board of directors to create the June Callwood Legacy Fund. This fund will help continue the work begun by June Callwood, and ensure that Casey House meets the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS by continuing to deliver exceptional care. The purpose of this endowed fund is to provide income to enhance and maintain the quality of life for residents in the Hospice and clients in the Casey House Community Programs and to enhance and maintain the home-like environment of the Hospice at 9 Huntley Street.
Donate to the June Callwood Legacy Fund
www.caseyhouse.com
From the RSO Chairperson
Rick Lambert
Well Spring is finally here and RSO is changing and growing. After several years as Chair of RSO, Kevin Forrest has decided to focus on other work. Kevin has been a driving force behind the rebirth of RSO and his ongoing efforts have been greatly appreciated. Kevin will continue to help as a volunteer on the Police Liaison Committee where he has led the dialogue to build a better working relationship with the local force.
RSO has recently become a non-profit corporation. This allows us to move forward in a more stable, responsible and imaginative way. The Board of Directors and volunteers can be assured that they have the protection of liability insurance allowing RSO to responsibly sponsor events. We are also in the process of seeking funds for future programs. I am excited by the folks we have on our Board and their involvement with RSO. You will see an expanded effort to reach out and welcome more volunteers this year as we move forward with new initiatives.
This year we continue the dialogue and planning with the Police Liaison Committee to deal with issues that persist in the community. We are planning some exciting new social events and we are looking forward to another year of involvement with the Pride events this fall. We are also looking forward to working with our partners at Trent (TQC), Fleming (FAQS), PFLAG, PARN and others on efforts, events, and issues of shared interest.
In a word, I think our focus this year is on community. Building community takes time, effort, communication, and a focus on the needs of the many over the few. June Callwood, who recently passed away knew that community is about caring about one another and supporting efforts to bring humanity and dignity to all our lives. I challenge us all to try to evoke some of her spirit in our work this year. Happy Spring!
Running Moose Squad at OutGames
Submitted by Tony Brathwaite
Peterborough was again well represented at the first Nor th American Continental Out Games - Western Cup in Calgary in early April and at the OutRights Conference and OutFest events that preceded it. Rick Lambert, Chairperson of the Rainbow Service Organization (RSO) and David McConkey and Tony Brathwaite, both members of the Youth OutReach Committee of Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association - North America (GLISA NA), are all members of the Peterborough Frontrunners (aka Running Moose Squad) who participated in the OutGames Run held on April 7th.
They were joined in the run by Alvaro Orcozo, a Toronto youth involved with Supporting Our Youth. Alvaro,a young gay man originally from Nicaragua,is seeking asylum in Canada. He was proudly supported and sponsored at the OutRights Conference and OutGames by theYouth OutReach Committee of GLISA NA. For more about Alvaro's story check out http://orangehabitat.com/alvaro/
The Youth OutReach Committee raising over $1,000 locally in support of youth attending the human rights conference and sport events, ensured the inclusion of many young gays. The conference brought together large numbers to listen to speakers such as Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and founder of the Mathew Shepard Foundation. There were two days of speakers,seminars, and a special youth roundtable discussion.
During the weeklong celebration, there were numerous cultural events including a spoken word festival including former Peterbourogh resident David Bateman, films, and events sponsored by Calgary Outlink – Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity. There was also an opportunity to view 20 Straws - Growing Up Gay produced through the Youth OutReach Video Project in Columbus, Ohio. Arrangements are underway for a showing of the video as a joint venture between RSO and Proud Youth Peterborough.
And how did our local runners do? Well, they all had a great time and have a gold medals for placing in their respective age categories.
Annual General Meeting
Peterborough Public Library Auditorium
Tuesday June 5, 2007—7pm
Speaker: Peter Boullata of the Peterborough Unitarian Fellowship Church
Organization update
Financial Report
Election of RSO Board Directors
Doors open 6.15pm
RSO memberships
Everyone is welcome!
Mothers Against Drunk Driving means never having to say you are sorry!
Submitted by C. William Gunson
For some unfathomable reason, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
(MADD) Canada can't recognize a homophobic public service announcement
(PSA) just by looking at it, and even when one is drawn to their attention, there is no admission that it was a mistake, nor is there an apology issued for being so insensitive to the GBLT community. MADD Canada prefers to think that by quietly removing the offending PSA's enough has been done. What becomes clear is that MADD Canada hopes that by not placing a public apology on its website, they will not have to admit to having breeched their own policy on diversity.
There are two scenarios that have aired on television. One involved the suggestion that two straight young men were rendered temporarily gay with drug use. The second portrayed a young man entering prison having been convicted, ostensibly, of drunk driving. As the young man enters, other inmates behind bars are ogling and leering in a sexual manner.
MADD Canada Executive Director, Andrew Murie, denied any involvement or approval on the part of MADD for the first scenario. The advertising agency which represents MADD claimed all responsibility. In a letter to the Los Angeles Independent July16, 2006, Mr. Murie assures us that MADD has clear policies and mechanisms that ensure no PSA or ad gets to air which would in any way single out, cause offence or marginalize any group. Indeed respecting diversity is a crucial aspect of our work since the issues we seek to address are not limited to one particular section of society."Query: What advertising agency would create a PSA for a client without consultation? Is this the agency that still appears as a corporate donor on MADD Canada's website?. "Curiouser and curiouser,"cried Alice. Query: Assuming for the moment that the advertising agency did conceive and distributethe PSA under the cover of darkest secrecy, why did Mr. Murie not issue an immediate apology and express profound regret for any harm done along with his protestation of complete disassociation? Mea culpa, oh maxima mea culpa!
Mr. Murie's statement on respecting diversity rings hollow. He should have publicly assured those people who wrote protesting the content of the PSA that this would never happen again and then have meant what he said.
Obviously Mr. Murie must have a myopic view of the world around him. He is much in need staff and advisors who can see issues raised that he has not foreseen. Looking at the second scenario in question illustrates the point. Mr. Murie did, according to a staffer at the national office of MADD, sign off on the second PSA and then, after complaints, had it withdrawn. It is absolutely astounding that after the fiasco of the first PSA, he would approve a PSA that uses homophobia as a deterrent to drinking and driving. The scenario deliberately plays to an audience already surrounded by society's homophobia, and ups the ante. This is exactly the kind of PSA that feeds hatred against the GBLT community and results in hideous beatings and deaths such as happened to Matthew Shepherd in Laramie, Wyoming nine years ago. Then there is the other side of the coin. Because gay youths have been subjected to negative stereotypes, they are sometimes overwhelmed with self loathing and commit suicide. If the aim was to make the PSA reach out to the demographic presented in the scenario, there were other choices open to the creators. Why not depict the isolation and separation from peers, friends, and family? Choosing to exacerbate the homophobia already rife in the target demographic makes one wonder if MADD Canada is the best model for teaching youth to look at the consequences of one's action.
When this writer e-mailed Andrew Murie twice about concerns regarding the PSA's, no reply was received. It seemed that silence had become Mr. Murie's mother tongue. Barry Boyce, an executive member of RSO did receive a reply from Mr. Murie that confirmed that the PSA's had been withdrawn. No admission of having made a mistake; no apology. But a strange reply (appears exactly how received) to Barry's concern did come from Kevin Spahich, School Outreach Program Field Representative, Western Canada Region.
Hello there,
I'm not really sure that the ad you speak of is homophobic, however I suppose it's a good point worth considering who it might offend. I've heard of advertisements out there that are really
offensive and homophobic, I just didn't feel that this one was that bad, but I suppose everyone's preception of an advertisement is different. Hopefully you won't find our future ads as shameful.
Thank you for your concern, and support in the past. I appreciate the opportunity to reply to your email.
Regards,
Despite the breezy and seemingly warm reply, the implications of the content are chilling if it reflects MADD Canada's approach to diversity sensitivity. Is one to understand that MADD Canada's policies on respecting diversity are tempered with estimating the degree of marginalization and offence they can cause with their PSA's or ads? If Mr. Spahich is speaking as an individual, then one shudders for any minority in Western Canada's schools approached by him in the delivery of MADD's stated mandate. Mr. Spahich presumably will feel free to insult GBLT youth as long as the slur is not that bad, when gauged by his personal measure, and he can point to really offensive ones elsewhere. No, Mr.Spahich, homophobia is homophobia is homophobia.
MADD Canada has shown an arrogance unparalleled even by some of today's high profile media personalities. They have at least had the decency to apologize for their unconscionable behaviour and publicly accept their lumps. MADD chooses to say nothing, hoping the mistake never needs admission. Just make the PSA's disappear, but admit to nothing. Ignore the special interest groups and if at all possible blame someone else.
It may seem all well and good that the PSA's have been withdrawn, but, once some things are said, the hurt can't be taken back easily ,if at all. Unless one admits to one's errors and vows not to repeat them the cycle continues. And in the immortal words of Lewis Caroll, Mr. Murie, "You can't deny that even if you try with both hands."
As for the politicians approached about this matter, up to now, Senator Marjory Le Breton (MADD National Board of Directors Chairperson) is participating in the conspiracy of silence. Maybe she needs to remember Edmund Burke's caveat: "It is necessary only for the good (man) to do nothing for evil to triumph."
The Value of One. The Power of Many!
Join our winning team as a valued Volunteer. As a Rainbow Service Organization Volunteer you will have fun and be supporting your community.
RSO is on the move and we need a few volunteers to support planned activities such as social events, Pride Week activities, newsletter and board committee work.
Please join our efforts to increase social opportunities, social action, and to celebrate the interests of the Queer, Questioning, Lesbian, Bisexual, Two-Spirited, Transgendered and Gay community. Please contact rso@pipcom.com to join our team.
Affirm United Celebrates 25th Anniversary in Peterborough
Affirm United is a national organization working for justice and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the United Church of Canada. Affirm United welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people and their families and friends and those who support the aims of Affirm United.
Join us for The Annual Conference of Affirm United. St. Andrew's United Church in Peterborough August 3-6, 2007.
We will gather around the theme "Never Doubt" based on a quotation by Margaret Mead "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world". Our theme facilitator is the Right Reverand David Giuliano, moderator of the United Church of Canada. He will be assisted by Brian Nichols, Jesse Negrepontes and Chris Giffin as we creatively explore 25 years of Affirm United. There will be workshops, worship and music.
This is a conference open to all people of all orientations who are interested in being truly and completely welcoming. Information about the conference is available on the Affrim United website www.affirmunited.ca and from Lyn Miller at jamsbury@nexicom.net or call 705-741-4271.
Breast Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
A few months ago the Rainbow Service Organization (RSO) and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre presented a Breast Health Workshop for Lesbian and Bisexual Women. The workshop was facilitated by Cheryl Dobinson from the Sherbourne Health Centre, Toronto. Following are some of the areas of discussion……..
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean you will get breast cancer. Some women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors other than being a woman. Risk factors for breast cancer include:
• Being a woman
• Increasing age
• Family history of breast & related cancers
• Previous abnormal breast biopsies
• Radiation to the chest area
• Early menstruation/late menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy for over 5 years
• Not having any biological children or giving birth to first child after age 30
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Being overweight
• Diet low in fruit & vegetables, high in saturated fats
• High alcohol consumption
Are lesbian and bisexual women at higher risk for breast cancer?
Simply being a lesbian or bisexual woman does not put you at higher risk for breast cancer. However, lesbian and bisexual women as a group may have higher rates of some breast cancer risk factors than heterosexual women.
How can you find a lesbian and bisexual positive health care provider?
Ask friends for recommendations
Ask health providers questions such as: "Do you have other gay, lesbian or bisexual patients?" or "Is your staff trained in lesbian and bisexual women's health?"
Check out the waiting room for any lesbian or bisexual symbols or literature
Look for patient forms that use inclusive language, such as "partner"
Websites - Lesbian and Bisexual Specific
Sherbourne Health Centre – www.sherbourne.on.ca
The Lesbians and Breast Cancer Project (Ontario) – http://dawn.thot.net/lbcp/
The Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer (US) – www.mautnerproject.org
Cancer in Women Who Have Sex With Women – www.gayhealthchannel.com/wswcancer/
Books – Lesbian and Bisexual Specific
My Breast, My Choice: A photographic and Narrative Journey . Toronto: Sumach Press – Aslin, Maureen; Brown, Barbara; Carey, Betsy (2003).
Coming out of Cancer: Writings from the Lesbian Cancer Epidemic. Seattle: Seal Press – Brownworth, Victoria (Ed.) (2000)
Cancer in Two Voices. San Francisco: Spinsters Book Company – Butler, S. and Rosenblum, B. (1991)
A Burst of Light. New York: Firebrand Books – Lorde, Audre (1988)
The Cancer Journals. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books – Lorde, Audre (1980)
A Rainbow Service Organization EVENT . . .
Retro Dance Party
Saturday June 16
9pm
Market Hall
Age of Majority Event
25 years of Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Celebrate
Submitted by Rick Lambert
The Constitution Act turned 25 years old in April along with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which forms Part I of the Act.
In the years since the Constitution was repatriated many court decisions have defined the equality rights expressed in the Charter. Interpretations have paved the way for same-sex couple survivor pension benefits and same-sex marriage legislation.
Miriam Smith is a Trent University political studies professor and winner of the 2006 Bora Laskin Fellowship to study the impact of Charter rights on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) politics. Smith has stated that ”No one has gained more legal recognition from section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – the section devoted to equality rights – than LGBT Canadians.”
We should be thankful for those who have fought so hard to refine the interpretation of the Charter over the last 25 years. The federal Conservatives have cancelled the Court Challenges Program funding that provided a crucial vehicle over the years for litigation on behalf of the rights of many groups in Canadian society, including women and linguistic minorities, as well as the queer community. You are urged to contact your MP regarding this short-sighted move. Without this funding we have likely seen the last big gains on this legal front and there is still work to be done in the areas such as transgender rights.
Although things are far from perfect, in most cases we can at least be less preoccupied with survival and instead focus on making happy lives for ourselves. We are very lucky in this country to be able to live free from the fear felt by LGBT individuals in many other countries.
The full text of the Constitution Act (1982) can be found online at the website http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/Const/annex_e.html. For more information about LGBT rights check out the Egale [Egale Canada advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people, and their families, across Canada] website at http://www.egale.ca .
Youth Drop-In (At PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network)
The Rainbow Youth Coalition would like to invite all queer youth (ages 14-25) and their allies to our new drop-in sessions.
Come out hang out with other youth, chat, get information, play games or watch movies.
Upcoming Drop – In Dates
May 10th
May 24th
June 14th
June 28th
July 12th
July 26th
August 9th
August 23rd
Drop-In Sessions will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month.
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
At PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network
159 King St. Suite 302
Peterborough
For more information please contact Stephanie at PARN at 705-749-9110 /
1-800-361-2895 or preventionworker@parn.ca.
Information on drop-in sessions will also be updated on MySpace at www.myspace.com/rainbowyouthcoalition and also at www.rainbowyouth.ca.