IN HER FEELINGS ::  Toronto’s Sanjina DaBish Queen left the competition on Canada’s Drag Race last week and we sat down with the eliminated queen the morning after.

Sanjina shared more about her relationship with her mother, and whether she had seen the show; if she was happy with her edit; getting emotional a lot during the competition, and details on the one-woman show she is creating.

Related: See our chat with the other eliminated queens here.

Watch:

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SHOCK EXIT :: Last week we saw Newfoundland’s Tara Nova get the chop on Canada’s Drag Race. This week we go to the other side of the country, as Vancouver’s Tiffany Ann Co sashayed away.

Tiffany shared whether all her confidence was real; feeling imposter syndrome; the shock she felt at being eliminated – and whether or not the actual Tiffany & Co. have ever called her out for appropriating their brand the way other queens in the US have been.

Related: See our chat with Tara Nova here.

Watch:

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GONE TOO SOON :: I was really rooting for Tara Nova to stay, as I told her when we chatted the day after her elimination from Canada’s Drag Race. She led with her heart, was authentic, and I wanted to see more of what she could do. Even in this conversation you can see how elevated she is from what we got to view on TV. I think she would have evolved beautifully before our very eyes.

In this interview, Tara shared what it’s like being queer and a drag queen in Newfoundland (and what she meant when she said it’s so hard to create looks there) and if she’s still being paid just $37.50 a gig – now that she’s been on TV.

Watch:

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AND NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON :: “I’m a trans feminine queer person in the US. Where one party’s whole election campaign has been about the extermination of me and my community… The successes I’ve experienced … I did not think possible. Now these things are happening, and it’s this weird dichotomy of being the talk of Broadway but to walk down the street after a show and feel like I could get murdered. It’s scary to walk to your show where you know you’re the star, and be like, ‘I am not safe on this ten block walk because there are people who are emboldened by this political party who are encouraging them to take all of their aggressions out on me and my community.’ I can’t believe the hype about me right now, because it’s dangerous for me to walk down the street confidently because I might attract the attention of the wrong person.” – Jinkx Monsoon

So began our pre-US election conversation with drag superstars Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme as they readied themselves to hit the road, touring their riotous annual holiday show, “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” (click here for cities and dates.) Jinkx was referring of course to the insane trajectory her career has had post winning both her RuPaul’s Drag Race seasons: A villain on Dr. Who; breaking box-office records during her time in Chicago; starring in Little Shop of Horrors; slated to appear in concert this coming Valentine’s Day at Carnagie Hall … all juxtaposed against the reality of living life as a trans person.

The conversation wasn’t all bleak, however, the pair talked about why they are boldly taking their tour to notoriously red states (“we go where we’re needed”) and how working together has made them better all round, as well as what to expect in this year’s iteration of their universally loved holiday spectacle. Watch now:

Image credit: Jacob Ritts

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CHEERS, SWEETIE! Glow-up Your Bar with These Fab Four! Did your summer entertaining leave your home bar in a shambles? This time of year is a great time to give your bar a glow-up! Host of the podcast What R You Drinking? (and longtime GGN contributor) Raquel Richards tells us how:

Every home bar needs to keep up-to-date with the latest trends in beer, wine, liquors, and mix. As we ease into fall it’s time to give your bar a makeover, so you can keep offering cool cocktails to your guests into this new season.

There is no need to spend a lot, but let’s face it, we want to look fancy, don’t we?

Let’s start with a magic mix which can also double as a non-alcoholic cocktail. All you have to do is pour into a cocktail glass and garnish it with a flower or a piece of fruit. No passé lemons or limes though, please!

Ocean Spray Sparkling Drinks

Ocean Spray’s range of sparkling drinks offers a refreshing and flavourful twist on the classic cranberry juice. These bevvys are made with real fruit juice and sparkling water, making them a healthier alternative to sugary sodas.

• Sparkling Cranberry:

This classic flavour is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a vibrant cranberry aroma. It’s an excellent choice for any occasion.

To my surprise I really liked this one. Why was it surprising? Because one of my favourite mocktails is cranberry and soda water garnished with either cranberries floating in the glass or a strawberry! This pre-mix tastes just like homemade.

• Sparkling Pink Cranberry:

For those who prefer a sweeter option, Sparkling Pink Cranberry is a great choice. This drink has a delicate pink hue and a slightly sweeter flavour than the original Sparkling Cranberry. It’s perfect as a mocktail, just add a few pieces of dragon fruit into it!

This flavour will please those who love sweet cocktails. (My tastebuds prefer dry or bitter.)

• Sparkling Lite Cranberry:

For those watching their calorie intake, Sparkling Lite Cranberry is a great option. This drink has all the flavour of Sparkling Cranberry but without the added sugar. It’s a refreshing and guilt-free way to enjoy cranberry juice.

I enjoyed this one too, just as much as the Sparkling Cranberry. Serve as a skinny cocktail or mocktail to your guests. 

• Sparkling Cranberry Mango:

This unique flavour combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of mangoes. It’s a tropical twist on the classic cranberry juice. 

This is perfect if you or your guest like things on the more unusual side!

Now let’s get to some wonderful new alcohol additions you’ll want to add to your bar. 

Kronenberg 1664 Rosé Beer

Can we just admit rosé is so delicious we want to drink it all year – and do so? Introducing: Kronenberg 1664 Rosé Beer, a light and refreshing beer with a delicate pink hue. It’s brewed with a blend of malted barley, wheat, and hops. The appearance is of fine bubbles, slight cloudy haze, and light foam. The nose has strong fruity hints of berry. It has a balanced flavour of a refreshing raspberry undertone. Fine bitterness, while at the same time being slightly sweet.

This beer is perfect for sipping, and as a refreshing aperitif. I am a Kronenberg drinker and this rose beer pleased my tastebuds. However, due to its sweetness from the berries I can only drink one bottle or can. If you’re a sweetie though, this beer is for you!

It’s an excellent choice for pairing with food, such as grilled salmon or chicken. And I suggest using it for a marinade blend for salmon, chicken, and shrimp.

Chambord

This liquor is a toast to glamorous history. It dates from the late 17th century. The French royalty sipped on a black raspberry liqueur that would eventually become the Chambord we know of today. Fast forward to now, Chambord is considered a liquid gold liquor. It’s still crafted with the same passion and flair, just two hours south of Paris in the Loire Valley. 

The flavour consists of the following: 

• Raspberries and blackberries, Madagascar vanilla for smoothness and Moroccan citrus peel which gives it that zesty zing! Plus honey, which gives it a touch of sweetness, and XO cognac.

For six weeks, the fruits steep to extract maximum flavour. Then, they’re gently pressed to release all the juice. Then the fruit extract gets cozy with cognac, vanilla, and fragrant herbs.

Finally, the Master Blender steps in to ensure every drop is worthy of the Chambord name.

This is where I get excited! Chambord is like the little black dress of the liquor world – it goes with everything. Its versatility makes it a star player in countless cocktails which is why it’s perfect as a glow up for your bar. From classic French Martinis to innovative brunch sippers, Chambord adds that je ne sais quoi to any drink. Perfect for a Real Housewives brunch!

Adobe Organic Wines

These economical wines make a perfect table wine for your bar. Adobe Organic Wines are produced by a family-owned winery in Chile. These wines are made with organic grapes and are certified organic by the USDA.

Adobe Sauvignon Blanc Emiliana:

This Sauvignon Blanc has a bright and citrusy flavour with hints of tropical fruit and herbs. It’s a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food, such as seafood or salads.

Adobe Cabernet Sauvignon Emiliana:

This Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark and fruity flavour with hints of black cherry, plum, and spice. It’s a full-bodied wine, but don’t expect it to have that full jammy texture of a California Cabernet Sauvignon. 

I would serve this as a sipper for those who drink red wine and if you’re serving lamb, or a steak salad with tomatoes. 

And there you have it, my favourite add-ons to make your ba shine. A perfect host always has the basics stocked, add these into the mix. And don’t forget to include non-alcoholic and skinny options; many people are opting out of alcohol or interested in low sugar options.

Happy and responsible drinking!

• – Raquel Richards
  Get Raquel’s cocktail recipes over on What R You Drinking?

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Sasha Colby is feeling her power, coming up on one year since the trans star took the latest RuPaul’s Drag Race crown, “the embodiment of what they are trying to eradicate,” as she told press after her win. I’m still so happy for her, all these months in, so stopped everything while on a recent vacation to sit down with her and find out what her life has been like since stealing the show (in more ways than one: remember that hysterical head crack?) The head crack makes it into the new music video for her single, “Feel The Power,” a catchy, upbeat, anthemic track (see below) in which she is surely wearing extensions from her new line, where proceeds go to help the Maui wildfire victims. There’s also a 22-city tour coming to a venue near you, and it turns out we have something in common: vibing with the Law of Attraction; Colby shares how she gets into alignment in our chat. She also drops a truth bomb for the ages that I just love: “We are all transitioning.” Watch below.

This interview is brought to you by Gay Speed Dating, happening in Toronto February 28th at 7:30 pm ET at The Well, 487 Church St. Hosted by yours truly. If you’re single, 30+, and looking to make a connection with other likeminded men, register now – men are already signing up – it’s only $40 and you even get some appetizers for God’s sake!

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SHE’S YOUR VENUS :: Thursday night saw Denim and Nearah Nuff reach the end of their journeys on Canada’s Drag Race, leaving Aurora Matrix and Venus to battle off, each performing guest-judge Nelly Furtado‘s hit, ‘Try.’ Venus, looking old Hollywood stunning, heard Brooke Lynn Heights say her name – and has been on a high ever since. Jetting off to London immediately after to attend DragCon, Venus spent the weekend being celebrated by fans and other queens from around the world alike. She escaped from the mayhem this morning to sit down with us and spill the tea as only a newly crowned queen can. Watch our chat below.

Related :: All season long we’ve sat down with the eliminated queens the morning after they left the mainstage for final time, and you can click and watch conversations with Top 4 queens Denim, Nearah Nuff, Aurora Matrix, and Venus, plus Melinda Verga, Kiki Coe, Kitten Kaboodle, Amiee Yonce Shennel, Luna DuBois, The Girlfriend Experience, and SiSi Superstar also spill the tea.

Our interview with the winner of Canada’s Drag Race is brought to you by I-AM.health.

The post CANADA’S DRAG RACE :: Venus Is A Winner, Baby! appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

THE FOUR TOPS :: Canada’s Drag Race Season 4 served drama, emotion, gag-worthy looks, unforgettable lip syncs and entertainting judges (more comfortable in the skin of their roles than ever before) making S4 arguably the best season of the Canadian version of the Drag Race franchise yet.

All season long we’ve sat down with the eliminated queens the morning after they left the mainstage for final time, and you can click and watch Melinda Verga, Kiki Coe, Kitten Kaboodle, Amiee Yonce Shennel, Luna DuBois, The Girlfriend Experience, and SiSi Superstar spill the tea.

This week, we met with the final four: Venus, Denim, Aurora Matrix, and Nearah Nuff. Venus told more about her eating disorder in an emotional share; Aurora talked further about the backstory with her parents and the letter they sent her; Denim revealed more about her transition journey, and Nearah told us where her confidence comes from (and told us more about that sexy husband of hers.) All of them were candid about their time on Canada’s Drag Race, what it was like, how they coped in such a challenging, unnatural environment, and how it grew them. Watch them all below.

Our interviews with the queens of Canada’s Drag Race have been brought to you by 
I-AM.health.

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MELINDA MELTDOWN :: This week’s Canada’s Drag Race saw the elimination of the queen who gave us such good Drag Race drama: Melinda “I Quit!” Verga. We spoke to Verga the morning after her TV elimination, who talked all about her infamous, iconic hissy fit; starting her drag career late (at 37); what the queer scene in Edmonton is like; what she learned about herself from doing Canada’s Drag Race, and what she meant when she exited, saying Drag Race had taught her to find happiness even in the toughest moments. See our conversation, below.

Watch this space Tuesday, when we bring you our conversations with the Top Four, then on Friday when we sit down with the winner of Canada’s Drag Race Season 4.

Related: We talk to Kiki Coe, Kitten Kaboodle, Amiee Yonce Shennel, Luna DuBois, The Girlfriend Experience, and SiSi Superstar.

This Eliminated Queens interview is brought to you by I-AM.health. Find out your HIV status if you don’t know already, it’s the only way to access the support and care you need.

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LET’S HAVE A KIKI :: Thursday night’s Canada’s Drag Race saw the elimination of Kiki Coe, who had been in the bottom more than once already – with no Golden Beaver to save her this time. The look queen, who served elaborate and unforgettable costumes, was joyful and gracious as she said her goodbyes, but would tell it like it is if she were ever invited back for an All-Stars series, she told us when we sat down with her the next morning. She also shared more on her sex life with her husband that didn’t make the final cut (blame it on the edit) and which was harder: the Canada’s Drag Race Werk Room, or the kitchen, from when she appeared on Chopped Canada.

Related: We talk to Kitten Kaboodle, Amiee Yonce Shennel, Luna DuBois, The Girlfriend Experience, and SiSi Superstar.

This Eliminated Queens interview is brought to you by I-AM.health. Find out your HIV status if you don’t know already, it’s the only way to access the support and care you need.

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Double Elimination :: Thursday night saw the elimination of two queens on Canada’s Drag Race. Leaving the mainstage were Kitten Kaboodle and Aimee Yonce Shennel. We sat down with each queen bright and early Friday morning to spill the Drag Race tea.

Aimee shared what is was like to be the show’s truth-teller; her experience coming out in Dominican Republic; and how she’s getting along with the other queens now that Canada’s Drag Race is airing, warts and all. Oh, and the time she went to jail for hugging her boyfriend.

Related: We talk to Luna DuBois, The Girlfriend Experience, and SiSi Superstar.

Meanwhile, Kitten shared what it was like having a generation gap between her and the other queens; how it’s never too late to do something that scares you; and why the recent ongoing attacks against drag queens and the queer community has a positive component to it. Watch both interviews below.

This Eliminated Queens interview is brought to you by I-AM.health. Check them out, it’s really good work they’re doing.

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Luna DuBois :: This queen is an Aries, which explains why she was so fiery when fellow contestant Melinda Varga had her f-bomb laden meltdown and wanted out of Canada’s Drag Race – only to get saved by the Golden Beaver. A rescued Varga THEN had the raw nerve to go on to win Thursday, while DuBois, meanwhile, found herself eliminated.

We sat down with the queen early this morning and found out why this tomfoolery was a bitter pill to swallow, and learned about her work helping BIPOC performers be treated fairly, plus: how she – clearly – has the best ass-et of the season.

Related: We talk to The Girlfriend Experience, and SiSi Superstar.

This Eliminated Queen interview is brought to you by I-AM.health. Check them out, its really good work they’re doing.

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THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE :: She reminded her fellow queens – and those of us watching – that she was the prettiest of them all as she left the mainstage Thursday night on Canada’s Drag Race. The Girlfriend Experience lasted three episodes, and is the second queen to leave (no Golden Beaver for her this time) following SiSi Superstar‘s exit last week (watch our interview with Sisi.)

We sat down with the thought-provoking and compelling queen after her elimination, and talked about how and why she was on edge during shooting; what she meant when she said she and her drag persona were the same thing; what she thinks of people who object to trans and cis women participating in drag races – how she documented her transition so to help others, plus the social media site that continues to make her life a pain in the ass.

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SISI SUPERSTAR :: She promised to show up in our nightmares – okay! – as she left the Main Stage; Sisi Superstar was the first queen eliminated from Season 4 of Canada’s Drag Race on Thursday. We sat down after elimination with the DJ, songwriter, pro event planner, community organizer and co-creator of Montréal’s biggest alternative queer event, Unikorn Parties, to chat about what she’d do differently on Drag Race if she could; why she didn’t wear heels (or shoes at all!) on the Main Stage; and how the game is different after so many versions of the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise having now aired.

The post Canada’s Drag Race – The Eliminated Queens: SiSi Superstar appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Image: Santiago Felipe

Beloved RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars Jinkx Monsoon and Ben DeLaCreme are now drag icons in their own right. Underdog Monsoon won her season, and was then crowned Queen of all Queens when she next appeared in an All Stars spin-off. DeLaCreme earned a spot among the show’s “15 Fan Favourites Of All Time.”

Since their TV triumphs, DeLaCreme has gone on to write, produce, and direct multiple sold-out international tours, including critically acclaimed, award-winning solo work. She’s also been a frequent commentator on the hate currently being flung at the queer community and the anti-queer legislation sweeping the US, appearing on The Daily Show, MSNBC, NPR and writing for publications like Out Magazine.

Meanwhile, Monsoon has been no slouch either (understatement of the year.) Her extended 10-week run as Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago on Broadway broke box office records, achieving the highest selling non-holiday week in the show’s 26-year history, and she’s set to join the cast of the new season of Doctor Who on the BBC as a major villain.

As if they weren’t busy enough, the two superstars are uniting for the holidays with their new show, The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show 2023, currently touring the UK and North America. The queens hit Toronto Tuesday November 21st, Montreal on the 23rd and 24th, Hamilton November 25th, and Vancouver December 30th. Win tickets! See Contest Alert after the video!

On a day off touring the UK this week, Jinkx and DeLa hopped on a Zoom with me. We spoke about the success of their holiday show, the rise in hate against drag queens and the LGBTQ+ community, and what RuPaul’s Drag Race looks like to them now, from their new vantage point of having achieved so much success on their own since appearing on the TV phenomenon.

The post POP CULTURE: RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE’S JINKX MONSOON AND BEN DELACREME ARE INTERNATIONAL! appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Turns out Lauralee Bell doesn’t remember being gunned down by Mary Jo Benson either. But she does remember not using her surname when she was cast on her father’s show, never complaining, and always knowing her lines, lest she reap nepo-baby wrath from others. She also recalls telling the actor playing Cricket’s rapist to seriously manhandle her the way a rapist might, to make it as real as possible, and incurring the bruises the next day – so much so that makeup didn’t need to be put on her.

All part of a trip down memory lane I got to take with Bell, as she did a huge press tour last week to celebrate four decades of playing Little Miss Perfect on the global soap phenomenon. Here’s our chat:

(Featured Image: CBS)

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The above is the original opening scene for a television show that has gone on to last 50 years: The Young & The Restless debuted on March 26, 1973, and has since gone on to not just last 5 decades, but become a phenomenon seen around the world, capturing  the hearts and minds of viewers for an incredible half-century.

Besides being aired in the US – where it has been the #1 daytime show for over three decades; 4 million people tune in each day, more than half of them under age 35 – in France it’s called Les faux de l’amoure, and Y&R is also seen in the UK, Belize, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Italy, and of course, here in Canada, where it is one of the country’s most watched shows. Black communities, queer communities, the women’s demographic all especially love the show; straight guys even watch, though many will deny if pressed.

For five decades, The Young and The Restless has enthralled audiences around the globe with its unforgettable characters, gripping storylines, and a commitment to exploring the complexities of human nature. It has not only set the standard for daytime drama but has also broken barriers, tackled social issues, and left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Many boldface names got their jumpstart on Y&R: Paul Walker, Eva Longoria, Tom Selleck, and David Hasselhoff among them. Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Enrique Iglesias, Little Richard, Wayne Gretzky, and Ill Divo are some of the well-known celebs who have made appearances on the beloved show.

I’ve been watching Y&R for over 30 years. In 2008 I had the thrill of being invited for a set visit at CBS in Hollywood, where I sat on the Abbott couch with Peter (Jack Abbott) Bergman, who told me how much he loved Toronto, Yorkville, and Joni Mitchell. I also interviewed the legendary late Jeanne (Katherine Chancellor) Cooper between takes of a scene we got to watch; her long red talon running up and down my thigh the whole time (kind of creepy?) Eric (Victor Newman) Braeden passed me on the set with a fistful of donuts, walking slowly and stiffly (read my interview with him here) ahead of taping a big scene that no one was allowed to watch; we were all ushered off. That was a fine day.

Y&R‘s characters, especially the legacy ones like the Newmans and the Abbotts, feel like part of my life. I started watching these people on a whim the day Patty overheard Jack saying he was getting a vasectomy – even though they were trying for a baby – and pow! Patty, in a fury, shot Jack and he was left paralyzed. But the denizens of Genoa City, including Jack, didn’t know who did it.

Somebody shot poor ol’ Jack / Once in the chest and twice in the back /
Two bullets came out but one stayed in / and now all Jack can move is his chiny-chin-chin. 

In those early years of watching Y&R I was in high school, and I would hurry down my half mile country driveway to make sure I was home in time to make some toast and sit in front of the TV (and beat my brothers in so they didn’t turn the TV on first.)

Back then, Y&R was more than just a soap opera, it was an escape for me for one hour, from the bullies at school and until my Dad, an unpredictable alcoholic, came home. As a teenager I was immediately hooked on the teen storylines Y&R cleverly included to attract new generations – anyone remember Traci Abbott dumping that ice cream sundae on mean girl Lauren Fenmore’s head? Anyone remember when her crazy stalker Shawn tried to bury Lauren alive? I lied and said I was sick so I could stay home the day the storyline climaxed, to be sure I wouldn’t miss a minute, and to find out if Paul got stopped whack-job Shawn on time (he did, thank God.)

Recently, I sat down with several of Y&R‘s stars for GGN and my SiriusXM talk show – including Tracey Bregman who has played Lauren all these years – to go down memory lane, talk about what’s made Y&R last so long (there used to be 12 soaps on the air; now there are 4) and to celebrate 50 years of a show beloved by millions around the world. Enjoy!

• – Shaun Proulx

The post GGN POP CULTURE :: The Young & The Restless Turns 50! Our chats with the stars! appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

GGN is pumped to welcome back this year’s Pride Party Topsify Playlist!

Just click here and choose your favourite music streaming platform – and get ready to get your queer Pride 2023 party groove on!

Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue (“Padam Padam!”), Cher, Adam Lambert, Britney Spears, Jodie Harsh, Madonna, Bebe Rexha, David Guetta, Beyoncé, Robyn, Charli XCX, Fifty Fifty, Ava Max, Sylvester, and Lizzo and The Spice Girls are just some of the incredible artists bringing you classic and new tracks to help you celebrate Pride 2023!

Enjoy, dance, and have a safe and happy Pride!

-GGN

The post Pride Party Topsify Playlist — 2023! appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

If you identify as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, you’re needed now more than ever. 

Until recently, your role in our community has probably been easy. Progress here in Canada and the US has been often abundant and flowing. You have queer people you love in your lives, and, of course, you’ve supported them. You’ve cheered on our right to live and love and be the fullest expression of our most authentic selves; you’ve championed our relationships – those weddings! – you’ve shared in the joy of our expanding families, and, of course, you have marched and danced with us at Pride. 

Now we need more from you.

Despite – and because of – all the advances queer people have made in recent years, attacks on us, across North America, are now on a fast rise. The Don’t Say Gay bill is among hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed this year alone, including bills blocking of trans-affirming health care. Queer themed books have been banned; drag queen storytimes have been met with fear-mongering protesters – some even wearing Nazi garb – Pride festivals have been threatened or even canceled; the limiting of gender expression is being fostered, and it was only last December that 5 people were killed and 17 injured when a gunman opened fire in a queer nightclub in Colorado. Look too at the rainbow flag controversy sullying school boards everywhere right now, and that mother making news recently, shown on video encouraging kids to stomp on a rainbow flag. We queer people are “goomers,” we are “pedophiles” – it just goes on and on, and is all so disgusting and sad. 

And all of it leads to one end result: hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, which rose a shocking 60% between 2019 and 2021, according to Statistics Canada. (And those are just crimes actually reported to the police. Countless more go unreported.)

Hate crimes and acts of prejudice leave many queer individuals feeling marginalized, fearful, and isolated. The damaging effects of such hate extend beyond immediate harm, impacting mental health, self-worth, and overall well-being. 

This is why your role as ally is pivotal. Here are some ways in which you can become the best ally possible for the LGBTQ+ community right now:

1. A good ally recognizes that the burden of combating discrimination should not fall solely on the shoulders of those directly affected. 

2. Allyship starts with education. Educate yourself about the experiences, struggles, and accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community, those you know. Seek out resources, read books and articles, watch documentaries, and listen to personal stories. Understanding the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals is crucial in combating misinformation and stereotypes.

3. Allies also have a responsibility to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals. This can be done by actively sharing and promoting their stories, achievements, and concerns. Use your platform and privilege to raise awareness and advocate for change.

4. Allies must confront prejudice and discrimination whenever and wherever it occurs. Speak out against homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic comments and behaviors. Engage in constructive conversations and address misconceptions and stereotypes. By challenging prejudiced attitudes, allies can help shift societal norms and foster a more inclusive environment.

5. Stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ organizations and contribute to their initiatives. Donate, volunteer, or offer your skills to support their work in advancing equality, providing resources, and creating safe spaces. Remember that allyship is not a one-time act but an ongoing commitment.

6. Whether at home, work, or in social settings, allies can play a significant role in fostering inclusive spaces. Encourage diversity training, advocate for gender-neutral restrooms, and challenge discriminatory policies. Be a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and help create an environment where everyone feels seen, respected, and celebrated.

With your help as a true ally, we can stand up against hate, and create a world where each of us is embraced and valued for who we are.

Until then, and as always, Happy Pride! And thank you for your allyship.

• –Shaun Proulx

This post was originally published on SiriusXM.ca.

The post GGN SOCIETY :: LGBTQ+ Allies Are Needed Now More Than Ever appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

GGN Contest!

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations to Felipe Antunes Aragao, who won a trip for two to Fièrté Montréal Pride!

******

Enter to win a trip for two to Fièrté Montréal Pride 2023!

The Fièrté Pride Montréal Prize Package includes: VIA rail economy class transportation Toronto-Montréal-Toronto from Saturday Aug. 12 to Monday Aug. 14 – plus two nights at the gorgeous W Hotel Montréal, plus two VIQ passes.

YOU COULD WIN:

To Enter: Readers must subscribe to TheGayGuideNetwork.com Newsletter to enter. You may remove yourself from the subscription at any time. To subscribe email us at ideas@shaunproulxmedia.com with the subject line “Subscribe Me!” to be entered to win. Include in your email:

• – Your full name
  – Your date of birth
• – Your daytime phone number

Existing Subscribers will receive opportunity to enter in forthcoming newsletters – watch your inbox!

Winners will stay at the beautiful W Hotel Montréal (room may not be exactly as pictured.)

Winners will also receive two economy class train tickets aboard Via Rail from Toronto Union Station to Montreal.

Two Fiérte Pride Montreal 2023 VIQ passes.

VIQ passes grant access to the VIQ Area which gives you

• – Dedicated entrance to the main site
• – Exclusive access to the VIQ lounge
• – Access to the TD Front Stage
• – Private toilets (godsend!)
• – Two drinks
• – 20$ on coupons for our food trucks at the Espace Gourmand.

The total value of this awesome Pride package is $5,000!

Image: Alison Slattery

Contest General Rules & Regulations

Application

These rules and regulations shall apply to the “Contest” unless stipulated otherwise, and where alternate rules and regulations are made available to the public. If there are any discrepancies between these rules and regulations and any other rules and regulations posted for any particular Contest (the “Alternate Rules”), such discrepancy shall be resolved in favour of the Alternate Rules.

Eligibility:

The Contest is open to legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside. No person who is employed by Shaun Proulx Media or its affiliates, and no persons who are domiciled with any such employee shall be entitled to enter the Contest. One contest entry per person.

Prize Description:

Winner will receive:

• Two-night stay at W Hotel Montréal August 12-14, 2023;
• Two economy class train tickets aboard Via Rail from Toronto Union Station to Montréal, and;
• Two Fiérte Pride Montréal 2019 VIP passes allowing access to the VIP area and the privileges within.

Total value of the prize: Approx. $5,000.

How to Enter

There is no purchase necessary to enter the Contest.

Readers must subscribe to TheGayGuideNetwork.com Newsletter to enter. If you are already a member then you can update your profile in order to qualify. You may remove yourself from Membership and subscriptions at any time. To subscribe, email ideas@shaunproulxmedia.com and include:

• – Your full name
  – Your date of birth
• – Your daytime phone number

Contest closes 9 AM, Friday, July 21, 2023. The winner will be selected by random draw after that time, and then announced on Thursday, July 27th, 2023.

Upon being declared a potential winner, the winner will be required to answer, unaided, a time-limited mathematical skill testing question. Upon correctly answering that question, the potential winner will be declared the winner.

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning the Contest are dependent on the number of entries received at any given time.

Liability

The winner acknowledges that the collection or use of the prize may be inherently dangerous and agrees to release and hold harmless Shaun Proulx Media, TheGayGuideNetwork.com, Fiérte Pride Montreal, VIA Rail, or the W Hotel Montréal for any and all damages they may incur through entering the Contest or through the collection or use of the prize, including personal injury or death. The winner also agrees to sign a standard release and waiver of liability prior to claiming the prize.

General

Prize winners shall be responsible for all costs and expenses not explicitly stated to form part of the prize, including but not limited to taxes, fees, gratuities, insurance, or travel to and from train station.

Where the Prize includes travel, the Prize winner must ensure that he and his companion have all the necessary travel documents required to travel to the destination on the dates specified in the prize description.

Prior to receiving the Prize, the Prize winner shall sign a standard release and liability waiver absolving Shaun Proulx Media of all its obligations under the Contest and accepting the Prize as awarded as full and final satisfaction of all items owed to him by Shaun Proulx Media.

Shaun Proulx Media, Fiérte Pride Montreal, VIA Rail, or the W Hotel Montréal may at its sole discretion substitute a prize or a portion thereof with an alternate prize of equal or greater value. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Shaun Proulx Media shall not be responsible to substitute a prize or portion thereof where such Prize cannot be redeemed due to factors beyond its reasonable control.

Shaun Proulx Media reserves the right to cancel or modify the Contest in any way it deems appropriate, and for any reason, at any time prior to the declaration of a winner.

Any pronouns used in these rules and regulations shall be modified for gender and number as the case may require, and shall apply as though the correct gender and number had been included herein.

By accepting the prize, the contest winner consents to receive electronic communications from Fiérte Pride Montréal and its partners. The winner may choose to unsubscribe from these communications at any time.

By entering the Contest, all persons are deemed to have read and to have accepted these rules and regulations.

The post WIN :: A Trip For Two to Fièrté Montréal Pride 2023! appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.