OK, kiddo! Here are all the fantastically amazing posts tagged with Alberta
Calgary Launches Gay Outgames
Well, they did it! The first-ever Continental Outgames was launched this week in Calgary, Alberta. The games are supposedly the largest gay-themed event ever held in the province of Alberta (the second-biggest being the time I accidentally bumped into another guy on the C-Train).
While I questioned the choice in venue before, it does go to show that Alberta isn’t all Ted Mortons, Fred Henrys, Rob Anders…ses, and Ralph Kleins. Happily, the games have been met with enthusiasm, and the coinciding human rights conference has brought some extra perspective to Cowtown. The games have even drawn some influential speakers: Judy Shepard gave a passionate speech about gay awareness, and comedian Lily Tomlin is scheduled to close the games on Saturday.
So, overall, I guess there wasn’t much to worry about! Or maybe those delightfully wacky, “non-hateful” protesters just haven’t finished their Thursday night homophobic sign crafting class. Either way: So far, so good!
In semi-related news, the amazingly tasteful and universally adored editors at Calgary’s Swerve Magazine have apparently commissioned some awesomely gay illustrations for their issue on the Outgames. I haven’t seen it in person myself, but professional framers are predicting that the cover picture may become more popular than Whistler’s Mother… Or, uh, so I’ve been told.
Well, have a great Wednesday, kids!
Alberta Government Caves, Lets Gay Couple Adopt
The abolishment of an obscure protocol has made Lance Anderson and Blair Croft the first gay parents to adopt through a non-private agency in Alberta.
Croft, a child care worker, originally filled out the adoption paperwork in 2004. After impressing social workers with their success in the mandatory parenting courses and home inspections, the couple was immediately approved. Or, rather, they were approved… until assistant deputy minister Bill Meade got word of their efforts. Two days after the approval, Bill outlined a new “protocol for adoptive placement with same-sex couples.”
Under the protocol, offices were forced to look for other parents for the child before considering the same-sex couple, first regionally, then provincially. If no other parents were available, the child would then go through “media recruitment,” including a website promotion and weekly television segment. If parents could still not be found for the child, the same-sex applicants would be scrutinized and the final approval—unlike all other adoptions—would have to go up through the ranks to the deputy minister himself.
Privately, social workers suggested filing for adoption as a single parent to avoid the hoopla.
Luckily, the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act abolished the same-sex adoption protocol earlier last year. Jody Korchinski, a spokesperson for Child Services, assured same-sex couples that Lance and Blair’s horrible experience won’t be repeated:
The sexual orientation of the parents is certainly not a considering factor. What we’re looking at is in terms of the home: Is it stable? Is it permanent? Is it loving? Can they provide the medical attention? A safe and secure environment? Education of the child? It’s the interests of the child that are put first.
What a novel concept! Well, congratulations, guys!
- Gay couple leaps ‘walls’ to adopt son [Edmonton Journal]
Tourism Calgary: “We’re Gay-Friendly, Really!”
Ah, the power of the pink dollar! Tourism Calgary has started promoting the city to gay and lesbian tourists after the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce announced that Canada’s gay travelers spend over $7 billion annually. Joe Connelly, the vice president of Tourism Calgary, was especially quick to chime in, announcing that “Calgary is very gay friendly.”
Now, as a former Calgarian myself, I’d love to suggest a few of the amazing gay sights that the city has to offer. In fact, I think I have a travel review kicking around here… Ah, yes; here we go!
Calgary, Canada’s Most Gay-Aware City!
Whether you’re gay, lesbian, or simply not a bigot, Calgary is sure to offer a unique “culture-shock” experience you won’t soon forget! Located in the heart of Alberta, Calgary is world-renowned for its fascinatingly homogeneous culture. Spend an afternoon marveling at the city-wide hick pride festival (locally known as the Calgary Stampede), admiring a cowboy hat in the local shops, or simply wincing at the country music scene.
Gay travelers are in for a particularly special treat! Calgary’s only gay bar, Twisted Element, is located in the downtown’s eerie west side. If you find references to Detour, Boystown, RekRoom, or other gay-friendly establishments in any tour guide, don’t skip out just because they’ve closed down! Any of these empty buildings would make an atmospheric and affordable movie set.
Calgary’s annual gay pride parade is a must-see spectacle, unique for having marchers outnumber spectators, and its nationally-reported protester incidents! Gay issues are always at the forefront of the city’s consciousness, and stories will be featured prominently in the six o’clock newscasts. You’ll enjoy such street question segments as A-Channel’s January 18, 2005 poll: “Do you think that same-sex marriage is in the same category as adultery, prostitution, and pornography?” The results (51% yes, 49% no) will surely be an interesting conversation-starter when you get back!
So come to Calgary! If it’s good enough for Stephen Harper, Ralph Klein, Bishop Fred Henry, and Rob Anders to call home, it’s good enough for you to visit!
Ah, memories… Well, until Monday, folks!
Update: In researching for an article, Kevin Libin from The National Post wrote in with a correction. There is, indeed, more than one gay bar left in Calgary. My apologies, folks!
- Tourism Calgary courts gays and lesbians [Calgary SUN]
Ted Morton Brings His Anti-Gayness to Cabinet
Aw, isn’t that just adorable? After losing the premiership race for Alberta in a distant third place, Ted Morton has been given a nice sympathy position as the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development by incoming premier Ed Stelmach.
Now, what do you suppose was one of Morton’s first announcements to the press? Something to do with sustainable resource development, you think? Why, no, silly! Instead, Teddy re-emphasized his commitment to introduce anti-gay legislation.
That’s right, Ted Morton is determined to bring back one of the most discriminatory pieces of legislation in Canadian history. Morton’s Bill 208, which was already killed in parliament, resurrected, and killed again, would remove all legal punishment for those who discriminate against gays and force teachers to “warn” parents before acknowledging the existence of same-sex marriage in Canada.
Now, if only I could deny the reality that Ted Morton is in cabinet, I’d be all set.
Incidentally, Alberta’s new premier, Ed Stelmach, while personally against equal marriage rights, says he accepts the federal marriage law.
- Morton will ensure new premier can’t ignore gay-marriage issue [Edmonton Journal]
- Stelmach trims Alberta cabinet [Globe and Mail]
- Stelmach’s team in place [Daily Herald-Tribune]
Alberta Race More Pivotal Than A Pivoting Pivot
So how far can hysterical anti-gayness get you in a race for Alberta’s premier? Well, pretty far, actually!
Ted Morton came in a close second in the latest vote, confirming my suspicions that Mountain Standard Time is actually several decades in the past.
Frontrunner Jim Dinning, while still pretty darn anti-gay, resembles a mixture of Snagglepuss and Charles Nelson Reilly in comparison to Morton, whose unnatural affinity for anti-gay laws has earned him the title of “Da Man,” put to the tune of a SUV-dealership jingle. I’m not kidding.
The next (and hopefully final) vote is on December 2.
So, could there be an upside to a Morton-led province? Well, like I’ve always said—if you can’t be a shining inspiration, a horrible warning is just as effective.
- Split feared in Alberta Tories [Toronto Star]
Premier Hopefuls Flex Their Complaining Skills
Now that Alberta premier King Ralph has abdicated his throne, replacement hopefuls met in Red Deer this week to discuss serious issues affecting the lives of every Albertan…
Nah, I’m totally kidding—this is Alberta we’re talking about! Instead, they just threw a collective temper-tantrum over same-sex marriage.
“This is an issue that we do have to take a stand on,” bloviated ejected cabinet minister Lyle Olberg, “I don’t believe the battle is over.” Ted Morton went as far as to state that his focus as a provincial politician is “to protect the rights of people who want to speak out against gay marriage.” In fact, Gary McPherson, a relative unknown, was the only of the 8 candidates to support Canada’s federal law, saying that the Supreme Court has made its ruling and The Province of Alberta should respect it.
As for the rest of the debates… “I felt they were very, very vague tonight,” said one attendee. Another added: “I’d say [previous leadership debates] were a little livelier than this one. We’re not getting the totally different stands this time around.”
So there you go: An entire debate session whereupon the only thing the candidates could accomplish is emphasize that they’re just not very fond of the gays.
Sounds like Alberta Premier material to me!
- Alberta Tory leadership candidates split over gay marriage [Globe and Mail]
- Tories call for more debate at leadership forum [CBC News]
Cardston Crazies Still At It
Well, after all the recent federal news, I think it’s about time I gave some attention to small town Alberta!
Remember Cardston (population: 3,500)? It’s the little town with big aspirations to ban same-sex marriage. Well, after the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass (population: 6000) refused to hear them out last April, they haven’t given up! In fact, they’ve taken their plea all the way to the capital city of Edmonton (population: 1,016,000)! Such a big trip!
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association met in Edmonton earlier this month for their annual convention, and Cardston was more than thrilled to propose their ban in front of all the mayors in Alberta! Though, unfortunately for Cardston, Edmonton Councilor and AUMA Chairman Ed Gibbons just didn’t seem to want to discuss the proposal:
This is not the type of issue municipalities typically deal with, nor should they. Why are we talking about it at the convention?
Councilmen were also quick to point out that municipalities don’t have the authority to ban same-sex marriage, which is entirely federal jurisdiction.
Poor Cardston… You tried so hard. Oh well, I suppose there’s always next year’s conference!
- Alberta towns divided on gay marriage [Canoe.ca]
Ted Morton Can’t Take A Hint
Ah, Halloween! That time of year when the undead drag their rheumatic limbs through the streets, assorted ghouls knock door to door, and the conservative campaign for a new Alberta premier kicks off…
Ted Morton, incidentally, is taking a shot at premiership. And what do you suppose is one of his top-two campaign promises? Why, a re-RE-introduction of Bill 208, which has now failed to make it through parliament twice! The bill, if passed, would remove all legal consequences for those “acting out on their beliefs” against same-sex marriage. (Restaurant waiter? Don’t like gays? Well, no need to serve ‘em!)
The bill also includes specific clauses that would force teachers to send out “parental warnings” before discussing gay issues, and allow civil marriage commissioners to deny their public services to gays.
Now, I’m not entirely sure why Teddy thinks 208 will survive legislature the third time around, but I gotta give him some anti-gay credit for persistence. And for those of you unsure of what to be for halloween, I’m delighted to announce that a Bill 208 “undead” costume pattern is in the works! In preparation, please put bury some ancient parchment for a week; instructions will follow.
- Morton promises to change the status quo [Pincher Creek Echo]
Radio Station Weds Two Straight Guys
DJ Paul Brown, of the Edmonton radio station The Bear, has arranged for two straight male strangers to marry on the air. The stunt is part of the station’s annual Really Tough contest, where people compete in “un-manly” challenges for a chance at a $40,000 top prize. (Incidentally, a coin toss was used to decide who had to wear a tuxedo, and who had to wear a bridal gown.)
Now, personally, I can’t help but chuckle. I mean, the two guys obviously had a blast with the stunt, and really, it’s far more of a knock against the classic “tough guy” image than anything else. (Definitely something one would expect from a morning radio show.) But, gee… How do you think the brilliant scribes at The Edmonton SUN are reporting this?
The mind boggles at how this loophole can be milked for more than a radio-station contest.
You’re an older unmarried guy or gal without a pension? Marry your older friend, and get spousal pension benefits. You’re a visitor and you want to stay in Canada? Marry another man and he can sponsor you as a family member.
Free vote coming up on same-sex marriage, parliamentarians.
Oh, yes, right; this brand new “loophole” is going to be horrendously exploited! Hurry, parliamentarians, while you still can, vote to revoke equal marriage rights! After all, before same-sex marriage was legal in Canada, it was absolutely impossible for two strangers to marry. And marrying for pension or citizenship? A concept surely never conceived before these gays came along.
This will be the first time I’ve explicitly written this in a post, but: Slap!
- What’s Love Got to Do With It? [Edmonton SUN]
Bishop Fred Henry, Off The Deep End
Looks like Calgary’s own Bishop Fred Henry has added a little something to my (unofficial) Canadian Collection Of Defamatory Quotes™:
[Same-sex marriage] is the worst betrayal of children I’ve ever seen—even more so than the Catholic church sex scandals.
Ah, yes. Words that would elicit an awed horror if spoken anywhere other than the ostensibly titled Let’s Talk About Children’s Rights forum. The forum, held last Thursday in Calgary, was, naturally, composed entirely of hysterical anti-gay rhetoric. Speakers included Ted Morton and Syed Soharwardy, in addition to the not-so-good bishop, who uttered the above nonsense.
- Children at centre of gay-marriage debate [Calgary Sun]
Labour Day Update
Ah, Labour Day, the ironically named holiday where we get absolutely no work done. And, of course, this site is no exception. However, I’ve prepared this lovely Labour Day Update in advance, especially for you!
So, without further ado…
Take THAT, Teddy!
The amazingly bigoted Alberta MLA, Ted Morton, was dealt a sweet, justice-ey blow last week, as his hate-filled Bill 208 was mercilessly killed by necessary opposition delay tactics. The bill would have permitted civil marriage commissioners to deny their public service to gays, forced teachers to “warn” parents before even acknowledging the existence of same-sex marriage in Canada, and remove all consequences for an individual “exercising their beliefs” against same-sex marriage. Ah, just think: waiters refusing to serve gay couples, bus drivers refusing to let them board public transit… How uniquely Alberta! (And mind-numbingly unconstitutional.)
And, I guess that’s it for the Labour Day Update. Just one story. Well, until Wednesday, folks, don’t labour too much!
No One To Challange Anders… Again
OK, in your best “soup nazi” voice: No reason for you! Next!
Walter Wakula, former Tory riding president for Calgary West, will not be allowed to challenge incumbent wacko MP, Rob Anders, for nomination. Absolutely no reason was given for Wakula’s disqualification, leaving everyone to scratch their head noisily—an action that Tories seem to evoke quite easily these days.
Anders (who, incidentally, was my MP before I got the hell out of Calgary), is best known as the sole dissenter in giving Nelson Mandela honorary Canadian citizenship, calling the man a communist and a terrorist. I remember Anders more for his crafting of flyers that linked crystal meth usage to “homosexual sex marriage” and mailing them to the wrong constituency.
So, why wouldn’t the conservative party allow a less controversial MP to run alongside Anders for the nomination when a clearly qualified former riding president is available? My guess: Anders is an undercover alien involved in a large conspiracy to slightly warm the rightmost chairs in the House of Commons! This is top secret stuff, folks…
Bishop Fred Henry: Wafer Nazi
Another hysterically anti-gay nut from Calgary? Get out!
Fred Henry, a bishop from Calgary, wrote a pastoral letter (not quite as lovely as that sounds, trust me) that equated gays to prostitutes and pornographers, pressuring the government to do something about it. The wording wasn’t exactly subtle either. Well, you be the judge:
Since homosexuality, adultery, prostitution and pornography undermine the foundations of the family, the basis of society, then the state must use its coercive power to proscribe or curtail them in the interests of the common good.
Funny… The government did end up acting in the interests of the common good! You’d think Fred should be happy, but, well… Far be it from him to judge others, but after same-sex marriage became law, he judged all the politicians that voted for equality and refused to give them communion wafers. Oh, then he suggested that Prime Minister Paul Martin, should be excommunicated from the church. Bitter much, Fred?
Although, in fairness, we’ve all had our moments. I once wouldn’t let my best friend play at my house until he gave me back my He-Man action figure back in 1986.
Well, that, folks, was retroactive slap week! Up-to-date stories shall appear starting Monday!
- ‘Exile’ for same-sex support [Macleans]
- Calgary bishop wants government to act against gays [CBC News]
Continental Outgames Gets Unlikely Host
With the 1st World Outgames in Montréal set to be an amazing success, it’s time for the spinoffs! In fact, the 1st Contentental Outgames for North America are already set to be held in April next year! And the host city is…
Calgary, Alberta.
No, really. You know, the same province where bans on same-sex marriage are still being mulled over, where the provincial government nearly passed legislation making it legal for teachers to refuse to acknowledge that same-sex marriage exists, where the Premier promises to make it legal for marriage comissioners to refuse to file the provincial paperwork for gay couples, and the same city where Pride parade protesters caused a huge scene out of fear of contracting AIDS… That Calgary.
Of course, the game planners are aware of Calgary’s, uh, less-than-friendly reputation, but Executive Director Brad Bostock, thinks this won’t be a problem.
There are perceptions that Calgary may not be the most hospitable city to host this, but we’ve hosted the Western Cup. Next year will be our 25th anniversary.
I see… But, really, I think the games should go off without a hitch. After all, the best way to educate an irrationally anti-gay mind is to show the benefits of diversi—oh, who am I kidding; these wingnuts are going to protest day and night.
- Gay and lesbian Outgames coming to Calgary [CHQR News]
A Typical Calgary Pride Week
Calgary’s police chief, Jack Beaton, warned anti-gay protesters that “there’s such a thing as provocation” last week, after a protester who chased and called a gay man a “disgusting homo” was given a hefty, retaliatory tackle.
While the tackling was, of course, rightfully condemned, the police chief’s warning isn’t going over well with some of the protesters. Jeff Willerton, who was holding a quaint little “No Pride in Sodomy” sign that day, published an open letter on Wednesday, stating that not only were his slurs “in no way considered hateful” (chortle), but also that he thinks his group was the one provoked. The poor dears! Unwillingly incited into crafting offensive signs and yelling slurs!
Observe their rationale:
Two men spit at us, missing me but hitting my friend. This caused a great deal of concern for my friend, who knows that AIDS-infected spit in the eye or in an open sore can lead to the transmission of the disease.
Oh, Snap! Seriously. All us gays must be like walking rainbows of death—ready to infect anyone who crosses our path of gayness with the GRIDS! Run for the hills!
Incidentally, Tyson McCann Cormack, the spitter, had this to say:
I was chased and yelled at and I’ve never done anything my whole life. Well, I was tired of it today. I went to spit near one guy, but I did not spit on him. I spat near him as a sign that I wasn’t impressed with [the slurs].
But, really, although the protesters were clearly being jerks, that doesn’t exonerate a physical attack. After all, no matter how hurtful the “pro-family” types can be—no matter how much they go out of their way to personally insult us gays on our only day of celebration—I only dole out metaphorical slaps. It’s just the cordial thing to do.
- Anger flares at gay parade [Calgary Herald]
- Reader says he and his friend were provoked [Calgary Herald]
- Protesters And Participants Clash At Gay Pride Parade [CityTV News]
Anti-Gay Bill Targets Teachers
Ever notice that annoying “Whaaah!” sound coming from the Alberta parliament? No need to be alarmed, kids! It’s just the provincial government throwing another one of its temper tantrums over same-sex marriage.
Ted Morton‘s Bill 208, which passed second reading this week, would make it OK for teachers to not acknowledge the existence of same-sex marriage in Alberta. And for teachers that do wish to acknowledge reality… well, they’d be required to send out parental warnings before speaking a word about the gays. How quaint!
When asked why this craziness was conceived, Morton replied: “[It's] to pre-empt the type of harassment of people who disagree with same-sex marriage.” Yeah, because those people are so discriminated against. Also—wait, did that response have anything to do with parents and teachers?
Of course, Frank Bruseker, president of the Alberta Teacher’s Association, whom this bill would actually affect, is insulted.
Requiring teachers to advise parents prior to making any mention of the fact that marriage in Canada may be between persons of the same sex will effectively gag any emergent discussion of this issue.
What does that communicate to gay and lesbian students, to their families and to the school community? These students are already at greater risk of being bullied, being alienated from school and eventually dropping out. They need all the help and support that the school system can provide.
If I may practice my Alberta lingo, let me say: “Darn Tootin’, Frank!” But now, for my adorable elected Alberta MLAs, whoever wants to play crazy anti-gay make-believe forever, say “Yea.”
- Teachers call on MLAs to reject bill [Alberta Teacher's Association]
- ATA gives Morton’s Bill 208 a failing grade [Cochrane Times]
- Kill Bill 208 [Edmonton Journal]
Edmonton’s “Punch in the Face” Dress Code
Here’s an oldie: What do you get when you wear a fur coat, white jeans, suede boots, and a “Drama Queen” t-shirt to Edmonton’s Gay Pride Week celebrations? Give up? A punch in the face from a crazy, anti-gay stranger!
I wouldn’t bother holding for laughter on that “punchline.” It’s the brainchild of Nicolas Demers, a 19 year old anti-gay kook who pleaded guilty last week to punching a gay man in the face during Pride Week. Demers was caught after assaulting the man in City Hall last June, despite attempts to escape the building undetected. (Apparently, “cleverly” swapping t-shirts with a friend doesn’t fool today’s CSI-informed security guards.)
The motivation for this anti-gay attack was, well, spawned by irrational anti-gayness. “There should be a law against dressing like that,” Demers told security personnel, “He deserved to be punched.”
Happily, despite Demers’ “creative lobbying,” there aren’t any laws against dressing colourfully. Though, there are apparently laws against punching someone in the face. Sentencing begins this June.
- Attack Haunts Gay Supporter [Edmonton SUN]
Cardston Crazies Propose Ban
Well, it’s not every day that I get to slap an entire town upside the head. But, lo! The Town of Cardston, Alberta (population: 3,500), made famous for it’s carriage museum featured on The Simpsons two weeks ago, has sent a formal letter requesting support for a ban on same-sex marriage. And to whom was this letter addressed? Why, the powerful Municipality of Crowsnest Pass (population: 6000), of course!
Unfortunately for Cardston, representatives for Crowsnest Pass were quick to pooh-pooh the notion, noting that not only do they unanimously oppose a ban on gay nuptials, but also that a ban would be illegal, as marriage is entirely federal jurisdiction. Yeah, all the way to the prime minister! Nonetheless, Cardston remains undeterred.
In schools are [sic] children are being taught that same gender marriages are a ‘normal’ lifestyle. Our Council feels that the silent majority needs to stand and be counted in regards to this manner.
Ah, you Cardston crazies. Crowsnest Pass shot you down, but with the Mayor of Cardston‘s weight behind you, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish! Well, except maybe this… and, uh, pretty much anything else of significance.
- Gay Marriage Proposal Nixed [Crowsnest Pass Promoter]
