theBUZZ is at WorldPride

Welcome to my blog! As the Editor-in-Chief of theBUZZ I thought this blog would be a good platform for me to write, from an insider perspective, about our talented LGBTQ community and what it is like working with a new art, entertainment, and events magazine.

It has been an exciting journey working with theBUZZ for the past year. I have met so many incredible people and am excited to be able to help celebrate our talented LGBTQ community. Some of the most creative people I have ever met are in our community and I am grateful to be able to share stories about them.

The biggest LGBTQ event in Toronto’s history is just around the corner! WorldPride will be one of the most awesome celebrations to ever take place in our city. theBUZZ staff, and I, will be all over the event.

If you read our article, by Kendall Partington, on “Toronto WorldPride” you will find out that officially Pride in Toronto only in the beginning of the 80’s. Before then people would gather at centre island and have a picnic and rally. So, it has just been a little over 40 years since we actually had Pride.

It was an honour to be able to meet and direct an interview, as part of Kendall’s article with Ron Forster, who was one of the early organizers of these events. He spoke about how before 1981 the city was opposed to allowing any gathering of LGBTQ. He also told us of the brutality of police back then and how individuals were physically assaulted and harassed just because they were LGBTQ. It truly was disturbing to hear these stories but also made me so grateful to be where we are today. Unfortunately, this is not the case all over the world but with our example we might be able to lead and show the world we all are one.

Look for our interview with Ron Forster on BUZZ TV and in our magazine.

There are so many celebrations taking place during WorldPride it is hard to even know where to start. theBUZZ staff and writers will be at most of the events taking place and we will share our experiences with you by the written word, BUZZ TV, and photos.

Some of the events that we will be featuring at World Pride include:

Chorus Queen – Back in its second year of production, A Chorus Queen is revamped with new plot twists & an almost new score of music selections. 11 shows, including 2 matinees, at the fantastic Hart House Theatre in Toronto, this official Drag Musical of 2014 is not to be missed.

Outlandish costumes & dazzlig choreography help tell the tale of three drag queens as they try to achieve their dreams in life – making it on the big stage. Their trials & tribulations are captured through many famous & well known Broadway & West End musical numbers, as well as first class acting from some of Toronto’s top queens! Take a break from the street & pop in to see these girls in action in musical theatre heaven. The show ends early enough so all the cast & crew can join you back on the street & at the bars for the evening parties after 10pm!

The Big Pride Sing-Along, presented by Singing Out – For the first time in North America, Toronto is hosting World Pride – and for the first time in Toronto, Singing Out brings you the Big Pride Sing-Along! Join Singing Out, Toronto’s LGBTQ chorus, on Saturday, June 28, at 7 pm and 9:15 pm for two shows at the Betty Oliphant Theatre (404 Jarvis Street in the Church-Wellesley Village) as we stage the Big Pride Sing-Along: Get Loud! Get Proud! Tickets are $15, available at www.singingout.com or in person at Out On the Street (551 Church Street). A limited number of tickets may also be available at the door, one hour before each performance.

PUMP Tuesdays – We are exited to announce theBUZZ will be partnering Relentless Entertainment along with contest sponsor, Addiction Apparel. The event will be Toronto’s new hot weekly Go-Go Boy Competition at Zipperz Cellblock with your hostess Devine Darlin and music by DJ Relentless.

Starting Tuesday (June 24th)…. and guess what? NO COVER! Dance floor opens at 10 PM. Come party and dance or even compete for $100. Contest at midnight. Sign up between 11:15 and 11:45 with your hostess. Then go to the booth and pick a song to dance to (or you can bring your own). And as always when DJ Relentless teams up with Zipperz/Cellblock, we like to raise money for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. So, feel free to stop by the booth and donate $2 per request. Come out and enjoy the hot boys and dance to a mix of today’s Club & Urban Hits while helping out the community!

 

Carole Pope – theBUZZ featured Carole Pope in our launch edition and we will also be there when she receives the “Canadian LGBTQ Icon Award 2014” from the INSPIRE Awards. Carole is a true community pioneer and is loved and celebrated by our LGBTQ community both nationally and internationally. BUZZ TV will be featuring the award presentation at WorldPride stage, before she performs, on June 27th. Carole will also be at “Cream” Presented by Core Realty, CREAM is a celebration of Carole Pope’s contribution to Canadian music and a fundraiser for the film “Rough Trade”. The film will capture the art, music and LGBT scene of the early eighties through the eyes of Carole Pope and her legendary band, Rough Trade. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the production.

These are just a few of the events that theBUZZ will be featuring during WorldPride. Not sure how I will be able to do all this in one week but I think with the energy of the world descending on Toronto will be so uplifting that I will be on a natural high for the next month. I hope to meet a lot of our readers at WorldPride. Come and say hi or send me an email to let me know how you like our new magazine, website and BUZZ TV.

HAPPY WORLDPRIDE EVERYONE!

About the Author

theBUZZ Features is written by theBUZZ editorial staff. Check back often for news on the latest LGBTQ arts, entertainment, and events.