I’m Too Busy Being Gay

Looking around I said to myself the other day:

Dear Laundry:

You know I love your freshness when you are done, and the clean variety you offer. Without a question the site of you piled in a corner awaiting my attentions plagues my mind every time I search for something to wear. As the stock of dozens of red panties dwindles, and I am forced to wear my “good” bras to work, make no mistake: I know I am doing you wrong. I am troubled.

It’s not you. It’s me. I’ve been seduced by Pride.

Late July and through August in Vancouver is a massive all out celebration of Gay Pride. And I love to drink from every cup that organizations around my city are pouring. My favourites:

Bride of Pride:
Big surprise Right? Not only am I a LeatherDyke but I’m one of the organizers of Canadian Mayhem who put on Vancouver’s annual Women’s Play Party for past present and future women. So much of pride in Vancouver has historically, during my residence here been focused on men. And anything sexual… was focused on men. BoP (as the party is known for short) brings together over 100 hot, sexy, passionate women for a weekend launch that KICKS ASS! Tickets in advance and available at the door.

The Dyke March:
I live ½ a block off Commercial Drive. If I’m late getting out onto the streets, from my window I can see the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of dykes, queers, lesbians, dogs, children, bikes, parasols, Birkenstocks, hoola hoops, etc, etc taking over the neighbourhood. We meet at McSpadden Park and wind our way to Grandview Park where we sit on the grass and take in the entertainment. It’s a good thing. This year I’m marching with the Canadian Mayhem banner.YAY!

Pride in Art:
Over a week jammed with arts and culture originating from the queer community. While there is an abundance of local talent/excellence, there is often a national or international flavour added to the mix. Highlights for me are the Visual Art Exhibition at the Roundhouse; the opening ceremonies; Queerotica – which invites queers to read their own works or the works of others; and the Cabaret. This year I plan to jam in the agenda: the Screaming Weenies event Clean Sheets; SWELL – a performance featuring Anna Camilleri and Ivan Coyote; Transgressions – featuring Vancouver’s favourite concert pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa and the AMAZING Cris Derksen; and… even more stuff. Really.

Vancouver Pride Parade:
The day after the Dyke March the WHOLE community takes to the streets. Is it San Francisco? Or Toronto? Or New York? No. But it’s here in my home town and is a key anchor to the month that makes me so tired. This year Canadian Mayhem will be taking it to he streets and sharing space with Metro Vancouver Kink (MVK) the monthly play party of choice for Vancouver’s dykes. They’re a pansexual group, but most of the dungeon monitors are dykes – and you know how we like to do it!

Out on Screen Queer Film and Video Festival:
How could one not love sitting in the dark looking at stories about who we are? Huh? This combined with it being the best place to cruise, flirt and score a date that does not involve loud music and a dance floor in Vancouver. I try to hit the opening gala and closing party because it’s full of Vancouver’s who is who of the queer scene, has great food, and the films are always great. I do the Coast is Queer series because I often know the participants in the films being shown. I do the Porn Night because I’m a big ‘ole perve with a raging libido. I do any film involving black people and consider twice any film focused on women or gender queers. Films often sell out. Use the online planner available at their site and get your tickets early.