Headphones off, feather pink boa tossed aside, Raul Pacheco-Vega (@hummingbird604) and I waving to thousands of people who came out to celebrate VanPride2010! Photo by Mark Robins
Yesterday”s post prompted queries of what my dress looked like. Thanks to Mark Robins from Gavancouver.net, there is evidence.
Yesterday I flicked through the wonderful moments Gay Vancouver.net captured in their photo album displayed on their site.
Readers, please add your links to online photos of the CITR float during VanPride2010 under the comments section.
”What should I wear?” I wailed. I stared at my closet packed with clothes. Although I chatted to the Unstoppable Conni Smudge during my Wednesday Night show about what was “hot” and what was “not” for Vancouver Pride 2010, I still was unclear about what to wear. Last year’s costume of space age Audrey Hepburn simply would not do. It wasn’t every day that Ms Sexy in Vancity gets to broadcast live at Vancouver Pride on the CITR 101.9FM float.
The Unstoppable Connie Smudge chatted to Me on Wednesday's Edition of Sexy in Vancity about what's Hot and What's Not during VanPride 2010 Photo by Tyler Ingram 2010
CITR 101.9FM and Mint Records chose the colours teal and gold for dress code for the float. After much deliberation, I finally settled on a strapless white/gold form fitted dress and a Prade styled light pink feathered wrap. For a moment I considered wearing a pair of comfortable flip flops. Then I imagined Conni Smudge running through the crowd to jump up on the float to exchange microphones with me when we passed Denman and Robson where she would be giving her personal play by play of the parade. If Conni can run in six inch heals, so can I, I thought as I strapped my feet into a pair of gold, BCBG spikes.
For a moment, I wondered if I should have taken Conni up on her offer. She had offered to dress me up as Marilyn Monroe. Although the white dress would be fetching, the concept of wearing a wig under my black headphones did not appeal. Ruefully, I wondered how I would be able to secure my waist length hair under a wig. With growing anticipation, I jumped into my taxi. I am no stranger to conducting live interviews. I play the getting to know you game every week during my 60 minute spot on CITR. Without a webcam recording “control-booth-Caroline” in action, you will have to take my word that I rarely wear makeup when I come in to do the show. I was nervous about coordinating Olivia and French Connection’s Marie-Eve Dumalong - roaming reporters, the studio with The Synchronicity Radio’sMarie Benard, and still smiling for everyone who came out to support pride.
I was a virgin to partaking in the Pride Parade. I’ve always been a pride supporter from afar. Maybe it is because my brother came out as a teen. During that period, he wanted nothing to do with his girly-girl sister. Over the years, I stopped asking if I could go with him to pride as he was worried I would embarrass him. Last year, I attended the parade as a spectator. I spent most of the parade slouched over. Silly as it might seem, I still felt guilty attending the parade without my brother’s blessing.
This was one of the reasons I offered to host the broadcast for CITR’s pride parade. I needed to come out! I wanted to show my support and the fact that I am proud that we live in a society where we can be proud of our sexuality. Although my brother has long since moved from Vancouver, that sense of guilt remained. Like an out of season coat, it needed to be disposed of.
I took a deep breath and hoped that I would be able to do the broadcast okay. Crossing my fingers, I hopped out of the cab to start the journey.
When I arrived at the float, Caba Radio’s Teddy Smooth, E-Rock, Duncan and other CITR personalities were dancing to the music as they formed an assembly line to tie ribbons and lollipops to the helium balloons. I wasn’t sure how I was going to conduct interviews with the blue gates set up separating the floats from the crowds. Thankfully, Raul Pacheco http://twitter.com/hummingbird604) was able to get through the crowd control.
Raul Pacheco-Vega, one of the country’s top bloggers and one of UBC’s faculty members chatted with me about coming out in Vancouver AND in Mexico. Raul, the youngest of five brothers came out in Vancouver first then in Mexico. Mexico, a Catholic country may cause a young man concern in regards to coming out. Thankful, Raul’s family was incredibly supportive and loving. Raul’s advice for people was: ” There’s a lot online support in Vancouver for people are considering coming out GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans).” According to Raul, some key resources include Gayvancouver.net - very community oriented website. Number of magazines like Vrag, Pinq Magazine. Another key resource is qmunity resource centre. Raul advised coming out at your own comfort. “You can come out first to your friends, then to your coworkers and whoever else you feel most comfortable with,” advised Raul.
Sweetly smooth the day sailed along. Thanks to Marie Benard skillful engineering, we bounced gently from interview, to song, to roaming reporters. On location broadcast coordinator, Bronwyn brought people up to the float for me to interview. It was exciting to find out about how different organizations supported pride. Amnesty International wanted our listeners to know that there were places in the world where people are not able to celebrate Pride. Youth Co AIDS Society offers support and education for people under 30 years old living with HIV/AIDS, and Stop War talked about how they support pride.
One of my favourite Sexy in Vancity guests popped on the float, Sexual Savant Salon’s Kim Anami. Her eyes shined as she spoke about how thrilled she was with the huge turn out. Thousands of people cheered as we practiced our “princess wave”. When I asked her what she was up to (when she wasn’t a vision dancing on the CITR float in a long blue dress), she mentioned her multi-orgasmic couple workshop that she is hosting at Tart Boutique on Friday, August 6th.
Vancouverites dressed up and down for VanPride2010. Photo by Tyler Ingram 2010
As we curved around the corner at Denman and Robson, I heard my name shouted over the cheering. Conni Smudge who was emceeing the parade greeted the CITR 101.9FM and Mint Records float. As I looked across the street trying to see Conni, I realized that we would not be switching mikes that day. There were thousands and thousands of people cheering.
Towards the end of the broadcast, I thanked Marie Benard. With the CITR show swap coming up, we had chatted about possibly co-hosting a show. Laughing we joked that we had a live run. As I hung up the phone and turned off the sound, I sat down on the edge of the float. As I looked up at the sea of teal and gold dancers on our float, I smiled. What a great way to celebrate Pride, I thought. Playing the getting-to-know-you game had paid off. Before I even gathered my things to leave, my iphone informed me that I had a few new friend requests on facebook. With fondness, I hit “accept.” Several of the CITR volunteers had added me.
As we headed towards English Bay, a familiar face greeted me. Raul climbed back on the float. As Duncan from Duncan’s Donuts and Fine Mist sang and danced, Raul and I continued to wave at the crowd. What a great way to end the parade, I thought. With old friends and new friends I sat tall and proud.
* On a personal note, my brother helped me locate guests to interview via facebook chat for this year’s Vancouver Pride. I like to think he is proud of me too.
Adorning the walls of their fashionable store with art isn’t unusual for Lüt Boutique, but this time owners Jennifer Cummer and Stephan Bourke have brought in an artist who’s pieces will hopefully do more than just add colour to the walls. Lüt’s proceeds from the sale of the colourful collection will go directly to Qmuinty, BC’s leading queer resource center.
Qmuinty contributes to the health and well-being of LGTB communities through information and referral, education, coming-out groups, social support, recovery meetings, counseling, and community development. Painter Ben Worth’s Spectral Cities couldn’t be a more suiting collection for raising funds for a community who counts a rainbow as one of its many trademarks. The paintings are a part of a grouping of rainbow swathed cityscapes which in essence pay homage to our diverse metropolis.
The Art will hang in Lüt Boutique from July 22nd – August 31st but to kick off the hanging of Ben’s creations Lüt is holding an Art Opening at the store (4219 Main Street, Vancouver) on Thursday July 22 7pm – 10pm; attendees will be treated to a complimentary beverage and get to meet the artist.
All you have to to is leave a comment on this post about what your favourite thing is about seeing a movie. (one entry)
RT @sexyinvancity WANT TO WIN 2 tix to #Grown Up Movie Star http://sexyfitness.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/win-tickets-to…-up-movie-star/ (one entry)
Winner will be announce on Wednesday’s edition of Sexy in Vancity Radio on 101.9FM CITR. at 10pm PST.
***OFFICIAL SELECTION SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2010***
…”A performance that leads ‘Grown Up Movie Star” to be one of the boldest and ballsiest coming of age films in a while and certainly one of best films of the (Sundance) festival.” – Alan Bacchus
…”Maslany is magnificent as the worldly Ruby.” – Toronto Star
…”Grown Up Movie Star’ sends a grenade into the coming-of-age subgenre of cinema.” – Daily Film Dose
…”It all comes together so dazzlingly….A tight package that never feels weighed down by its themes.” – Susan G. Cole, NOW Toronto
On July 22nd, First Weekend Club will bring you the Canadian Film that turned Sundance upside down, “Grown Up Movie Star”. This festival-haunting hit has won (or broken) the hearts of critics and reviewers, and thrown the dramatic coming-of-age genre upside down with a one-two punch of hard to face themes of family, sexuality and homosexuality, intermingled with snappy dialogue and the all too real beauty of teenage angst. But this is no case of a tragedy-overloaded Canadian film; levity and pacing is provided by the kind of comedy and dialogue that could only come from our far eastern province, or what Newfoundlanders like to call, “The Rock”. This film is raw. It is gritty and is an unapologetically close and personal look at coming of age. Simply put, this film has blown away festival indie audiences and we are thrilled to bring something of this calibre to Canada Screens as our July red carpet event, and to use the event to premiere it as our DVD Club pick, with an online interactive component.
“Grown Up Movie Star”, shot in Newfoundland and directed and written by Adriana Maggs, is a riveting tale of confused love, family and discovery of identity. This coming of age film is relevant to many ages due to the poignant, multi-layered and absolutely grounded portrayal of characters by a cast which features Shawn Doyle, Tatiana Maslany, Jonny Harris, Mark O’Brien, Andy Jones, Julia Kennedy and Sherry White. And a cameo by Canadian comedy and maritime icon, Mary Walsh. If you can’t join us on the 22nd, rent it from one of our partners and join FWC’s DVD Club and post your comments. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the DVD Club, it’s like a book club, but for film. Follow the DVD Club Blog to read behind-the-scenes scoop, interviews with the filmmaking team and industry updates of our Official DVD Selections. By commenting on the DVD Club Blog and participating in the FWC Clubhouse, you are entered to win iTunes giftcards and free rentals from Videomatica.ca. Simply make a profile on our website and join in the discussion. It’s a great way to interact with Canadian stars and filmmakers and meet fellow film fans. See you online! Synopsis: Grown Up Movie Star tells the story of disgraced NHL star Ray and his precocious daughters Ruby and Rose. Once the town hero, Ray has returned home to Newfoundland from the US following a drug conviction, only to have his wife Lillian leave him for another man and aspirations of stardom. With Lillian gone, Ray flails from woman to woman trying to find a replacement for her, while struggling against a growing awareness of his homosexuality. At loose ends for lack of guidance, Ruby attempts to follow her mother’s starlet dreams with make up and sexual behavior, and in a desperate plea for attention, begins putting herself in increasingly risky situations. Ruby begins spending more and more time with Ray’s best friend Stuart, confined to a wheelchair following an accident involving Ray. When Stuart finds himself attracted to Ruby, dangerously motivated by fear and anger, he leads the three of them towards a heartbreaking conclusion.
EVENT DETAILS: When: Thursday, July 22nd Where: District 319 (319 Main Street, Vancouver) Time: 6:30 PM: Pre show celebration & wine reception (complimentary glass of wine), live music. 7:30 PM: Film screening followed by a Q&A with Director via Video Skype followed by a post-screening party. Cost: $15 in advance only through PayPal or at 604-983-5373. Buy tickets online Tickets must be purchased in advance by Monday, July 19th at 5pm or until tickets sell out. Please arrive at screening by 7:20 pm to ensure entry. No Minors. Thank you. DISCOUNT GIFT CARDS Save money per screening by buying Canada Screens Gift Cards in advance on our web site, at Videomatica, BIZ Books or at the screening. All seats for Gift Card holders, Ambassadors, Sponsors & Partners must be claimed by 7:20 pm after which unclaimed seats will be released for rush sales. Gift Card holders please RSVP to vip@firstweekendclub.ca by 5pm Monday, July 19thand arrive at screening by 7:20pm to ensure entry. Thank you. DINNER & MOVIE DEAL 15% off at Boneta Restaurant Before the movie, go to Boneta Restaurant for dinner and get 15% off dinner plus treats. #1 West Cordova St at Carrall St, just a few blocks from the theatre. Tel 604 684-1844. Bring your ticket print out or use the password: ‘Movie Star’. Event Photography by Murielle Freo
Celebrate Canada Day by heading over to Ambleside Park in West Vancouver to partake in the Lilith Fair Concert. International acclaimed and home-grown Lilith Fair Creator Sarah McLaughlin will be donating $1 from each ticket to make the lives of some of Vancouver’s most marginalized women better.
Those dollars raised will be contributed to WISH Drop In Centre. WISH provides meals, showers, literacy, harm reduction, literacy, and health care to female survival sex workers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. For those who wish to exit the trade, WISH offers programming to help them change their lives.
This starts with accepting them as they are every day. In BC the average age of entry in street life is 12 years old. In Canada it is 14. The women WISH serve experience poverty, homelessness, addiction, isolation, violence, and many other barriers.
Tonight’s show, WISH’s Executive Director, Kate Gibson will be chatting about Lilith Fair, survival sex work, sexual violence against women and what we can do – as a society about it through WISH’s mission and other concepts.
Tune into Sexy in Vancity Radio on 101.9FM CITR at 10pm tonight. Or listen live at www.citr.ca.
Join UCLA professor Bruce McLucas, M.D. (who was on Sexy in Vancity Radio for Fibroids Awareness Week) and women across the country for a free live webinar about fibroids and treatment options, Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. PST. The webinar lasts about one hour and the doctor will cover fibroids in detail, including menopause and fibroids, pregnancy and fibroids, surgical and non-surgical treatments such as uterine artery embolization and many other topics relating to fibroids. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of their own. Dr. McLucas is the founder of Los Angeles-based Fibroid Treatment Collective (http://www.fibroids.com) and an expert on fibroids. For more information and to register for the webinar, visit Fibroid Treatment Collective www.fibroids.com or call 1.866.362.6463. Follow Dr. McLucas on Twitter @fibroiddoctor and become a Facebook fan at http://www.facebook.com/fibroids. About the Doctor Dr. McLucas is a Los Angeles-based OB-GYN who practices at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. One of the pioneers in developing uterine artery embolization, Doctor McLucas has had a career-long interest in minimally invasive therapy, serving as president and charter member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Therapy. Dr. McLucas founded the Los Angeles-based Fibroid Treatment Collective 12 years ago, and his team performed the first embolization in the United States at UCLA in 1994.———————————————————————–
Might need to take a jaunt over the border to see Shine, the burlesque musical created in Vancouver
If you missed the sexy burlesque musical last summer, you need to cross border watch this soon to be cult classic created in Vancouver. Winner of the Vancouver Ovation Award for “Outstanding New Work”, Shine is the creation of the Internationally-acclaimed comedy cabaret duo The Wet Spots (John Woods and Cass King).
Last year during the creation process, they appeared on Sexy in Vancity Radio with the Screaming Chicken Duo, Melody Mangler and Norm Elmore chatting about the process of couples working together. You can listen to the episode right here.
Personally I have always found shy guys adorable. Perhaps that is because I grew up listening to Bananarama.
For those who find shy guys & gals adorable, they will be gathering in Vancouver on June 13th. That’s when The Vancouver Dating Guide presents Overcoming Shyness and Social Anxiety to Meet the Person of Your Dreams is happening. In our fast food culture it is easy to hide behind the computer and not leave the house. Even though you can still meet people via online dating it is nice to meet other shy people and realize you might not be the only one who feels shy or deals with social anxiety.
Here are the details:
Vancouver, BC, June 7th, 2010 – Most people experience a little shyness in their day to day routines. Sometimes it keeps them from participating in social situations, from voicing their real concerns, and most sadly, from approaching the man or woman of their dreams.
The truth is, many shy men are exactly the kind of men women look for. But since they’re too timid, women get left with the swaggering jerks they always complain about but seem to date exclusively.
And no matter how interested he was in the beginning, men get bored easily when dating shy women.
If you find yourself a little shy or socially anxious, you can overcome this with a few tips to get you started. Once you learn an approach that works you will be ready to overcome shyness, enjoy a fuller life and possibly, just maybe, meet that one special person.
On June 13th, at 2:00pm, please join a panel of communication and relationship experts as they discuss how to overcome shyness and social anxiety so you can create healthy relationships with the men and women you are attracted to.
The panelists for this event are:
Vincent Ng of Conversation Arts (http://www.conversationarts.com)
Agatha Kasprzak of Happy Sexy You (http://www.happysexyyou.com)
Gurpreet Chahil of Man Meets Woman (http://www.manmeetswoman.com)
Moderated by Giovanni Amenta of Pink and Grey Image Consulting (http://www.pinkandgrey.ca)
DETAILS
What: Overcome Shyness and Social Anxiety to Meet the Person of Your Dreams
Who: Panel of Speakers
Where: YWCA Hotel, 733 Beatty St (by Georgia)
When: June 13th 2:00pm
Cost: $10
How to RSVP: All are welcome! Audience members MUST RSVP at www.dateology.ca
The topic for the evening – navigating women’s health through menopause and beyond.
Who should attend? Any woman interested in navigating her health at midlife and health practitioners who want to learn how to better serve their female clients.
June 3, 2010 – 6pm to 9pm
Kay Meek Centre
1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver – Click for directions Tickets: $25
Thursday’s (or Wednesday’s Midnight showing) Release of Sex in the City 2 evoked a craving within me. For the past five weeks, I have counted down the days. I realized I wasn’t looking for an excuse to peruse my shoe closet to see which pair of stiletos I wanted to cramp my feet into. Nor was I contemplating which bar served the best Cosmopolitans in Vancouver. I am craving quality girl time.
Quality women bonding time that does not need to be a guilty pleasure, just pure pleasure.
There is part of me that craves quality over glitz. As much as I enjoy (and believe me I enjoy every drop of guilty pleasure from gossip sessions with my gal pals) spending girl time with my friends, I am looking for something with a bit more substance.
Tomorrow promises to satiate that craving. I am heading to the WOW event at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. According to the press release, it promises:
World-class speakers and entertainment
~ Over $10,000 in fantastic door prizes
~ Meaningful and impactful connections
~ Gifts, food, fun, retail therapy and …
~ TWO chocolate fountains
By listening to the interview with WOW founder, Christine Awrum, I think I will be leaving with an abundance of inspiration and thrilled to be a woman. You can download the podcast here.
Sexy = Confidence. Talking and writing about sex and relationships is nothing new for Caroline MacGillivray. One of the JuiceBox Radio Alumni, this former JuiceBox Radio Girls produced and hosted the weekly talk show, JuiceBox Radio Radio. Her weekly On the Town column that chronicled her dating exploits entertained readers ... Continue reading »
