Gay Pride Sponsors: No Capital Lovin'

For two years now I've noticed a very disturbing trend when it comes to the almighty pink dollar sponsorship. Attending Pride in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal there are several companies that go all out with their sponsorships; elaborate displays; and distribution of free crap for the gays to enjoy (thank you for the free handheld fan TD)!

But NONE of these companies show up in Ottawa. You know, the CAPITAL of your country, and arguably the city with a festival that needs the help much more than other, more commercial tributes to sexuality like Toronto Pride. Where are the Air Canada inflatable planes? The TD Boys in Green Speedos? The Trojan Hunks with free Condoms? The Parasuco kids with, well, rock hard abs and free cellphone accessories?

I have no idea what to make of this mess. Should I blame the corporations for being nothing more than sellouts who shoot their wad only in front of an audience size they deem appropriate rather than truly sponsoring gay events that need the help? Should I blame the Pride Committee for failing to attract these businesses and their precious dollars?

I know we have a large number of Ottawa gays who insist on keeping the event corporate free. Good luck with that - there's a reason the festival is over $100,000 in debt. The reality is that with City Hall slashing funding, and cheap gays and lesbians refusing to top up the fund, the festival will have no choice but to make that income up somewhere else.

I say the committee should sell out. Become corporate whores. The money is needed too poorly, and I think most of our gay community is educated enough to realize it's all B.S. for these companies to be at our parade. Besides, I want my free razors and wristbands.

Raise a Little Hell: Bank St BIA Cans Village Proposal

In the "Who'se Actually Surprised" file, the Bank Street Business Improvement Association, the overlords of Bank St as it were, have officially canned and punted any plans to establish a Gay Village in Ottawa.

While I've had my fair share of concerns about the logistics of an Ottawa Village, I have always been 110% behind the idea, and fully supported the efforts of Glenn Crawford who has lobbied tirelessly for the initiative.

So what can be done about it? Well my friends, now is the time - more than ever - to give a damn and fight. Glenn is suggesting members, friends, and supporters of the gay community in Ottawa do one of two things: 1) Contact to your Local City Counsellor and express your frustrations; and 2) Contact the Bank Street BIA at 613.232.6255 to ask why you should continue to support shops and services that don't support us.

Several people are floating the idea of a large scale protest, which may be difficult with the construction going on. Stay tuned: developments posted as they happen!

It's Official! Ottawa ranked Canada's "Least Sexy City"

After years of grumbling by yours truly, the good folks at FastLife Canada, who complied two years of research through the Internet and speed-dating results, have confirmed that Ottawa is indeed Canada's least sexy city.

According to the report, the least sexy neighbourhood in the entire country is Vanier - big surprise... imagine trying to make love while thoughts of home invasion or your parked car getting jacked run through your mind!

In his ever-vigilant protection of the city Mayor O'Brien, declaring the study "nonsense," cited the city's well-educated, discerning populace as the reason for the decidedly unsexy results.

The Mayor also distanced himself from the notion that a city of older, whiter, fatter, bald guys somehow lowered the desire for sexual contact in the capital.

Welcome to Ottawa

Welcome vigilant reader to the wondrous, magical, prosperous, cosmopolitan city of Ottawa! Excuse me while I gag for a slight moment there. Reading beyond the official tourist brochures and city website, Canada's capital is - to me - a wonderful little conservative town that chokes and stifles. To call it provincial really would be a compliment.

Located in eastern Ontario, Canada's Capital is a city of a million people (counting the suburbs) with a very small urban core. It's gay population is quiet and modest - not really going out of its way to do anything, and that's the way they like it, thank you very much.

This is the framework for my blog. An attempt to highlight the things about Ottawa that irk me, while at the same time providing giddy thrills to my avid readers.

Enjoy folks, it's going to be one heck of a ride!