We’re baaaack, it’s 2012, and the BGM crew are gearing up for our favourite week of winter fun, Whistler’s amazing WinterPride week. This year is sure to be off the hook as this annual gay ski week is celebrating it’s 20th year and the organizers …. and heroes of Beyond Gay fame, Ken Coolen and Dean Nelson, have lined up some amazing entertainers and DJs. Mother Nature is cooperating and the conditions on the mountain are looking awesome too.
In keeping with their commitment to social justice Dean & Ken have got the Mayor of Whistler on board to make an official proclamation declaring Feb 5 -12 Pride Week in Whistler and the Rainbow flag will fly at city hall. Not that there have ever been any serious problems with homophobia in the Village, on the contrary, the LGBT community is welcomed enthusiastically by Whistler locals, and Pride flags have been flying all over the village for years. But as we learned first hand while making Beyond Gay, government support and recognition goes a long way to help the larger community understand that we belong, and deserve the respect and recognition granted each and every Canadian citizen. It also helps all the fabulous visitors that come from afar feel safe, secure and welcomed throughout town. And – hold on to your shorts – to make it even better, this year they’ve organized the first ever Pride March down the slopes and through the village. Gay Ski Week has survived for so long because of the amazing friendships that have been made over the years, both on and off the slopes. If you’re looking for a Pride event that truly fosters a warm sense of community spirit, and lasting friendships, you will not be disappointed.
In other news, the 2012 screening requests for Beyond Gay are rolling in. We are heading back to Montreal on March 2nd for a screening at the Journalists for Human Rights Documentary Media Festival. Between March 21-24 we will be participating at the OUT spoken conference in Lethbridge Alberta, more details on that coming soon. There’s more exciting news about the film in the works as well, but I can’t divulge until it’s a done deal, as the saying goes. But it’s awesome, and when it’s official you will hear all about it.
I hope to see you on he slopes!
With Pride,
Bob