Equal Marriage

Pride Toronto Speakers Series

Toronto, ON - April 19, 2004 - - In anticipation of Pride Week (June 21-27, 2004), Pride Toronto is proud to present its inaugural Speakers Series entitled "Speaking of Pride: Fruit For Thought". The organization has extended invitations to individuals of influence in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTTIQ) community to speak on queer issues of relevance, context and perspective. This series is co-presented with the Toronto Women's Bookstore.

"We are very excited to present this first-year endeavour that we hope will attract, engage and appeal to audiences interested in learning more about the arts and culture of our diverse communities", said Fred Pitt, Pride Toronto Co-chair. "As an action coming out of Pride Toronto's Strategic Direction, this Speakers Series is helping to increase Pride Toronto's year-round visibility through education and outreach".

1. The first of three events is "Laughing Out Loud", an evening of performance featuring Winnipeg-based performance artists the Lesbian Rangers (Lorri Millan and Shawna Dempsey), along with New York City stand-up comedian Michele Balan. The event will be moderated by David Tomlinson. Thursday, May 6th, 2004 Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle, University of Toronto, 7:30pm. Tickets are $17.

Tickets are on sale at:
This Ain't the Rosedale Library (483 Church Street)
Toronto Women's Bookstore (73 Harbord Street)
Hart House Theatre Box Office (7 Hart House Circle)
Mon-Fri 11am-5pm and online at www.harthousetheatre.ca.
Wheelchair accessible, ASL Interpretation provided.
Proceeds to benefit Pride Toronto.
Sliding scale tickets ($7-$17) only available at the Toronto Women's Bookstore.

2. The second event entitled "Public Lives/Private Lives" will be held on Thursday June 17th and will include Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray and Lt. Col. (ret'd) Steve Loomis of the US Army.

3. The third event on Friday June 25th is called "Queer Parenting: The Kids are Alright" and features Canadian author Ann-Marie MacDonald and her partner Alisa Palmer, and syndicated columnist Dan Savage.

Pride Week 2004 will culminate with a 3-day street festival offering an array of outdoor stages, a market place, community fair, Speakers Series, Pride Ball, the Dyke March on Saturday, June 26, and the renowned Pride Parade on Sunday, June 27.

Contact Pride Toronto Co-Chairs:
Ayse Turak ayse-turak@pridetoronto.com
Fred Pitt fred-pitt@pridetoronto.com
416.927.7433  
www.pridetoronto.com