World Aids Day

Today is World Aids Day. Do you know your status?

Remember to get tested every six months.

World AIDS Day Website

AIDS PEI needs Videographers & Actors

AIDS PEI is seeking a videographer and 4-5 male/female/trans actors to create promotional and educational videos for our new website!

Tax-receipts available in-lieu of compensation for videographers.

Contact Mark Hanlon @ 566-2437 or e-mail mhanlon@aidspei.com.

Judy Shepard on Ellen

Judy Shepard, mother of the late Matthew Shepard visits Ellen to talk about her new book about the tragic loss of her son.



Visit The Matthew Shepard Foundation website.

ARCPEI looking for new Board Member

The Abegweit Rainbow Collective is currently seeking interested parties to sit on their 2009-2011 board of directors. Board members are expected to volunteer their time for a minimum of three hours per week on duties ranging from attending board meetings, volunteering at social events, networking with peers and other social networks and being a supporter and positive voice for the LBGT community in Prince Edward Island.

Interested parties should submit, in writing, a detailed letter of interest, listing any special skills and interest in the LBGT community.

Submissions can be sent to info@arcofpei.com or at the new office location at 375 University Avenue, Unit 2 (AIDS PEI office).

RENT @ City Cinema

City Cinema will be showing RENT this Thursday night as a fundraiser for the 2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk For Life. The film is being sponsored by Spectramedia, Beanz and Sony Pictures. Tickets cost $10 and will be available at AIDS PEI (375 University Ave) or at City Cinema on Thursday night. Doors open at 8:40PM.

Never seen the movie, or perhaps need a refresher? Here's the trailer.

Rent (2005)
by m0vietrailerpark

"Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes ..."

Hump Day @ City Cinema

Hump Day is the story of two high school buddies who reunite many years down the line. One is married and the other is a motorcycle advernturer. While attending a party the two hear of something called "Humpfest" which turns out to be an Adult Film Festival. The two make a drunken decision to enter a film of their own. But to be original they decide that they will be acting in their film, with each other.

I know, Straight guys pretending to be gay in porn isn't the most original idea in the world, but the film has been getting some great reviews.

"More full of story, laughs and genuine human emotion than a dozen studio movies." - David Carr, THE NEW YORK TIMES

"Phenomenally funny" - Dennis Dermody, PAPER MAGAZINE

It's playing at City Cinemas from August 28th - Sept 1st. Check the City Cinema Website for movie times.

Here's the trailer.

Transgender Day Of Visibility

Mark Hanlon, the Executive Director of AIDS PEI, and Pam O'Neill of the Native Council of PEI sit here in front of Province House demanding that Provincial Government do more to protect the rights of Transgendered, Transsexual and Intersex Islanders. They are representatives of just a couple of the organizations that joined in today's protest.

A petition was launched today to include 'gender identity' to the provincial Human Rights Act. David Larter, executive director of the Human Rights Commission, argues that transgendered individuals are already protected under Section 13 of the Human Rights Act. Section 13 states that no person shall discriminate against an individual because of sex or sexual orientation.

Ontario's Human Rights Act states that gender identity does fall under the sex category. By failing to specifically include the trans community in the exact wording of the law we allow those with a personal prejudice to challenge trans people's protection under Section 13. By including gender identity in the Human Rights Act we create a concrete law that can't be undermined or second-guessed by unspecific wording.

Some coffee before the Walk For Life?

On August 20th AIDS PEI is throwing a kick-off coffee house for the Scotiabank AIDS Walk For Life at Beanz between 11AM & 4PM. Anyone looking to show off their talent is encouraged to book your performance time by contacting Jason Ellsworth by e-mail (coordinator@peiwalkforlife.com) of by calling 566-2437.

Hope to see you there.

PEI Walk For Life.

2009 artwork created by Newfoundland and Labrador artist Don Short.

ARC is looking for members from the GLBT community to join the ARC team in the PEI Walk For Life, a fundraiser for AIDS PEI. All money raised will stay on the island.

You can register for the Walk For Life by clicking here. From the ARC team page click "Join our team". If you can't join and still want to help you can click the "Sponsor our team" option to make a quick & secure donation online.

Thanks, and I hope to see you there.

Trans Day Of Visibility postponed.

Just a notice that Transgender Day Of Visibility here on PEI has been postponed until Thursday, August 13th. The rally will begin at Province House at 11:30AM. Thanks.

Transgender Day Of Visibility

The second annual Transgendered Day Of Visibility is coming up. Join various community groups in a rally in front of Province House at 11:30 AM on Thursday, August 6th. Let's show our support for our Trans neighbors & friends.

For more information please contact Mark Hanlon at 940-6843 or info@aidspei.com .

There's room on the ARC for you too!

The Abegweit Rainbow Collective is currently seeking interested parties to sit on their 2009-2011 board of directors. Board members are expected to volunteer their time for a minimum of three hours per week on duties ranging from attending board meetings, volunteering at social events, networking with peers and other social networks and being a supporter and positive voice for the LBGT community in Prince Edward Island.

Interested parties should submit, in writing, a detailed letter of interest, listing any special skills and interest in the LBGT community.

Submissions can be sent to info@arcofpei.com or at our new office location at 375 University Avenue, Unit 2 (AIDS PEI office).

Watch Your Drinks.

This weekend at Peak's Quay in Charlottetown a young man was slipped a date rape drug. He claims it was an older gay gentleman who kept "hitting on him" that put it in his drink. Luckily he knew what to do and got away safely.

This happens more than you'd imagine, so it does pay to be prepared.

Here are some tips to help prevent being date raped.

* Avoid parties or groups where alcohol or drug use is excessive. Studies of date rape show that 75% of the date-rapists, and 55% of the victims, had been drinking or taking drugs before the rape occured.

* Avoid people who make you feel uncomfortable.

* If you're going to a party, establish a buddy system with a friend; watch out for each other.

* When you're leaving, don't announce that you're walking alone. Try to walk home with a friend or in groups.

* Don't give a whole bunch of information about yourself to a person you just met.

* People can't read you mind: if someone's doing something to you that you're not comfortable with, say "no."

* Always have some taxi money in your pockets in case you want to go home.

* Never walk home through deserted areas like parkland or railroad tracks.

* Do not hitchhike.

For more information click here.

Missed The Parade?

Couldn't get the time off work? Don't live in Charlottetown? Have a different excuse as to why you weren't there? Don't worry. Luckily I was there with video camera in hand ready to capture it all for you.



Happy Pride Everyone!

Flag Raising

Today in Charlottetown mayor Clifford Lee officially raised the Pride Flag high above (well, beside at least) City Hall for the entire city to see. I was happy to see so many from our GLBT community there to enjoy the ceremony.

CBC was also on hand to interview both Michael & Alana, so remember to watch Compass tonight.

And remember, if you weren't at the flag raising, you can still enjoy it by taking a drive (or walk) downtown along the corner of Kent & Queen.

Online article causes concern.

The Guardian has posted an article about Gay Pride week on it's website. As usual there's plenty of people wishing us well and congratulating us on another year's work well done. There are also lots of people wishing us ... less than well let's say.

We have to remember though that everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if their opinion is utterly, utterly stupid. I'm talking to you D from PE.

If you want to read the article, head over to The Guardian's webpage by clicking here.

Kelly & The Kelly Girls Hit Charlottetown

Kelly & The Kelly Girls are hitting Charlottetown on July 13th. Baba's Lounge to be exact. They're hoping to have a "queer heavy" crowd on hand. Come and join them for an evening of music and drinks. There's nothing better to do on a Monday night.



Kelly & The Kelly Girls
Website | Myspace | Facebook

Spread The Word

ARC is asking everyone to help out by spreading the word about the fabulous dance party planned for PRIDE this year. The goal: 500 people.

You see the more people that show up the bigger the event gets. The bigger the event gets the more funding ARC receives to make PRIDE even better next year. Trust me, this is a good thing.

Please take a couple of minutes to tell your friends about the POWER PARTY on July 11th. Send emails to friends off Island harassing them to join our celebration. Do everything you can to help make our PRIDE the best in Atlantic Canada.

Parade Volunteers Needed.

ARC is looking for volunteers to be on their float in this years Parade. The float's theme is Everyday People. They're looking for people to dress up as a doctor, judge, nurse, military, navy, fire personnel, police, construction worker, hockey player, baseball player, etc.

Contact Micheal at michaeldoiron@eastlink.ca

There's a 20 spot maximum, so contact now to ensure your spot.

Show Us Your Pride

With Pride only a few short weeks away (Does everyone know where their rainbow flag is?) I thought it would be fun if you sent in your best pictures showing how much PRIDE you have. The best will be posted here for everyone to see.

Send Pride pics here:
everythinggaypei@gmail.com

... and please keep it PG ;)

Sign Up for the Coffee House.

There are still a few spots available for performers at this year's Open Mic Coffee House @ Beanz. Contact Michael Walsh to sign up.
Email: info@arcofpei.com

New Home

Everything Gay PEI has a new home, a new layout, and a new format. Check back often for new content.