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.