Ottawa Pride Parade

On August 28, 1971 (44 years ago yesterday), the first LGBT protest on Ottawa's Parliament Hill took place. Thirty-four years later, in 2005, The Federal Civil Marriage Act was passed, legalizing same sex marriage across Canada, an entire 10 years before the United States followed suit. Of course during that 34 years, an unfortunate list of events of persecution took place by both citizens and state but ultimately Canada has made great strides with LGBT civil rights. In fact earliest this week I watched an older gentleman with a big burly beard (I was a little jealous) dance the night away with his blue dress on while other folk shared the dance floor without contempt or disgust. It was refreshing to see.

This all comes up because last Sunday (Aug 23rd) I had the great pleasure to witness Ottawa's 30th annual Pride Parade, having first started in 1986. The event was certainly a joyous occasion, celebrating the victories towards LGBT civil rights, allowing individuals to feel comfortable expressing themselves while also reminding us that the fight isn't truly over.

The parade was wonderful, with different LGBT groups present, local businesses that support LGBT rights, even Ottawa Police, Paramedics and Firefighters were present decked out in rainbows. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson was present happily cooling people down with a water gun and even the NDP and Liberal parties were present (I am sure hoping their presence would acquire some additional voters with the election for prime minister in a few months). Although some marchers walked with 'I am a conservative and an ally' signs, a formal Conservative Party group was notably absent, but that's a different discussion.

It was heartwarming to see how many people showed up for the event (some participants saying it was the best turnout yet). Even more heartwarming was to see how many families brought their children along, who eagerly asked for pictures with parade participants whenever it paused for a while, a reminder that children are born without prejudice and that their contempt for others is taught, not endemic. The event gave me hope for the future, that my many friends and family who are members of the LGBT community may someday walk the streets as easily as the "rest of us" because there shouldn't be a them or us, just one people.

People line up along Bank Street to watch the Pride Parade, Everyone is displaying their support through rainbow flags and attire.

How can you not want to dance along!

Representatives from different groups including Ottawa's Tran Social & Support Group (above) were present.

Many of the participants blew bubbles. I mean come on, who doesn't love bubbles!

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and others wave and cool down bystanders with water guns.

This parade lasted a few hours. That it a long time to be walking in stilts I would imagine!

It was pleasant to see different religious organizations also show their support.

However it is a sad truth that much of the persecution is done in the name of one religion or another. A couple protesters at the end of the parade were doing just that.

Marchers walk with large Pride flag!

Ottawa Paramedics show their support.

Ottawa Police display their variety of Pride squad cars. Members of the police force happily posed for photos with kids and adults alike.

Can't forget Ottawa's fantastic Fire Department!

University of Ottawa, my host institution for my Fulbright was also present. Proud to be affiliated with them!

Was great to see the Ottawa-Carleton School District also raising the colors.

Amnesty International was there to show support for LGBT individuals in countries around the world where they live in fear of persecution.

I have to share this one because Ottawa's Gay Chorus did invite me to join them =] Sorry guys!

Also have to share this one because it is just so Canadian! Local curling team showing their support.

Lastly at the back of the parade many people watching joined in the march to the end location,

I hope you enjoyed seeing a handful of the photos and videos from the event. It was a lot of fun to be able to be present at this event.

For those of you wondering when I will be getting to the rocks, hopefully that will start soon!

Casino Lac Leamy’s Sound of Light: Greece

Tonight I witnessed my first Casino Lac Leamy’s Sound of Light show Ottawa-Gatineau. The show is an annual event that takes place through August. Representatives from different countries put on shows that combine music and fireworks over the Ottawa River.The different teams' performances are judged based on the musical playlist they select, the firework display, the variety of fireworks and so on. Tonight's show was put on by the team from Greece. Earlier performances were by Belgium and Spain and later this week will be Venezuela and then the Grand Finale.

Viewing takes place at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, just on the other side of the river from Ottawa and the Parliament building. Ariane and I arrived about an hour before the firework show started but festivities were going for at least an hour or two before that. There was music playing, and live performances of all kinds. We stopped briefly to watch some acrobatics before finding ourselves a nice piece of grass to settling in on for the show. 

The show opened up with the Greek National Anthem and then it was firework time! Below are just a few examples of the amazing performance that we witness tonight! Also catch some of my video clips on YouTube!

Completely irrelevant to the rest of the show, I was quite pleased to see a Tom Brady jersey in the crowd! Patriots! There was a Red Sox hat out there too.

That is it for now, I thoroughly enjoyed this and we are going to try catch the other shows from different perspectives. Will share them if we do!

Arriving in Canada!

Greetings All!

It has been a few months since I last posted but I am now here in Canada. My Fulbright officially begins next month but I am here early settling in my new place with Ariane, the birds and the cat.

I have only been here a couple days but I am already enjoying every second of it!

Mischief was not too fond of the drive and apparently a double dose of sedatives does nothing to quiet her down =] But she was a good sport and seems to be settling in fairly well. She does seem antsy to go outside though. Poor girl.

She has taken on a new pastime of watching Lumi be Lumi. She has behaved though and done nothing more than watch. Though I have had to shoo her once or twice. Don't need her scaring my little man!

Mischief and Lumi are just a couple of the friends I get to chill with here! Some of you may have seen this post on one of my social medias but it is too fun not to reshare. In the top left is Mr Noah, Lumi's older brother. Next to him is Koopa, the younger of two bearded dragons I am watching for a friend of ours. Top right is Hope, Ariane's sister's adorable little budgie! The cat with the lion mane next to Lumi is Nuage, Ariane's sister's cat. She is a cuddle muffin. Below her is Helix, Koopa's older sister. The last unidentified friend is the cockatiel in bottom center. His name is Clyde and he lives in the vet where we take the birds. Handsome guy no?

So as many of you know, I am not new to Ottawa and I have acquired a taste for poutine. Traditionally it is fries with gravy and cheese curds but there have been a number of variations on the theme that have developed over the years. Second day here and I had to get my first poutine of my Fulbright =] I went with what this place called "The Canadian" which consisted of the usual with bacon, beef, onions and a touch of maple syrup! Was everything I could have hoped for!

The company that makes the official cheese curds of poutine.

Okay not necessarily a Canadian thing, but I tried seaweed chips the other day too and they were quite delightful! Sort of like a kale chip (mostly in texture and salt) with a little something extra (probably the seaweed =D  ). I strongly recommend you try some if you get the chance!

Anyways that is it for now, I will post more as interesting things happen!