.
Courtesy of Sarah Manns, Parliamentary Assistant to MP Randall Garrison, the federal NDP’s LGBT critic.
.

Anyone in Ottawa wanting to come and watch the debate on C-279, the Gender Identity Bill, is welcome to meet in front of Centre Block just outside the visitors entrance at the base of the peace tower at 1pm. We will go through security as a group and then head up to the gallery. Please do not bring anything that security won’t let you take in; pocket knives, weapons, tools, nail scissors, etc. Also note that ID will be required. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch.

.
Sarah can be reached at 613-996-2625.
.
More
.
For more information on the Bill, visit the Parliamentary website, here:
http://parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=5127590&File=9
.
For our Call to Action, visit our website, here:
http://queerontario.org/2012/05/29/call-to-action
.
.

.

.

Queer Ontario is proud to announce its alliance with SlutWalk Toronto, and its work against the victim-blaming and slut-shaming that often accompanies — and follows — acts of sexual harassment and sexual assault.  We will be marching in the SlutWalk this Friday, May 25 in a show of solidarity, with messages opposing the misogyny, transphobia, and homophobia  that inform acts of sexual and physical violence, and the treatment many victims/survivors receive after-the-fact.
.
Marchers are set to meet at 5:oopm at Nathan Phillips Square, making their way up to Queen’s Park, via University Ave., at around 5:30 pm.
.
At 6:30 pm, a number of presenters will address the crowd, including: Kim Crosby, Jeff Perera, Tara Atluri, Judy Rebick, Morgan M Page, Michelle Chai, Jules Kirouac, and Jules’ mother, Deborah.
.
If you are interested in joining our marching contingent, then meet us at the south-east corner of Nathan Phillip’s square at 5:00 pm (look for the Queer Ontario banner), where we will have some materials to make signs. You can also contact us at info@queerontario.org if you have any questions or would like a run-down of our plan.
.
If you are interested in learning more about the SlutWalk, then visit their website at http://www.slutwalktoronto.com
.
Their Facebook event page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/275379902539008
.

.

Hi Everyone,
.
This is to report that Queer Ontario had a highly successful presence at the 2nd Annual LGBTQ Volunteer Fair put on by the 519 Church Street Community Centre.
.
Earlier this afternoon Research and Education Committee Chairperson, Alana Boltwood, and I staffed the Queer Ontario table which elicited the signing up of 56 new volunteers!  There was an exciting mix of ages, races, ethnicities, interests and skill sets matching the vibrancy felt in the room and at the event itself.  In addition to Toronto numerous were from other geographical areas including North York, Markham, Brampton, Oshawa, Ottawa, Ajax, New Lowell and Thunder Bay.
.
This is the 2nd year Queer Ontario has taken part and received such a great response.  Special thanks are extended to Queer Ontario Secretary, Martin Otarola, for setting us up with the needed material resources and Alana for joining me for the full event in representing Queer Ontario to potential volunteers.
.
We will soon be following up with each of these volunteers to see how best we can involve them in the important work of Queer Ontario.
.
Cheers,

.
Nick Mulé
Chairperson,
Queer Ontario
.