Queer Neighbourhoods of the Future - Panel Discussion January 29, 2008

(information Updated Jan 22) San Francisco's Castro District to Provincetown to Toronto, the hard bodied and cool are displaced in favour of cold hard cash. Gentrification is having a dramatic impact on everything from the GLBT bar scene to politics. The question is, can the GLBT Community survive and thrive without the cocoon of the traditional gay ghetto?

As the ghetto becomes more exclusive, regular gay and lesbian Americans and Canadians are forced to search for new neighbourhoods that are inclusive. For gays who enjoyed living in the traditional gayborhood, moving dramatically changes their quality of life.

This will be a philosophical discussion on GLBTQ new homesteads in city. The Q & A discussion, is a serious look at finding out why this is happening, and is it a good thing or bad thing?

We will be showing Five"Queer In the City Video's" ( 9 minutes each) recorded by the by the GLBT Historical Society. San Francisco CA in 2007 (1) Clip 01 - Are Queer Neighbourhoods worth Saving? (2) II - Clips 01 of 15 - What do Queer Neigbourhoods do for Cities?. (3) IV Clips 01, 14 and 15 of 15 - Queer Neighbourhoods of the Future. Panel Discussion and Q & A will follow videos.

Confirmed Guest Panelists: John Colautti - Former co-ordinator of the Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area. Former president of the Parkdale Village Resident’s Association and one of the Founding members of the Parkdale Liberty Economic Development Corporation. John has been living in the Parkdale-High Park area for over 18 years with is life partner (Greg McPhee) and has been an active member of the community. Michael Paré - Founder of Gay West Community Network, born and raised in Parkdale High Park, Bloor West Village in the 60's. Michael has been instrumental in establishing the Queer West Village and a gay community activist in Toronto, for 30 years. Tanya White and Dawn Chomitsch: Dawn studied at University of Western Ontario (queer women's studies) Both are business owners of West Side Stories Video on Dundas St. W., (South Dupont, Ward 18).There are two other panelists, yet to be named. Moderator: Rui Pires, ACT Toronto.

RSVP [email protected] or Call: 416-551-1709 So that we have an idea on the number of participants that will be attending. One and all welcome to attend.

Event Location: Gladstone Hotel Art Bar - 1214 Queen St W at Dufferin - Hotel no. 416 531 4635 - FREE, fresh finger food served and soft drinks, cash bar from 7 PM to 9 PM.

Official Website: http://www.queerwest.org/javaknights.php