Wow,

It has been a full year since my first post appeared on OUTtv, and what an incredible year it has been. I have grown so much as a person and have a whole new appreciation for the wonderful city I live in. So a big thank you to everyone at OUTtv, especially Nelson and an even bigger THANK YOU to all the readers!!! I look forward to continuing to share my life journey with all of you, CHEERS

What has your experience been with the F bomb?

June is my kind of month!!! So much so that I tend to go into a minor hibernation after pride…How was pride you ask? Well sit back and let me tell you…

Winnipeg Pride is a spectacular time. Winnipeg Pride is the largest of the prairie prides and often members of the LGBT community will travel down for the week filled event.

This pride I was very fortunate to be the MC for both the rally and the festival. I was honored to stand on the legislative steps mic in hand, leading the community I love in celebration of our great prairie pride. Standing in front of the community was my most proudest moment. By time the day was done the emotion I had felt was unbearable. Not only was I celebrating being pride, but I was experencing my proudest moment as a gay man. I could feel the arms of the community embrace me from the moment I welcomed them to my closing “happy pride”. I did it folks all on my own!! Im not a local celebrity, and Im not a drag perfomer. So how did I score such an amazing gig? How did the guy who could have gone down the wrong path so many times, the one who has been known to enjoy a casual encounter and at times would party a whole weekend away. How did I go from one time,over the top party monster to MC? By being myself and growing up!!! Knowing which path to choose and how to learn from my ways. By celebrating life and loving every moment of being the gay that I am.  I digress..Whats new?

Back to pride-

What a lot of people are unaware of are the incredible events leading up to the rally and parade. The week kicks off with a Womyns Boat Cruise along the Red River and continues with a baseball tournament, a roller skating party, a coffee house and even a couple church services. This year, I had discovered the hidden gem of the pride events.

Take note locals and those who plan visiting next pride. Make sure to purchase a ticket for “Cocktail in the trees” a sexy night of wine and cocktails surrounded by the trees above Wolseley in a beautiful loft. It was a great time, the guest were all very social the host incredibly kind and the wine, now let me tell you red wine is a weakness

Im exhausted  just from reflecting. Next year Winnipeg Pride is going to be bigger and better. With a move to the forks..Now we all know i would do anything to MC again. 

I would love to be able to visit all of the prides across this country and maybe do some hosting in another city!! Anyway hope everyone enjoyed there pride as much as I did..

Lots of love

-Adam

Pride week has begun!!! I just wanted to wish all the loyal readers of the blogs here on Outtv.ca and members of the LGBT community a wonderful and memorable PRIDE!!!! I cant believe how quickly it has come!!!

Pride happens here in just about 2 weeks, and I cant wait. Im excitied and nervous all at once!! This year will be very different for me, because as I had mentioned in my last blog I have an important role to play. Did anyone guess what that role is from my blog title? On June 14th the day of the Rally, Parade and festival, I will be seen with Microphone in hand for the majority of the day. Thats right!! This sassy, sometimes over the top queer will be the M.C for the Rally and Festival. What an honour it is for me to hold the position!! I am beyond nervous, but so beyond elated to stand in front of the community i love so much and help promote the day I love more than any other.  Winnipeg Pride is amazing and I encourage anyone who can come on down to winnipeg to do so.( http://gaypridewinnipeg.com/ )

 If me being the MC doesn’t sell you on coming down, what about seeing Jackie Beat perform at Gios on the 13th.  (http://gios.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=381&Itemid=41)

Well because Pride is around the corner all over Canada, I thought it would be neat to throw a question at you all..

What have you done lately to make yourself PROUD? Please post a answer in the comments area. Until next time,

Its a good day here in the world of Mr. Jennings.  A co-worker of mine said she thinks this just might be my year.  Everything seems to be coming up roses for me lately. So much so that I’m not in the least concerned with the fact that every guy I go on a date with I leave feeling nothing. None of that is relevant in the least, because this is the happiest I have felt in ages. Karma seems to be in my favour!!

Everyday is like PRIDE!!! Speaking of which, I will slowly spill the beans…The Pride committee has elected me to do a job on the day of the Pride Rally/ Parade and its a good one. Ill speak more of it closer to the date however I am completely honored and proud to be involved with something that means the world to me.  Spring is a slower time in Winnipeg, so Ive decided instead of sitting on a patio drinking gin, id use my time wisely. I begin volunteer training this week at the rainbow resource centre. A chance to give back and become and even more active member of the community. This blog combined with the movie MILK, have inspired me to use my voice and try my best to be a positive member of the LGBT community.

Time to drop the lip gloss and pick up a pen. I was also thinking of running for Mr. Gios Cares, Gios Cares is the charity portion of Gios that raises money, brings awareness and help bring support to those living with HIV/Aids . I think the chances are slim of me getting the position, but I am up to the challenges that the role would bring. Today I was also asked to help with the LGBT night a local hot spot will be having..Along with still hosting my Wednesday Trivia and my day Job, I have become one busy guy. However,  I have made a vow, from this point on I will do my best to be the greatest gay man I can, using my voice and my passion in a positive way daily…WHY? cause EVERYDAY IS LIKE PRIDE!!

Side note- I am currently obsessed with the Patsy Gallant disco hit “From Ny to LA” so so good.

Recently my family and I packed up a rented mini-van and headed on down to Eston Saskatchewan. I know why Eston? Well my eldest brother graduated from collage and is now a full fledged pastor.. Ten hours on the highway, WOW!!

Ten hours beside my beautiful 4 year old niece who was suffering from the chicken pox, ten hours of wondering why my cell phone didn’t have Tetris as one of the game options and ten hours of reading. My book of choice,  ”Choke” by Chuck Palahniuk. He is one of, if not my favorite author, Yes this sassy guy likes the dark and dirty.  The trip was super fun and relaxing. However I assure you that this Prairie boy realized how much more of a city boy I really am. Picture this..White shoes, tight jeans, a tight Michael Kors zip up and sunglasses with jewels on the side, walking through mud surrounded by cows and horses..And that was the B and B we were staying at. A lovely place to say the least.  I looked more like a rhinestone cowboy than anything.  This was the first family trip I have gone on in ages, and im hoping a tropical vacation surrounded by hot men is the next one. I wonder how my brother would feel about that. SIgh.  The Mr. and Ms. Gios Pageant has now come and gone. I love gios!!! I do. This weekend reminded me of how unique we are as a community in Winnipeg. Gios is the glue that keeps us all together.  The pageant was intense and the contestants worked it. Congrats to our newest Mr and Ms. Gios, Yitzack Maniples and my friend Alura Mahn. And and even bigger congrats to Mr and Ms Gios 2008-2009 Jamie Allwood and Shandi Strong. The step down of these two people was a beautifully moving occasion. A celebration of hardwork, family and a partnership made in drag heaven.  I look forward to what the year will bring, big shoes to fill but there is no doubt in anyones mind that Alura and Yitzack will surprise as all.

Side note- If you are going to be visiting Winnipeg or live here, then ive got a website for you. If you are looking for a place to eat please visit this wonderful site created by a friend of mine. www.POGOGI.com

Until next time, Enjoy spring and dont forget to celebrate the positives.

What defines Beauty? And what truly makes a person Beautiful?
“Outwords” the local monthly LGBT magazine is doing a search for Winnipeg’s most Beautiful people. They are looking for people who are beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. This got me thinking…a dangerous thing I know! Who is the judge of what makes a person beautiful. The LGBT community, including yours truly is far too obsessed with image.

Winnipeg is filled with beautiful people who radiate from within as well as looking pretty damn fierce!!  I am sure that will be the main focus of this list.  I cannot wait to see who is on this list, I know of a few people who deserve this recognition. I love reading “outwords” each month, and very much support the idea of this list and celebrating members of our community. I’d like to see this evolve into a Greatest Manitoban list, similar to what CBC did a few years ago with the Greatest Canadian of all time.  I don’t think one can really define what beauty is or what makes a person beautiful because as I see our own individuality is what makes us each beautiful in our own way.  I think the list will be interesting.  I wonder if my name will grace its pages????? Hmmm…

A big shout out to all of the folks who participated in the rally against gay bashing in Vancouver. As a victim of a minor gay bashing incident, I was impressed with how the community came together and was reminded of how supportive everyone was towards me. We as a community need to stick together and Celebrate the positives while standing strong and united against the negativity we as a community face. HOLLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring is one of the most exciting times here in Winnipeg!  Just so much to do!!! Where shall I begin…Winnipeg art gallery is presenting an exhibition all on Marilyn Monroe beginning on March 28 and running until June 7 2009. With the show comes the presentation of the one woman show “Marilyn: Forever Blonde” I am sure this exhibition will be a hit. I love how the WAG is trying to appeal to the masses not just the art lovers, it started with the Andy Warhol show last year and now Marilyn. I can’t wait for my friend Jaclyn to arrive home from Egypt mid April and join me for a night of Martini’s and Marilyn.

Next in the wonderful world of theatre Manitoba Theatre Centre is doing the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “The boy in the photograph” Beginning April.30/09 and running until may.23/09. I believe it is the North American Premiere, also a co-production with Mirvish Productions which means it will be heading to Toronto afterwards. Side note, I so want to see the Mirvish production of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” So if any Toronto men need a date…

One of my favourite April events is the Mr and Ms Gios Pageant. Several folks are running this year and the Winnipeg drag community seems to be booming…Of course I have my favourites and can’t wait to see what happens and who takes the crown. Mr and Ms Gios 2008/2009 Jamie and Shandi did a wonderful job and are going to be a hard act to follow. I will report back once the show is done and hopefully will have the chance to talk to Jamie and Shandi and find out what they thought.

So, 2009 has been a crazy year so far. It has had its ups and some pretty major downs. Last week I was informed that my father has prostate cancer. I spent a week in shock and am very sadden by the news. I’ve never been very close with my father and have recently been working on re-building the relationship. We’ve had a difficult relationship and I’ve never been fully open with him about my life. I told him I was gay just over a year ago, years after I had told everyone else. Now the thought of him having cancer has really made me feel a sense of regret for not having tried to build the relationship sooner. But as I always say celebrate the positives, the cancer is contained, surgery will happen and then I have a loads of time to build the relationship. When I was in high school my mother had a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, she has survived and is better than ever. It’s scary having had two parents with cancer while only in my mid-twenties. However we must celebrate. Life is beautiful and scary at the same time. My heart is aching but I know everything will be fine.

So now I must hop into the shower and prep myself for tonight’s adventure. Beyonce at the MTS centre, HOLLA!!!

]]> http://www.outtv.ca/blog/2009/03/28/ahhh-its-finally-spring/feed/ 0 http://www.outtv.ca/blog/2009/03/01/where-have-all-the-good-men-gone-and-where-are-all-the-boys/ http://www.outtv.ca/blog/2009/03/01/where-have-all-the-good-men-gone-and-where-are-all-the-boys/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:02:57 +0000 Ambassador: Adam Jennings http://www.outtv.ca/blog/?p=340 Tweet

I haven’t gone missing, no need to put my face on the side of a milk carton…I live in Winnipeg, come on we hibernate during the cold winter months. Although I haven’t been out and about as much as I would be during the spring and summer, I have taken this time to reflect. So now I present you with an open letter to Winnipeg;

Dear Winnipeg,

It’s me Adam Jennings, local resident since summer of 1982. Winnipeg, I have been wondering, why do people keep leaving you? Every year I see at least two of my friends pack up and head to the big cities; Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto…and we can’t forget Calgary, each week someone is going there for work (we all know I tried that one out). Is this city too small? Is our LGBT community one of such a small population that people leave to see what the big cities have to offer? I have heard every reason to leave, but really Winnipeg are you that bad of a place to live? I don’t think so. Such a small place with so much potential. Yet, I’d pack my bags and go off to a place with more to offer. Such as a whole gay neighbourhood, I can only imagine. So maybe Winnipeg is it time to step it up? Shouldn’t the residents start celebrating the amazing things that you have to offer..each neighbourhood has its own history and stories to tell, walking down the street it’s easy to bump in to several smiling faces. The music scene is amazing along with the theatre..We have loads of amazing restaurants and a handful of the most brilliant festivals a city could have. So Winnipeg I ask you, why does everyone leave? I’m stuck in the middle to be honest, I can see why saying goodbye makes the most sense and I can also see how wonderful it is to just remain and celebrate.

Sincerely, Adam Jennings.

Side note- If you read my last blog I had mentioned the master playwright fest the Manitoba Theatre Centre holds. Miller fest was a huge success but more importantly my wishes have been granted in 2010 MTC will be presenting Churchill fest, featuring the works of Caryl Churchill…I’m super excited. Also I promise you won’t have to wait too long for my next blog.

Hello beautiful blog readers, 

Am I the only one longing for a cocktail on the sands of a hot beach? I know im not, I work with the public and all people do is complain about the weather. Im not friends with mother nature and I do have to venture outside several times during the day, YES I know its awful out there. So what to do to stay warm. Id prefer to cuddle up with a handsome gentleman on the couch and turn the TV on to OutTv and watch episodes of Queers as Folk. However Winnipeg is still alive in the winter and there are places to see and people to meet.

Every January Manitoba Theatre Centre host a Master Playwright Festival http://www.masterplaywrightfest.com. This year from  January 22- February 8 the plays of Arthur Miller will be featured. You know the guy who wrote “The Crucible”.  The festival started back in 2001 and has since become a popular event. My only problem is a female playwright has yet to be featured, what about Judith Thompson or the amazing Caryl Churchill ( Cloud 9 is one of my favorite shows and I would love to perform in it one day) Im sure Miller Fest will be wonderful and I know the amazing actors and directors this city has will do MIller proud.

Festival du Voyageur will be celebrating 40 years this February http://festivalvoyageur.mb.ca  shhh dont tell, ive never been. So next month ill put on my rainbow scarf and head on down and check out this local tradition. Il keep everyone posted. 

Two major events for the months of January and February.

Ciao for now

Cheers,

-Adam. J

Well So long 2008, what a year it’s been…Possibly my least favourite year of all. It’s been a tough one, and I’ve been forced to do some serious soul searching on more than one occasion, I had my heart stomped on for the first time, even had to examine my career choice and I have been sick with every flu and cold out there.

* Note did get the flu shot but am writing plagued by the chest cold from hell*

I thought I’d write what I believe to be my last blog of 2008 and share with you all what I have learned.  The opportunity to blog for OutTv has given me the most wonderful opportunity to reflect on myself and my surroundings.  This blog has helped keep me positive and appreciative of the wonderful city I call home and also appreciative of all my friends, family and fantastic people I meet on a daily basis.  I’ve learned a lot and am beyond grateful for the bad times as well as the good. This past month has been especially rewarding for myself growth; I was given the best advice by my beautiful mother which was “celebrate the positives”. I also had an OH moment after seeing the movie MILK. The light bulb went off and I understood how important it is for me to use my voice in a positive manner as a gay male.

In 2008 vie learned – to trust time, that it’s alright to feel alone and heartbroken cause the feeling won’t last forever. I’ve learned to believe in myself and the ones I love. I’ve learned that I want to get married and share my heart with someone special (not a concept I had thought of before).A mother is every gay man’s best friend. (Slight tear in my eye) I’ve been remind of how funny I am and how easy it is for me to show someone compassion. I’ve learned to trust my gut and to remember that I am the most important person in my life and to believe in the gut decisions I make, good or bad.  But really I have learned, thanks to this blog how much I LOVE WINNIPEG!!!! My eyes have been opened to the greatness that this prairie town has to offer and the wonderful people that make this place so incredible even when it is -40. I have so many more places and people that I want to introduce to the loyal OUTtv readers. I look forward to 2009 and all that it brings.  I wish everyone the best holiday season and hope 2009 is a year to remember. And please don’t forget to celebrate the positives. I’d love to hear feedback, so please leave a comment.

What has 2008 taught you?

Cheers

When the dog bites, when the bees sting…

Oh not those favorite things…

Ive decided to reflect on some of my favorite places that make Winnipeg so darn terrific.

So visitors take note, I will now put on a red vest and a top hat and take you on a tour

Good Eats

Best Breakfast; This was a hard one cause we all know this guy loves breakfast. I just love The Falafel Place located on Corydon ave, this crowded little space is filled with great energy and great eats. I love the Falafel breakfast, two eggs toast, falafel balls, hummus and your choice of potato pancake or spicy garlic and onion filled hashbrowns ( no making out after this breakfast). The Fort Garry Hotel a little pricey but worth it. A wonderful brunch buffet with all the goods you can think of. Located in the lobby of one of Winnipeg’s oldest and most beautiful hotels. The brunch has become a minor tradition amongst my friends and I. Can we say Mimosa?

Lunch/dinner I’m not a big lunch or dinner guy but I do love a good sushi joint. I recommend either Miyabi located in Osborne Village or Wasabi which is located on Broadway and also in Osborne Village..I love anything spicy with tuna, and love love tempura. I recently ( like an hour ago) had the best fish taco at JOEYS located beside Polo Park Shopping Centre, I think fish tacos maybe my new favorite food. YUMM-O

PLACE TO SPEND AN AFTERNOON

Ive never been but can only imagine and through great word of mouth, how wonderful St.Norbert Farmers Market is. A great way to spend a spring or fall sunday, sampling fresh jams and purchasing cute crafts. My idea of the perfect date (alas i still wait for the perfect guy to take me). Visitors seem to love going to The Forks. I Love the river walk along the red river and assiniboine and surprise have also enjoyed a good book on the grass by the river while drinking a latte. The forks has everything to offer, great food, entertainment, and shopping. A must see. However one of my all time favorite places is The exchange district, the greatest in the summer. Everything from The Fringe festival to Jazz fest takes place in the exchange. With its cobble stone roads and great drinks, night life, food, historical building and yes shopping. The exchange district to me is the heart of the city, and once there on a busy summer afternoon any visitor would see what Winnipeg is really about.

Entertainment/ Night Life

Do you want to hear a great band? While stop by Times Changed and hear some of the best music I have heard in my life. The quaint space is one of the greatest music venues we have to offer. Everything from blues to blue grass.  University of Winnipeg Department of Theatre and film, a new building has just been completed to host the wonderful productions put on by the U of W. If in the city when a show is being done reserve yourself a free ticket and watch some of the best untapped talent, act there hearts out. I have seen some of the best theatre I have every witnessed at U of W.

Want a good time?  A few drinks? and a good laugh? Not looking for a gay club and just want to enjoy a cool drink? The Toad is my watering hole. And in my opinion the most queer friendly straight bar in the city. Catch me hosting trivia there every Wednesday. if your the type who like a good drag show and cute boys, Gios is your place. I love gios so so much..Ive written about it several times but have had the best times there of my life. Mr and Mrs. Gios Jamie and Shandi are two of the nicest people I have met. The staff is great and the regulars are a hoot. If your visiting and you like a drink feel free to say hello to me, I can usually be found at either The Toad or Gios.

I could go on for pages, but really feel my most favorite places have been highlighted. If you have any questions leave a comment..Until next time I raise my Mimosa and toast all the future visitors.

No need to take out a missing persons add I haven’t fallen off the face of the planet. I’m still here!!! Where have I been you must be wondering. It boils down to two simple factors; writers block and one boring month. So here I am and ready to write!! HOLLA! My thinking cap is on and let the writing begin! We all know how much I love Winnipeg so I thought it be fun to introduce my loyal fans to some of my favorite Winnipeg personalities…

Introducing the talent the fabulous overly glittered PICTORIA SECRETE!!!!

Once upon a time in a suburban home located in Windsor Park a Lonely boy dreamed of the days of glitz and glamour..Spending most of his days alone pencil and paper in hand sketching away.  How can one express his true creative side he must have wondered…well it was years before Pictoria would come into the picture and become the local star that she is. First coming out of the closet.  At the tender age of 21 the closet door finally opened…it was the early 80s and the shy boy was now taking part in a Rap group ( no not Run DMC ) A monthly sit down at U of W where the LGBT students could express one self. Soon after the shy boy was first introduced to Gios by a man whom he would spend the next 14 years with. Lets step into a time machine and bring the story to the new millennium. With new partner and future side kick in hand  the idea of Pictoria started to come into the picture…His partner was appearing in drag as a promotional tool during pride for the company he worked for. The shy boy now a grown man noticed the attention his partner was getting at Toronto Pride and the birth of Pictoria began. Now folks Pictoria Secrete isn’t any drag queen, she defines tough drag…hair not shaven and wig on, history was about to be made. From the moment she stepped out a local and maybe even national star was born. Being featured in most Winnipeg and a couple Toronto papers, this gurl has made an impact..Making drag fun not taking it to serious and being the most creative and brightest girl in the room. Here’s the kicker…She has only performed twice!! Pictoria is proof that kindness along with a great set of lashes will get you far. So after an hour of waiting i was finally sitting face to face with one of my all time favorite queer personalities ( sorry Kathy Griffin ) although Pictoria and Kathy do have one thing in common, both are self proclaimed Media whores. So we sat down and amongst the laughter and tears…Wait I’m not Barbara Walters. We did a quick fire set of questions about this lovely city we both call home:

1) Three Words to describe Winnipeg – “Up and Coming, Cultural, One gay city”

2) What is the biggest misconception about our city? – “That its cold and dirty.Were very clean and really no colder than Calgary.

3) Whats one hidden secret of Winnipeg? – “Still a secret to me”

4) What advice would you give to someone visiting?- “Check out the arts!!! Ballet, symphony, a million festivals”

5) Favorite a) Place to eat? – “Moxies there brownie is an orgasm in my mouth” b) Place to drink? “Gios! I love Gios its like home since the day i came out, 25 years later…” c) Shop? – “oh dear…E-Bay” d) spend an afternoon? – “I’m a home body, the life of Pictoria is exciting enough” e) Go on a date?- “I haven’t been on a date in years, always in a relationship

6) What does Winnipeg mean to you?- “Winnipeg is home, can’t imagine living anywhere else. Friends, family and its cheap just like me”

So there you have it…a shout out Pictoria…GURL YOUR FIERCE

until next time….

I just love the fall….why? well let me tell you…let me begin with stating that not only does this lovely city i live in look so beautiful but people just look hot in the fall. I love fall fashions!!! Everyone looks good in a scarf and light jacket.  The fall is such a short season here, maybe lasts two months top. I predict snow by Halloween…I remember dressing as Pippi Longstocking for Halloween in the third grade ( my first time in drag, in public) and having to cover myself with my winter coat. Let me tell you I look more like a cold prairie boy in a wig made out yarn and coat hangers than my favourite character of fiction. I digress, September has been one heck of a busy month for this sassy fellow.  The month started with a wonderful visit from one of my many BFFs who now is a success in Montreal, It was a night of laughter and high kicks. The following weekend i was in Las Vegas being fierce and fab…However i still dont understand the saying “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. Let me just tell you, i was not shocked once and have done far more scandalous acts here in Winnipeg than i did there. I did love the shopping and was blessed by the church of H & M while I was there. A shout out to all the sassy retail queens i met while dropping money like i was Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”.  Once I arrived back home I attended a concert at the MTS Centre by the leader of the Gay Mafia himself Sir Elton John…Now can that guy ever sing! I was blown away, two and half hours of pure musical genius. I did wish he had played the song “Mona Lisa’s and Mad Hatters” but alas the show was still beyond wonderful.  Hmmm what else did I do this past September..All the Gin and Tonic seems to have fogged my memory. Oh yes, as a  proper musical theatre obsessed queer that I am, I did attend the last performance of Rent on the big screen. They should do that with every musical when it closes. I would die to see Patti Lupone as Mama Rose in “Gypsy”. The month ended with my dear friend Jaclyn heading to Egypt for 7 full months…7 MONTHS what am I going to do? I already miss her dearly but know she is having the most spectacular time.  What next on the horizon for me? I will be moving to an apartment with another BFF Anne and the search for love will continue…

Before I peace out on this post Id like to highlight some exciting events that take place in our city..

1) Fem Fest- a local theatre festival promoting womyn playwrights http://www.sarasvati.ca/

2) Reel Pride- a local queer film fest. http://www.reelpride.org/

Both are extraordinary events but the one i most look forward to is the birthday of my boyfriend Alexander Keith…

Until next time..

*Side note* im looking for suggestions for my future blogs. Also my friend Heather has already pointed out my lack of proper grammer.

I LOVE WINNIPEG GAY PRIDE!!! I love it with a deep Passion….I look forward to those ten days all year round. Im like a young lad at christmas time when Pride comes around. There is so much to do during the week, everything from a film festival to a womyns boat cruise along the red river. I myself most look forward to the parade where I usually jump on a float and shake my groove thing ( OMG did I just type that?) And I love the dance party held on the last night. Each year i attend the events with my dear friend Adrienne…we actually have a contract written and signed stating that each year no matter where life takes us we attend together. This year was especially wonderful from the very start. Gios had invitied world famous drag queen Lady Bunny to perform and it was Spectacular, Winnipeg’s own mini WigStock.  The finally weekend always begins with a mini photoshoot with Adrienne and continues on to a liquid breakfast and lunch with all of my most favorite people. We drink, we laugh we even have broadway sing alongs with groups of bears and a rap off dedicated to Salt – n- Pepa HOLLA!!! To me Pride is more than just gin and dancing on floats, its a time of thanks…I am reminded of all those who paved the way for me to be the gay man that i am..I am reminded that im not alone in the struggle to be myself and most importantly to me its the one week that brings the community i love together in celebration..

On a side note, about to high Kick my way to Las Vegas for the weekend and im hoping some great blog material comes from the event…Also if anyone has any blog ideas let me know…

Cheers!!!!

How fun is Winnipeg in August? Never mind Winnipeg, Manitoba as a whole is so much fun!!!! I’ve been spending my time relaxing and enjoying the heat and drinking spicy Caesars (my summer drink of choice). So the votes are in and the hottest pavilion at folkormama is …drum roll please…BRAZIL!!! There must be something in the water in Brazil cause that is one hot country. I’ve also spent some time catching up with old friends at two of my favorite queer watering holes Club 200 and Gios, it always feels like a family reunion when I walk into those two places. Manitoba is a great city for camping, I got to enjoy the relaxation of my mother’s camping spot a couple of times this August and it was wonderful ( once again Caesars were involved). Something that has come to my attention this summer is that a lot of people from Winnipeg go camping. I know how did I just notice that? I’ve noticed that people in there 20s especially have been going camping a lot more…each week on my facebook account someone has added more photos of some sort of camping trip. Manitoba is a beautiful place for camping, but lets be honest isn’t camping just a code word for drinking copious amounts of beer.

Now for my thoughts on the Olympics…WOW divers and swimmers are one hot breed of athlete.
Until next time.

Winnipeg – Summer in the City’!
OUTtv Winnipeg Ambassador: Adam Jennings

AUGUST in the Peg! – If you are in town I suggest checking out the exhibit of artist Kent Monkmen’s “Triumph of Mischief” which explores stereotypes of masculinity and queer culture, running at the Winnipeg Art Gallery ( www.wag.mb.ca ) until August 17, 2008.

The Rest of Summer…
Now that the Winnipeg Fringe Festival and Folk Festival are over, the best way to enjoy Winnipeg in August heat is……relaxing and waiting for the fall. I usually like to spend August detoxing from the insanity that is July in Winnipeg. I’ve been known to enjoy a cocktail, so many a summer day, I can be spotted on the patio at The Toad in the Hole ( www.toadintheholepub.com  ), or enjoying a stroll along the river walk. But really the big highlight of August in Winnipeg is Folklorama ( www.folklorama.ca) , 2 weeks of celebrating the world…several pavilions are set up around the city, usually in a community club, to celebrate the food, drink and entertainment of many cultures…but the biggest highlight for me would be the topless men from Spain, Chilli, and Cuba grinding there hips and dancing the night away…oh August can be one hot month!!!

MY WINNIPEG IN GENERAL!
I’m a rare breed when it comes to my thoughts on the city…I LOVE IT….its honestly like walking into “Cheers” everyday. Everyone knows your name! I love the small city charm with the excitement of the big city. Growing up here I wanted out, felt there was nothing here for me, but really -what gay guy doesn’t want the excitement of the big city? I’ve been able to form a core group of friends here and don’t think I’d find people as unique as them anywhere else. Winnipeg can also be very depressing, we are under snow for like 8 months of the year and we tend to hibernate. There is the sad issue of child crime and homelessness, and once again Winnipeg is the murder capital of Canada. It’s hard to meet men here, either you’ve already slept with them or they know too much dirt about you. Not going to lie-the winter can be very lonely, but through all the sad things-it is still home…its where I grew up, where I want to marry and start a life, where I want to create opportunity.  Bottom line-Winnipeg is home : good and bad, too hot or too cold -it’s part of who I am and always will be.
A.Jennings