This story continues to have legs with over 5,200 people signing up on facebook. Jake Raynard was attacked last week in the city after an argument outside a local “gay” bar.

Facebook a social internet medium, has united people who have continued to offer support where it is needed, with Raynard.

Now here in Thunder Bay, people are able to unite to address the communities concerns. This is wonderful, for you only need to think back five years and this sort of connection would not be there.

Tonight there is going to be a vigil to support; a community in need and a city and region that has some healing to do. It is the response of that community that defines the community, not the crime.

Below are the details of the event and i am posting today, (click on link to see) Jake Raynard- In his own words

Tomorrow i hope to bring you a live streamed video of the vigil and guest speakers. I will also be filing a report with xtra.ca . Stay tuned!

—facebook events posting—-

The level of support coming forth is overwhelming. The community is rallying around Jake and taking a firm stance against hate crimes in our community. Let’s spread that sentiment as far we can:

1. A RALLY IS TAKING PLACE FRIDAY AT 6 PM IN WAVERLY PARK. All people who support Jake and believe that this action has no place in our community are asked to attend. More details will be solidified shortly.

2. A FUND HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR JAKE. This fund is dedicated to permit Jake access to legal consultation, rehabilitation treatments, and some basic income while unable to work. Donations can be made through the Bay Credit Union at 142 South Algoma Street
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3B8. If you do not live in Thunder Bay but would like to contribute you can mail a cheque made out to “John Raynard” (official name) to the address listed above.

It’s that time of year again! After we launch our Fall schedule it is time to start looking at new show ideas for 2009. We are trying really hard at OUTtv to get members of the Community and the Production community together to make some great content.

Over the summer we have had some very interesting series ideas and completed pilots sent to us for consideration. This fall we have decided to take the best of the pilots and play them on the Network for the OUTtv audience to consider. Watch for this new show coming this Fall on the Network and Online (and if you can think of a title for it please let us know that as well!).

It’s a very interesting time here at OUTtv as our Summer production rush comes to a close and we move most of our projects into post production. For me, the most exciting of which is ‘Queer Prom.’ 

‘Queer Prom,’ is a small 3 part documentary series following the planning of a local Vancouver youth event. Every year The Centre and GAB Youth Services put on a queer prom for youth ages 13 to 25. This is the biggest of many community events the organization puts on for queer youth. It gives those graduating, or still in school the opportunity to experience one of life’s milestones as they’ve always imagined it. It is unfortunate that homophobia and intolerance still exist within our schools despite the best efforts of district wide GSA’s (Gay Straight Alliances). GAB Youth Services provides a safe place for queer youth to be themselves. This series documents the stories of the youth planning committee as they struggle through the ups and downs of pulling off the years biggest event. 

As we move into post I’m excited to be putting the pieces of this community story together! 

Hello everyone!

I am excited to announce an amazing new web partnership. Beginning this month, OUTtv is partnering with Xtra! to bring you the latest and greatest in current events web video’s. Beginning in Vancouver with Robin Perelle and Xtra! West, we are teaming up to bring you the latest coverage of everything queer happening in your community. Xtra! undoubtedly knows everything and everyone important and influential within the GLBT community and here at OUTtv we have the production capabilities to shoot a deliver high quality video’s right to your web browser. Together we are looking at the beginnings of quite a beautiful friendship.

You can check out our first video’s of Vancouver’s 20th Annual Queer Film Festival RIGHT NOW on our homepage at www.outtv.ca and on www.xtra.ca.

Are you planning an event you think is newsworthy? Send me an email at nicky@outtv.ca and tell me about it!

Until next time…