MUSKOKA, ONTARIO – April 1, 2021 –  Muskoka Pride is pleased to introduce an updated logo.  Gone is the rainbow Muskoka chair that has been used since 2009.  The new logo epitomizes the Muskoka experience, with a large rainbow mosquito ready to bite you.
 
“We have been working since fall of 2020 to find just the right image to represent what it means to be LGBTQ+ in Muskoka,” explains Merv Taylor-Morin, President of Muskoka Pride. “We feel that we have found a logo that our community members can relate to in 2021.”
 
He explains that the rainbow mosquito was chosen to represent the experiences of the past year - “a mosquito is very annoying, the sound seems to go on forever, and just when you think it’s gone it comes back to bite you in the behind. Nothing represents Muskoka, and the year we’ve had, better than a mosquito.”
 
“Rainbow Muskoka chairs are so last year,” says Shawn Forth, Muskoka Pride board member in charge of promotions. He explains that the original logo, a rainbow Muskoka chair, was created for the very first Muskoka Pride picnic all the way back in 2009.  “That design featured a green chair with 5 slats in the rest of the rainbow colours.  In 2014, to celebrate our fifth anniversary year, we adopted a more stylized rainbow chair as our official logo.”
 
Forth continues that, “It is with great pleasure that we make this announcement on the first of April. It’s well past time for a change in direction with our image. We are less than 4 months away from celebrating our 13th annual Muskoka Pride Week, which will run from July 17-25.  We are still working on our event planning and will make further announcements in June.”
 
To find out more about Muskoka Pride social events, held throughout the year and during Pride Week, go to www.muskokapride.com or click “Events” on the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.
 
Everyone, no matter how you identify, is welcome to attend all Muskoka Pride events.  
 
Thank you for reading our April Fools Day press release.  We have in fact refreshed our logo by adding the words “Muskoka Pride” under the Rainbow Chair. You can view it on our website.

May 4, 2020 – Bracebridge – The MQFF Festival Committee is proud to invite spectators from all over the world to join the three-day Festival online.
 
The First Queer Film Festival in Muskoka will be streamed live, in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, on May 15, 16, and 17, 2020. With this event Muskoka will contribute to the global fight against discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice. The Festival will present a dozen films celebrating different sides of queer life, produced both in Canada and internationally including the United States, Switzerland, and France. Every festival day will be followed by a live chat with the directors whose films were chosen by the MQFF Festival Committee.
 
“This is an exciting and ambitious project for our community, and we’re thrilled to be showing these films to the world from Muskoka,” says Mervin Taylor-Morin, President of Muskoka Pride. “It was hard to choose from all the great films submitted for selection to our festival, however, we believe we’ve created a diverse lineup of short and feature films that will resonate with the people who tune in to see them.”
 
He adds that while disappointed the film festival can’t be live and in person, taking the festival online means it can reach a greater, world-wide audience and raise attention to the Muskoka region. Plus, attendance is free. There will be a ‘tip jar’ function for people who want to support Muskoka Pride’s efforts and will help cover the extra costs of preparing these films for virtual viewing.
 
Muskoka Queer Film Festival will also honor directors with two awards. The Festival Favorite will be selected by the MQFF jury while the Audience Choice award will be voted on by festival goers online.
 
Michelle Emson and Olena Semenova of Sanctuary Studios, a multi-media production company based in Muskoka, are also international human rights activists and filmmakers and were integral to making the online presence of the Festival a reality.  “In these times of isolation, we understand how important it is to stay together united by common views and sharing common values. We are happy to apply our technical skills and make Muskoka Queer Film Festival happen despite all the odds and to be available for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or place of residence. We welcome everyone to join us online and share the festival atmosphere of a historic event for Muskoka”, says Emson.
 
To join the Festival online please visit mqff.ca
 
 
The films selected for the festival are:
Another Sad Gay Love Story; Super Zee; Coming Out; AYANEH; So Beautiful; Consent factory: lesbo-queer perspectives; The Noose; One More Please; Queering; Good Bi Kiss; Punch Card; and The Unlikely Story of the Lesbians of First Friday.
 
Whilst the festival can be viewed on any device, we strongly recommend the use of a computer for the interactive segment with the Directors and for discussing the films as they play.
 
The Muskoka Queer Film Festival is a collaboration of Muskoka Pride, Sanctuary Studios Inc., and the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, and is sponsored by the Canadian Experiences Fund delivered through FedNor. The MQFF Festival Committee expresses considerable gratitude to FedNor and the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network for their support.
 

For Immediate Release
 
BRACEBRIDGE,  ONTARIO – November 17th  , 2016 –  Almost 300 trans and gender-diverse people were reported murdered in the last year around the world.
 
November 14th  to 20th is recognized as Trans Awareness Week. It is a week to help raise the visibility of transgender and gender-diverse people and address the issues these communities face.
 
Muskoka Pride invites the community to  participate in recognizing the International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) this Sunday, November 20th at Bracebridge United Church (46 Dominion St.) at 6pm.  The event both celebrates the diversity of transgender life and honours those who have lost their lives in the past year.
 
The event will include a screening of the film “Transgender Life in Slovenia” (2016) with filmmaker Michelle Emson, who will be doing a Q&A after the screening.  Muskoka Pride screened her previous film “Pride of Ukraine” during the 2015 Muskoka Pride Festival.
 
For Emson the Trans Day of Remembrance is especially significant, as she came out as transgender in 2011.  She says, “If we can come to accept our own uniqueness, then perhaps we could come to respect and accept the uniqueness of others." She is an LGBTQ Human Rights advocate and has given many presentations on the subject.  This month she was a presenter at the Muskoka Pride Conference.
 
The local TDoR event will include reading the names of the 295 trans and gender-diverse people who were victims of transphobic violence between October 1st 2015 and September 30th 2016.  We will be joined by singer-songwriter  Angie Nussey and Cree performance artist Veronica Johnny.
 
Since 2008 (when records started being kept) a total of 2,264 deaths have been reported worldwide in 68 countries.
 
For further information on this and other Muskoka Pride events, go to www.muskokapride.com or visit the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page www.facebook.com/muskokapride

• Opening space with Veronica Johnny -  Cree artist, performer, and speaker
  
• Screening of trans filmmaker Michelle Emson's latest film "Transgender Life in Slovenia"
  
• Performance by Angie Nussey - nominated SOCAN Songwriter of the Year for her album "Still Hope"
  
• Group Reading of the 2016 TDoR list
  
• Social and newtorking

Sunday November 20th - Bracebridge United Church (46 Dominion Street) 6pm-8pm
Trans Day of Remembrance Muskoka Pride Event

For Immediate Release
MUSKOKA PRIDE CONFERENCE THIS THURSDAY IN GRAVENHURST
 
GRAVENHURST,  ONTARIO – November 1st , 2016 –  Muskoka Pride invites the community to attend the 4th annual Muskoka Pride Conference on November 3rd  at the Gravenhurst Marriott.
 
With the theme of “Defining Diversity” the conference looks at issues concerning the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) community of Muskoka.
 
The 2016 Muskoka Pride Conference features presenters from Toronto, Barrie, and Muskoka. The conference reflects the supportive network of LGBTQ agencies and organizations across the province.
 
The conference begins with a session presented by Veronica Johnny, from Toronto. She will be sharing her personal journey as a Two Spirit (2S) identified person.   Dale Boyle, from the Gilbert Centre in Barrie, will present on “How to be an Ally”.
 
Muskoka Pride board member Lennox LePage presents a workshop on Politics and Human Rights in the broader LGBTQ community.  Muskoka Pride chairperson Heather Hay will present a workshop on Elder Abuse and LGBTQ Seniors.
 
For Heather Hay, the conference fills an important need in the community.  “This is an opportunity for service providers and members of the LGBTQ community to exchange ideas and information to build an inclusive community.”

Hay stressed the importance of visibility and the opportunity to discuss LGBTQ issues in Muskoka. “Many members of our community are isolated, LGBTQ youth face a higher risk of homelessness and suicide and seniors struggle with access to informed care providers. We particularly want members of the LGBTQ community to be present so that their voice and concerns can be heard.”
 
Interested community members can register for the conference online at the website:  http://www.muskokapride.com/conference-2016.html  The cost is $30, with scholarships available.  Muskoka Pride wishes to thank the OPSEU Rainbow Alliance for its financial support.
 
For further information about all Muskoka Pride events, go to www.muskokapride.com or visit the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page www.facebook.com/muskokapride

For Immediate Release
 
MUSKOKA PRIDE WEEK A SUCCESS – THANK YOU MUSKOKA!
 
The Muskoka Pride Festival came to a close with a roaring success, at the 8th annual Picnic at  Annie Williams Park. It was another wonderful afternoon of Picnic fun.
 
Sadly, many people who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) still live closeted lives for fear of community-backlash if they come out. Pride celebrations play an important role in creating inclusive and accepting communities.
 
Muskoka Pride would like to offer our congratulations to Carys Camani and Jay Sutman of Guelph, and Mike Melidoni and John MacKinnor of Etobicoke, two couples who were married during the Picnic on Sunday. East-coast singer Irish Mythen, and the Mitch Beube Jazz Combo, entertained almost 400 picnic-goers this year.
 
During our Huntsville Kickoff Party, Briar Summers and her band mates (James Crawford, Alex Pelling, and Alex Lupton) did an amazing job playing for the crowd of 200.  What a talented group of 13-14 year olds!  Thank you to Explosive Device Records for providing all of their sound equipment and setup.
 
Once again this year all 6 municipalities in Muskoka raised the Rainbow Pride flag during the Muskoka Pride Festival.  Wahta First Nation raised the flag for the first time this year as well.  We would like to thank the mayors, councillors, and staff at all municipalities.
 
All of our events this week were well attended, with over 900 people “coming out” to the different events across Muskoka.  During the Muskoka Pride Festival, 10,000 unique visitors to the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page and 5000 visitors to our website (www.muskokapride.com) also saw Muskoka as a queer-positive tourism destination. 
 
We would like to thank our title sponsors:  The Town of Bracebridge, RBC branches of Muskoka, and the Bala Cranberry Festival.  Please visit www.muskokapride.com/2016-sponsors to see all of the businesses who sponsored Pride Festival activities this year.
 
Finally, we would like to say a special thank you to our team of dedicated volunteers, who put in countless hours ensuring the Pride events were successful. 
 
Next year’s Muskoka Pride Picnic will be on Sunday, July 30th.
 

BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO – July 22nd , 2015 – Muskoka Pride Festival will come to a close this Sunday, July 24th with the 8th annual Muskoka Pride Picnic. Muskoka Pride would like to invite everyone in Muskoka out to this LGBTA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and allies) event.

The Muskoka Pride Festival is sponsored by The Town of Bracebridge, the Bala Cranberry Festival, and RBC Branches of Muskoka. The picnic will be held at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge again this year. The event will take place from 12 Noon to 4 PM. Participants are invited to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket as they enjoy this relaxed afternoon event. Food and beverages will be provided at this free event.

This year, Muskoka Pride is pleased to have east-cost singer Irish Mythen as our featured entertainer. Mythen is a globetrotting troubadour – an Irish-born, contemporary Canadian folk artist who’s been amassing accolades and achievements across several continents over the years. Her presence and charisma simply command attention. She delivers a sonic and emotional experience that reaches the very core of what connects us.

At 2pm Muskoka Pride is pleased to be host to 2 same-sex weddings, officiated by Jane Craig. John and Mike from Etobicoke, as well as Carys and Jay from Guelph, will be celebrating their weddings amongst friends, family, and picnic goers. Also performing will be the Mitch Beube jazz quartet.

Throughout the afternoon there will be displays by community groups and vendors, children’s activities provided by RBC, and other picnic activities (frisbee, badminton, bocce ball). Draws will be held for door prizes and other competitions.

For further information about all events, go to www.muskokapride.com or go to the Muskoka Pride Facebook page.

Everyone, gay and straight alike, is welcome to attend all Muskoka Pride events.

 All Muskoka Municipalities to Show Support for Diversity  

MUSKOKA, ONTARIO – July 17th, 2016 –  Once again, all municipalities in Muskoka are raising the Rainbow Pride flag on Monday July 18th to recognize the Muskoka Pride Festival which runs July 15 – 24.     

The first Rainbow flags will be raised in Port Severn and Dwight at 9:30.   Georgian Bay Township Mayor Larry Braid and Lake of Bays Mayor Bob Taylor will be joined by their respective Councillors, staff, Muskoka Pride board members and the public for the ceremonies.  

“Muskoka is a large geography, stretching from Georgian Bay all the way to Algonquin Park,” says Shawn Forth, Muskoka Pride board member. “It is fitting that we are starting our day of flag raisings in both the east and west before making our way toward the centre.”  

The vast geography often makes people who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer) feel very isolated and alone, Forth explains. “The Rainbow Pride flag is a symbol of inclusion and flying it proudly in rural Ontario communities fosters a sense of belonging and celebration.”  

The flag raisings continue at 11:00 with Huntsville and Wahta.  This is the first year that Wahta First Nation will be raising the Rainbow flag.  At 1:30 Muskoka Lakes Township will raise the flag in Port Carling, followed by Bracebridge at 2:30. The day of ceremonies concludes at 3:15 in Gravenhurst.  Members of the public are invited to attend any of the flag raisings.  

The Rainbow Flag symbolizes the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community with the different colours representing the diverse groups.  

The Muskoka Pride Festival continues with events all week throughout Muskoka. The week concludes on Sunday July 24th with the 8th annual Muskoka Pride Picnic at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge.  At this year’s Picnic east coast celtic-folk singer Irish Mythen will be performing, and the Picnic will also feature a double wedding of same-sex couples from Toronto and Guelph.  

For further information about all events, go to www.muskokapride.com or visit the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.  All events are open for anyone to attend, regardless of how they identify.  

EXCITING PLANS FOR THE 2016 MUSKOKA PRIDE FESTIVAL
 
BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO – June 27th, 2016 – Muskoka Pride has announced that July 15th  through 24th  is the 2016 Muskoka Pride Festival.    The annual week of activities celebrates the Muskoka lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.
 
According to Muskoka Pride board member, Shawn Forth, there are big things planned for this year’s Festival.  “Probably the most exciting announcement is that we will be celebrating the wedding of two same-sex couples at this year’s Picnic in Bracebridge.”
 
The Pride Festival week begins on Friday July 15th with the annual Pride Kickoff BBQ in Huntsville at River Mill Park.  This year it will feature many more activities that last year.  Local singer, Briar Summers, will be performing under the new band-shell.  There will be community displays, free yoga classes, and participatory art for people to take part in.  From 4:00 to 6:30, come and enjoy music, play some games and activities in the park, and enjoy a free BBQ 
 
On Monday July 18th   join us at flag-raising ceremonies at all Muskoka municipalities.  For the first time, Wahta First Nation will also be raising the Rainbow Pride flag.  The times of flag raising ceremonies are still being finalized.
 
CONTESTS
 
Muskoka Pride is also launching two contests during the Pride Festival.  Members of the community are invited to submit a photo showing Muskoka’s support for the LGBTQ community.  Photos can be emailed to muskokapridefestival@hotmail.com  
 
Businesses across Muskoka are also invited to create window/shelf displays of rainbows to celebrate the LGBTQ tourists.  In surveys done at the annual Picnic, participants commented  about the support shown from local businesses to welcome them to Muskoka through displays of rainbow colours.
 
PICNIC
 
Muskoka Pride will come to a close on Sunday, July 24th with the eighth annual Muskoka Pride Picnic.  The annual Picnic takes place once again at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge from noon – 4pm.
 
This year features a performance by East Coast folk singer Irish Mythen. From her website:  “Mythen is a globetrotting troubadour – an Irish-born, contemporary Canadian folk artist who’s been amassing accolades and achievements across several continents over the years. Her presence and charisma simply command attention...she delivers a sonic and emotional experience that transcends language and location... It’s an experience that, in recent years, has earned her spots performing alongside Rod Stewart, Gordon Lightfoot, and Lucinda Williams and billings on major festival stages the world over.”
 
Also part of this year’s Picnic will be a double wedding, featuring two same-sex couples.  Local cottager Jane Craig completed her journey to be a Lay Pastoral Chaplain this winter, and she brought the suggestion of a wedding to Muskoka Pride and everyone loved the idea.  Two couples will be exchanging their vows during the Picnic in a ceremony conducted by Craig.
 
The public is invited to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket as they enjoy this relaxed afternoon event. Food and beverages will be provided at this free family event. 
 
Everyone, gay and straight alike, is welcome to attend all Muskoka Pride events.   For a full list of events, please go to www.muskokapride.com  or go to our Facebook and Twitter feeds.
 
The Muskoka Pride Festival has many sponsors, including the Bala Cranberry Festival and the RBC branches of Muskoka.  Muskoka Pride received an Event Tourism grant from the Town of Bracebridge.

For Immediate Release

MUSKOKA PRIDE CONFERENCE THIS THURSDAY IN GRAVENHURST

GRAVENHURST, ONTARIO – November 3rd , 2015 – Muskoka Pride invites the community to attend the 3rd annual Muskoka Pride Conference on November 5th at the Gravenhurst Marriott.
With the theme of “Embracing Diversity” the conference looks at issues concerning the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) community of Muskoka.

The 2015 Muskoka Pride Conference features presenters from the 519 in Toronto, York Region PFLAG, Halifax Pride, and Muskoka Pride. The conference reflects the supportive network of LGBTQ agencies and organizations across the province.

The conference begins with a session titled “Allyship – how not to be a clumsy ally” presented by the 519. Muskoka Pride’s own Lennox LePage will co-present a workshop with the 519 on building a trans-inclusive environment in any workplace or organization.

Marion Steele from Halifax Pride presents a workshop on heterosexual privilege. The conference concludes with a workshop with Marilyn Byers of York Region PFLAG titled “Cultivating a vibrant PFLAG community.”

For Heather Hay, Chairperson of Muskoka Pride, the conference fills an important need in the community. “This is an opportunity for service providers and members of the LGBTQ community to exchange ideas and information to build an inclusive community.”

Hay stressed the importance of visibility and the opportunity to discuss LGBTQ issues in Muskoka. “Many members of our community are isolated, LGBTQ youth face a higher risk of homelessness and suicide and seniors struggle with access to informed care providers. We particularly want members of the LGBTQ community to be present so that their voice and concerns can be heard.”

Interested community members can register for the conference online at the website: http://www.muskokapride.com/2015-conference.html The cost is $30, with scholarships available. Muskoka Pride wishes to thank Pay It Forward Muskoka and OPSEU Rainbow Alliance for their financial support.

Following the conference, Muskoka Pride will be holding its annual general meeting at 4:30pm. Refreshments will be provided.

For further information about all Muskoka Pride events, go to www.muskokapride.com or visit the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page www.facebook.com/muskokapride

For immediate release

MUSKOKA PRIDE ANNOUNCES 3RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR NOVEMBER 5TH
 
GRAVENHURST,  ONTARIO – October 2nd, 2015 –  Muskoka Pride invites the community to attend the 3rd annual Muskoka Pride Conference on November 5th at the Gravenhurst Marriott.
 
With the theme of “Embracing Diversity” the conference looks at issues concerning the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) community of Muskoka.
 
The 2015 Muskoka Pride Conference features presenters from the 519 in Toronto, York Region PFLAG, Halifax and Ottawa Pride, and from Muskoka Pride. The conference reflects the supportive network of LGBTQ agencies and organizations across the province.
 
The conference begins with a session titled “Allyship – how not to be a clumsy ally” presented by the 519.  Muskoka Pride’s own Lennox LePage will co-present a workshop with the 519 on building a trans-inclusive environment in any workplace or organization.
 
Marion Steele from Ottawa and Halifax Pride presents a workshop on heterosexual privilege.  The conference concludes with a workshop by York Region PFLAG titled “Cultivating a vibrant PFLAG community.”
 
For Heather Hay, Chairperson of Muskoka Pride, the conference fills an important need in the community.  “This is an opportunity for service providers and members of the LGBTQ community to exchange ideas and information to build an inclusive community.”

Hay stressed the importance of visibility and the opportunity to discuss LGBTQ issues in Muskoka. “Many members of our community are isolated, LGBTQ youth face a higher risk of homelessness and suicide and seniors struggle with access to informed care providers. We particularly want members of the LGBTQ community to be present so that their voice and concerns can be heard.”
 
Interested community members can register for the conference online at the website:  http://www.muskokapride.com/2015-conference.html  The cost is $30, with scholarships available.  Muskoka Pride wishes to thank Pay It Forward Muskoka for its financial support.
 
Following the conference, Muskoka Pride will be holding its annual general meeting at 4:30pm.  Refreshments will be provided.
 
For further information about all Muskoka Pride events, go to www.muskokapride.com or visit the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page www.facebook.com/muskokapride