http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_bibl.htm
_____
The above link to articles may or may not reflect the opinions of any members of the Okanagan College Pride Group, and the group does not take a stance on religion or theology. The link is provided for information purposes and to welcome comments. The group does not affiliate itself with any particular religion, theology, or religious organization.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Safe/Safer Sex Tips Refreshers
"Safe sex is a little more than just using a condom or abstaining. Here are few more things gays need to know about safe sex.
1. What is the Difference Between Safe Sex & Safer Sex?
Safer sex refers to things we do to lower the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STD or STI) during sex. Most health professionals don't use the term "safe sex" because, aside from not having sex, nothing will provide 100% protection from infections.
2. Should You Use a Condom for Oral Sex?
Oral sex is considered a lower risk activity for STDs than are anal and vaginal sex. Even so, it is still possible to get an STD whether you are giving or getting oral sex. So using a condom on a penis or a dam on a vulva or anus is a really good idea.
3. How Do You Use a Condom?
We all know how important it is to use a condom. Condoms offer really good protection from infections, including HIV. It is a good idea to use a condom any time you have anal, oral, or vaginal intercourse.
4. How Do You Use a Dental Dam?
Did you know you could get STDs from oral sex? Luckily, you can reduce your risk by using a "dental" dam. Few people use actual dental dams any more, (there was a time when this was the only option) but the name has stuck.
5. What About Abstinence & Celibacy?
The word "celibate" means a person who abstains from sexual relations. Sometimes people use the word, "abstinent" in the same way, however, people can choose to abstain (or not participate) in a lot of different things. Celibacy, on the other hand, always refers to sex. But whatever you call it, not having a sexual relationship with another person, is a really way to keep yourself safe from STDs.
6. The Link Between Self Esteem & Safe Sex
Here's something to think about: gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens who have low self esteem are less likely to practice safe sex than are those who feel good about themselves. You can know all there is to know about condoms and dams, but if you don't think you are worth protecting, it is less likely that you will require a partner to use these barriers." (http://gayteens.about.com/od/safesexstds/tp/5_safe_sex_tips.htm)
1. What is the Difference Between Safe Sex & Safer Sex?
Safer sex refers to things we do to lower the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STD or STI) during sex. Most health professionals don't use the term "safe sex" because, aside from not having sex, nothing will provide 100% protection from infections.
2. Should You Use a Condom for Oral Sex?
Oral sex is considered a lower risk activity for STDs than are anal and vaginal sex. Even so, it is still possible to get an STD whether you are giving or getting oral sex. So using a condom on a penis or a dam on a vulva or anus is a really good idea.
3. How Do You Use a Condom?
We all know how important it is to use a condom. Condoms offer really good protection from infections, including HIV. It is a good idea to use a condom any time you have anal, oral, or vaginal intercourse.
4. How Do You Use a Dental Dam?
Did you know you could get STDs from oral sex? Luckily, you can reduce your risk by using a "dental" dam. Few people use actual dental dams any more, (there was a time when this was the only option) but the name has stuck.
5. What About Abstinence & Celibacy?
The word "celibate" means a person who abstains from sexual relations. Sometimes people use the word, "abstinent" in the same way, however, people can choose to abstain (or not participate) in a lot of different things. Celibacy, on the other hand, always refers to sex. But whatever you call it, not having a sexual relationship with another person, is a really way to keep yourself safe from STDs.
6. The Link Between Self Esteem & Safe Sex
Here's something to think about: gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens who have low self esteem are less likely to practice safe sex than are those who feel good about themselves. You can know all there is to know about condoms and dams, but if you don't think you are worth protecting, it is less likely that you will require a partner to use these barriers." (http://gayteens.about.com/od/safesexstds/tp/5_safe_sex_tips.htm)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Kelowna, BC Canada
2:30PM on Saturday, November 20th, 2010
Okanagan Rainbow Coalition Center
1476 Water Street, near the downtown bus terminal.
Refreshments, social and movie (TBD) to follow.
For more info contact creativecatherine@gmail.com
or visit our Facebook page http://tinyurl.com/KelownaTDOR2010
note: If you are aware of an event and would like it posted on our blog, please send an email with details to glbt@myokanagan.bc.ca.
2:30PM on Saturday, November 20th, 2010
Okanagan Rainbow Coalition Center
1476 Water Street, near the downtown bus terminal.
Refreshments, social and movie (TBD) to follow.
For more info contact creativecatherine@gmail.com
or visit our Facebook page http://tinyurl.com/KelownaTDOR2010
note: If you are aware of an event and would like it posted on our blog, please send an email with details to glbt@myokanagan.bc.ca.
Friday, November 12, 2010
WARRANTY: The information presented on this blog, links or references to other groups (including, but not limited to, information and events they thereafter provide), or events on this blog is provided at the readers own risk. No claims are made about non Okanagan College Pride Group's events and information (including, reliability, validity or safety of those two). No liability is to be given to the Okanagan College Pride Group, its management and/or executive, or members for information or/and events regardless of provided by the Okanagan College Pride Group, linked to, or provided on the behalf of some other group, organization, an individual person, or some other form of source.
Topic for discussion: AIDS/HIV Awareness
There are approx. 58000 people (of all walks of sexuality including straights/heterosexuals) infected with AIDS/HIV currently living in Canada. 27% of people that are infected are unaware that they are infected. 51% of those that test positive for AIDS/HIV are males that have sex with other males. (source for all the above: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/populations-eng.php#men.) There are approx. between 2300 and 4500 new cases in Canada of HIV/AIDS each year (http://www.avert.org/canada-hiv.htm, please note the reliability and validity of this source was not verified). Population of Canada is 33,873,357 of which 49% are males. 2% of the male population identifies themselves as gay or bi-sexual (this is a conservative estimate often stated): the larger this actual number is the lower the infection rate will be under these following calculations.
Very rough calculations:
33,873,357 x .49 = 16,597,944.93
16,597,944.93 x .02 = 331,958.8986
58,000 x .51 = 29,580
29,580 x .27 = 7,986.6
7986.6/331,958.8986 = 0.024059002
0.024059002 x 100 = 2.4059002%
There are several problems with this figure, a main problem with this figure is that because of the use of drugs many people can live many years while being infected and these figures are overly accumulative and therefore makes it seems statistically that all of the the 29,580 are currently sexual active in the gay and bi populations while in fact they (i.e., some to many) may not have been for years or decades. Another main problem is that it assumes that even if all this 58,000 are still sexually active (and there are no unknown cases) that only those unware that they are infected would continue to have sex (and those who would know either wouldn't have sex or would have sex with those that are also already infected).
Using the figure of 2,300 new cases per year (to attemp to reduce the accumulative affect):
2,300 x .51 = 1173
1173/331,958.8986
0.003533569 x 100 = 0.3533569%
The problem with using the number of new cases is it it presumes that these individuals will still continue to be sexually active (something hopefully doubtful) and it assumes time has remained constant (not going forward and the numbers of infected persons do not accumulated or infected persons do not die: needless to say, both assumptions being wrong). And, in reality if they stop being sexually active there would still be those that are unaware that they are infected and who are sexually active. It also presumes that all past infected people are known and 100% have stopped being sexually active with non-infected people (common sense would say this is, sadly, doubtful). What needs to be asked is 'on any random snapshot day how many infected gay or bi-sexual men are sexually active with non-infected men?' (what is meant by this is who are or will be sexually active for the present and statistically presumably the future).
It would seem that given the two data above would give a range of potentially still sexually active AIDS/HIV gay or bi-sexual males (who will have sex with non-infected males) maybe between 0.3533569% (this would be 1 out of approx. 284 partners) and 2.4059002% (approx. 1 out of 42 partners).
Interesting Reading:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/24/f-aids-hiv-global-epidemic.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hiv-vih-eng.php#hivc
Yearly increases by cases and rates by Specific Geographical Areas and other demographics:
http://www.bccdc.ca/util/about/annreport/default.htm
*1 in 40 gay men in Vancouver study unaware of HIV status:CBC News
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/1-40-gay-men-vancouver-study-unaware-hiv.html
Very rough calculations:
33,873,357 x .49 = 16,597,944.93
16,597,944.93 x .02 = 331,958.8986
58,000 x .51 = 29,580
29,580 x .27 = 7,986.6
7986.6/331,958.8986 = 0.024059002
0.024059002 x 100 = 2.4059002%
There are several problems with this figure, a main problem with this figure is that because of the use of drugs many people can live many years while being infected and these figures are overly accumulative and therefore makes it seems statistically that all of the the 29,580 are currently sexual active in the gay and bi populations while in fact they (i.e., some to many) may not have been for years or decades. Another main problem is that it assumes that even if all this 58,000 are still sexually active (and there are no unknown cases) that only those unware that they are infected would continue to have sex (and those who would know either wouldn't have sex or would have sex with those that are also already infected).
Using the figure of 2,300 new cases per year (to attemp to reduce the accumulative affect):
2,300 x .51 = 1173
1173/331,958.8986
0.003533569 x 100 = 0.3533569%
The problem with using the number of new cases is it it presumes that these individuals will still continue to be sexually active (something hopefully doubtful) and it assumes time has remained constant (not going forward and the numbers of infected persons do not accumulated or infected persons do not die: needless to say, both assumptions being wrong). And, in reality if they stop being sexually active there would still be those that are unaware that they are infected and who are sexually active. It also presumes that all past infected people are known and 100% have stopped being sexually active with non-infected people (common sense would say this is, sadly, doubtful). What needs to be asked is 'on any random snapshot day how many infected gay or bi-sexual men are sexually active with non-infected men?' (what is meant by this is who are or will be sexually active for the present and statistically presumably the future).
It would seem that given the two data above would give a range of potentially still sexually active AIDS/HIV gay or bi-sexual males (who will have sex with non-infected males) maybe between 0.3533569% (this would be 1 out of approx. 284 partners) and 2.4059002% (approx. 1 out of 42 partners).
Interesting Reading:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/24/f-aids-hiv-global-epidemic.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hiv-vih-eng.php#hivc
Yearly increases by cases and rates by Specific Geographical Areas and other demographics:
http://www.bccdc.ca/util/about/annreport/default.htm
*1 in 40 gay men in Vancouver study unaware of HIV status:CBC News
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/1-40-gay-men-vancouver-study-unaware-hiv.html
Friday, October 8, 2010
International Coming Out Day!
"International Coming Out Day"
October 11-12
Location: Everywhere
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Coming_Out_Day
Oct. 20
"Day of Purple"
About: To remember those that committed suicide due to homophobia.
Do: Wear the colour purple.
Location: Everywhere
October 11-12
Location: Everywhere
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Coming_Out_Day
Oct. 20
"Day of Purple"
About: To remember those that committed suicide due to homophobia.
Do: Wear the colour purple.
Location: Everywhere
Friday, October 1, 2010
Hiatus Status
The group is now hiatus. No further group events will be planned until more students step forward to put them on, and be involved with the group. The group's email address (glbt@myokanagan.bc.ca) will be checked occasionally, so feel-free to send an email for contact or if you have an event to promote (no promises how often we will be updating our blog or checking our email for events).
We would like to thank all those that have contacted us, their has been a few of you, and those that have checked our blog from time-to-time. We would also like to thank those that have attended our events (the few events we had). If you are attending or planning to attend a campus other than Penticton it is recommended that you form an independent group on that campus (under different names to prevent confusion), and this group will place events you have on this blog/website.
__________
HISTORY: the Okanagan College Pride Group started Feb. '09. Feel-free to look through the blog to get a feeling of the group.
VISION: To create and maintain an on campus community for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) persons at Okanagan College, while at first originating at the Penticton Campus (Winter 2009) and then eventually going college-wide.
MISSION: To organize and promote events that would be of primarily interest to and for GLBT persons (but not to the exclusion of the involvement of non-GLBT persons) at Okanagan College. These events may include awareness of GLBT issues (i.e., anti-homophobia, etc.), but most will be of a social nature (i.e., movies, dinners, etc.).
VISION & MISSION: It is the through the combination of the Vision and Mission statements that GLBT persons can be assisted in transitioning to campus life at Okanagan College
We would like to thank all those that have contacted us, their has been a few of you, and those that have checked our blog from time-to-time. We would also like to thank those that have attended our events (the few events we had). If you are attending or planning to attend a campus other than Penticton it is recommended that you form an independent group on that campus (under different names to prevent confusion), and this group will place events you have on this blog/website.
__________
HISTORY: the Okanagan College Pride Group started Feb. '09. Feel-free to look through the blog to get a feeling of the group.
VISION: To create and maintain an on campus community for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) persons at Okanagan College, while at first originating at the Penticton Campus (Winter 2009) and then eventually going college-wide.
MISSION: To organize and promote events that would be of primarily interest to and for GLBT persons (but not to the exclusion of the involvement of non-GLBT persons) at Okanagan College. These events may include awareness of GLBT issues (i.e., anti-homophobia, etc.), but most will be of a social nature (i.e., movies, dinners, etc.).
VISION & MISSION: It is the through the combination of the Vision and Mission statements that GLBT persons can be assisted in transitioning to campus life at Okanagan College
Sunday, September 19, 2010
transgender day of remembrance
Date: Nov. 20, Saturday
Time: noon onwards
Location: ORC (http://www.okanaganpride.com/), in Kelowna
Contact Information: creativecatherine@gmail.com or contact ORC
*This was passed on to us by someone in the Okanagan.
Time: noon onwards
Location: ORC (http://www.okanaganpride.com/), in Kelowna
Contact Information: creativecatherine@gmail.com or contact ORC
*This was passed on to us by someone in the Okanagan.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
New Members Needed!!!
If you would like to get involved and attend or will be attending the Okanagan College please email us! Last year, and this summer we have became way too inactive and risk becoming hiatus. We are currently at the Penticton Campus. Decision of whether or not the group will continue will be made Sept. 30th.
_____
VISION: To create and maintain an on campus community for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) persons at Okanagan College, while at first originating at the Penticton Campus (Winter 2009) and then eventually going college-wide.
MISSION: To organize and promote events that would be of primarily interest to and for GLBT persons (but not to the exclusion of the involvement of non-GLBT persons) at Okanagan College. These events may include awareness of GLBT issues (i.e., anti-homophobia, etc.), but most will be of a social nature (i.e., movies, dinners, etc.).
VISION & MISSION: It is the through the combination of the Vision and Mission statements that GLBT persons can be assisted in transitioning to campus life at Okanagan College.
_____
VISION: To create and maintain an on campus community for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) persons at Okanagan College, while at first originating at the Penticton Campus (Winter 2009) and then eventually going college-wide.
MISSION: To organize and promote events that would be of primarily interest to and for GLBT persons (but not to the exclusion of the involvement of non-GLBT persons) at Okanagan College. These events may include awareness of GLBT issues (i.e., anti-homophobia, etc.), but most will be of a social nature (i.e., movies, dinners, etc.).
VISION & MISSION: It is the through the combination of the Vision and Mission statements that GLBT persons can be assisted in transitioning to campus life at Okanagan College.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Sept. 2010
OC Pride Group
Lesbian. Bi. Gay. Transgender. Questioning? Curious?
Social events. Interested?
glbt@myokanagan.bc.ca
Lesbian. Bi. Gay. Transgender. Questioning? Curious?
Social events. Interested?
glbt@myokanagan.bc.ca
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Pride Events in BC
July 17 – Prince George Pride parade
August 1 – Vancouver Pride parade
August 14 – Okanagan Pride Festival in Kelowna
September 4 – Kootenay Pride Parade in Nelson
Know of any other events? Please suggest.
August 1 – Vancouver Pride parade
August 14 – Okanagan Pride Festival in Kelowna
September 4 – Kootenay Pride Parade in Nelson
Know of any other events? Please suggest.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wildfire between West Kelowna and Peachland
"Hwy. 97 closure
Monday, July 12 - 1:30 p.m.
A wildfire between West Kelowna and Peachland has closed Hwy. 97 between the two communities. Okanagan College is monitoring the situation and will assess any impacts it may have on commuting students and staff. Okanagan College's Public Affairs department will update this page as required and as developments warrant.
Several sources of information are being updated regularly with regard to the fire.
Castanet.net
kelownadailycourier.ca
chbcnews.ca"
Citation & Updates: http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Page28852.aspx
Monday, July 12 - 1:30 p.m.
A wildfire between West Kelowna and Peachland has closed Hwy. 97 between the two communities. Okanagan College is monitoring the situation and will assess any impacts it may have on commuting students and staff. Okanagan College's Public Affairs department will update this page as required and as developments warrant.
Several sources of information are being updated regularly with regard to the fire.
Castanet.net
kelownadailycourier.ca
chbcnews.ca"
Citation & Updates: http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Page28852.aspx
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Gay friends crowned prom king and queen
Article from the Register Star Online (http://www.registerstar.com/articles/2010/06/10/news/doc4c105eba35282075803995.txt#share)
Hudson High School’s senior prom made history this year, when openly gay best friends Charles Ferrusi, left, and Timmy Howard, right, were named prom king and queen. (Contributed photo)
By Jamie Larson
Published:
Thursday, June 10, 2010 11:24 AM EDT
The Hudson High School prom made history this past Saturday when openly gay best friends were named prom king and queen.
Seniors Charlie Ferrusi and Timmy Howard won their respective crown and tiara by a landslide Saturday and said the support they received from their peers and school administration has been fun and humbling.
“It’s a really big step for Hudson but also for the gay community in general,” Howard said Wednesday. “To have this happen in our city is pretty exciting.”
Ferrusi said he and Howard started thinking about running about a month ago. While there were some students who were in opposition to their idea many more approved and the boys decided to go for it.
By prom night the overwhelming majority of students cast their votes in the open ballot race. They won by such a wide margin the school didn’t crown any runners up.
In 2008 Augie Abatecola ran and won the race for Hudson prom queen but he was denied the crown by school officials. This time around Ferrusi and Howard decided to run their plan by advisors and Principal Steven Spicer beforehand.
The school officials said they wouldn’t interfere with the student body’s vote and gave the boys their blessing.
“We’re proud of all our students,” said Spicer Wednesday. “They know they have the right to pick whoever they want. It was exciting for them and it was exciting for Charlie and Tim.”
One of the hardest parts of the experience, Ferrusi and Howard said, was deciding who would run for king and who would be queen. Both added they had the full support of their families.
While they were pretty sure they would win due to the buzz around school the boys said they still weren’t sure everyone would vote for them.
“First of all it’s Hudson High School,” said Ferrusi. “For me to win king was crazy. For Timmy to win queen was insane. We both researched it online and never found any story of two gay guys winning both king and queen.”
In recent years across the U.S. openly gay and lesbian teens have clashed with school officials at prom time.
In March a rural Mississippi High School decided to cancel their prom rather than allow a lesbian student to bring her girlfriend to the event. That student has since filed a lawsuit against the school and transferred to a different school 180 miles away to avoid hostility.
In May, according to the Associated Press, a gay Florida teen in the running for prom queen was suspended by his school for a parking violation, making him unable to attend prom. He was later disowned by his parents.
Instances that echo the Abatecola incident have also been reported.
Incidences of young men winning prom king or queen do occur but two gay friends taking both crowns without incident is rare.
Ferrusi and Howard’s crowning was appropriately timed, as Hudson will hold its first ever gay pride parade on Sunday, June 20. They said they plan on riding down Warren Street in the back of a truck with their crowns and homemade sashes.
Ferrusi has been involved in the event planning committee for the Hudson Pride celebration and has organized a large group of gay, lesbian and straight teens to walk together in the parade under the banner of “Future Pride.”
The event’s head organizer, well-known drag queen Trixie Starr, said having Ferrusi participate has been special and what they accomplished at the prom is bigger than the boys may even realize.
The Hudson Pride celebration will include a talk by Ed Beatty who was a part of the Stonewall riot in 1969 where gays at the Stonewall bar in New York City clashed with police trying to disperse their gathering.
That riot was one of the major events that led to the abolition of a law banning gays to congregate. Starr said recognizing those events and Ferrusi and Howard’s achievement in the same event is really significant.
“It’s a brave new world,” Starr said. “It’s a brave new Hudson.”
To reach reporter Jamie Larson, call 518-828-1616, ext. 2269, or e-mail jlarson@registerstar.com.
Hudson High School’s senior prom made history this year, when openly gay best friends Charles Ferrusi, left, and Timmy Howard, right, were named prom king and queen. (Contributed photo)
By Jamie Larson
Published:
Thursday, June 10, 2010 11:24 AM EDT
The Hudson High School prom made history this past Saturday when openly gay best friends were named prom king and queen.
Seniors Charlie Ferrusi and Timmy Howard won their respective crown and tiara by a landslide Saturday and said the support they received from their peers and school administration has been fun and humbling.
“It’s a really big step for Hudson but also for the gay community in general,” Howard said Wednesday. “To have this happen in our city is pretty exciting.”
Ferrusi said he and Howard started thinking about running about a month ago. While there were some students who were in opposition to their idea many more approved and the boys decided to go for it.
By prom night the overwhelming majority of students cast their votes in the open ballot race. They won by such a wide margin the school didn’t crown any runners up.
In 2008 Augie Abatecola ran and won the race for Hudson prom queen but he was denied the crown by school officials. This time around Ferrusi and Howard decided to run their plan by advisors and Principal Steven Spicer beforehand.
The school officials said they wouldn’t interfere with the student body’s vote and gave the boys their blessing.
“We’re proud of all our students,” said Spicer Wednesday. “They know they have the right to pick whoever they want. It was exciting for them and it was exciting for Charlie and Tim.”
One of the hardest parts of the experience, Ferrusi and Howard said, was deciding who would run for king and who would be queen. Both added they had the full support of their families.
While they were pretty sure they would win due to the buzz around school the boys said they still weren’t sure everyone would vote for them.
“First of all it’s Hudson High School,” said Ferrusi. “For me to win king was crazy. For Timmy to win queen was insane. We both researched it online and never found any story of two gay guys winning both king and queen.”
In recent years across the U.S. openly gay and lesbian teens have clashed with school officials at prom time.
In March a rural Mississippi High School decided to cancel their prom rather than allow a lesbian student to bring her girlfriend to the event. That student has since filed a lawsuit against the school and transferred to a different school 180 miles away to avoid hostility.
In May, according to the Associated Press, a gay Florida teen in the running for prom queen was suspended by his school for a parking violation, making him unable to attend prom. He was later disowned by his parents.
Instances that echo the Abatecola incident have also been reported.
Incidences of young men winning prom king or queen do occur but two gay friends taking both crowns without incident is rare.
Ferrusi and Howard’s crowning was appropriately timed, as Hudson will hold its first ever gay pride parade on Sunday, June 20. They said they plan on riding down Warren Street in the back of a truck with their crowns and homemade sashes.
Ferrusi has been involved in the event planning committee for the Hudson Pride celebration and has organized a large group of gay, lesbian and straight teens to walk together in the parade under the banner of “Future Pride.”
The event’s head organizer, well-known drag queen Trixie Starr, said having Ferrusi participate has been special and what they accomplished at the prom is bigger than the boys may even realize.
The Hudson Pride celebration will include a talk by Ed Beatty who was a part of the Stonewall riot in 1969 where gays at the Stonewall bar in New York City clashed with police trying to disperse their gathering.
That riot was one of the major events that led to the abolition of a law banning gays to congregate. Starr said recognizing those events and Ferrusi and Howard’s achievement in the same event is really significant.
“It’s a brave new world,” Starr said. “It’s a brave new Hudson.”
To reach reporter Jamie Larson, call 518-828-1616, ext. 2269, or e-mail jlarson@registerstar.com.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Winter 2010
Didn't do much this semester with the exception of promoting a few events on this blog. Speaking of which, if you are hosting or know of glbt events in the Okanagan that you would like mentioned on our blog drop us a message and we'll see what we can do. Also, if you would like to get invovled with our group let us know.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES QUEER SERVICES CONFERENCE 2010
A small group of students are considering attending and would like two or more others to join them to reduce their travelling costs. If interested please send a message to glbt@myokanagan.bc.ca.
CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES QUEER SERVICES CONFERENCE 2010
February 4-7th, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US HERE:
Email: uvicpride@uvss.uvic.caPhone: (250) 472-4393
(250) 884-2864
UVic Pride Collective, Student Union Building
University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3035,
Victoria, B.C. V8W 3P3
or visit http://www.cuqsc.org/
CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES QUEER SERVICES CONFERENCE 2010
February 4-7th, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US HERE:
Email: uvicpride@uvss.uvic.caPhone: (250) 472-4393
(250) 884-2864
UVic Pride Collective, Student Union Building
University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3035,
Victoria, B.C. V8W 3P3
or visit http://www.cuqsc.org/
Friday, January 8, 2010
A proposal
There are two main stances on whether or not homosexuality is a sin. The first is that homosexual is and heterosexuality is not. The second it is a type of sin , and while being heterosexual is not a sin everyone are sinners. I propose a third option, that homosexuality is the exact same sin as everyone else does. LUST. I propose lust because it is the thing that attracts us (regardless of sexual orientation) to one another.
On my left hand, I have the definition of lust being that sexual yearning for anyone. On my right hand I have the definition of lust being only that sexual yearning for another that interferes with what god calls us to do (whatever this may be or regardless of however small the task we think it may be).
If you choose the definition on the left then be aware I’m not talking about just attempting not to be lustful but never have been or ever will be lustful of another. If you choose the left then surely we will fail as there has only been one (Jesus) that was able to do this.
If you choose the definition on the right then we only fail when abandon god. Those that sin are those that permit their lust to interfere with their duties to god. This may seem like a way out, but it’s not. Again, I’m talking any duty regardless of how small it may seem. Surely some of us (if not all of us) at least sometimes will and have failed on these grounds.
If these are the options, then heterosexuals and homosexuals sin the same and together. The purpose of sin is not then to punish us; after all, if that was the case then god would not permit repentance and forgiveness. Instead sin is for us to become aware of whom we are and that we share in sin together. It is so that we can better ourselves. It is for us to recognize that the sin that homosexuals and heterosexuals share is the same. That is, lust.
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I welcome comments especially on this article. This article does not reflect any particular stance of the Okanagan College Pride Group per se. All are welcome to join the group if they attend the college and will not be asked to agree with the contents of the above article.
On my left hand, I have the definition of lust being that sexual yearning for anyone. On my right hand I have the definition of lust being only that sexual yearning for another that interferes with what god calls us to do (whatever this may be or regardless of however small the task we think it may be).
If you choose the definition on the left then be aware I’m not talking about just attempting not to be lustful but never have been or ever will be lustful of another. If you choose the left then surely we will fail as there has only been one (Jesus) that was able to do this.
If you choose the definition on the right then we only fail when abandon god. Those that sin are those that permit their lust to interfere with their duties to god. This may seem like a way out, but it’s not. Again, I’m talking any duty regardless of how small it may seem. Surely some of us (if not all of us) at least sometimes will and have failed on these grounds.
If these are the options, then heterosexuals and homosexuals sin the same and together. The purpose of sin is not then to punish us; after all, if that was the case then god would not permit repentance and forgiveness. Instead sin is for us to become aware of whom we are and that we share in sin together. It is so that we can better ourselves. It is for us to recognize that the sin that homosexuals and heterosexuals share is the same. That is, lust.
_____
I welcome comments especially on this article. This article does not reflect any particular stance of the Okanagan College Pride Group per se. All are welcome to join the group if they attend the college and will not be asked to agree with the contents of the above article.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Winter Semester 2010
Welcome back hope everyone enjoyed their new years! Want an event? Know about a glbt event that you would like posted? Want or have information? Feel-free to email us. :)
HISTORY: the Okanagan College Pride Group started Feb. '09.
VISION: To create and maintain an on campus community for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) persons at Okanagan College, while at first originating at the Penticton Campus (Winter 2009) and then eventually going college-wide.
MISSION: To organize and promote events that would be of primarily interest to and for GLBT persons (but not to the exclusion of the involvement of non-GLBT persons) at Okanagan College. These events may include awareness of GLBT issues (i.e., anti-homophobia, etc.), but most will be of a social nature (i.e., movies, dinners, etc.).
VISION & MISSION: It is the through the combination of the Vision and Mission statements that GLBT persons can be assisted in transitioning to campus life at Okanagan College.
HISTORY: the Okanagan College Pride Group started Feb. '09.
VISION: To create and maintain an on campus community for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) persons at Okanagan College, while at first originating at the Penticton Campus (Winter 2009) and then eventually going college-wide.
MISSION: To organize and promote events that would be of primarily interest to and for GLBT persons (but not to the exclusion of the involvement of non-GLBT persons) at Okanagan College. These events may include awareness of GLBT issues (i.e., anti-homophobia, etc.), but most will be of a social nature (i.e., movies, dinners, etc.).
VISION & MISSION: It is the through the combination of the Vision and Mission statements that GLBT persons can be assisted in transitioning to campus life at Okanagan College.