Dear GayCalgary,
As the Executive director of the Miscellaneous Youth Network I was unaware of the true age of Connor Donavan Prau until the September 4th Fake Mustache show. At this point in time, Connor had been performing with us since July. During the July show I had asked him his age directly, as well as the age of all the new performing members. Everyone said they were over eighteen and as per the requirements of the bar, at 9:10pm everyone in the bar was ID’d. I was under the assumption that someone had seen Connor’s ID as there were several members of our organization as well as the bar staff checking on everyone, and some individuals were escorted out, not having valid ID.
It has been the practice of the bar to do this round of IDing since March and I had no reason to believe Connor was lying about his age because of the nature of his independence. He never drank at shows; however, he has tattoos, a high level of independence and shared stories of his life that gave me every reason to believe he was of age, if not at least nineteen or twenty. No other members of the organization were aware of his true age until just prior to the September show, at which point it was revealed that he was a minor. It came to the attention of the Board members and myself during the September show and immediately following it.
His choice to withhold this information is a direct violation of the trust of the Network and while this situation was not addressed as timely as it could have been, it is being addressed now with great sensitivity and transparency.
Connor has been informed that his membership and participation within the Network has been suspended until his eighteenth birthday, at which time he may appeal to the Board. A letter of apology must be submitted stating his intent in withholding this crucial information and that the Network and none of its members were responsible for his choice to do so. He acted of his own accord in an attempt to secure a place within the community. He must take responsibility for his actions and show that he knows, while what he did was done with the best intentions, it was still wrong and could have jeopardized the Network and what it stands for.
To ensure this does not happen again in the future, all performers must provide valid ID to the Executive Director or any participating Board member and sign a membership form upon their first attendance of any event or performance presented by the Network.
This has been the record of events surrounding the situation of a minor participating in the Fake Mustache Drag King shows dated September, 16th 2008.
Kaitlyn S. C. Hatch
Executive Director

Dear Misc Youth Network,
I apologize with the deepest regret and remorse for ill informing the Board of my true age. Acting with such a manner of disrespect and immaturity was unbefitting of a respectful and upstanding organization such as yourselves. My actions, though inexcusable, were not without reason. The need to express myself in a time of stress overpowered my sensibilities. I am truly sorry for the unnecessary risk and stress I put you through.

Sincerely,
Connor Donovan Prau


Dear GayCalgary,
The 2008 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life held on September 21, 2008 at Eau Claire Festival Square was an overwhelming success. More than seven-hundred people ventured out into the cool, wet weather to take part in the 14th annual walk in support of AIDS Calgary raising in excess of $122,000 surpassing our goal of $110,000.
Continuing the great tradition of competition between our provinces’ two major cities, AIDS Calgary competed in the first annual Alberta Throwdown. Calgary and Edmonton stepped up their fundraising efforts in a friendly competition to see which Walk can raise the most money. Funds continue to pour in and champion has yet to be determined.
The 14th Annual AIDS Walk introduced a new national title sponsor, Scotiabank. “The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is an important event for all Canadians,” said Rick Waugh, Scotiabank President and CEO. “AIDS and HIV do not discriminate. Men, women, youth, and children across this country in the communities where we live and work face the realities of this unforgiving disease every day. We are proud to support an event that provides important funding to fight AIDS and raises awareness about prevention of HIV.”
The goal of the AIDS Walk is to raise funds in support of the education, outreach, prevention and support initiatives AIDS Calgary offers the community. Every year an estimated 1000 Calgarians – walkers, volunteers, entertainers, sponsors and staff – unite in an effort to raise funds and increase awareness of HIV/AIDS.
Whether you are walking, volunteering, or making a donation, you can make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Last year, the 2007 AIDS Walk for Life met its goal and raised over $100,000! All proceeds from the Walk go directly to support, prevention and education programs for those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Calgary. For more information visit www.calgaryaidswalk.com
AIDS Calgary Awareness Association