FIVE INDUCTEES WILL BE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LGBT
COMMUNITY ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECRIMINALIZATION OF HOMOSEXUALITY
On September 19th, 2009, Vancouver will host the inaugural
Q Ball, a red carpet fundraising gala and ceremony honouring the first
members of the newly-established Canadian Q Hall of Fame. The first five
inductees will be recognized for their significant contributions to the
struggle for human rights and full equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgendered (LGBT) Canadians.
Housed at QMUNITY - BC's Queer Resource Centre, The Q Hall of Fame will be a
national showcase that honours the diverse history of Canada's LGBT
community. The inaugural inductees are:
- Rt. Hon. Pierre Elliot Trudeau - a key figure in the movement to
decriminalize homosexuality in Canada as captured most poignantly by his
statement "there's no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation."
- Mark Tewksbury - Olympic Gold Medal athlete and world record holder
who established the World OUT Games and continues to be a driving force for
equality in the sporting world and beyond.
- ted northe tm - Founder of the Canadian Court System, the Dogwood
Monarchy Society, and a pioneer in the queer community for over 50 years.
- Janine Fuller - Author and bookseller who for the past 30 years
has been an activist for freedom of speech and equality for all Canadians.
- Robert Kaiser (Joan-E) - A long-time volunteer and philanthropist
dedicated to people living with HIV and AIDS and recepient of the Queen
Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal - the first drag queen to receive this
recognition.
"Not only is this Hall of Fame about honouring our pioneers, but it is
also about documenting and remembering the accomplishments and lives of
these amazing members of our community," commented Paul Therien, Chairperson
for Q Ball and the Q Hall of Fame. "They are role models for not just
members of the LGBT community, but for all Canadians. The Q Hall of Fame
inductees are a true source of pride, admiration, and dignity for us all. It
is through the vision and accomplishments of such pioneers that future
generations may better understand and embrace our community and culture."
Over the years, inductees have become persons of great achievement in
the LGBT community making significant efforts to ensure our collective
freedoms. Their extensive work with human rights and charitable
organizations has garnered widespread public support of fellow citizens, and
tremendous admiration by their peers.
Q Ball will be held Saturday, September 19th from 7:30pm to 1:00am at
the Westin Bayshore Resort and Marina in Vancouver. Tickets are $150.
For more info and tickets, visit www.qhalloffame.ca
This fundraising event is open to everyone and is presented by the CIBC
Pride Network and QMUNITY.
ABOUT THE Q HALL OF FAME:
The QHall of Fame is a national resource headquartered in Vancouver to house
and commemorate the diverse history of the LGBT community. Not only is the
Hall of Fame about honouring those that have pioneered the rights of the
LGBT community, but it is about documenting and remembering the
accomplishments and lives of these amazing people. Inductees are selected by
an independent committee from nominations received from people across the
country.
www.qhalloffame.ca
ABOUT Q BALL:
Q BALL is the inaugural annual fundraising event and Q Hall of Fame
induction ceremony to benefit QMUNITY, a community centre serving and
supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered (LGBT) people and their
allies. This red carpet gala celebrates the 40 year historical milestone of
the decriminalization of homosexuality and recognizes members of the LGBT
community for their outstanding contributions to our society. For tickets
and additional information go to:
www.QMUNITY.ca/adults/events/events-q-ball/[1]