Will be there ... with bells on.... no that is so not me

hmmm,

interesting geography.  Nothing in Northern Ontario, nothing in New Brunswick, nothing in ALberta

I know we can't be everywhere, but it is worth wondering about how places are chosen.

GordW,

Would I have loved something farther north in Ontario? Yes.

How many stops can they make and get input and get it in a form to be presented back to GC?

I can also attest to the fact that many small town gays and lesbians flock to major cities-even more so, for those who id as trans.

I cannot picture a youth around here saying "folks I need a ride to a gay thing" or "I have a gay thing".  If they will not be coming to a local event, why have one? If they are active in the church or the GLBTQQ community, they will find a way.

It is a long way for me. It involves a hotel stay as I cannot drive all that way and be awake for input at 10 am. It is a financial hurdle.... and yet you could not stop me.

I cannot however comment or offer any reason on why there are no dates in NB or Alberta.  

They've included Canada's one and only world-class city. Surely that's the most important thing.

Your rigth Vancouver and Montreal are on the list!

Now you've done it -- I'm imagining you

trying to titter around with flowers and bells and then laughing.

You're right - I also saw Vancouver on the list.

Regional – hmm…three in Southern Ontario – that would be one region – not three – for us in Northern Ontario any of these places is a good 6 to 9 hours away (Sault Ste. Marie)  Winnipeg for folks around Thunder Bay is a good 8 hours as well…driving that is.

I think it is a great first step.  You need some smaller cities involved – and or pay for folks to get to the larger centers.  Large urban centers already have communities and safe spaces for the “community”.  Smaller cities and towns do not.  Totally different culture (or lack of).    I realize that the “numbers” of people being able to attend in urban centers will be greater but don’t forget us little guys who live in the sticks.  LOL

One significant group you are going to miss is "youth" in rural areas.....

I'd be surprised to see much more than 12 show up in Ottawa. It's being held at my church and most of the members at my church will not encounter much of homophobia. One of the things I like about these gatherings is that it gives one a better perspective on the issue when one is able to network, and see what is happening with others.

It's too bad they are not doing an online version for both those in smaller areas, the closeted, and as a forum where larger numbers could network.

Do people think an online meeting using various tools, such as Skype, would help.

I see access as a bit of a problem. I KNOW Alberta has many AFFIRMING congregations-but they still have stories to tell.

I know Vancouver Island has no affirming congregations.

Yet neither get a consultation.

As a National Church I think we could do better!

So, I guess what this whole shebang will be aboot will be to teach the GLBT-virgins ('straights', those with no GLBT experience or real exposure) the proper social games?  That we don't bite, unless asked first? :3

The first consultation was held in Edmonton on Aug. 7. And I'm not sure, but there may be additional dates and locations announced.

Thanks Aaron!

I am from Northern Ontario......

Just wondering ........ is there a way to do a skype link or some sort of live internet link into one of these events or perhaps as a separate event so that those of us in the smaller more distant areas have an opportunity to participate?

This may also be a way of helping those that are shy about open and direct public exposure to be able to share our fears and struggles.

I do hope this idea is helpful and thank you for considering it.

Hugs

Rita

Not to worry - we're doing our best to hear everyone's voices!

Aaron will be updating the original list of where and when events are being held.

An online consultation is in the works already - we just haven't worked out all the details yet. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Members of the planning team for the consultations are doing their best, within a limited budget, to provide as many opportunities as possible for folks to "let their voice be heard!'

In addition to the online consultation, we'll be coming out soon with an online survey - so folks can anonymously submit their stories, thoughts, concerns, etc. And we'll post information on that here as well.

Jordan Sullivan, Program Assistant for GLBTT Consultation Planning Team

It would also be a good idea for the committee to send out a press release to both the gay press, and the regular press. Due to homophobia, abilism, and other factors, most LGBT people who grew up up in the church are not welcomed in their local church, so unless they have the means and ability to travel across town, or to different towns, they are not actually attending church and will not hear about this.   It would be good to hear from these people as well.

Hi Folks,

I've updated the opening post with new information from the GLBTT Consultation Planning Team.

Thanks,

Aaron

Actually - as of September 25th, Vancouver Island will have an affirming congregation (mine!) and I know that there are at least two more going through the affirming process.

Of course, I would love to see one of those consultations come to my area but I realize we are a small area population-wise. I know of people from this area who are planning on going to the one in Vancouver.

RE: Alex's comment: "It would also be a good idea for the committee to send out a press release to both the gay press, and the regular press...."

The planning committee talked about this early on, but I think we lost sight of it as things progressed. I will share your comment with them via email. Thank you!

Uniting Communities and Aaron .... thank you both!

I will make sure I participate in the online consultations and I will do my best to encourage others to do so as well.

I really appreciate all the efforts of the UCCan to reach out to us and to make us feel welcomed, included, and loved.

Hugs

Rita

I agree that it is FUN to be able to go to these PC and like-minded events in the big tomato, but where it is really needed is in cities like Kelowna, Prince George, Cranbrook, Swift Current, Melfort, North Bay, Hamilton, Kenora, Thompson, Brandon, Kingston , Calgary, Victoria, St. Johns, Charlottetown . . . sorry I don't know the most reactionary cities in Quebec.

UCC gets a zero for creativity and  for not researching a more western UC attitude of gritting the teeth and getting the work done in crappy places. 

jlin,

well, in rural areas, isn't there enough stemming the rose among the animals that people are pretty much used to it, and it is the WASP middle-upper classes with all their fear & anxiety that need the Grey Poupon of sexual tolerance taught?

Maybe the thinking is that teach the Ruling Classes of Canada first...then everything else will follow?

For those that are going to the Vancouver event, here is an interactive map of the area.  If anyone needs a place to crash, I have a hide-a-bed; contact me if interested.

I might just go to the event -- it'll be fascinating to see the various Identity & Queer theories espoused :3

InannaWhimsey

The Middle Class in Canada are the rural communities, thus, their reactionary attitudes. 

Canada has had access to an excellent public education system over the last 50 years.  Until recently, one could find the M.Eds in the smaller towns and the B.Eds who just barely passed in the cities - due to salary expectations in the cities.  The rural town folk were always willing to pay for more in the school boards and were topped up by somewhat agrarian sensitive governments where agriculture was a majority of the population.  That has changed, but the education hasn't.   What has happened is that the cities are opting for a private education system

which in this country is fuelled by Christian schools which can take public funds and top over into private funds, so that they get the best of best worlds.  It is utterly eroding the public system. 

Still, agrarian Canada still has a tendency to be the petit bourgeois and as such can easily take on the romanticism of reactionary and literalist life-styles which include not only indoctrinated anti-feminism, anti-socialism, but massive homophobia.  Gays and Lesbians from these places of darkness have huge difficulty making it to a city without without huge scars.  Many will marry the opposite gender and carry on in pain.

jlin,

our country is too big :3

So where are the Lower Class in Canada?

forgive me, I keep thinking you are in the states

In my experience, lower-class Canada is the inner city which is a lot of things but always surrounded by huge possibilities of movement and escape for gltb.

Is this your experience?   I am very interested and would like to know how it is that you think that rural Canada is not middle class. 

My small town has plenty of low income folks - but I wouldn't advise anyone to call them lower-class!   Deciding to label people by something as vague as 'class' seems very old fashioned and divisive to me.

I often wonder why church related events always seem to be held in cities.  It seems to me that smaller communities would be excellent places to have them - everyone for miles around would know about the conference (or whatever) as the surrounding communities and the nearest city would send car, van or even bus loads of participants.  It seems unjust (to me) to always place the burden of travel and accomodation on those who live in more rural areas.

kay

Calling a thing a class is a good idea when it has become one.  "Class" may seem old fashioned only if you believe that since western education sees them as lacking in justice, they have disappeared.

In fact, one of the reasons that the NDP has made significant gains in BC is that people can no longer blind themselves to the distinct class system in this province.

If we had lost class in Canada, we would not have the present state of eastern-led literature and history which now overwhelms our bookshelves.

Could it be we are using different understandings of the word 'class'.  To me it is tied in with very good manners, good quality clothing (even if it is threadbare) , appreciation for art/music/literature/food that is nicely prepared and served etc.  'Class' may or may not mean someone has a more than adequate income.

My small town has plenty of low income people - many of whom have high class behavior.  It also contains very rich people with no manners at all - low class conspicuous spenders. 

*chuckle*  I wasn't challenging you, I was merely asking so that you would write more and I could further enjoy reading your point of view.

Kaythecurler

I do understand what you are talking about, but doubt that the rich see the well-mannered poor as anything but fantasy-laden and pathetic.   Meanwhile as the rich  are about to chop down another forest to build another bridge through the watershed to make sure their second interest is covered, they are enclosing themselves in the clothing of "perfection".  Whatever the rich do is good.  Therefore, if the rich drive drunk, kill prostitutes accidentally, and discriminate in terms of who should and should not be employed, they are perceived as not only correct but aptly tempered and mannered.

Exceedingly bad manners such as all of that to anyone who doesn't exploit people and position as a matter of survival and course doesn't do a thing to disturb the rich and or powerful's sense of class.  Meanwhile the working poor and middle class have very little chance to not move into the housing developments, and factory jobs created by the exploitive rich.

This is undoubtedly the class system.  Like left and right politics it has never died, only a right wing politician has cleverly designed her use of political language to confuse you.

Let Your Voice Be Heard ONLINE!

If you are unable to attend one of the regional gatherings, you are welcome to express your thoughts and hopes for the future, by joining an Online Consultation, or completing the online Survey (see below for details).

Online Consultations:  Register today for one of the following 2-hour consultations:

• October 13      11:00 am EST (Toronto time)
• October 17      9:00 pm EST
• October 17      5:00 pm EST
• October 27      5:00 pm EST
• October 27      9:00 pm EST

Select the date you wish to register for, and email that information along with your name and phone number to Jordan Sullivan at jsulliva@united-church.ca. Once registered, you will receive an email containing confirmation of registration, an agenda for the online gathering, as well as a form to be completed prior to the gathering. (confirmations will not be sent before October 5^th)

ONLINE SURVEY: 

If you can't attend either a regional consultation or one of the online consultations, please make your voice be heard by completing the online survey.

Click here to access survey:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S8CV8M7

Survey Closed: Monday, October 31^st

jlin, I'm not sure if you were being sarcastic (after the TO comment) or what your point was. I've been to a number of the places you've listed above and I wouldn't refer to them as 'crappy'.

Just wanted to say, from the POV of an outsider looking in...

Bravo UCC!

Thank you, Witch ... P3