Conservative Group Gives $385,000 to Support Gay Marriage Ban

Don't you love to hear that worthy causes, like marriage equality, having such financial support? Too bad it's going to the wrong side! The Coalition for America's Families has received $385, 000 towards its campaign for a ban on gay marriage. Take a look here for more on this horrid story.

Elvira Kurt and Fern Cohen Plan Your Fabulous Gay Wedding!

Elvira Kurt and wedding planning guru Fern Cohen are still on the hunt for more Fabulous Gay Couples! If you are planning on getting married in the Vancouver, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa or Montreal regions, e-mail castingfabwedding@yahoo.ca for more information on how to get on the show!

10% Off of Food From Fabulous Gay Restaurants

The days are getting colder, but our weddings are still hot hot hot! Neal and Brian are getting married on October 28th, will everything be ready in time? Let’s hope so! Please note that casting is still in process and we need more energetic couples getting hitched! Please contact castingfabwedding@yahoo.ca for more details!

Good news for you fine dining lovers: I have assembled a restaurant listing of friends of My Fabulous Gay Wedding giving a special discount if you make reservations to dine before November 12th. Just mention My Fabulous Gay Wedding while making your reservation. Some restrictions may apply. Please print out this e-mail and present it upon arrival. Here is the list, pass this on to friends! Please enjoy!

CAJU
Quality Brazilian inspired food at its best. Caju provides a quaint environment with impeccable taste.
Please visit them at www.caju.ca
If you refer to My Fabulous Gay Wedding upon the reservation by November 12th 2006, a 10% discount will be provided on food.

922 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario.
416.532.2550

PERIDOT
Mediterranean Cuisine in an elegantly renovated gem in the heart of Downtown. Peridot is perfect for a romantic dinner, or a large party!
Peridot will be featured in Brian and Neal’s episode!
Please visit them at www.peridotrestolounge.com
If you refer to My Fabulous Gay Wedding upon the reservation by November 12th 2006, and present this printout, a 10% discount will be provided on food.

81 Bloor Street East
Toronto, Ontario.
416.515.7560

SINTRA
Located in the heart of Little Italy, this elegant Portuguese restaurant is a must to visit.
Please visit them at www.dine.to/sintra
If you refer to My Fabulous Gay Wedding upon the reservation by November 12th 2006, a 10% discount will be provided on food.

588 College Street
Toronto, Ontario.
416.533.1106

VOGLIE
A recent addition to the village, Voglie has already become a favorite hang-out to many in the community. It’s perfect for an elegant dinner or for drinks and dancing upstairs. Voglie will be featured in Fern and Susan’s episode as well as Neal and Brian’s episode
If you refer to My Fabulous Gay Wedding upon the reservation by November 12th 2006, and present this printout, a 10% discount will be provided on food.

582 Church Street
Toronto, Ontario
416.929.9108

Small Step for Same-Sex Marriage in New Jersey

The New Jersey Supreme Court had just announced that legislature must provide equal protection to same-sex couples. And unlike MA, out-of-state residents will still be able to have their union celebrated (only to go back home to challenge it in local courts). It's still not "marriage", that "m" word that politicians are so afraid of, but at least it's a step toward what we've (and by we, I mean those hard-working activists and not lonely bloggers such as myself) have been fighting for. This could not have happened without the persistence of groups such as Lambda Legal, pushing for equality in a very unequal world.

Read more HERE.

Sneak Preview Snapshots of My Fabulous Gay Wedding!

Joa and Denis
Clockwise from top left: Here is a shot of Joa and Denis at Daniel et Daniel tasting the potential cakes for their wedding. Then, Joa and Denis visit Jordan Stuart to pick up their wedding bands. Bottom right is the picture Joa and Denis submitted for their audition! And finally Joa and Denis on their special day, right after getting married. Click on the images to see a larger version!

Fern and Susan
Clockwise from top left: Fern and Susan enjoy a game of croquet with Elvira Kurt! Then, Fern and Suan are surprised by a special gift by their son Ronny. The bottom pictures are both from their outdoor ceremony under the Chuppa. Click on the images for larger version. Congratulations to both of these couples.

More pictures of Joa and Denis' Wedding.

More pictures of Fern and Susan's Wedding.

My Fabulous Gay Wedding / First Comes Love is still casting for season two! Please contact castingfabwedding@yahoo.ca for more info.

Reinas Rule!

Since Spain recently declared same-sex marriage legal, the first mainstream movie to attack the subject proved how gay couples go through the same issues than straight couples (just with nicer shoes). Reinasor "Queens" premiered in gay and lesbian film festivals around the world to critical acclaim. I was lucky enough to attend the screening at Inside Out, the Toronto Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Please take a look at the trailer here. It's amazing to see all of these leading ladies in the same film! It's bound to be known as one of the best queer films ever made! Visit Queens - The Movie.

The Irish Support Gay Marriage

Who isn't a sucker for a handsome Irishman or Irishlady? Recent polls have shown that almost two thirds of the Irish population support same-sex marriage. The highest demographic being young women. The only real problem is that the same poll gave numbers saying that most opposed same-sex couple adoption. Does this seem a little twisted? At least it's a step in the right direction.

My Fabulous Gay Wedding is still casting! Please email castingfabwedding@yahoo.ca for details.

Homophobic Gardeners in Texas?

A Homophobic business in Texas doesn't seem that out of the ordinary, but to make their homophobia stated in writing knowing how easily things leak on the interner? It's totally priceless. I know this has nothing to do with gay weddings, but I wanted to post it anyways. The original link blurb was on Queerty.com. Please read their email back to a potential client:


From: Garden Guy Inc
Date: October 18, 2006 9:08:36 AM CDT
To: [xxxxxx]@houston.rr.com
Subject: Cancel Appt -Garden Guy
Dear Mr. [X],

I am appreciative of your time on the phone today and glad you
contacted us. I need to tell you that we cannot meet with you because we choose not to
work for homosexuals.

Best of luck in finding someone else to fill your landscaping needs.

All my best,

Sabrina

Todd and Sabrina Farber
Owners, Garden Guy, Inc.

visit us at: Garden Guy, Inc

Member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers

Creating beautiful landscaping for Houston homeowners since 1991!

Phone 281-208-4400
Fax 1+801-365-9353
email: sabrina@garden-guy.com
email: todd@garden-guy.com

Doesn't it seem overtly courtious for such an offensive letter? Oh, and feel free to email or fax or call them for your "landscaping needs". Just don't tell them who sent you *wink*.

Steven Harper Loves Gays! Yeah Right...

The Globe and Mail has recently reported that Canadian Conservative Prime Minister Steven Harper is preparing legislation that will allow public officials to refuse to issue marriage licenses or perform civil ceremonies for same-sex couples. Now he's saying that this isn't true. Well, we sure hope so! And on top of that, this supposed legislation would also defend members of the church form hate crimes! Are we really taking two steps back? Religious Institutions are under no obligation to marry same-sex couples, but this is about basic civil rights. It's not likely to happen, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Please read the full story at 365 Gay

Bill Maher on Gay Marriaage

Although his opinions on different matters vary (he's not the most consistent of critics), his views on gay marriage are admirable. Please take a look at what Bill Maher thinks about the gay marriage debate.

Archbishop Terence Finley Suspended for Same-Sex Wedding

Rev. Terence Finlay married Mary Rowe and Sandra Morris in June 2006 in a Toronto United Church. He has now been suspended from performing wedding until further notice. This is the same Archbishop who fired fellow priest Jim Ferry in 1991 for being in a homosexual relationship. He claims that his views on same-sex marriage have developped since this incident. A lot seems to be going on in the Anglican Church, they really need to make up their minds as to which way they swing.

Read the full article on ctv.ca

Human Rights Campaign Wants YOU to Come Out!

Janet Jackson, Bill Clinton, Sharon Stone, Cristopher Meloni, Dorothy Height and many more make very strong statements about equal rights for non-heteros. Come out, come out wherever you are! Public awareness of Coming Out Day is helping let everyone know that so many people are still int he closet, and we need the strength of numbers. Please take a look at this announcement. Booyah!

Gay Marriage Debate on Family Guy

In this episode, Brian's cousin Jasper plans on getting married to his smooth Filipino boyfriend at Lois and Peter's house. Lois goes to her priest to discuss her issues with gay marriage. He decides to show her a film made by God himself. Please enjoy!

My Fabulous Gay Wedding FAQ and Audition Tips

Many of you have been emailing me with some great questions about the show and the casting process. I have put together and FAQ and some tips about auditioning for the show. Enjoy!

Q:Are you still casting for the show?
A: Yes we are. We are looking for energetic, fun, outgoing gay couples getting married in 2006.
Q: Where are you casting?
A:Couples must be getting married in the Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Niagara Falls or Vancouver areas.
Q:I don't live in those areas, but I'm getting married there. Can I apply for the show?
A:Yes you can! You can live anywhere in the United States or Canada as long as the actual wedding is taking place in one of the assigned areas.
Q:Why can't I have my commitment ceremony in my homestate featured on the show?
A:It is very important for us to feature legally valid same-sex marriages. Even if Americans will not have their marriage recognized in their home state, it is still a legally binding ceremony in Canada.
Q:Who is the host of the show?
A: Funny-lady extraordinaire Elvira Kurt is our smashing new host.
Q: What's it in for us?
A: Selected couples get an experience of a lifetime. They also receive a generous additional budget for the wedding, as well as a honeymoon package. The additional budget and the honeymoon package are to be discussed only with selected couples.
Q:How do I apply to the show?
A: You simply email castingfabwedding@yahoo.ca and write a short story of how you two met, include some fun pictures and your contact information.
Q: I've been contacted by the show, they want an interview. What does that entail?
A: Couples that make it past the initial screening process are asked to be interviewed on tape. If you live in the Toronto area, a representative from the show will arrange to meet and videotape an interview for about one hour. If you live outside of the Toronto area, a representative of the show will arrange a date and time to call for a formal interview. The couple must provide a camcorder which uses Minicam tapes to film themselves for the show and mail it in. A phone with speakerphone would also be necessary.
Q: I really want to audition, but I don't want to make a decision about being on the show just yet. Is that okay?
A: Absolutely. There are no contractual obligations by simply auditioning. Only and when the release is signed are you obligated to go ahead with the show.
Q: I've seen last years episodes. Do you still plan the entire wedding for the couple?
A: This season is more documentary style than a make-over show. Couples are mostly planning their own wedding and we are documenting the process. The show does of course help cover costs and upgrades certain purchases to assure you really do have a Fabulous Gay Wedding!

Audition Tape Tips

1.- Relax. Before the audition, have a drink, take a walk, scream, do whatever it takes to feel completely relaxed. Being nervous is completely normal. Network executives understand if you are feeling a little tense, but try to be as relaxed as possible.
2.- If you are filming yourselves from home, please make sure you have a good camcorder, you are using it properly and that the camera is close to the both of you. Having a camera far away with an extreme zoom may look fine, but the audio won't be sufficient and your tape may be rejected.
3.- Be lively! Don't be afraid to tell a joke, or a funny story that happened to you. Network executives want to see very honest and joyful people. If it seems as if you aren't willing to laugh at yourself or connect with our humorous host, your chances of being selected are greatly reduced.
4.- Be yourselves! We aren't looking for perfect people. There is no need to pretend to be Mary Poppins, Donna Reed or a Brady. Act how you normally act around new people. If you are on the show, you will be working with lots of new people. We need to be sure you are the way you portray yourself on video.
5.- Dress for success. Make sure you are dressed in colors contrasting those behind you (walls, couch, etc). Don't wear your pyjamas or houseclothes. Dress exactly how you would dress on shooting days, but don't go overglam either!

California Must Wait Even Longer for Gay Marriage

Apparently, there's something wrong with rewriting "fundamental institutions such as marriage", even when it means making such an institution more inclusive.

"In the latest turn to a long and winding legal fight over same-sex marriage, a California appeals court on Thursday upheld the state’s ban against it.

The 2-to-1 decision, which reversed a lower court’s finding that the ban violated the California Constitution, said the plaintiffs in the case were asking the courts “to recognize a new right,” a step it said only the Legislature or the voters could take".

"The mood among supporters of a right to same-sex marriage, meanwhile, was still optimistic, despite a series of earlier legal setbacks around the nation, including defeats at the high-court level in New York and Washington State and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s veto of a bill, adopted by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, that would have lifted California’s ban".

Read the full article in The New York Times

Elvira Kurt Goes Back to GIRLS SCHOOL!

GIRLS SCHOOL is the hottest touring comedy showcase of Canada’s best and brightest female comics. It’s also the only touring comedy showcase of Canada’s best and brightest female comics. And it’s about freakin’ time!

Why? Research has found that girls in girl’s schools perform better than girls in co-ed schools. And that when girls go to GIRLS SCHOOL, they stop being the audience and become the players.

GIRLS SCHOOL is an all girl comedy movement dedicated to the 3 R’s: Revelry, Revolution and Rentertainment.

GIRLS SCHOOL blasts open its doors with `the over-est achievers from our honour roll. Elvira Kurt will host a line up featuring standup from Laurie Elliott, Katie Crown and Dawn Whitwell, improv from Lisa Brooke & Lisa Merchant, author Diane Flacks, character and video from Kathleen Phillips, Susan Fischer as Evelyn Reese, music from Ali Eisner, the outrageous antics of Leslie and the Ly's, and plenty more!

Now take your hall pass and go directly to: www.myspace.com/girlsschool

Judge Allows Same-Sex Non-Residents to Marry

What you say? It seems as if a lesbian couple from Rhode Island was given permission to marry in Massachusetts by Superior Court Justice Thomas. E. Connolly. Mary Norton and Wendy Becker have been fighting for their right to marry for quite some time now. They have two children together and have yet to chose a wedding date.

Please read on at tvnz.co.nz

Meetgaycouples.com Also Looking for Gay Couples!

Having met many same-sex couples during the process of the show, I've realized that many don't have close friendships with other gay couples. Where are you all? I found out where! meetgaycouples.com is a site where gay couples can find each other for fun or "fun".

Please visit them when you get a chance. Here's a little blurb from the co-founder, Russ:

An online community by gay couples, of gay couples, and for gay couples

We know first hand that it's often difficult for gay couples to meet other gay couples. Personally, we tried various internet groups and websites, but came to realize they're mostly just a marketplace for porn sites, mortgages and erectile dysfunction aids. Our quest to meet or correspond with other committed gay couples led us to create meetgaycouples.com. Our desire to provide an online experience where gay and lesbian couples can connect with one another, and who really are looking to meet, correspond with, seeking travel companions, or simply just expand their social network with other gay and lesbian couples!

We personally review each and every profile, and approve every member; this ensures our community lives up to its mission... as a place by gay couples, of gay couples, and for gay couples. Some members may be looking for friendships only, others may be seeking playmates -- either is okay, we just ask that you respect the intentions of other members.
Please take a look at some profiles and make sure to tell t hem My Fabulous Gay Wedding sent you!