Published 2016-06-09

By Dan MacKay

The 2016 OUTeast Film Festival presented by RBC is proud to bring MAJOR! to Halifax. “I can’t wait to watch this film with our audience,” said Jenna Dufton, OUTeast Festival Director of Programming. “Trans women of colour are typically so under/misrepresented. We are extremely lucky to have Miss Major as an elder and driving force for the greater queer community. I’m proud OUTeast can shine a spotlight on a true hero of queer history and play a part in sharing her story more widely.”

At 5:30 PM on Thursday, May 19th, at The Company House on Gottingen Street in Halifax, OUTeast will host a toast to the 2016 program of films and special events we're bringing to Halifax from June 16-19, 2016. The Program Launch is a free, all-ages event - those under 19 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Company House is wheelchair accessible and has several gender neutral washrooms.

"I know it's short notice and that most people will be at work. if you can be there, that'd be great! If you can't, well, maybe take a moment between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. and remember the kindness of Raymond. Those of us who can be there will bear witness for you." - Hugo Dann

{Speaking for the Crown} Mr. Heerema goes through the chronolgy of events. He tells us that Raymond and Mr. Denny had never met before that night. He relates that Raymond intervened to protect his friend who was being threatened by Mr. Denny, and how Mr. Denny then turned on him. He describes in grim detail the blows delivered to Raymond and the injuries he sustained. Calling the crime a "vicious, gratuitous beating that was senseless and unprovoked,” with rhetorical flourish he says, “Mr. Taavel was in the path of a storm that night.”

Trigger Warning: We have paraphrased some of the details out of respect for our readers and the right to privacy of some of those involved, including Raymond.  Any redactions, paraphrases, or comments are indicated by square brackets [  ]. Please note that even with these redactions and paraphrases, this document may be upsetting. While the basic facts are widely known, the devil is in the detail.   

"The picture the mind's eye creates when combining the titles of "Reverend" and "Bereavement Coordinater" is unlikely to match the lively and entertaining Roy Ellis. A self-described "motorcyclist, writer, and spiritual counsellor", he cuts a roguish, swashbuckling  figure. Yet he is acutely acutely aware of the fragility of life. “I work in bereavement. Every day I see people die.' ”

When: Sunday March 13, 2:00 PM. Where: 2615 Northwood Terrace, Halifax, and take an elevator up to P, the, the Penthouse (with one of the best views in the city).

"The Crown introduces the first video, a security tape from Menz Bar. ...  it’s clear that we’ll be shown the closing (carefree?) moments of Raymond’s life.Defence Attorney David Mahoney stands and in a quiet voice identifies the people in the bar, the bartender, Raymond —“in a white shirt” ... His white shirt flickers like a candle. ... Then suddenly that flickering white shirt is moving; up onto the dance floor with ... There is no questioning the identity of that gangling, long armed dancer. It’s Raymond, as so many of us have so often seen him, exuberant, joyful, dancing. It takes my breath away."

January 29, 2016

By Dan MacKay

Dave Landry started with the far edge of thirteen years of history.

Last week the newly elected NSRAP Board held the first meeting of 2015-16 and elected a new Executive.  The 2015-2016 Executive is:

• Chair: Rebecca Rose 
• Vice Chair: Emily Davidson
• Treasurer: Frankie Bezanson
• Secretary: Owen Johnstone
• Member at Large: Susanne Litke
• Past Chair: Adam Myatt

NSRAP Board Members at Large (elected at the May Annual General Meeting):