Did you survive the Olympic weekend? Barely? Tell me about it. The hockey loss, Atlantic Canada House, Swiss House, Mark Tewksbury, Granville Street, LiveCity Yaletown, Granville Island, Place de la Francophonie, the Air Canada stage, Pride House, the BC-Canada Pavilion, You Gotta Be OUT Here gala...

I'm glad I mentioned that. Some of the Gay Top Model contestants were in attendence at said gala, which was a Province of BC-sponsored event showcasing the best of Vancouver's LGBT arts and entertainment community:

In other news, the Health Initiative for Men has launched a new Public Displays of Gay poster campaign and timed it with the Olympics to ensure that gay people visiting the city feel welcome, while also promoting Canada's inclusive, diverse society to visitors from places where gay love may not even be legal.

To quote him: "The campaign, which includes gay couples embracing on different corners in the city, was put together with a very small budget.  The models and photographer donated their time and Priape, a gay and bisexual men’s lifestyle store, helped sponsor the campaign. A team of volunteers will distribute the posters to shops, businesses and poster boards along pedestrian-filled streets over the next three weeks."    

Be on the look out for the following:

Oh I am not joking. I ASSure you, I would NEVAH!

Did you know that the Health Initiative for Men has a listserve you can join at office@contacthim.ca? Imagine. They will send you notifications on breaking gay health news, including the following class tomorrow night. I love that Nurse Paul, and I will be going with a couple friends of mine. What you don`t know about your ass could probably kill you (or others). I`ll give you a report on what we learn later this week.

Everybody has one. Many of us have spent countless hours exploring the pleasure the ass can offer, but we don't often talk about what it takes to keep it healthy and happy. Join Nurse Paul and other gay men for an intro to the anatomy of this much-loved treasure and to the countless ways to enjoy your own and others'. This workshop will also address myths, doubts and health questions you may have but have never had the opportunity to frankly explore.

Frooty Booty is a one-off, fun workshop presented by Health Initiative for Men on February 2nd, 7–9pm at HIM offices (310-1033 Davie Street)

To register or for more information
contact register@contacthim.ca or call 604 488 1001

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In other news, it is Doppelganger Week on Facebook. Find your closest celebrity, professional athlete or d-lister and go crazy! My sister Lindsay picked for me and guess who she chose...ruh row!

God bless my hair straightener! BLESS!

Been spending a lot of time with the Health Initiative for Men here in Vancouver. Working out a campaign. And here's something I was sent as an example of condom campaigns overseas:

About six months ago Mr. Gay Canada Darren Bruce asked me if I would like to get involved was a volunteer with the Health Initiative for Men here in Vancouver. I said yes at the time, but they have waited until my tawdry background in that cheapest and sluttiest of professions (technical and strategic writing and communications) would come in handy..or condomy...to one of the organizations campaigns. Well, such a campaign is underway and I went to my first meeting yesterday to run some creatives by a committee of volunteers (yes, boys and girls and others, if you aren't volunteering for your community already, you really should be).

Two of the committee members shared some YouTube video links that I want to post here. Condom use is a serious issue, not only here in Vancouver but pretty much everywhere. The following ad made condoms feel sexy to me and I wanted to post it here because it reinforces me to think about condoms positively. Leave it to the French to prophylactics seem hot and romantic at the same time:

On the other side of the fence, here is a commercial about Vinta crackers:

What does this have to do with HIM? Guess you're gonna have to wait and see.

In other news, do you know any hot queers with substance in San Fran? Do me a favour and send them this notice. Tell them to get in touch with me.

Guess who I met last night on Davie Street?

=

Looking for something to do tonight?

Odyssey It's celebrity shower power. And I may be taking it all off for Health Initiative For Men (HIM), along with a variety of other celebrities who are supporting a number of local charities. Come down and show us some love. I'd suggest getting there around 10:30 pm to avoid the line.

Homorazzi Here's a surpring venue: the Loden Hotel is partnering with everyone's favourite Vancouver celeb site. First fifty through the door get a free drink. Free cover. 4pm-10pm.