Thanks for everything

Yes, there’s been a lot of doom-and-gloom lately but, after a spree of it on Friday, I promised some happy news and what better day for it than Thanksgiving? Here are some things on my list:

— I’m thankful for the hundreds of people who turned out to march in a Vancouver anti-violence rally in support of Jordan Smith, who was gaybashed last month. It’s horrible to see a hate crime happen in such a gay-friendly city but amazing to see the community step up in response.

— I’m thankful that this is the last day of our annual Canadian federal election campaign. It looks as though Stephen Harper will win but only a minority. Again. I’ve never been so happy to cheer on the status quo — I feel so Canadian!

— I’m thankful for Gavin Crawford and the ’22 Minutes’ gang, keeping us sane these last couple weeks!

— I’m thankful that Britney Spears is finally asking herself the question that’s been on all our minds for years now: “What the hell was I thinking?” I’m not much of a fan (please don’t take away my gay card!) but watching her downward spiral — like that of Amy Winehouse — was just depressing. I’m glad to see Brit back to her skanky self and, better yet, putting the supernaturally good-looking Brandon Staughton in her comeback video:

— I’m thankful that gay couples in Connecticut can now get married. Three states down, 47 to go!

— I’m thankful for you, the kind and curious people who read this blog every day!

— I’m obviously thankful for YouTube and for this cool animated video of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — underneath all the snark and dick jokes, it’s the bedrock for what we do here:

 

— and finally, I’m thankful that this Green-Day-loving US soldier finally came home from Iraq after 14 months and that his grateful family filmed their dogs’ reaction:

Awww, that’s just the loveliest thing ever. Like the song says, I hope your Thanksgiving is terrific (but consider arguing politics with that one right-wing relative for once — you might convince him to give up on Harper)!

A former editor of the late, lamented fab magazine, Scott has been writing for Xtra since 2007 on a variety of topics in news pieces, interviews, blogs, reviews and humour pieces. He lives on the Danforth with his boyfriend of 12 years, a manic Jack Russell Terrier, a well-stocked mini-bar and a shelf of toy Daleks.

Keep Reading

Samantha Josephs in front of the cover of 'Carrying'

Samantha Josephs gets dirty

The author of “Carrying” talks writing erotica, trans pregnancy—and her novel’s upcoming movie adaptation
A cartoon of two people standing close together; one is holding a puppy, the other is holding a book

How a Canadian kids’ book became the centre of a U.S. Supreme Court case

“Pride Puppy” was written to highlight the joy of Pride. It became a political flashpoint
A cartoon of people raising their fists with police officers facing them. There are flowers in the background

Queer censorship isn’t new in Canada, but we’ve won the fight before

Key figures from censorship fights in the 20th century reflect on what we can learn from them today
A cartoon of a nondescript personified animal riding a horse

Trans Albertans are strong. We aren’t going anywhere

Trans Albertans reflect on what makes their home province special, even in the wake of Premier Danielle Smith’s legislative attacks and book restrictions
Advertisement