This is kind of a nothing post, but thought it would be perfect today for our Behind The Cast section. Both Patrick and I are MIA this Sunday due to previous engagements. Patrick is on the island with Tyrell for a wedding, while Brian, myself and a few others are in Portland celebrating pride. Not only is Portland Pride usually the official kick off for Pride season for me, but it’s also my favorite Pride of the year. I started going to Portland’s annual festivities three years ago and look forward to it every year.

Why is it my favorite? Simple. It’s big enough that people do something, but small enough that everyone does the same thing. There’s never any decisions to be made on which party to attend with what group of friends. Everybody does the same thing. Also, it’s a little sentimental for me as well, since I made some really great friends here on my first visit- Alex being one of them.

Normally, I do the trinity of the Pacific Northwest Prides, but ever since PDX pushed their pride festival a week ahead, only a mere four days separates it from Seattle Pride. That’s way too much gayness to handle in a short timeframe. Too boot, PDX now falls on Father’s Day which sucks. Hopefully, the Portland organizers push it back to its original date, because I would hate to miss out on future years. I can only miss so many Father’s Days before I begin to feel guilty.

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Last year, with the help of my sister-in-law Dawn, I wrote an article to increase awareness about Autism. My niece Brooke has autism, and it’s something that has changed Steve and Dawn’s lives forever. Going to many different doctors, it took my brother Steve and his wife Dawn a long time to receive a diagnosis on why Brooke was different. When they finally did learn that she had autism, it was an uphill battle learning about her needs, and dealing with people (both strangers as well as family and friends) who didn’t understand the disorder. They also realized how hard it was to find support for the people who have it and their families. Now they are very involved in an organization called Autism Speaks.

Steve and Dawn have become very active in the fight against autism and they really inspire me. They’ve sacrificed so much for their family and especially for Brooke, and they are so passionate to in helping to make sure that there will be support for other families like theres, for children with autism when they become adults, and for further research into the disorder. One in 150 people are diagnosed with autism.

Every year there is a fundraiser that takes place called “Walk Now For Autism Speaks” and this year, even though I am unable to walk with them in Edmonton when it takes place, I want to be on their team and help support them as if was going to be there. If you can help me do that, I would be very grateful, as would Brooke and the family. CLICK HERE to donate to “Brooke’s Champions”. You’ll see a photo of her and I there from a few years back.

See Brooke and the family in a video below from previous year’s fundraisers…

The first time I ever attended a pride festival was in my hometown of Winnipeg. After I moved to Vancouver last year, I wasn’t able to participate. This year, I was able to come home and bring Patrick with me to experience how a small city can throw a big party. I was also fortunate enough to be able to perform on this year’s festival stage, sharing it with artists like Sons of York and main headliner, Martha Wash. Such a rush and a great experience.

Winnipeg Pride is one of THE parties on the prairies over the summer. The weekend kicks off on Friday night when the local gay bars fill up with locals and travelers to the city alike. However, the real party begins on Sunday morning with a rally at the Manitoba Legislature followed by the pride parade which leads up to the festival at The Forks.

Once there, festival goers can enjoy entertainment on the mainstage, food and beverages from local vendors, spend a little time in the beer tent or check out some gear from some of Winnipeg’s local retailers. The day couldn’t have been more perfect with the clouds parting just before the parade got going, warming up to a nice temperature for the outdoor festival. Later that night, everyone headed to “The Beach” dance party with two rooms fully equipped with DJs to keep the party going well into the wee hours of the morning.

If you’re looking for a more laid back Pride experience, Winnipeg Pride has what you’re looking for. You never feel bombarded by people and let’s be honest, the people of Manitoba are just so darn nice! I would definitely recommend you check it out at least once in your lifetime.

Watch the VIDEO MONTAGE after the jump…

Even though we’ve had possibly the worst Spring ever, I think it’s safe to say that I’m loving Toronto. I’ve had the chance to venture out into different areas and the city has so much to offer. Little pockets of interesting neighborhoods, art galleries, shopping & restaurants. One month down and it’s looking good so far.

I’m also enjoying the anonymity of being new to the city. I haven’t had the chance to go out to the clubs & bars yet but I’m not in a rush to since I live here now, there will be plenty of chances to venture out into the nightlife.

This weekend, I went out and bought a few pieces of furniture to fill my semi-empty apartment like a tv stand and a dining table. Now my place feels complete and so comfortable and homey! Having lived in a small studio/bachelor apartment in Vancouver for over 6 years, I did miss certain little things like having a separate bedroom, having a real bed (I had a murphy/wall bed in my studio) & having a real dining table instead of a bar height counter to eat on.

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Last week, two of my best friends from Winnipeg surprised me with a little visit to Vancouver. I was so thrilled to see them, spend time with them and of course, share the beauty of the beautiful city I am now calling home. It was great to show them around to all the sights and sounds of the Yaletown, Gastown, Stanley Park and Granville Island. My favorite day came when we discovered a new sandwich shop after an afternoon screening of Thor.

The place is called Hubbub and honestly, it was the best sandwich I have ever tasted. I can truly say that these boys have perfected the sandwich experience and as they put it, it’s taking your mouth on a vacation and I couldn’t agree more. So what’s the story behind this new sandwich shop?

Long ago, we were two guys knee-deep in plans to create a sports bar. On its menu was a sandwich so unforgettable, we ditched the sports bar concept and created this wee shop to serve this life-changing sandwich to others.

Check out what makes these sandwiches so special here.

Day 21 of the next chapter of my life and everything seems to be going well. I’m finally settled in my new apartment and am now familiar with most of the streets in my neighborhood. I couldn’t have picked a better area to be in for the first year since it’s close to everything like grocery stores, shopping on Bloor St., restaurants on Yonge St., etc. I’m also only 20-25 minutes walking distance from work.

I survived the first week of work but the first few days was challenging. It’s gonna take me a good few weeks to really get settled in at work but I’m looking forward to it. So much to learn about managing projects from start to finish. Dani has been enjoying coming to work with me and everyone loves him. He’s adjusted very well to his new home and I’m glad I have him to keep my company.

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What happens in Vegas, doesn’t stay in Vegas because we’re going to share every amazing second we spent in Sin City. Now that I’ve finally settled in after being away for a month and enduring family Easter duties, I’m ready to recap all my adventures from coast to coast. First up, Las Vegas. Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Los Angeles to follow.

Tommy and I made a deal that if either one of us had won OUTtv’s Las Vegas/Lady Gaga contest, we would take the other to Las Vegas. I got an early 6am phone call letting me I had won. HELL YEAH. I was excited and stressed at the same time. I was already leaving soon for a three week trip, and now I had to get ready for another one. To boot, we would have to leave in just a week. Sufficed to say, I had a lot of things to get in order before going away for four weeks. Technically after Vegas I had 36 hours back at home, but in the grand scheme of things that’s not a lot of time. Especially when you factor packing and ensuring the site would run smoothly during my absence. But since it was an all-expense-paid trip, I can’t complain too much, right? Now that you have the back story, here’s how our trip went down.

Let me just preface this by saying Tommy and I have never spent more than five hours together let alone five days. To say there was apprehension on both parts would be an understatement. Our respective friends both had side bets on how long it would take before we started to annoy each other and start fighting- we both have strong personalities and opinions. In addition, we don’t spend a lot of time one-on-one so this could go either way. In the end, we had a fantastic time and drama-free. And dare I say it, we even talked about going on another trip together. Yeah, who knew??? Tommy and I are perfect traveling buds. HAHA.

check out a few pics from our trip after the jump

Happy Monday, Homorazzi.com readers. We’re totally legit now folks. We have our very first ever intern. What, what!!! That’s right, we actually lured and suckered someone to write for us. LOL. I kid. We’re very honored for him reaching out to us, so he can fulfill required internship credits. Please give our newest writer, hailing all the way from Michigan, a big HELLO to our site.

Kyle will be joining us for the next few weeks sharing his thoughts and giving his spin on things as he receives credit for his journalism degree. Before he writes his first post on the site, I thought I get Kyle to fill out the questionnaire all of us took when the site launched. Get to know Kyle aka “The Intern One” and leave a comment for him.

What is your Horoscope Sign?
I’m a Cancer AKA I’m an emotional being.

What is your Dream Job?
I would love to be a successful entertainment journalist. If I could have Ryan Seacrest’s career I would be a happy guy. He does it all and looks good doing it.

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