Vancouver, BC, September 16, 2008 - Canada needs to do its part as a world leader towards equality of all human nature. The producers of Mr Gay Canada will insure the winner of this competition will become an ambassador to speak on the world stage for respect, equal rights, safe sex, and the global decriminalization of homosexuality.
 
Rama Yade, France's Junior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, announced that her country intends to submit a draft "declaration" calling for the global decriminalization of "homosexuality" at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly this December. She made the statement at the Paris headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, which is hosting the 61st annual conference of non-governmental organizations.
Where does Canada come in place with these world leaders? The Declaration of Montreal on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Human Rights, a document adopted by the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights which formed part of the first World Outgames, was brought forward to an agenda at the House of Commons. What happened to it? As we prepare for a federal election we need to ask our potential leaders what they are doing at home and abroad to insure all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
 
A recent article published in The Province (Vancouver's daily newspaper) has sparked enormous interest by the public from homophobic to supportive individuals. When in a country like Canada that abides to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that include sexuality we continue to fight mediocrity, uneducated and homophobia, one can only imagine the rest of the planet where 70 countries it is illegal to be gay and 7 countries homosexuality is punishable by death.
An individual, by the name of Brian, answered The Province forum with a great statement/response to the many negative comments, and we quote: "I've always had a dream for true equality and I'll continue to live that dream, to share it, explain it, and educate others. I encourage those who feel such hatred and hardness in their hearts to LGBT people to reach out and actually meet one, have a discussion - the likelihood is that we are all around you. We are your brothers and sisters, your parents, your sons and daughters, your teachers, police people and yup - we even have pageants - just like you."
 
Mr Gay Canada team is proud to welcome young men representing various areas of Canada to the Vancouver-Whistler setting of the competition, for the weekend of September 18-21st. For details visit www.mrgaycanada.com
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Please add to your listings of events:
MR GAY CANADA OPENING - Thursday, September 18th at Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie Street, Vancouver), 9pm doors, 10:30 presentation hosted by award-winning performer Berend McKenzie and DJ Zach Shore; $10 cover.  Meet all delegates.
 
MR GAY CANADA FINALE - Saturday, September 20th at Maxx Fish (Whistler Village), 8:30pm doors, 9pm presentation with special guest star judge Charlie David and DJ Foxy Moron; $10 cover. Learn first-hand who is the new Mr. Gay Canada.
 
Proceeds from these events go to our charity Friends for Life. For more information contact one of the Executive Producers for Mr. Gay Canada: