It was cold and damp and we wished we’d worn winter coats.  But four of us: Sara, Virginia, Jo, and Alma  sang at the Rally at Minto Park Women’s Monument.  We were only asked for two songs and chose: PLANNING/PLANNING, followed by SAFE SEX.
In our brief rehearsal at Jack Purcell Community Centre before “going on” we pondered the thought of using condoms to illustrate our message.   Fortunately one of us had a supply, so as we sang appropriate words to PLANNING, and throughout SAFE SEX  we vigorously waved  our unpackaged condoms to the  hilarious delight of the crowd.  

Our appearance was short, two songs only, but very appreciated and fun to do. The crowd was relatively small, thanks largely to the dreadful weather, but the media was there – probably in part due to the presence of Dr.  Morgentaler who was given an Achievement Award.

Planned Parenthood honours Dr. Morgentaler 

About 100 people turned out to both support and oppose abortion rights in Ottawa Sunday. 
 

Gay Pride Parade in Ottawa

Report by Grannie Jeanette

We, being Alma, Ria, Rosalie and myself, turned out for the Gay Pride Parade on July 13, 2003. It was a good day for a parade; the weather was pleasant, and not too hot. The grannies were about fourth in line with folks from First United and the Unitarian church. We were close behind a double-decker bus that had raucous music playing, such as "YMCA", so we did very little singing, just joined in clapping to the beat of the music and waving to the spectators. The Grannies took turns carrying our decorated grannie umbrella, although Rosalie probably took the longest turn.

The folks from St. John's Church, where we hold our grannie meetings, came out on the street with plates of rice crispie squares and lemonade for the walkers. Saw some of the street party after - enjoyed Ashley MacIsaac playing his fiddle.

Remember when Elsie Wayne wondered why "they" had to parade and "act"the way "they" do. I would respond, why do straight folks celebrate their life with their partner in public?  A letter to the editor in response to Elsie Wayne said "If Rosie Parks had just sat at the back of the bus and not complained,  the colored people would not have boycotted the buses for one year, and integration may not have come into law".

We are often not at ease with the unknown and I am not comfortable with those Gay Pride parade participants who expose themselves excessively. However, I am pleased to walk with gays and straights on Pride day. Two candidates from the NDP and their supporters were in the parade. The First Nations people, the Buddhist community, and the Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus were in the parade, all appearing very respectable.  When a face is attached to an issue, people can be reasonable, rational and even compassionate.

With Love and compassion...Grannie Jeanette

First Nations March on Ottawa

Report by Grannie Alma

On Monday April 28, 2003, 1500 First Nations members from across Canada marched from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill to protest several bills they feel are detrimental - for example, the Bill to replace the Indian Act with a Bill which would give the Federal government much greater control and direction of First Nations. Minister Nault had repeatedly refused to discuss with the leaders their objections to this Bill.

The march was large, colourful, and very effective, with a number of cars honking support. It was also very well organized, and I remember with gratitude the speaker (whose name I unfortunately forget) who generously stepped aside so that we could sing before he spoke.  There was temendous enthusiasm from the crowd for our songs, and from the numbers of people who came up to us when we were finished to thank us for coming out to support them.  And of course I remember with frustration and bitterness that we were the ONLY non-native group there, and *sigh* that the press completely ignored  the event.