Inspired by Gay Pride events, activists in England began MAD PRIDE about five years ago. And of course these events can be held any time and any place. Also, for 24 years psychiatric survivors have used the French holiday of BASTILLE DAY (this year July 14th is a Monday) as a day to remember people imprisoned physically and mentally. So each year a number of groups hold MAD PRIDE events in July, especially around Bastille Day! BELOW is information about already-planned events organized for Toronto, New York and Oregon. To register your event, large or small, e-mail to these three initial sponsors at: (1) Toronto - <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (2) New York - <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (3) Oregon - <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> BELOW are the initial announcements from these three sites... please copy and forward far and wide! MAD PRIDE! marginalizedanddisadvantagedmarginalizedandD marginalizedanddisadvantagedmarginalizedandD marginalizedanddisadvantagedmarginalizedandD (1) TORONTO MAD PRIDE EVENTS! Friendly News and Sign Up! by "Friendly Spike Theatre Band" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> marginalizedanddisadvantagedmarginalizedandD MAD PRIDE WEEKEND -- TORONTO A get-a-way for the creative aspects of the mind July 11th, 12th,13th, 14th 2003 TORONTO: In July of 2003 The Friendly Spike Theatre Band will host an arts and education festival dedicated to celebrating the strengths and achievements of marginalized and disadvantaged individuals and communities. This event is part of a growing global movement Mad Pride Day International usually celebrated on July 14th, (briefly: Since 1993 The Toronto Psychiatric Survivor Community has presented a designated Pride (and memorial) Day. A few years ago the community aligned it's special day with the International Mad (as in persons deemed mad or insane) Pride July 14th, Bastille Day (associated with the freeing of prisoners from jails and institutions). Mad Pride Weekend will feature theatre, music, educational workshops, and more, more, more. Mad Pride Weekend will take place at Friendly Spike Warehouse Theatre, and at various satellite venues throughout Parkdale.
