(OUTscene NW) Flurries of Fabulousness Blanket Winter Pride!

Photo Credit:  JJ Cariaso Photography

by David Luc Nguyen

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard that super catchy annoying youtube “song” that Ylvis sings, “What does the fox say?”  Last week at Winter Pride I learned what “Gay Bears” say. They say “woof!” Who would have guessed? I grew up thinking they said “roar.”




Photo Credit:  JJ Cariaso Photography

Ok, one more silly for good measure. What does the snow bunny (twink) say?

Urban Dictionary defines the “Snow Bunny” as a guy or girl that goes to the mountains to wear cute ski/snowboard clothes to drink hot chocolate and hit on the hot ski lift boys. Usually not very good at skiing/snowboarding (also see: JJ Cariaso and Gaysha Starr).

So what does the Snow bunny say, “hey gurl.”

Photo Credit:  JJ Cariaso Photography

Whether it was a bear or bunny there was consensus in the Manimal kingdom that Winter Pride was amazing. People from all over the world descended on the former Olympic Alpine site to enjoy the snow, socialize, eat great food and dance the night away to undeniably awesome music!

Winter Pride - often referred to as Whistler Gay and Lesbian ski week - offers an alternative to the usual party, party, party atmosphere Gay men and women have become accustomed to during pride and circuit events. Don't get me wrong, there was a lot of partying, but Whistler offers other events in tandem for the more athletically inclined event goers. There was a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, sure to appease even the most physically active jock or stand and pose Diva.

During the day, we hit the challenging ski runs, shopped in the Olympic Village, socialized at the après-ski (after skiing), and attended various charitable events including attending the Mr. Gay Canada event on Thursday evening. Other enjoyable activities included the dogsled run, zip trek, and snowmobile eco-tours, where we were able to enjoy the mountain's natural beauty.

Photo Credit:  JJ Cariaso Photography

 Evenings were spent catching up with old friends we met during previous Winter Prides, treating our palettes to exquisite food and wine from all over the world, and mingling with new friends over strong cocktails. Late nights offered the usual circuit events such as Furrocious, White Party at Garfunkels, Purrlesque, and the marquee event, Snoball. Thursday night even had a pool party (leave it to Gay men to find any reason to wear a Speedo even in freezing weather). Hundreds of people danced and mingled the night away to great music from featured artists including DJ Ivan Gomez, DJ Phil B, DJ Paulo, DJ Porn Star and DJ Seth Cooper! 

 

Photo Credit:  JJ Cariaso Photography

 

If you know me I can’t talk about snowy white powder without taking a little jab at some of the circuit boys (you know I love you). While some attendees were busy hitting the powdery slopes during the day it was apparent some of the guys were hitting a different kind of white powder during the evening.

Whistler’s Winter Pride has redefined itself as more than just a meat market/party weekend that we often associate with circuit parties. Producers of the event have found a nice balance between good vigorous outdoor excitement and exciting social events that is an enjoyable experience people of all interests. Check out gaywhistler.com for additional recaps and information on next year’s event.

Photo Credit:  JJ Cariaso Photography