Feldman's Faves: June 17, 2024

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

And Eid Mubarak to those of you who celebrate. 

As many of you know, the original idea for this forum was for people other than me to provide recommendations and reviews but as you also know, things have not gone exactly as planned. But I am happy to keep going. It’s fun for me.

That said, I am delighted that for this week we do have a very special guest reviewer, who is focusing her recommendations and reviews on Pride related matters given that June is Pride Month and as part of that celebration, Goodmans is hosting our first ever Drag Brunch that is taking place on Thursday, which I strongly encourage you to attend.

Before getting to this week’s content and handing the floor over to Lindsay I have a few things to say.

First, for all of you who celebrated Father’s Day I hope it was enjoyable and meaningful for you.  My dad was my hero, my role model and the person you can credit or blame for me being the person I am today.  And I can say that without question, being a Dad (and of course a husband) has been the most rewarding and incredible experience of my life. As my dad always used to say about himself, “I am living a charmed life” and a feel the exact same way. 

Second, I would like to officially welcome Jonathan to our section.  For those of you that don’t know him, Jonathan is one of the all time greats and a huge mentor and role model for me, Neill and many, many Goodmans lawyers. You should all knock on his door and get to know him and benefit from his wisdom. He is here to help on files, complex legal issues and anything else that would be useful.  The one/two punch of Steve and Jonathan makes our legendary section even more legendary now. Call it the Goodmans Dream Team.

And saving the best for last, I wanted to let you know that I will be away next week and so everyone gets a week off from me.  Start the celebrations now.

***

And now, from Lindsay……

This Thursday, we are excited to celebrate Pride at Goodmans with a first for us: a FANTABULOUS Drag Brunch! This event will not only honour our commitment to Pride but also create a fun and inclusive environment for firm members to learn more about the vibrant art of drag. 

But before we transform the South Boardrooms into the ultimate Bay Street Drag Brunch, why not take a moment to brush up on your drag knowledge? YAAAAAS QUEENS!

We’re Here (stream on Crave)

How it Started:

“We're Here” is an HBO series now in its 4th season, that features 3 incredible drag performers who travel across the U.S. to small towns and communities. Their mission is to engage with local residents, share stories, and encourage them to participate in drag shows, promoting acceptance, self-expression, and community building. The series highlights the challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals in less accepting environments while celebrating their resilience and creativity. If you’re thinking “sounds like Queer Eye to me”, sure there are comparisons to be made.  But “We’re Here” dives deeper than any makeover show ever would.

How it’s Going:

What started as a feel-good tour of small towns and queer communities has evolved into a compelling activist documentary. In Spring 2023, the stakes for the LGBTQIA+ community are higher than ever. Hosts Sasha Velour, Jaida Essence Hall, and Whitby, Ontario's own Priyanka are kicking off the season in Tennessee, where a drag ban is about to be implemented. Priyanka poignantly reflects, "I never would have predicted that four seasons later it would be harder to be out and proud." Through tears, laughter, and fabulous performances, the series not only entertains but also educates, emphasizing that while drag is an art form, the battle for acceptance and equality continues.

Episode Must Watch: Season 4, Episode 1: Tennessee – Part 1

VERY DELTA, with Delta Work: (Listen where you get your podcasts)

If a podcast is more your speed, download one from MOM, a podcast network created by World of Wonder, the production company behind "RuPaul's Drag Race." The network features a variety of podcasts hosted by popular drag queens and personalities from the "Drag Race" franchise and beyond. Podcasts cover a range of topics, from recapping episodes of "Drag Race" to discussing drag culture, LGBTIQA+ issues, and personal stories from the hosts. While conservative campaigns against drag story time readings and censorship of Book Fairs are making headlines, stirring fear about a backlash against LGBTIQA+ speech, the podcasting space has emerged as a place for these voices to be heard loud and clear.

"Very Delta" is a hit MOM podcast hosted by Delta Work, an Emmy Award winning drag performer and stylist, known for her memorable appearance on Season 3 of "Drag Race." It has quickly become essential listening for Drag Race enthusiasts and the LGBTQIA+ community alike. Whether she's delving into real-life experiences or addressing the pettiest grievances, you can always count on Delta to be authentically and unapologetically VERY DELTA.

Episode Must Listen:  "Very Delta” - Episode 82 (w/ Scarlett BoBo)*

* Interview begins at 11:00.

Goodmans Pride 2024: FANTABULOUS Drag Brunch!

We can’t wait to invite the world of drag into our incredible firm to set another Goodmans Pride milestone. Looking forward to celebrating with you this Thursday June 20th in the South Boardrooms. Accept the calendar appointment in your email to RSVP if you haven’t already!

(Not that you need any more incentive but just in case, brunch will be served, and lawyers the event will count towards your EDI requirements for the Law Society).

***

As I am sure Lindsay would agree, remember to stay safe, stay healthy and to docket daily.

Jon