Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jun 28/00) - There are places where wearing a T-shirt that says 'I can't even see straight' might be seen as dangerous. But not Yellowknife.

"I think Yellowknife is a very diverse and accepting city," said Andrea Markowksi, president of Out North. Out North is a Yellowknife gay, lesbian, transsexual and transgender advocacy group.

But she added, "there are instances where people have been gay bashed."

Markowski was among a group representing the city's gay and lesbian community, that served cake out in front of the Post Office on Friday. The group was marking Gay Pride Day, a day which was born out of the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969.

"In 1969, being out was very brave, it was a radical thing to do, even dangerous," Markowski said.

It was Out North's fourth year serving cake on Gay Pride Day. Saturday, the organization held its annual dance and silent auction.

June 23 is a day when "our community can be publicly proud," Markowski said.

She also said there is still much to be done: "High school can be a hard place to be gay."

There are anti-homophobic materials for teachers to include in the classroom. But often, says Markowski, this component is left out of the curriculum.

Among students to attend the celebration was Talina Boon: "I'm so glad the community came out and supported us all."

Boon believes the environment of acceptance brings an increased level of confidence in being openly gay.

Heather Jackson, another teenager at the gathering, said: "This is cool. I wouldn't be able to picture this back home (in New Brunswick)."

Nadine Scott, who served cake with Tammy Wotherspoon, said: "I think it's a wonderful celebration of our community. It's a pleasure to meet people. People are welcoming and interested in our day."

Scott also said she has been met with acceptance ever since she arrived here 10 years ago.

"I love Yellowknife for that reason."