Mad Pride Day, July 14th, an international day recognizing Mad People’s movement has been proclaimed as such, within the city of Toronto.

Help recognize and celebrate psychiatric survivors, consumers and mad folks by getting involved in and supporting Toronto's first ever Mad Pride Bed Push, a parade of sorts.

The idea of a Bed Push is inspired by our British counterparts who staged The Great Escape Bed Push, as a Mad Pride event last year.

Dressed in Pajamas a group of campaigners pushed a psychiatric bed from Millview Psychiatric Hospital in Brighton, 60 miles to the original site of “Bedlam” the Bethlem Asylum in London, all the while being pursued by a giant syringe. The aim of the stunt was to raise awareness about the poor levels of choice of treatments and the widening use of force in the psychiatric system.

Image by Paul Côté

When: July 14, 2007 at 1:00 pm

Where: CAMH, 1001 Queen Street West

Speakers: City Counselor Gord Perks, M.P.P. Cheri DiNovo, & M.P. Peggy Nash

On July 14, 2007, gather at the front doors of CAMH, 1001 Queen Street West at 1pm. Speakers City Counselor Gord Perks, M.P.P. Cheri DiNovo, and M.P. Peggy Nash will greet the day and our community. At 1:30, the incredible PARC Drummers will lead our MAD PRIDE procession, which includes a gurney dressed like a bed, with buzz words representing choices in life; Friends!, Peer Support!, Community!, Jobs!, Housing! Etc, out the front doors of the institution and march to Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre for a celebration.

Call or email us, let us know that you care about Mad Pride by getting involved in it.

Here are some ways of helping:

• Invite MAD Pride organizers to your community meeting to introduce the Mad Pride Bed Push.
• Confirm with us that you and your group will be attending the Mad Pride Bed Push
• Volunteer
• Let us include your group’s name with our on our list of supporting groups: Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre, The Friendly Spike Theatre Band, Sound Times Support Services, Houselink Community Homes, Parkdale Community Legal Services, School of Disability Studies Ryerson University, Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, CAMH Empowerment Council, and A-Way Courier Services.
• Donate either resources or money.

Mad Pride!
Contact: Ruth Ruth
The Friendly Spike Theatre Band
Tel: (416) 516 4740
Email: friendlyspike@primus.ca

Mayor David Miller Proclaims July 14th MAD Pride Day

Earlier this spring, as a result of advocacy by the MAD Pride Committee, July 14, 2007, was officially proclaimed MAD Pride day by Mayor David Miller.

The Proclamation reads:

WHEREAS men and women around the world, from all walks of life and age groups, face difficulties and challenges in their mental health at some time during their lives.

Emotional trauma has profound consequences that4 have an economic impact on society and on the quality of life of individuals and families.

Service organizations and agencies in our community raise public awareness about the discrimination and stigma attached to mental health. Individuals including, artists, contribute to this process through their art, educational endeavors and other supporting actions and efforts.

They fight against discrimination, injustice and for human rights in order to empower and improve the quality of life for psychiatric survivors and others marginalized and disadvantaged by our society.

We must all be committed to the values of acceptance, self-determination, respect of individuality and strongly believe in the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim, July 14, 2007, "Mad Pride Day" in the City of Toronto, and encourage all residents to support equal rights for everyone.

Mayor David Miller

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