Here at Shameless HQ, we’ve always had an uneasy relationship with advertising. While we know that ads make publishing a magazine possible, we want to avoid the publishing model that aims solely to deliver audiences to advertisers, and treat our readers with respect. That said, thanks to our talented ad sales managers, we’ve managed to have ads in the magazine that fit our aesthetic and politics: small, often women-run, independent businessnes and organizations concerned with social justice, feminism and environmentalism.
One of our longest advertisers is Secrets From Your Sister, an amazing little bra boutique in Toronto’s Annex. Secrets is the kind of place where you walk in and overhear the owner, Jennifer Klein, explaining to a customer how the dynamics of body image, advertising and pop culture combine to make women feel bad about their breasts, which are often larger/smaller/differently shaped than the breasts we’re bombarded with in ads and pop culture (for more on this see “Breasts: an owner’s manual,” in our current issue). The staff are knowledgeble, respectful and smart ladies who make the often painful and frustrating experience of bra shopping a pleasure.
On that note, it’s not surprising that Jennifer and her staff are putting on an event called Tit Tales, a fundraiser for WILLOW, a breast cancer support organization that provides timely access to unbiased information and compassionate support.
This decidedly corporate-free event (very important in light of the fact that corporations that produce products loaded with carcinogens are usually the major sponsors of breast cancer fundraisers. For more on this visit Think Before You Pink) features women aged 17 to 65 sharing stories, monologues, poetry and songs, all about breasts.
Also featured: writer, comedic performer and musician Shoshana Sperling; novelist, poet, filmmaker, director, actor and drag queen extraordinaire, Sky Gilbert; The Strong Breast Revolution (who will perform their one-act topless play that explores issues of breast cancer awareness, sexuality, breast feeding, adolescent body image, and the fun of playing with your breasts); and Beryl Tsang, founder of Tit Bits (knitted breast prosthetics).
There will be a bra fashion show and auction featuring unique, one-of-a-kind bras from 12 different Toronto-based designers such as Erika Connor and Christian Paré.
Tickets are $20 ($15 for students) and available in advance at Secrets From Your Sister (476 Bloor St. W; 416.538.1234) and Ms. Dress-Up (1461 Dundas St. West; 416.532.3337) or at the door. They add that men are welcome at the event.
Thursday, October 5th, 2006
7:30PM 12AM
Show starts at 8:30PM
The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W), Toronto
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