Press Releases
August 31, 2008 - 3:00 pm
By: Jeremy Hainsworth, THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER - A transsexual Vancouver prostitution advocate is preparing a human rights complaint against the city's governing party after it rejected her as a parks board candidate nominee.
Jamie Lee Hamilton said candidate interviews with two board members of the Non-Partisan Association party about being a nominee for November's municipal elections focused on her sex life.
B.C.'s Human Rights Code says it is illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of sex or sexual orientation.
Hamilton said the interviews made her very uncomfortable.
"I felt that my whole lifestyle was being interrogated. . .that I was somehow immoral," she said.
Hamilton said the board members invited her a cafe to discuss an ad she had placed on ShemaleCanada.com., an online meeting place for transsexuals.
She had described herself as a "cougar" in the ad.
And, she said, she declared on her candidate's form that she had worked in the sex trade.
Hamilton told The Canadian Press she had, at the party's request, signed up new members for mayoral candidate Peter Ladner's campaign to replace current mayor Sam Sullivan.
Then, she said, she paid the $1,000 deposit the party asked in return for a nomination consideration.
In return, she said, she had to submit to what amounted to an inquisition on her sex life.
"This is 40 years after Pierre Trudeau said the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation," Hamilton said.
"Forty years after this we're still having to deal with this? This is unacceptable."
Ladner said he could not comment on the issue having not been part of the board decision.
Director Joost Bakker confirmed he was involved with the interviews of Hamilton but declined comment. Director Doug Leung also met with Hamilton.
Ladner, Bakker and Leung all referred questions to NPA president Ned Pottinger who could not be reached for comment.
Hamilton has also run for a variety of political positions, from MP for the Green Party to city councillor.
And Hamilton has a record of grand gestures to push her advocacy work forward.
When announcing her candidacy for city council in 2005, she held a news conference dressed in a robe and tiara, calling herself Queen of Hearts.
This year, she has styled herself Queen of the Parks.
However, she readily admits her high-profile antics have provided plenty of publicity for her activism.
And in 1998, she dumped 68 pairs of stiletto-heeled shoes on the steps of city hall to highlight women missing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
When she took on federal bawdy house laws, Hamilton opened Grandma's House, a not-for-profit society that offered condoms, referrals, showers and food to prostitutes.
For a fee, the workers could also use a room for their clients.
She was arrested and charged with running a bawdy house and had hoped to take the case all the way to the Supreme Court but the charges were later dropped.
Hamilton supporter Trude Huebner said a number of high-profile NPA members were at a Wednesday fundraiser for Hamilton's campaign.
Huebner said former NPA mayor Phillip Owen spoke of her courage, while councillors Kim Capri, Suzanne Anton and Elizabeth Ball praised her work in the community.
She said candidates Michael Geller, Laura McDiarmid and Christopher Richardson all acknowledged her hard work and consistent advocacy.
With the decision, though, Hamilton said she now questions whether the party is as tolerant and inclusive as it claims and questions whether the party has the "moral authority" to govern Vancouver.
Hamilton said she has long advocated for change for the downtrodden of Vancouver's poverty-stricken Downtown Eastside and lobbied for the rights of the gay, lesbian and transsexual community, as well as sex-trade workers.
"I have been a long-time community activist," she said.
"All of these issues take legislative change to enact fairness and justice for people."
"To be denied a place at the table based on my gender identity and my sexual orientation is absolutely deplorable."
August 14, 2008
By Monte Paulsen (TheTyee.ca)
Candidates Stampede to Vision:
Already, 28 contenders vie to join slate for Vancouver election.
One unexpected name vying for the NPA parks board slate is Downtown Eastside advocate and three-time independent city council candidate Jamie Lee Hamilton.
"I handed in my nomination paperwork today," Hamilton told The Tyee. "I guess they'll review it and either call me for an interview or approve me outright."
When asked why the one-time COPE candidate was now seeking the endorsement of the NPA, she said, "I think the NPA has had some really good parks board commissioners in the past. I feel comfortable with them."
Will they feel comfortable with a former madam who now puckishly bills herself as Queen of the Parks?
"Is the tent going to be large enough to accommodate someone like myself? That will be the test for sure. There hasn't been anything yet that has shown me otherwise," Hamilton said.
Saturday, August 09
Erin Loxam Vancouver (NEWS 1130)
Jamie Lee Hamilton sets sights on Vancouver Park Board Saturday, With another civic election only a few months away, News1130 is looking at some of the new players joining the political mix.
Throwing her hat into the ring is Jamie Lee Hamilton. Hamilton has been active in the social, cultural and gender community for many years and now seeks the nomination for Park Board. She figures it’s a chance to make sure the board represents the voters and ensures safe and productive green spaces for all ages.
"The average voter, they know I have a record that I stand on and they know that once elected, I would not compromise my principles or integrity for political expediency."
She says it is crucial to ensure that appropriate resources are evenly distributed to every neighborhood for the enjoyment of all citizens.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Jamie Lee Hamilton | Oldtown News Vancouver, BC
In response to: SPENCER HERBERT'S TENT CITY IDEA
Park Commissioner Spencer Herbert recently announced he would like to see the City establish a tent city to tackle the homeless issue which has mushroomed out-of-control in our City.
Mr. Herbert, aided by City Council candidate David Eby would like our homeless and drug subculture groups to have the constitutional right to erect tents in our parks. With the Herbert/Eby plan, a question as a Park board candidate which arises for me is whether we should allow our parks to become De-facto homeless shelters. I must state for the record I'm not at all comfortable with this suggestion.
Citizens are not blind and can see our homeless population and drug addicts camping out in our parks. Increasingly we see many youth camping out in storefront doorways but whether allowing our parks to be set up as campgrounds for these terribly tragic social issues needs vigorous debate.
It is too easy to suggest that tent city's will somehow fix the homeless and drug issues in our city. This is where I think Mr. Herbert and Mr. Eby are misguided in their thinking. While this political ploy may win them votes, whether it truly assists the downtrodden and marginalized is suspect. I also note that Mr. Eby hasn't stated whether he supports shelters.
I would prefer that citizens and political candidates press our elected representatives to take bold proactive approaches so these social issues do not continue to flourish and become worse. That way, our parks can be used for what they are intended to be used for. This being recreation, festivals, heritage and places to enjoy a nice warm sunny day.
No question we need solutions but I feel those solutions must come from replacing old outdated laws which are a major stumbling block to assisting and improving the lives of our most vulnerable and marginalized citizens.
Moreover, a fairer, more accountable and democratic electoral system is an absolute necessity to ensure all citizens have representation that they can count on and have access to.
Equally noteworthy, Mr. Eby and Mr. Herbert have been absolutely silent on the issue of electoral and campaign finance reform. I wonder why?
July 18, 2008
Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier Published: Friday, July 18, 2008
Transsexual activist seeks NPA nomination
Hamilton pines for parks board
Jamie Lee Hamilton has a request for anyone who criticizes her decision to seek a nomination for parks board.
"Vote for the platform, not the personality," she said. "And if you agree with the platform I present, vote for me. Once they see my platform, my critics can vote for me or not vote for me. It's called a democracy."
Hamilton writes a political blog called Oldtown News. She ran unsuccessfully as a COPE candidate for city council in 1996 and sought a second nomination in 1999. In 2005, Hamilton was a member, but announced she would run for a seat on council as an independent. She withdrew her name as a candidate prior to the November election.
Hamilton will seek the nomination at the next meeting in September two months before the civic election. At a meeting held in June, parks board commissioner Ian Robertson and former commissioners Laura McDiarmid and Christopher Richardson won nominations, as did Sharon Urton of the Vancouver Active Communities Network. Parks board chair Korina Houghton announced she would not seek another seat on the board, but will instead run for council. Commissioner Marty Zlotnik told the Courier Monday that he has not decided whether he will seek a second term with the board. If elected, Hamilton, a transsexual, would be one of the most colourful commissioners ever elected to the board.
Hamilton has been a longtime advocate for the Downtown Eastside community, the gay, lesbian and transsexual community and sex-trade workers. Hamilton, a self-described "on-again, off-again" sex-trade worker, started what she called a "safe house" for prostitutes in 2000. She was arrested and charged with running a common bawdy house, but the charges were stayed in 2003.
Hamilton has long championed safety for sex-trade workers. In 1988 she dumped 68 pairs of stiletto-heeled shoes on the steps of city hall to highlight women missing from the Downtown Eastside. Hamilton sits on the board of the Prostitution Alternatives Counselling and Education Society and the board of the Vancouver Pride Society.
Pride Society president John Boychuk said as long as Hamilton excuses herself during any parks board-related discussions at the society's board, there's no conflict of interest in her serving on both boards.
"The work that [gay parks board commissioner] Spencer Herbert has done on the park board for the community is fantastic," said Boychuk. "And I think the more representation we have the better. I think this is an excellent opportunity for people to get to know Jamie Lee in a whole new way."
Hamilton is working on a research project with UBC regarding the safety of women in the West End from 1970 to 1984. She also runs what she describes as an "entertainment" business, which includes organizing private parties.
Hamilton said her community activism has made her appreciate the city. But as Vancouver grows, Hamilton said, she's concerned for the future of public spaces, community centres and parks. She said the rising number of homeless people and increased drug use must be addressed humanely.
July 14, 2008
Vancouver Courier 2008
JAMIE LEE HAMILTON’S PARK BOARD ELECTION CAMPAIGN BUILDING STEAM: Queen of the Parks' support reflects the real Vancouver and its diversity.
Vancouver, BC - The Queen of the Parks, Jamie Lee Hamilton, led off her campaign with a diverse West-End kick-off, announced her campaign chair, released her next 3 campaign engagements and promoted her upcoming campaign website.
Jamie Lee Hamilton's Queen of the Parks campaign kick-off barbecue was successful, with about 60 guests in the Katharine Hepburn Penthouse bordering Stanley Park on July 13. Attending were Elizabeth Ball, Vancouver City Councillor; Laura McDiarmid, former chair Vancouver Park Board and current candidate; John Boychuk, president Vancouver Pride Society; Wally Chan, 1st Vice-president food services union; Ken Low, federal Liberal candidate for Vancouver East; The Primetimers: Bryan Searle and Patrick Savoie, owners of Vancouver infamous Elbow Room Cafe; Laurie McDonald, founder Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society (GVNCS) along with princesses and chiefs of the GVNCS; Loretta Woodcock, COPE Vancouver Park Board commissioner; Dan Grice, former federal Green candidate, Korky Day, former chair Vancouver Greens; Natasia Wright, director PACE; Vincent and Doons Fodera, owners of Backpackers' Hostel; Ryan Warawa, chair BC Conservative Party.
Not to be outdone by Councillor Suzanne Anton bragging at city council about someone streaking her summer solstice event, Hamilton was amused by a political streaker doing two rounds at her party.
Hamilton announced her campaign chair is Michelle Mollineaux, who brought her 2-year child to the party. Michelle was a school board candidate in 2005. Her accomplishments include developing the award-winning program Opening the Door, a program at Science World for less advantaged high school students.
Her team will launch the "Queen of the Parks" Web site within about 2 weeks at www.queenoftheparks.com
The Queen of the Parks will attend the Vancouver Folk Music Festival at Jericho Park to rub shoulders with her loyal subjects (Friday to Sunday, July 18 to 20).
Sunday, July 27, the candidate will premiere at the world-renowned stage of the Penthouse Nightclub as a featured entertainer.
Wrapping up the month, Jamie Lee Hamilton will be the featured speaker and emcee on Tuesday, July 31, at 411 Seniors Centre, 411 Dunsmuir Street.
Hamilton is seeking a nomination In September for Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.
July 07, 2008
Jeremy Hainsworth / Xtra West / Monday
Jamie Lee Hamilton to seek park board nomination on NPA slate
Perennial queer political candidate Jamie Lee Hamilton says she will seek a place on the Non-Partisan Association slate for the Vancouver Park Board elections this November.
If successful, Hamilton would join already nominated queer candidate Laura McDiarmid.
Hamilton has twice run for political office. She ran for council in 1996 and in 2005, when she campaigned under the moniker Queen of Hearts.
This year, she's Queen of the Parks.
With the 2010 Winter Olympics falling during the tenure of the next board, the transgendered hopeful says the board needs a commissioner who will be a voice for not only the queer community but also for sex workers and the poor.
Long an advocate of sex workers' rights, Hamilton says all groups enrich the fabric of the city and have a right to express themselves as the Olympics take place.
"We can't sweep away social conditions or problems we might deem inappropriate for the world to see," Hamilton says. "It's the fabric of Vancouver that I think is unique to us."
Hamilton points to recent news reports of RCMP stopping motorists near UBC's Wreck Beach and telling them gay men were cruising in the area.
She says the incidents are a sign of increasing intolerance prior to the Games. She says elected officials have a duty to oppose such intolerance.
One such initiative she she suggests to help the queer community face intolerance is providing support to The Centre.
She says the park board can work with city council to ensure The Centre is accessible and multi-faceted in its programming.
Hamilton says the park board work not only deals with parks and public spaces, arts programming, recreation, cultural acti
vities, and seniors and youth issues, but also emerging social issues.
"We see rising homelessness in Stanley Park and other parks and we must immediately address these matters," she says.
Further, she adds, the number of homeless youth and at-risk youth without adequate supports is significant and needs to be addressed.
She says all government bodies should work cooperatively to find "smart compassionate solutions which address these hardships, inequities and challenges facing far too many younger citizens."
Hamilton is a Pride director and also sits on the board of the Prostitution Alternatives Counseling and Education society.
The NPA nomination meeting is Sept 13.
At a June nomination meeting the NPA endorsed the nomination of commissioner McDiarmid as well as those of Christopher Richardson, Ian Robertson and Sharon Urton.
Current queer parks commissioner Spencer Herbert announced in May he will be seeking the NDP's nomination to run for the Vancouver-West End seat in the provincial legislature next year.
July 07, 2008
Queen of the Parks
Jamie Lee Hamilton declares for Vancouver Park Board.
Jamie Lee Hamilton, long-time Downtown Eastside community advocate, is declaring she will seek a nomination for Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. The civic election is this November.
In 1997, Hamilton was named Community Hero by XtraWest newspaper. She also writes the popular blog Oldtown News and currently is conducting research for UBC about the security of women in the West End from 1970-1984.
Park board has been an interest of Ms Hamilton for quite some time, as it involves parks and public spaces, arts programming, recreation, cultural activities, seniors and youth issues, and important emerging social issues.
Her community and civic involvement includes being a steering member for the Downtown Eastside Arts in Parks Committee and programme co-ordinator for A-STEP, an Aboriginal youth arts program funded by the McCreary Centre Society.
Ms Hamilton is a director of PRIDE, a gay, lesbian and transgender cultural festival, where her work includes the archive and fund-raising committees. She played an instrumental role and led the successful fight against trademarking PRIDE. That led to PRIDE remaining in community hands.
She also sits on the board and finance committee of the Prostitution Alternatives Counselling and Education (PACE) society, a group founded in 1991.
Hamilton states, "A number of issues are on my radar and involve many exciting, challenging and concerning issues for Vancouver citizens. That is why I am seeking a seat on the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation".
"With the city densifying, I believess that our public spaces, parks and community centres will become even more important to our well-being and happiness. It is crucial to ensure that appropriate resources are evenly distributed to every neighborhood for the enjoyment of our citizens," asserts Jamie Lee Hamilton.
With the city embarking on its Civil City campaign, she wants to ensure that we don't attempt to sweep away our problems or adopt a mean-spirited approach in resolving our concerns.
A longstanding issue which she thinka the Park Board needs to address is funding for an accessible and multi-faceted Centre for the GLBT community. That must become a priority for the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.
Rampant homelessness and drug use haves become major concerns in this city. We see rising homelessness in Stanley Park and other parks and we must immediately address these matters. Moreover, there is a significant number of homeless youth, including at-risk youth, without adequate supports. She wants to ensure that all governing bodies are working responsibly and co-operatively in a less partisan manner to find smart compassionate solutions which address these hardships, inequities and challenges facing far too many younger citizens.
Another area on which she plans to focus her energy and creativity is lobbying for a public space in her neighbourhood, the Downtown Eastside, to be named after the late Councillor Harry Rankin, who worked in this community his entire life.
Her idea so far is to name the public space at the former Woodward's site "Harry Rankin Square".
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is the only elected park board in Canada. Jamie Lee Hamilton thinks it is vitally important for the board to have more control of its budget. That change will ensure greater accountability to the voters and more effectiveness.
Citing concern for many at-risk children and youth, Hamilton said, "I'll approach needs such as teeter-totters and swings without making them partisan issues. Likewise, I think all can see the need for funding for a long-awaited Aboriginal youth centre, especially for those from less privileged backgrounds."
Following in the footsteps of her late mother, Alice Hamilton, a well-respected leader for Aboriginal people in Canada and a co-founder in the early 1950s of the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Jamie Lee Hamilton, born and raised in Vancouver, pledges to tirelessly work to ensure fairness and justice for all of our citizens.