Latest news with #Stark
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Newsweek
US Issues Urgent Travel Warning For Two Nations
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. has warned American citizens about the increased risks of traveling to Cambodia and Thailand amid a border dispute between the two countries which has left at least 32 dead and prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands. The U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory on Friday from level one to level two, warning American citizens to avoid the border between the countries due to civil unrest. Morgan Stark, from geopolitical and cyber risk consultancy S-RM told Newsweek while the border dispute dates back decades, what is new this time is how Thai authorities have tried to disrupt the logistics infrastructure of organized scam networks extending into Thailand from Cambodia. Cambodian soldiers stand on a military truck with an anti-aircraft gun in Oddar Meanchey province on July 26, 2025. Cambodian soldiers stand on a military truck with an anti-aircraft gun in Oddar Meanchey province on July 26, 2025. TANGWhy It Matters The updated U.S. travel advisory comes amid concerns over an escalation of a long-standing dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors who share a 500-mile land border—largely mapped by France when it ruled Cambodia for 90 years until 1953. What To Know On Friday, the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisories for Cambodia and Thailand on Friday, from level one to level two, with level four being the strongest warning. Part of the advisory included a level four warning to avoid all but essential travel within 50 km (30 miles) of the border due to fighting between Cambodian and Thai military, including rocket and artillery fire which caused civilian casualties. It said the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the armed conflict. A similar warning was also put in place for Thailand, with the travel advisory being updated to level two for the whole country, and level four for the border area. Thailand and Cambodia have each accused the other of firing the first shots, Bangkok saying hostilities began with Cambodia's military deploying drones to conduct surveillance of Thai troops near the border. Cambodia says Thailand started the conflict when it violated a prior agreement by advancing on a Khmer-Hindu temple near the border. Tensions erupted into fighting when a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers on Wednesday. The Thai government said more than 58,000 people have fled to temporary shelters in four affected border provinces and Cambodian authorities said more than 23,000 people have been evacuated from areas near the border. Stark, from S-RM, told Newsweek Thai authorities coordinated raids at 19 different locations on the border last week in an attempt to disrupt scam networks extending into their territory from Cambodia. Cambodian opposition figures have speculated this pressure from Thai authorities may have motivated a Cambodian response at the border, on the basis that revenues from scam groups, allegedly fund the Cambodian government, Stark said. While these claims have not been corroborated, highly informed parties on the ground in Cambodia believe that senior officials are on the take from these criminal groups, he added. What People Are Saying U.S. State Department: "Do not travel to areas within 50 km of the Thai-Cambodian border due to ongoing fighting between Thai and Cambodian military forces … There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border." Thailand's ambassador to the United Nations, Cherdchai Chaivaivid, told a Security Council meeting: "Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith." Cambodia's defense ministry said in a statement Thailand had launched: "a deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack" and that "deliberate military preparations reveal Thailand's intent to expand its aggression and further violate Cambodia's sovereignty." Morgan Stark, head of Asia at geopolitical and cyber risk consultancy S-RM: "Ongoing tension in the relationship between the Thai civilian government and military is also a recurring dynamic in the dispute." What Happens Next Both sides have sought diplomatic support and called on the other to cease fighting and start negotiations. The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting Friday and Malaysia, which chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that includes both countries, called for an end to hostilities and offered to mediate.
Business Upturn
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Upturn
Craig Harper Fights Cancer with Single-Digit Body Fat and a 'Be Savage' Mindset on Health is a Skill with Todd Vande Hei
By GlobeNewswire Published on July 25, 2025, 02:56 IST Beverly Hills California, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an episode that redefines resilience, Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark and host of Health is a Skill , sits down with 61-year-old executive Craig Harper to explore how deliberate health optimization can become a powerful edge against disease. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, Harper was told by his first oncologist there was 'nothing he could do.' Instead, he chose to rewrite the script. 'I'd rather be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war,' Harper said. Instead of waiting passively for chemo, he doubled down on proactive labs, heavy lifting, and long weighted walks. Today, he maintains just 9% body fat, logs 15,000 steps daily in a 40-pound vest, and surfs whenever possible, remarkably with no current symptoms. Highlights from their conversation included: Why Stark's routine lab work caught his cancer early, enabling a critical head start on intervention. How building lean mass and metabolic flexibility became essential tools, with muscle acting as 'storage for sugar'—helping to undercut cancer's fuel. The role of sauna, nasal breathing, and mobility in keeping him hiking strenuous trails and popping up on a surfboard at 61. Teaching his grandkids to 'be savage, not average,' encouraging them to find and test their own edges in life. Reflecting on the typical American path, Harper added, 'So many of my counterparts just seek comfort, too much alcohol, junk food, the couch. It seems like pleasure, but it leads to misery.' Instead, he hopes his story inspires others to take control before a diagnosis forces the issue. 'When the old man's knocking, don't let him in,' he advised. Listeners can hear the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. To explore how personalized strength, nutrition, and lab analysis can help build a more resilient body, visit About Health Is a Skill Health is a Skill is a Los Angeles-based podcast hosted by Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark. Each episode blends scientific insight, personal stories, and actionable habits to show how optimizing healthspan can transform every decade of life. Media Communications [email protected] Attachment Craig Harper shares how he's out-training blood cancer with Todd Vande Hei on Health is a Skill. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The best order to view all 37 Marvel movies (including 'Fantastic Four')
Love movies? Live for TV? USA TODAY's Watch Party newsletter has all the best recommendations, delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now and be one of the cool kids. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown to the point where watching all 37 movies is an epic undertaking of strength and stamina, plus snack times and bathroom breaks. And the cast has blown up to the point where they're now bringing in folks from other superhero universes. (We see you, old-school X-Men!) The latest MCU outing is a good one for the newbies: "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (in theaters now) introduces the legendary supergroup into the world of Avengers and Thunderbolts, with Galactus and Silver Surfer along for the retrofuturistic ride. Sure, you could watch the Marvel movies in release order and be totally fine. But with certain tales taking place in the past and some connecting more directly to others in the overall narrative, maybe try out a different viewing order to change things up. (The vast majority can be streamed on Disney+.) Start here: 'Captain America: The First Avenger' A top-notch World War II origin story for Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), the first Cap flick comes earliest in the timeline, introduces the heart and soul of the MCU, and flings our hero into modern day to meet Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) to tease a bigger deal at stake. 2. 'Captain Marvel' In addition to seeing a cosmic aspect to the MCU, we get to see Fury in the '90s as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and how his dealings with supremely powerful Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) inspire the Avengers Initiative. Also, the end-credits scene where a modern-day Carol meets the Avengers is one heck of a flash-forward tease. 3. 'Iron Man' Now's the time for the other important origin, of arms-dealing genius playboy billionaire philanthropist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and his journey toward being a tin man with a heart. This is also a totally fine place to start – since it's the first MCU movie – but it's cool to know a little more about Fury's initiative when he arrives, cloak and dagger style, to recruit Stark. 4. 'The Incredible Hulk' True, Mark Ruffalo is a WAY better Bruce Banner than this film's star, Edward Norton, but it's still helpful to watch this chapter to figure out how the Hulk came to be with the whole gamma radiation thing and all. However, for those who want a speedier experience, it's totally skippable. 5. 'Iron Man 2' This one isn't great either, though it is essential in terms of introducing assassin Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and boosting the status of another future Avenger, Stark's bud James Rhodes (played here by Terrence Howard, later by Don Cheadle), aka War Machine. An end-credits scene also showcases a magical hammer, setting the stage for … 6. 'Thor' Finally! Chris Hemsworth's thunder god enters the MCU with an adventure that kicks him out of Asgard to spend time on Earth to figure out his worthiness. The flick brings Thor's trickster half-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) into the fold, plus keep your eyes open for a quick first appearance from ace archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). 7. 'The Avengers' Ah, now we're getting epic! The blockbuster shawarma-chomping party brings together Cap, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Hulk (hello, Mark Ruffalo!) to stave off an alien invasion of Manhattan perpetrated by Loki. Also of note: A glimpse of cosmic baddie Thanos pops up in an end-credits scene, setting the stage for our heroes' biggest challenge. 8. 'Thor: The Dark World' The bad news: It's a forgettable movie with the MCU's absolute worst villain (Christopher Eccleston's Malekith). The good news: The Aether, one of the Infinity Stones, possesses Thor's girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and gets transported to outer-space oddball The Collector (Benicio del Toro). His appearance sets up … 9. 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Here's where we finally get an explanation of the all-powerful Infinity Stones and their appeal for Thanos. More entertaining, though, is a bunch of misfits banding together as a team, a talking tree and a raccoon are best friends, and rogue-ish Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) tries to explain 'Footloose' to space assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana). 10. 'Iron Man 3' 'Science Bros' Tony Stark and Bruce Banner drove off together at the end of 'Avengers,' so let's catch up with them here in a primarily solo adventure as Iron Man deals with some serious PTSD from the attack of Manhattan and Ben Kingsley as the terrorist Mandarin (though there's some twistiness in his reveal). 11. 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' Cap learns his childhood best bud Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) is a brainwashed assassin and that the evil Hydra has pretty much taken over S.H.I.E.L.D. from within. In addition, an end-credits scene introduces Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), who becomes very important later, and her speedy bro Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). 12. 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver form an anti-Avengers squad with evil robot Ultron (James Spader), a peacekeeping artificial intelligence created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner that turns megalomaniacal. The kids wind up teaming with the Avengers to save their Eastern European country and Vision (Paul Bettany) debuts as an android powered by the Soul Stone. 13. 'Ant-Man' Ex-criminal Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) hooks up with inventor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his daughter Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) to save the day using a supersuit that utilizes Pym's size-changing tech. Bigger picture: An end-credits scene shows Cap and Falcon helping Winter Soldier and needing help from a certain super-shrinky guy. 14. 'Captain America: Civil War' The drama of 'Civil War' mainly centers on Cap and Tony's disagreement over government oversight of the Avengers, leading to a humongous hero-vs.-hero battle and some old favorites locked up or on the run from the authorities. Cap and Winter Soldier throw down with Iron Man, plus fans see a high-profile debut from Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland). 15. 'Black Widow' Just because we had to wait nearly two dozen movies for a Scarlett Johansson solo adventure doesn't mean you have to. A fugitive on the lam, our heroine goes on a global quest to take down the shady Russian organization responsible for her lost childhood, plus teams up with her sister, kid assassin Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). Be prepared if you watch it this early: The end-credits scene is quite the future shock. 16. 'Black Panther' Chadwick Boseman's Wakandan ruler T'Challa watched his dad die in 'Civil War' and now heads home to rule the African nation, whose vast high-tech superiority to the rest of the world is a secret. However, American mercenary Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) emerges as a dangerous contender to the throne. 17. 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' 'Homecoming' is the MCU's version of a teen movie, as Tom Holland's Peter Parker – with Tony Stark as mentor and father figure – tries to figure out a balance between being a kid and a hero. The crazy-smart rookie also has to deal with the Vulture (Michael Keaton), a criminal salvager using alien tech for various misdeeds. 18. 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2' Heading back into space to check in on our favorite galactic jerks, the sequel reveals that Star-Lord's dad Ego (Kurt Russell) is a god-like Celestial with designs on universal consumption. Speaking of parents, Gamora's sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) makes it clear she wants to off their bad dad, Thanos. (Yes, don't forget about him.) 19. 'Doctor Strange' Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a self-centered surgeon crippled by a car accident, who, at his lowest point, learns the ways of the mystic arts from the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). It turns out the new Sorcerer Supreme's Eye of Agamotto is the Time Stone and an end-credits scene features a visit from Thor that leads right into … 20. 'Thor: Ragnarok' Thor's long-lost evil sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) leads a hostile takeover of Asgard and the thunder god is blasted to the battle planet Sakaar, where Thor reconnects with Hulk and, with the help of warrior queen Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), tussles with Hela. It ends with Asgardian survivors on a spaceship, where Thor and Loki are met with a mysterious and formidable vessel. 21. 'Avengers: Infinity War' Oh, no, Thanos (Josh Brolin) is here – and he's irked. The big guy defeats Thor and other various superfriends en route to collecting all six Infinity Stones, leading to an all-out battle vs. our heroes in Wakanda. Thanos uses the collected stones for some brutally heinous shenanigans in one bonkers cliffhanger. 22. 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' The 'Ant-Man' sequel acts as an interlude, with Scott, Hope (now with her own supersuit as the Wasp) and Hank needing to rescue Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) from the trippy Quantum Realm. Unfortunately, Scott gets trapped there himself during an expedition with no way to get out until ... 23. 'Avengers: Endgame' A desperate attempt to set things right ends badly, and five years later, the remaining Avengers travel through time and space to collect the Infinity Stones before Thanos can nab them. The result is a thrilling climax filled with huge action and emotional sacrifice – all you really need to know is Cap wields Thor's hammer and it's totally amazing. 24. 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' In the 'Endgame' epilogue, Peter Parker puts superhero business on hold so he can go on a class trip to Europe and tell his crush, MJ (Zendaya), how he feels about her. Strange new dude Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) proves an obstacle, and Spidey is rocked with a gut-punch announcement by controversial newsman J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons) revealing his secret identity. It's a shocking moment that leads right into ... 25. 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' When he goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Spidey reaches out to Doctor Strange for magical help. The spell breaks the multiverse, allowing in different characters from movies past like Doc Ock (Alfred Molina), Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) and Electro (Jamie Foxx). Spidey and his friends have to round them up and our young hero has to make some hard decisions about his future. 26. 'Eternals' The existence of the Avengers and the world coming back from Thanos' high jinks is all you need to know about this sprawling epic. "Eternals" goes its own way with 10 immortal superbeings tasked to protect humanity for thousands of years, but they're also a dysfunctional family that needs to get its groove back when an existential threat arises. Massive but not exactly rousing in the mighty Marvel fashion, so chase it with ... 27. 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' Simu Liu is a charisma machine as the debuting title superhero, who ventures to a magical landscape with best bud Katy (Awkwafina), faces off with his international terrorist dad (Tony Leung), and tackles an otherworldly creature of darkness, while an appearance from sorcerer Wong (Benedict Wong) and an "Iron Man 3" tie-in ground the martial-arts epic in the growing MCU. 28. 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' Wong's back in action with magical bud Strange to help save teenage America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), a youngster with the ability to traverse the multiverse, when what's akin to an MCU horror villain hunts her to take the power for themselves. It's the most macabre – and downright murderous – entry so far, and if you haven't watched Disney+'s "WandaVision," do yourself a favor and binge that first. 29. 'Thor: Love and Thunder' After the rampant death and dismemberment of "Madness," this hits like a satisfyingly warm hug. Thor and a now-jacked Jane Foster reunite for a cosmic adventure where they take on a god-killing nightmare (Christian Bale) and also have to work out some old feelings. It's a delightfully silly confection on one hand while also tackling some deep topics like religion and mortality. 30. 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' You want to do emotionally deeper? This is the sequel for you: After the death of King T'Challa (the late Chadwick Boseman) and still dealing with their collective grief, the nation of Wakanda faces a new threat from seafaring antagonist Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) and discovers new allies, such as 19-year-old genius inventor Riri Williams (Dominque Thorne). 31. 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Thanos? That guy's so last saga. Meet the MCU's newest big bad, Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors), when Ant-Man, the Wasp and their heroic family wind up in the Quantum Realm and Kang needs the tiny Avenger's help to escape. Word to the wise: Watch the Disney+ "Loki" series first or risk confusion. 32. 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Good thing you just watched "Loki," because the Time Variance Authority plays a major role in this R-rated action comedy, in which Avenger wannabe Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is given a chance by the TVA to join the MCU and teams up with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to save his corner of the multiverse. (Maybe skip this one if you have younger Marvel fans.) 33. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' When is best for clobberin' time? The adventure is set in the 1960s, so early might work. But how about when Marvel's deepest in the weeds with its multiverse, pop in this introductory chapter featuring Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) being a shining light for humanity. 34. 'The Marvels' A reality-bending space romp in store with the body-swapping team-up of Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani's Ms. Marvel and Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau. (And if you don't mind homework, make sure you stream "Ms. Marvel" beforehand for max enjoyment.) 35. 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' Those beloved intergalactic heroes are back for a mission to save one of their own and deal with a diabolical new threat. There are plenty of laughs to be had – like Star-Lord again awkwardly flirting with Gamora, this time with no "Footloose" talk involved – but just prepare to be emotionally wrecked by Rocket's tragic backstory. 36. 'Captain America: Brave New World' Take a break from the multiversal shenanigans and cosmic derring-do for a more grounded affair where Sam Wilson, who inherited the Captain America shield from Steve Rogers, has to stave off World War III and also deal with a rampaging Red Hulk. (Pro tip: Watch "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" on Disney+ first to see the globe-trotting intrigue Sam navigated to wind up with the Cap mantle.) 37. 'Thunderbolts*' More political intrigue is afoot here, with a power-hungry CIA director – on the heels of a Hulk-ing president – out to create (and control) her own superman. But she runs afoul of the Winter Soldier, Black Widow's adopted family and their new antihero pals who become the next best thing to an A-list Avengers squad. Also: Now when the Fantastic Four's spaceship shows up in the end credits, you know what that is!
Associated Press
23-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Brett Jones Unpacks Kettlebells, Mobility Gaps and Nasal Breathing on Health is a Skill Podcast with Todd Vande Hei
07/22/2025, Beverly Hills California // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In the latest episode of Health is a Skill, Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark, explores what 'minimalist muscle' really means with Brett Jones, a StrongFirst Master Instructor renowned for bridging kettlebells with functional movement. Jones details how training just five kettlebell lifts, cleans, presses, squats, swings and Turkish get-ups continues to build his strength after decades in the industry. The secret? Jones 'minds the gap' by screening for hidden issues first. As a long-time Functional Movement Systems (FMS) educator, he begins with ankles, hips and the thoracic spine to find restrictions that quietly sabotage power and stability. 'When your hip stops, your back starts,' Jones says. 'If I can't rotate my T-spine or dorsiflex my ankle, my body will compensate, and that's where problems show up.' Jones outlines how his own severe hip impingements (FAI) forced him to become meticulous with warm-ups, from half-kneeling ankle drills to ribcage-focused T-spine rotations. He also credits nasal-only breathing at rest for balancing the nervous system. 'Most people are mouth breathing all day, stuck in fight-or-flight,' he explains. 'Nasal breathing restores parasympathetic tone, so your body can move better, lift better, and even digest better.' Listeners will also hear why minimalist shoes and barefoot sessions are game-changers for foot-to-glute strength, why high heels and rigid work boots require counter-mobility at day's end, and how Turkish Get-Ups act as 'insurance against falling.' Jones believes these ground-to-stand moves are foundational: 'The number one fear for many aging adults is falling. The second is not being able to get up.' The conversation wraps with practical takeaways: start with an FMS screen to see where your real gaps are, then layer in three core mobility drills—ankle dorsiflexion, hip runners' lunges, and T-spine 'bretzels.' 'Don't chase 150 random exercises,' Jones adds. 'Be brutally skilled at the basics. That's how you build resilient strength for life.' Find the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. For details on personalized labs, strength and nutrition coaching, visit About Health Is a Skill Health is a Skill, hosted by Todd Vande Hei, shares strategies from world-class coaches, physicians and everyday high performers to extend healthspan and improve quality of life at every age. Media Communications [email protected]
Hamilton Spectator
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
The loophole that started it all: How Canada's first same-sex marriages made history 20 years ago
It's been two decades since the government of Canada passed the Civil Marriage Act — an official nod to approve same-sex marriage in the country. The act passed July 20, 2005, following the Supreme Court of Canada upholding the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 2003. There are at least three same-sex couples who made it into the record books for being the first to say their 'I do"s in the country. Toronto couple Michael Leshner and Michael Stark made headlines when they challenged the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario in 1988, after Leshner noted his colleagues' spouses were covered by work benefits, but Stark wasn't — solely based on his gender. The pair had already been together for two decades and fought for equity in court, for Stark to be considered a common-law spouse. They were successful in proving discrimination based on gender, with a judge ruling same-sex couples could be treated as common-law spouses. Michael Leshner's fight to include Michael Stark (foreground) in all his benefits is backed by a human rights tribunal. As the LGBTQ+ rights movement gained strength in North America, and the overall sentiment on gay marriage started to change at the turn of the century, Leshner and Stark decided to marry in 2003, after the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a court decision to allow same-sex marriage. They became known for their nuptials in Toronto and around the world, and were named Time Canada's Newsmakers of the Year. But they weren't alone. Lesbian couple Hedy Halpern and Colleen Rogers, along with six other couples, were also married in ceremonies around the same time. But two other couples have beaten them to the record books. In 2000, Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCCT) Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes found a loophole in the law. 'It's something we're pretty proud of,' associate pastor Rev. Junia Joplin told Metroland Media. 'We try to tell the story whenever we can.' Knowing public opinion was starting to shift in terms of marriage equality in 2000, Hawkes discovered a way to marry two same-sex couples. 'First of all, to be a legally binding wedding, we were using marriage banns — which is a tradition, it's one of those places where church and state intersect,' Joplin said. 'There is a provision if an upcoming wedding is announced a certain number of times in a religious context, it's a legally binding wedding.' Banns of marriage are a legal way to marry a couple without the need for a city-issued marriage license. And there was nothing in the law preventing banns from being used to announce a same-sex marriage, she said. So on a Sunday afternoon, Jan. 14, 2001, Hawkes joined Joe Varnell and partner Kevin Bourassa, and Anne and Elaine Vautour, in marriage. Toronto residents Joe Varnell and Kevin Bourassa made their wedding vows before Rev. Brent Hawkes at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto in January 2001, and are considered to be one of the two first official same-sex marriages around the world. 'It was meant to be visible in a way that would get a conversation started, be a springboard for advocacy in Ontario, and would start a legal battle,' Joplin said. Even though the marriage wasn't officially legal in the eyes of the law at the time, Canada has now recognized these as the first same-sex marriages in the country. And they are known as the first worldwide as well, Joplin said, as the Netherlands didn't legalize same-sex marriage until April 2001. Of course, it was a different time back then. 'There were credible threats made to the church,' Joplin said. In fact, Hawkes was escorted to the church that day by bodyguards. 'On that day, we had the SWAT team ready to go in the basement, and Rev. Dr. Hawkes wore a bulletproof vest.' One individual did cause a scene and was ultimately found guilty of assault, after pushing Hawkes prior to the first same-sex wedding service that afternoon. But the weddings proceeded, and the couples celebrated their 10th anniversaries more than a decade ago. It was a hard-fought battle for equal marriage back then, and as time has passed, it's hard to remember today what a big deal it was back then, Joplin said. 'When I was growing up, there was this overall notion that equal marriage was going to be this existential threat to society,' Joplin said. 'I guess the alarmist tendencies of folks who opposed it haven't materialized.' While it's only been 20 years since equal marriage has been law in Canada, throughout history, there have been stories of same-sex couples marrying. 'There was a Roman emperor who married a young soldier,' Joplin said. Nero was a Roman emperor who killed his pregnant wife, and then is said to have castrated one of his slaves, Sporus, and made him dress like a woman, History Extra said on its website . As time went on, some couples married in secret. 'There were a lot of instances of women getting married, where one of the two was more masculine-presenting or had a name that was more ambiguous in terms of gender. Some of those even happened in Canada,' Joplin added. And Simon Fraser University sexuality and gender historian El Chenier said there were gay couples marrying — or having their unions blessed — here in the '50s, '60s and '70s, but they weren't considered legal. 'Gay couples have been having wedding ceremonies for a long time. Sometimes they were officiated by Christian ministers who were not necessarily queer,' Chenier said. 'My thinking about it is that it's a cultural script that is widely understood, and it celebrates love and the dignity of human beings. It's the celebration of romantic love. 'To engage in a ceremony that not only validates but celebrates — I think that's what's really important.' For some time, the LGBTQ+ rights movement was not pushing for equal marriage, as the concept reinforced gender and sex norms, Chenier said. The institution of marriage was strict, usually religious and not part of the LGBTQ+ rights movement back in the day. However, Winnipeg couple Richard North and Chris Vogel wanted to publicly challenge the stereotypes. They were nonmonogamous and married in 1974 with a Unitarian minister , as a way to liberate both hetero- and homosexuals in the definition of marriage, Chenier said. Another couple in Quebec was also married then and didn't exchange wedding rings, but used a chain to 'break the chain of marriage,' Chenier added. 'It was an act that would fundamentally challenge and overturn the oppression of lesbian and gay people — socially, culturally, politically, and in terms of their legal status as well,' they said. Once equal marriage became the law in Ontario, it started passing in other provinces and one territory, and the federal government passed the act to allow equal access to marriage for civil purposes, allowing equality without discrimination. Today, it's normal for most religious and civil entities to host both heterosexual and same-sex marriages. This May, Joplin officiated three weddings, two of which were same-sex couples, but she thinks there are more same-sex couples choosing to take their vows now than 20 years ago, when there still might have been fears of publicly declaring your love. '(Same-sex couples) want to be part of that tradition. When I'm working with a couple, especially if they're on site in our sanctuary, I tell them they are going to be standing in the same place the world's first same-gender marriages took place. And that's a big deal,' she said. 'I think the majority of people would agree with it — I think the statistics show an overwhelming support of marriage equality in Canada, but there's still maybe one-third of people oppose it,' Joplin said. 'I don't think there's anyone who's politically motivated to undermine equal marriage.' But with politics around the world, Joplin is reminded that victories are hard-fought, and we still need to be vigilant to keep the freedoms we have been granted. In fact, MCCT is now working to support refugee resettlement, with 2SLGBTQ+ refugees fleeing countries where they are persecuted and may face death. The other key focus is working with youth mental health, helping those who may be judged for not fitting into societal norms. — With files from Joanna Lavoie Error! 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