(Human rights lawyer barbara findlay, above, has played a significant role in changing the law for LGBT people in BC and in Canada. Find out how in Becca Plucer’s new documentary, screening April 28, 2016 at the Rio Theatre./barbarafindlay.com)
Thursday, April 28
Queer History Night: In particular, barbara findlay
If you aren’t as old as Conni Smudge, Barb Snelgrove or myself, you may not know about the old days when being queer was a criminal offense, when we had no human rights protection, and almost all of us were in the closet. Tonight you can learn how far we’ve come, in part thanks to the remarkable work of human rights lawyer barbara findlay and the queer activists whose legal challenges she brought to court to change Canada’s laws. Don’t miss Becca Plucer’s compelling documentary. After tonight’s screening there will be a chance to talk with many of the film’s participants in person.
Doors 6:30pm, screening 7pm. The Rio Theatre, 1660 E Broadway. Tickets $12 adults, $10 senior and students at door and online at riotheatre.ca. facebook.com/events/1594915257498913/
Two Drink Minimum
I don’t think I have ever had to worry about a drink minimum; it’s the maximum where I get into trouble. Tonight is a win-win situation for me: it’s a musical cabaret with Molly and Kerry O’Donovan featuring everything from jazz to pop, and it’s free as long as you have a two-drink minimum, hence the name of the show.
8pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Free with two drink minimum. facebook.com/events/885375701571134/
Make-Up Sex
The best sex is make-up sex: you can pound like hell to release the last of your anger while your partner just thinks you’re being attentive. After the last few months of tension, it only makes sense for the Odyssey to host a make-up sex party. Time to pound like hell then mend some bridges. And you can help the Downtown Eastside Neighborhood House in the process, as all weekend long the by-donation cover charge will be given to them, as per the request of Vancouver Art & Leisure.
9pm. The Odyssey, 686 W Hastings St. Cover by donation. facebook.com/events/1790414877853789/
Friday, April 29
Good Girls At The 50s Diner
I don’t even have to smoke anything to pig-out at an ice cream fundraiser, especially when the delicious Velvet Steele will be serving the banana splits, sundaes and her own special milkshakes. This is a fun night with the Good Girls Showgirls: Cherese, Della Devine, Jelly Bean, Kayla Fox, Stephanie Blaze and a few others, plus a cash bar so all bases are covered. Ice cream, entertainment and a bar, who could ask for anything more.
7pm. The Elbow Room, 560 Davie St. Free entrance. facebook.com/events/974283012661760
Launch! Open Mic For Queer Youth, Seniors And Allies
Tonight share your creativity at this all-inclusive, all-ages venue for new and seasoned writers, spoken word performers, dancers, drag kings and queens, as they get their six minutes of fame to perform for you. Featured guest performer Shannon Ingersoll will be performing as well.
Doors open and sign up 7pm, show 7:30pm. Venables Hall, 1739 Venables St. Entrance $3–10 sliding scale, unemployed free. facebook.com/events/201081000265253/
Prince Tribute Night
The world has lost its Prince, and DJ G-Luv and LUVNGRACE have organized a special tribute night to honour him. Celebrate his life by dancing the night away to his music and the songs he wrote for others. Drag shows and visuals will top off the night.
9pm–2am. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Cover $5. facebook.com/events/1764045460481588/
Man Up: Bubble-gum vs Angst
These kings are so good they have two parties this weekend. Tonight is a genderbent tribute to the iconic pop music dualities of the ’90s, bubble gum and angst. DJs She and Miss M join performers Rose Butch, Ponyboy, Grimm, Cinnamon Winters and many more.
Doors 9pm, show 11pm. The Cobalt, 917 Main St. Cover $8 before 10pm, $13 after at door only. facebook.com/events/236921723334104/
Saturday, April 30
Belle Diablo Burlesque: Second Anniversary
It’s a burlesque bash with a few surprises tucked away, if you know what I mean. Featuring Dandy Rockafella, Peach Fuzz, Sister Vigilante, special guests Cookie Craven, Mitchney Spears, and many more to tickle everyone’s fancy. Come celebrate a new year of debauchery and dance in a space perfect for burlesque, if they can keep Ryan Steele off the stage that is.
Doors 7pm, show 8pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Cover $10. facebook.com/events/597464850419799/
Mr(s) Spiked 2016
When I was younger there was no gay volleyball team, and now that I am older I am more interested in watching them jump than trying to keep up on the court. It’s that time of year again, where some select Vancouver Gay Volleyball Association players pluck their bikini lines, ice their nips, tuck their balls (if they have them) and prance like a peacock to win the coveted title of Mr or Ms Spiked 2016. Categories include swimsuit, underwear, formal and Q&A, and this always promises to be a fun night.
8–10pm. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. Tickets at Top Drawers, 809 Davie St and at door. facebook.com/events/1757052344538681/
Bearracuda
Hide your boys, the bears are back. I thought I had until Pride to recover from the last Bearracuda, but Matt has slipped in another one at the last minute. And yes I will go, it’s my civic duty to the Bear Brigade to break in a few visiting or newbie cubs. International DJ will be announced that night, very wise decision of late, so you know they will get across the border. The Bearracuda dancers and go-go bears will be on display so get your viewing spot early.
9pm–3am. The Hindenburg, 23 west Cordova St. Tickets $25 at door. bearracuda.com/vancouver/
Salacious Saturday
A double hit for me tonight. Sunday is going to be a very long day at work. First Bearracuda and then hit DJ Gingerbear Todd’s weekly party that will be a sea of Bearracuda men, and others, in towels and little else, dancing the rest of the night away. I feel for the shorter men that get lost in a sea of dancing balls that must be slapping their cheeks at every turn on the dance floor. I apologize now if mine hit you, repeatedly.
11pm–5am. Steamworks Baths, 123 W Pender St. Weekend rates start at $16. steamworksbaths.com/vancouver/
Sunday, May 1
Sanctuary: Britney vs Christina
It’s a battle of the bitches at the Davie Street version of church. Who will win? My money is on Christina. Join Mother Superior Alma B Itches and ask for forgiveness. Just don’t kneel in front of her because you never know what you might have to swallow for communion. Sometimes it’s better to sin. DJ Riley Cox offers a dance party to exorcise your demons and tear away your clothes.
10pm–3am. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. facebook.com/events/1710744505869296/
Man Up Amateur Hour
If you haven’t attended a Man Up amateur show, you’re in for a treat. Some of these kings are very talented. Hosted by Ponyboy and Johnny B Bad, this is an all-levels, all-genders queer variety show unlike anything around.
9pm–1am. The Cobalt, 917 Main St. Cover $5, but no one turned away for lack of funds. facebook.com/events/1696698593904649/
The Drag Show
Now this is a drag show of an entirely different nature. First, you have to leave the surroundings of the Village and head to the heart of New Westminster. I know what you’re thinking but there is a whole other gay world out there! Go see how the suburbanites live, and be surprised. Miz Adrien is worth the trip. Sit back, have dinner, a few cocktails and enjoy a night of female impersonations and hilarious adult comedy.
7:30–9:30pm. The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St, New Westminster. Cover $10. theheritagegrill.com/
Social Huddle Sunday
I love opening nights of events. Sometimes they don’t quite go as planned, but I find that adds to the fun. This is the opening of a new weekly afternoon gathering for the queer community in a newer space. Organizers say this will be a social event with atmosphere, hot bartenders, local DJs, favourite sports on the screens and maybe a few queens thrown in for fun.
1pm. Sidecar, 1163 Granville St. No cover. facebook.com/events/1535615956747251/
Tuesday, May 3
Shame Spiral Two Year Anniversary
I can throw shame as well as Del Stamp can throw shade, so it’s nice to sit back and watch the Queen of Shame, Peach Cobblah, take over for a night of East meets West debauchery. Celebrate two years of drag, perverse games, and true shame spiral stories of drag queens admitting to the horrendous decisions they’ve made along the way. Plus Peach will be performing numbers from the Blender of Shame, where you pick them, she syncs them.
Cocktails 10pm, show 11pm. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. facebook.com/events/996007390484769/
Wed, May 4
Westside Munch
I’ve never been one to stress over things I want to do when it comes to sex. I may regret it five minutes in, but like a trooper I plow through until everyone is done. When it comes to kink, some people may be hesitant to venture forth and bite the bullet, so to speak, because they don’t want to look foolish not knowing what to expect. This group is perfect for anyone who wants to know more and ask questions in a safe, calm, open environment. Metro Vancouver Kink hosts a casual, no stress, dinner and discussion gathering for kinky and kink-curious people. Come down, have an appetizer or dinner, and ask away. Ask at front desk for The Munch reservation.
6:30–8:30pm. Boston Pizza, 1333 West Broadway St. metrovancouverkink.com/
(Think there’s an upcoming event I should attend? Click here to list your event on dailyxtra.com or send me a note at oitc.vancouver@dailyxtra.com.)
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