Thursday, Aug 25
Tell it Like it is: Chosen Family
What is a family? Queer people have often found it necessary to construct new, more accepting families out of their friends. Everyone is welcome to attend this edition of the local community centre’s intergenerational community speaker series, where older community members share stories about their experiences with chosen families. To get involved, contact khazell@the519.org.
2pm. The 519, 519 Church St. the519.org
Book Launch: The Orchard of Flesh
Christian Baines’ latest novel is a spooky fantasy called The Orchard of Flesh, another book in the An Arcadia Trust series. This event is taking place at Glad Day Bookshop’s new location, the venue formerly inhabited by the restaurant Byzantium. During renovations, Glad Day is holding events at this new venue, which has been temporarily named Bar 499.
7:30pm. Bar 499, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Friday, Aug 26
Recklezz Presents: The Social Experiment
DJ Recklezz is one half of the team responsible for the very popular Cherry Bomb girl parties. Now Recklezz is organizing a new monthly dance party, this time for the whole queer community (and beyond). It’s all about beautiful people, trying new things and amazing music. The first 10 people to arrive get free shots (just talk to Recklezz up at the DJ booth).
10pm. Bunda Lounge, 1108 Dundas St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, Aug 27
Game n’ Gear
Kink communities (even the cute pup ones) are intimidating. Many are overly formal, or steeped in some strange history, or involve codes of dress and behaviour that are not immediately comprehensible to newbies. That’s why it’s so important when casual events like Game n’ Gear pop up. Get to know various kink communities in a low pressure games night while playing video games, card games and tabletop games. And come dressed up — those who wear gear are entered into a raffle.
7pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge St. For more info, visit Facebook.
120 Diner’s Anniversary Show
This very charming little diner, way down in the Village’s bottom beneath Club 120, celebrates two years selling food and booze to the community. Proprietor Mandy Goodhandy presents a night overflowing with musical performances including the stylings of June Garber, Marla Lukofsky, Genevieve Marentette, Sam Broverman, Pam Hyatt, Lisa Particelli and Ori Dagan.
9pm. 120 Diner, 120 Church St. 120diner.com
Tuesday, Aug 30
Pride Toronto Town Hall Meeting
Oh dear me, how shall I express this? It doesn’t take a genius to predict that this event will be tense, intense and potentially really very ranty and loud. In any case, it’s a chance for people to say their piece. For this open mic event, Pride Toronto invites everyone to share their comments and feedback about Toronto’s first ever Pride month, which took place this year, and how to make future festivals safer and more inclusive.
6:30pm. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St E. pridetoronto.com
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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