Thursday, Dec 1
Gay Soulmate! Wanted Book Launch
Ottawa author Charles Seems honours World AIDS Day with the launch of his new semi-autobiographical book. The second in a trilogy, Gay Soulmate Wanted! picks up where The Road to Dalhousie left off. The launch includes the auction of the painting which the book cover is based on, a work by Claude Chapdelaine.
5pm. The Cross, 360 Elgin St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Friday, Dec 2
Queers and Beers: Naughty or Nice Edition
Queers of every stripe “queer” the city by having a few drinks — and dumping heaps of glitter — in typically-straight microbreweries and pubs. Hosted by the newly-minted non-profit organization Queering613, this edition of the recurring event is holiday-themed. It’s a good opportunity to enjoy old friends and meet new ones.
6–10pm. Lowertown Brewery, 73 York St. facebook.com/queering613
Sunday, Dec 4
CGOGMC Tradition 2.0
Don’t fight it. Just give in to the hokey, but strangely comforting stuff of Christmas. And what could be more Christmassy than a bunch of gay men singing at you and swaying gently? The Ottawa-based gay men’s choir, now celebrating its 30th year, presents a concert of both traditional and modern holiday choral favourites.
4pm. Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 St Patrick St. cgogmc.ca
Cabatinée
It’s a matinée cabaret — get it? In celebration of The Lookout’s 20th anniversary, this party from Black Swan Events is 1996-themed. The entertainment includes drag performances and DJ Jungle Jen spinning hits from the ’70s to the ’90s. To reserve a table or for more information, contact blackswanevent2@gmail.com.
4–9pm. The Lookout, 41 York St. thelookoutbar.com
Tuesday, Dec 6
Gaymer Night at Swizzles: Monthly Munchkin
While everyone else is out doing drugs and racing souped-up jalopies and voting for Trump, some wholesome queers gather to play several versions of the Munchkin game — Munchkin Legends Deluxe, Adventure Time-themed Munchkin and Munchkin Steampunk. The event is in a bar, but there’s no obligation to drink.
6:30–10pm. Swizzles, 246 Queen St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Queer and Present Danger Tour
A bunch of queer comedians are touring the country to spread laughter and joy. The tour, which includes many stops in many cities, stops off in Ottawa for a couple days. The line-up includes such luminaries as DeAnne Smith, Chantel Marostica, Jess Beaulieu and Ashley Moffat. Billing warns of adult language, so it should be good.
Runs until Wednesday, Dec 7, 8:30pm. Yuk Yuk’s, 292 Elgin St. yukyuks.com
Thursday, Dec 8
Stonewall Wilde’s Jingle Mingle
This gathering is a great chance to get a glimpse of the new Stonewall Wilde’s. The result of the merger of the sex store Wilde’s and the book and art store After Stonewall, this new business is a 2-floor shopping experience. Many of the artists whose work is for sale in the store will be on hand for the evening, as well as sweets and punch.
6pm. Stonewall Wilde’s, 370 Bank St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Thursday, Dec 15
Hard Cover Book Club
Ah yes, gays and Christianity — will they ever get along? Jeff Chu’s book Does Jesus Really Love Me? is about faith, politics, sexuality and growing up in Christian America. For this book club meeting, men gather to discuss their reflections on the book, socialize and eat cookies (PS, bring cookies).
6:30pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. aco-cso.ca/gayzonegaie
Saturday, Dec 17
Bears Christmas Dinner
The bears are having an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner for the holidays and everyone is invited (provided you like bears and know how to eat a lot). It’s roast beef, leg of lamb, pork, turkey and ham! All the animals get to go in our bellies today — scurvy be damned. To reserve a spot at one of the bear tables, contact oursottawabears@gmail.com.
7pm. Tuckers Marketplace, 61 York St. oursottawabears.ca
Oh My Jam: Ugly Sweater Soirée
And it wouldn’t be Christmas without something being ugly sweater-themed. The Queer Mafia, a non-profit community organization, hosts an inclusive ugly sweater dance party for the holidays. It features DJs Craig Dominic and D-Luxx Brown spinning hip hop, R&B, dancehall and reggae. Ugly sweaters encouraged.
10pm–2am. Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St. facebook.com/thequeermafia
Saturday, Dec 31
G-Spot Events: New Years
For many in the city’s queer community, this event is already shaping up to be the must-attend New Year’s’ Eve party. It includes drag by Zelda Marshall, and burlesque by Lana Lovecakes (and some surprise guests). DJ Johnny Roll provides the soundtrack. Space is limited, so get your tickets early. Food and champagne available.
8pm–2am. Live! on Elgin, 220 Elgin St. For more info, visit Facebook.
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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