Out in Toronto: April 27–May 3, 2017

Choice events in the city this week


Thursday, April 27

Bad Dog

Kinky human puppies get decked out in paws and hoods and scamper around cutely and sexily for the enjoyment of their handlers and the general throng. Organized by The Kennel Klub, a group that throws kinky pup events, this new bar night offers plenty of opportunity for new pups to get their feet wet (but don’t pee on the rug!).

8pm–midnight. The Black Eagle, 457 Church St. For more info, kennelklub.ca.

Bad Dog takes place at The Black Eagle on April 27, 2017. Credit: Courtesy Paul Argo

Friday, April 28

Pretty Munny Productions Presents: Kings and Classics

The latest addition to Toronto’s drag king culture, this performance-filled night is a chance to see kings, old and new, strut their stuff. The performance portion of the evening is followed by socializing and dancing to the music of DJ Johnny B Goode. To perform at future events, contact prettymunnyproductions@gmail.com. The venue is accessible.

10:30pm–1:30am. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Cyril Cinder performed at the last Kings and Classics event at Buddies. The next one takes place April 28, 2017. Credit: Nick Lachance/Daily Xtra

Saturday, April 29

Hot Cocks 8

It is time once again for the annual celebration of the queer and sex-positive films showing at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. It’s a dance party with a “mer” theme, so attendees are encouraged to take part, according to billing, “in whatever under the sea way they’d like.” Features a mermaid drag show at midnight.

 

9pm–2am. Blyss Nightclub, 504 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.

LGBTQ Volunteer Fair

Why not spend the summer doing something a little less hedonistic? Here’s an opportunity to beef up your resumé with employable skills and network with the community. Organizations from across Toronto are on hand at this annual fair to provide information about various volunteer opportunities. Talk one-on-one to representatives.

11am–2pm. The 519, 519 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Sunday, April 30

Bad Girls of History: Burlesque Tribute

This burlesque show is a tribute to the passionate, unconventional, trailblazing women who, though they were much maligned in their time, changed history. Includes such performers as Delicia Pastiche, Scarlett LaFlamme, Tanya Cheex, Zyra Lee Vanity, Bianca Boom Boom, Violet X and more. Hosted by Belle Jumelles and Johnny B Goode.

6–9pm. Revival, 783 College St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Monday, May 1

Mesmerized Comedy Hypnosis Show

Las Vegas-trained hypnotist Brandon Dean’s performance is a surprising, intriguing and sometimes goofy peak into the subconscious mind. During his show, Dean calls adventurous (or perhaps foolish) volunteers up on stage and guides them through an entertaining journey into imaginary environments for the amusement and delight of the audience.

8–9:30pm. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St E. For more info, visit Facebook.

Wednesday, May 3

It’s All Tru

Everything’s fine in the life of Kurt and Travis, a perfect gay couple, until one of them has unprotected sex with a stranger. Written and directed by Sky Gilbert, this new play explores such issues as the use of PrEP and the criminalization of HIV. The cast included the Dora Award–winning David Coomber. The venue is accessible.

Runs until Sunday, May 14, various showtimes. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com

David Coomber and Caleb Olivieri star in It’s All Tru, which runs until May 14, 2017 at Buddies. Credit: Courtesy Seanna Kennedy

QueerCab: Go For It

At a cabaret-style event, talented queer youth take the stage to show off their singing, dancing, filmmaking, instrument playing, stand up comedy, storytelling, cat juggling, poetry reciting — anything they want (okay, maybe not cat juggling). To sign up to perform in one of the few available spots, contact leelee@buddiesinbadtimes.com. The venue is accessible.

8:30pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com

Editors note, May 1, 2017: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that May 3 is a Tuesday. It’​​​​​​​s Wednesday.
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.

Jeremy Willard is a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor. He's written for Fab Magazine, Daily Xtra and the Torontoist. He generally writes about the arts, local news and queer history (in History Boys, the Daily Xtra column that he shares with Michael Lyons).

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Culture, Event listings, Arts, Toronto

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