Wednesday, May 17
Rally for Trans-Rights Bill C-16
Folks demonstrate their support for a bill that, if passed, enshrine gender identity and gender expression within the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. The rally is also in opposition to University of Toronto professor Jordan Peterson speaking to the Senate committee about the legislation.
3:30–4:45pm. Parliament Hill, 111 Wellington St. For more info, visit Facebook.
International Day Against Transphobia and Homophobia
This annual, international event is all about drawing attention to the plight of LGBT people struggling around the world, and to promote activism around LGBT rights. All of Ottawa’s queer and trans folks and their allies are welcome to attend this event. To make inquiries and to RSVP, call 613-233-4443 ext. 2100.
5:30–7:30pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Adapted from the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this musical tells the hilarious story of two drag queens and a trans woman’s adventures traveling to do a drag show in a remote Australian town. This production is put on by TotoToo Theatre, Ottawa’s local queer theatre company.
Runs until Saturday, May 27, 7:30pm. Academic Hall, University of Ottawa, 135 Seraphin-Marion Pvt. tototoo.ca
Thursday, May 18
Hard Cover Book Club
Alan Turing, the man who led the team that cracked the Enigma codes in the Second World War, was prosecuted for homosexuality and charged with “gross indecency” in 1952. Men gather at this recurring event to discuss Jim Ottaviani’s graphic novel, Imitation Game: Alan Turing Decoded.
6:30–8pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Friday, May 19
Throb with DJ Ashley Gauthier
One of Ottawa’s hottest (and few) dance parties for guys into guys returns with another night of (hopefully) shirtless antics. This edition of the monthly event features the musical stylings of Ottawa’s own DJ Ashley Gauthier. Billing for the event promises “special guest” go-go boys.
11pm–2:30am. Kavali Nightclub, 34 Clarence St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, May 20
Offbeat: Strictly Dance
DJ Kitty Funk spins at a wildly-inclusive dance party. The party is thrown by The Queer Mafia, a local organization dedicated to promoting Ottawa’s queer community, and full proceeds from the night go to the Ottawa Wolves. The venue is accessible (for more information, visit the indicated Facebook event page).
11pm–2am. Babylon, 317 Bank St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, May 27
Manajiwin: LGBTTQ+ Fitness Space
The gym is one of the most intimidating places — especially for people from marginalized communities. That’s why Kind Space and Odawa Native Friendship Centre provide an exercise space for queer people. Folks can get workout tips from on-site volunteers (if they want), and work out in a pressure-free environment.
Every Saturday, 5–8pm. The Odawa Native Friendship Centre, 250 City Centre Ave, Bay 102. kindspace.ca/manajiwin
Sunday, May 28
Queer and Trans Yoga
People of all skill levels are welcome to partake in an hour of relaxing yoga. Just gather up your gear — comfy clothing, water bottle, yoga mat (mats provided for those who don’t own one) — and head over. Followed by tea and hangouts. The event is open only to people who identity as LGBTTQ2A+. To register, visit website.
6:30–7:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. venusenvy.ca
Tuesday, May 30
Up Yours! The Anal Sex Workshop
Sex in the butt can be intimidating if it’s your first time. This workshop covers the ins and outs (and in-out, in-out, in-out) of anal sex, including how everything works down there, safety, toys, positions, common problems, and, of course, the importance of always adding more lube. Everyone welcome. To register, visit website.
7:30–9pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. venusenvy.ca
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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