Thursday, June 2
AGO’s Pride Launch Party
The gallery kicks off Pride month artistically, with a party curated by filmmaker, writer, artist and all-round unusual man Bruce LaBruce. The night includes performances by artist and musician No Bra, queer artists Ron Athey and Narcissister, and Gio Black Peer. There’s art-making activities, pop-up talks, food and a bar.
7pm. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W. ago.net/firstthursdays
Friday, June 3
A Very Chris-Terical ’90s Cabaret: The Final Coming
Anyone who’s seen Chris Tsujiuchi perform would probably agree that it’s sort of like the embodiment of music is holding up some hair. He puts on a strangely good cabaret. This edition — apparently the last of its kind — includes such guests as Bruce Scavuzzo, Colin Asuncion, Joss MacNeil and Kevin Wong. All proceeds go to the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.
Runs until Saturday, June 4, 7:30pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Dressed Up Disco
Disco is very much alive, and Pride is saturated with it. But this is definitely one of the main parties to attend. CANFAR 30 Under 30 presents a 1970s-themed disco party to raise funds for HIV/AIDS research. It includes music by DJ Phil V, and drag by such performers as Tynomi Banks, Fay Slift, Judy Virago and Scalett Bobo. And there’s an open bar.
9pm. Loft404, 263 Adelaide St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, June 4
Singing Out: Seize the Day
Seeing one of the LGBT community chorus’ concerts is a bit like being inside a Care Bear’s head — how can they be so cheery and upbeat? The Seize the Day-themed edition is a little eclectic, with Broadway hits, Canadian classics and lots of surprises. It’s the perfect event for anyone looking for some — or an impossible amount of — positivity.
3 and 7:30pm. Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St W. singingout.com
Tapette: Édition Bol de Fruit
The French are already pretty gay, but a French-themed dance party with a name that means “pansy” or “faggot” takes it a step further. This edition of DJ Phil V’s recurring party is hosted by a special hunk all the way from Montreal, Gabe LaDuke. It includes performances by lady-bear Fay Slift and her go-go garçons. As billing for the event says, “a bientot, les homos!”
10pm. Miss Thing’s, 1279 Queen St W. facebook.com/tapetteto
Sunday, June 5
Inside Out: Closing Gala Party
The Inside Out LGBT Film Festival throws a big bash. The medley of screenings, panel discussions, artist talks and installations kicked off 11 days ago with a big party, and now it ends with one too. DJs Joe Blow, Mary Mack and Sigourney Beaver spin hot beats for everyone’s dancing pleasure — including that of the sexy go-go dancers.
9:30pm. Artscape Sandbox, 301 Adelaide St W. insideout.ca
Tuesday, June 7
Human Rights Panel: Bathhouse Raids
On February 5, 1981, police raided Toronto’s gay bathhouses and arrested 286 men. They damaged property and lives, and the action led to a grassroots response led by the Right to Privacy Committee. How did this whole affair change the community? This panel discussion on the subject features author Margaret Atwood and Pastor Brent Hawkes.
7pm. The 519, 519 Church St. the519.org
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events
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