Out in Ottawa: Dec 1–15, 2017

Saturday, Dec 2

Upon Another Midnight Queer

The Tone Cluster queer choir teams up with Studio 507 drop-in centre for a fun, eclectic evening. It kicks off with Studio 507’s art exhibit, followed by Tone Cluster’s concert celebrating culture and the holiday season. In between, there’s a raffle with proceeds going to support the choir’s trip to Calgary for the 2018 Unison Festival.

6:30, art exhibit, 9:30pm, concert. Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Tuesday, Dec 5

Gaymer Night at Swizzles: Third Annual Festivus and Munchkin

Ottawa’s gaymers gather to play Munchkin and other board games, and to celebrate for the third year in a row of the more-or-less made-up holiday of Festivus. In true Seinfeld fashion, this will include the airing of grievances, a Festivus pole, feats of strength and snacks. The evening will also include a re-gifting, so bring all the crap you don’t want and foist it onto someone else.

6:30–10pm. Swizzles, 246 Queen St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Service 101: From the Bottom to the Top

What does it mean to “serve” someone in kinky bedroom play? It doesn’t just mean a girl in a slutty maid’s outfit; anyone can serve, and in a whole variety of ways. Facilitated by Taylor J Mace, a non-binary, trans sex educator, this workshop welcomes people of all genders and sexual orientations. The is accessible.

6:30–8:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Sunday, Dec 10

Trans Self-Defence Class

Trans people in Ottawa are often harassed in the street, but they don’t always feel comfortable or safe attending existing self-defence classes. Organized by a variety of individuals and groups, this self-defence class for trans people emphasizes education, planning and basic self-defence techniques. Advance registration required (see indicated Facebook event page for instructions).

1:30–3:30pm. McNabb Recreation Centre,180 Percy St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Monday, Dec 11

Naked Boys Reading: Final (Un)Cut for 2017

Men take off their clothing and read to you — how comforting! This edition of the recurring event that livens up literature with the addition of lovely, lovely nudity features a winter theme and such readers as Andrew, Dale, Mathieu and Michael (don’t worry — you’ll get to know them a lot better if you attend). Burlesque performer Rhapsody Blue is the host for the evening.

8–10:30pm. Live! On Elgin, 220 Elgin St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Thursday, Dec 14

Hard Cover Book Club

An American teacher seeks the services of Mitko, a charismatic young hustler, over and over, and the relationship becomes more complicated and dangerous as time goes on. As he struggles with the emotional turmoil that this relationship creates, the teacher finds himself grappling with his own problematic history. Men gather to discuss Garth Greenwell’s novel What Belongs to You. The venue is accessible.

6:30–8pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. For more info, visit Facebook.