Sunday, July 16
Sunday Bear Coffee
Loveably ursine folks gather for tea, coffee, treats and conversation. The Ottawa Bears, an Ottawa-based social group, holds one of its regular, bear-themed gatherings. Alcoholic drinks are available at the bar, but there is no obligation to drink. Everyone is welcome (not just bears).
3:30–5:00pm. Swizzles, 246 Queen St. oursottawabears.ca
Wednesday, July 19
Quantum Tangle
The Juno Award–winning, Yellowknife-based duo Quantum Tangle performs a selection of songs about navigating the strange waters of identity. Tiffany Ayalik’s Inuit throat-singing combines with trans guitarist Grey Gritt’s brand of Métis blues for a unique, moving and haunting sound. The venue is accessible.
6–6:45pm. City Room, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St. nac-can.ca
Quantum Tangle performs at the National Arts Centre on July 19, 2017. Credit: Courtesy Kayley MacKay
Thursday, July 20
Hard Cover Book Club
Danny is a talented young swimmer who hopes for fame, fortune and (as unlikely as it may sound) revenge. But at his first big competition he places only fifth, and things begin to unravel. At this Gay Zone event, men gather to discuss Christos Tsiolkas’ Barracuda. The venue is accessible.
6:30–8pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. aco-cso.ca.
Friday, July 21
Throb with B’Ugo
DJ Ashley Gauthier opens for Montreal’s B’Ugo at this monthly party all about sweaty hot guys and dancing. It’s an evening of house, tech house, techno, vocal house and hopefully dance floor make-outs. The venue is pretty, but it’s not accessible.
11pm–2:30am. Kavali Nightclub, 34 Clarence St. For more info, visit Facebook.
DJ B'Ugo spins at Throb on July 21, 2017 at Kavali Nightclub. Credit: Courtesy Steve Gerecke
Saturday, July 22
Can’t Touch This: The ’90s Party
For those who didn’t get enough of the 1990s the first time around, this dance party is for you. DJs del Pilar and yalla!yalla! spin hits from that bygone era all night long. The venue is mostly accessible (the bar has no steps, but the front door has no button and the washrooms are small).
10pm. Bar Robo, 692 Somerset St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Offbeat: Mashed Up
Queers dance to the vocals of Kimberly Sunstrum and beats of DJ Dan Valin. This is one of the recurring parties organized by the community group The Queer Mafia. Partial proceeds go to the National Capital Pride Run. The venue is accessible
10:30pm–2:30am. Babylon, 317 Bank St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Kimberly Sunstrum performs at Offbeat at Babylon on July 22, 2017. Credit: Courtesy The Queer Mafia
Saturday, July 29
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. Volunteers are on-hand to give work-out advice to those who ask for it.
Every Saturday, 5–8pm. Odawa Native Friendship Centre, 250 City Centre Ave, Bay 102. kindspace.ca
Manajiwin: LGBTTQ+ Fitness Space is open every Saturday from 5–8pm at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre. Credit: Courtesy Kind Space
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