Out in Ottawa: May 1–15, 2017

Choice events in the city this week


Friday, May 5

Rise Up: Spring 2017

In honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, local activists come together to keep the conversation going surrounding issues of sexual assault and gender-based violence in Canada. The evening includes several speakers and all proceeds will go toward charities that support victims of sexual assault.

7–10pm. SAW Gallery, 67 Nicholas St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Saturday, May 6

2017 Canada Robin Cup

Folks head out to cheer on the Ottawa Wolves, an inclusive rugby club, as it competes against Toronto’s Muddy York and Montreal’s Armada in the second annual spring tournament. Includes a women’s game as well (Ottawa Wolves has both men and women’s teams).

12:30–5pm. Twin Elm Rugby Park, 4075 Twin Elm Rd. For more info, visit Facebook.

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 7

Something Inside So Strong

The Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus, a local charitable organization, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a concert. Not only that, all 385 former members of the choir are invited to attend and sing a song with the choir’s current membership (former members interested should contact cgo30ogmc@gmail.com).

2–5pm. Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 St Patrick St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Something Inside So Strong takes place at Saint Brigid’s Centre on May 7, 2017. Credit: Courtesy Valerie Mills

Tuesday, May 9

 

The Big O! Tips and Tricks for Bigger, Better and More Frequent Orgasms

You know how to have an orgasm, but you want to expand your repertoire. This workshop, centred on improving female orgasms (but everyone is welcome to attend), covers such topics as multiple orgasms, g– and p–spot orgasms, bigger orgasms and solo and partnered play.

6:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. venusenvy.ca

Thursday, May 11

National Capital Pride Run Launch Party

This is your first chance to sign up to run in Capital Pride’s annual run this coming August. While you’re here, you can also bid on items in the silent auction and try the 50/50 draw. Proceeds from these diversions will go to the 2017 run’s charity of choice, Bruce House.

6–9pm. T’s, 323 Somerset St W. For more info, visit Facebook.

Friday, May 12

Queers and Beers: Spring Fling

Beer isn’t really that bad. It can actually be pretty good. Each month, Queering 613, an organization aimed at promoting the queer community in Ottawa, takes over a typically straight venue for a big queer party. The venue is accessible.

6–10pm. Mill St Brew Pub, 555 Wellington St. For more info, visit Facebook.

This edition of Queers and Beers takes place on May 12, 2017, at the Mill St Brew Pub. Credit: Courtesy Bailey Cook

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).

Read More About:
Culture, Event listings, Arts, Ottawa

Keep Reading

‘Canada’s Drag Race’ Season 5, Episode 5 power ranking: Grunge girls

To quote Garbage’s “When I Grow Up,” which queen is “trying hard to fit among” the heavy-hitter cast, and whose performance was “a giant juggernaut”?

‘Canada’s Drag Race’ Season 5, Episode 5 recap: Here comes the sunshine

We’re saved by the bell this week as we flash back to the ’90s

A well-known Chinese folk tale gets a queer reimagining in ‘Sister Snake’

Amanda Lee Koe’s novel is a clever mash-up of queer pulp, magical realism, time travel and body horror, with a charged serpentine sisterhood at its centre

‘Drag Race’ in 2024 tested the limits of global crossover appeal

“Drag Race” remains an international phenomenon, but “Global All Stars” disappointing throws a damper on global ambitions