Thursday, Nov 17
Hard Cover Book Club
Edmund thought he was going to die, but that didn’t happen. Given a reprieve from HIV, and looking to start his new life, he launches himself into drugs and sex. At this event, men scarf down a few cookies (PS, bring cookies) and discuss Greg Kearney’s funny and moving novel, The Desperates.
6:30pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. aco-cso.ca/gayzonegaie
Bruce House Charity Show
The community comes together to be entertained and raise funds for Bruce House, the charity that provides housing and other support for people living with HIV/AIDS. The evening includes drag, burlesque and more, by Jak Ammer, Rhapsody Blue, Zelda Marshal, Dynasty Starr and others.
10pm–1am. Swizzles, 246 Queen St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, Nov 19
Offbeat Strictly Dance
The community organization The Queer Mafia is back with one of its popular, inclusive dance parties. Folks of every stripe mingle, dance and relax to the music of DJ Kitty Funk. Proceeds from the event will to go some of the various causes that The Queer Mafia supports.
10:30pm–2:30am. Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St. facebook.com/thequeermafia
Tuesday, Nov 22
Going Down: A Guide to Fellatio
Do your attempts at sucking cock often result in disaster? Is it all teeth and screaming and flailing, and gagging with a sound like an angry, clogged toilet? This workshop for people of all genders and orientations covers the ins and outs of doing it safely and well.
6:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. venusenvy.ca
Thursday, Nov 24
Cards Against Misogyny
It’s a night of rambunctious feminist buzzkills playing a better, less-offensive version of the controversial card game Cards Against Humanity. Hosted by Queering613 and the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, the event has volunteers on hand to explain how to play.
7pm. Happy Goat Coffee Co, 35 Laurel St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Blood, Sweat and Heels Charity Drag Show
And this is more partying for a good cause. It’s drag (of both the king and queen varieties) by members the Capital Kings drag king troupe and others. Proceeds will go toward bringing a refugee, or refugees — an at-risk LGBTQ individual or couple — to Ottawa.
7pm–midnight. The Lookout, 41 York St. thelookoutbar.com
Friday, Nov 25
Throb 1 Year Anniversary
The dance party with a rave feel celebrates its first anniversary by being a little harder, darker and sexier. And hopefully guys take off their shirts and make the most of it. DJ Ashley Gauthier provides the soundtrack for the celebration. This is a monthly event.
10pm–2:30am. Kavali Nightclub, 34 Clarence St. facebook.com/throb.club
Sunday, Nov 27
Bear Coffee
Bears take a break from their busy schedules of picnic basket-thievery for an afternoon of socializing and drinking coffee (and presumably thinking about picnic basket-thievery). Following the meet-up — which is open to anyone — attendees head out to a restaurant for dinner. This takes place every Sunday. Admirers welcome.
3–5pm. Centretown Pub, 340 Somerset St W. oursottawabears.ca
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.