Saturday, Sept 10
Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus Community BBQ and Concert
What could be gayer than choral music in a park? Probably a few things, but it’s still pretty gay. The Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus, a charitable organization, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a relaxing outdoor barbecue and concert. It’s all hamburgers and hotdogs and country music from singer Drake Jensen. As if it weren’t obvious, this is a very family-friendly gathering.
Noon–6pm. Minto Park, 315 Elgin St. cgogmc.ca
Torch Song Trilogy
The play is actually three plays that track the life of Arnold Beckoff, a torch song-singing drag queen, against the backdrop of 1970s and ’80s New York City. It’s love, it’s loss and it’s Stonewall. Many will probably be more familiar with the 1988 film adaptation of the same name featuring a young Matthew Broderick. Toto Too Theatre’s production of Harvey Fierstein’s masterpiece is directed by Sarah Hearn.
7pm. Runs until Saturday, Sept 17. Academic Hall, University of Ottawa. tototoo.ca
Tuesday, Sept 13
Gaymer Night at Swizzles
The local bar has a great big, brand spankin’ new TV, so this session of nerdy queer gaming features video games including You Don’t Know Jack, Fibbage, Drawful and more. Bring your mobile device in order to play. For technophobes, there’s also a bunch of board games on hand, including Scrabble, The Game of Life and Clue. It’s a bar, but there is no obligation to drink alcoholic beverages.
6:30pm. Swizzles, 246 Queen St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Thursday, Sept 15
Hard Cover Book Club
A conventional man ends up leaving his wife and moving from Edwardian England to the only recently colonized Canada, where he lives under the threat of war and is strangely drawn to an evil man. At this edition of the recurring book club, men gather to discuss Patrick Gale’s novel A Place Called Winter. Attendees are encouraged — by the person who wrote this blurb — to bring baked goods.
6:30pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. aco-cso.ca/gayzonegaie
Juicy
Queer folks get all decked out in their whatnots and enjoy a new hip hop dance party. Will it be a recurring event? Don’t know. What is there to say about this party? Not much, because billing is pretty sparse — more details to come on Facebook, presumably. But Ottawa can always use another inclusive party, so this has to be a good thing.
10pm. The Bourbon Room, 400 Dalhousie St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, Sept 17
Jocks and Socks: Back to School Discipline
The penis is mightier than the sword. Or something like that. Hosted by National Capital Leather Pride, this is a kinky bar night with dual themes of punishment and back to school. This means everyone should come in leather, kinky gear or simply jockstraps and socks. And maybe there will be a good spanking. There is a pants check for those inclined to participate properly. DJ Mike Mailly spins.
9:30pm. Centretown Pub, 340 Somerset St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Sunday, Sept 18
Rugby Open House
Some like drinking tea in book-lined rooms, some like eating crumbly cookies on the front porch and some like writing thoughtful notes to family members. But others enjoy beating the crap out of each other on a field. The Ottawa Wolves, an inclusive rugby club with both men and women’s teams, invites everyone to watch the game and consider signing up to play with the team. No experience necessary.
1–4pm. Minto Sports Complex, 801 King Edward Ave. facebook.com/ottawawolves
SlutWalk Ottawa
Each year, in many cities across the country, folks march to raise awareness about sexual violence and victim-blaming. One of this event’s key messages is that no matter what someone is wearing, it is never the victim’s fault. Ottawa’s march will begin at the Human Rights Monument with speeches and then head out onto the city’s streets.
2–4pm. Human Rights Monument (corner of Elgin and Lisgar Streets). facebook.com/groups/swottawa
Friday, Sept 23
Throb
This dance party is for guys. Other people can come, but this is mainly about guys grinding and making out on the dancefloor. The atmosphere is sexy, and it’s dark with a bit of a rave feel. This edition of the recurring event features DJ Ian Key, who’s known for spinning his unique electro house sound in many of Montreal’s hottest venues. Ashley Gauthier spins the opening set.
10:30pm. Plurr, 310 Dalhousie St. facebook.com/throb.club
Tuesday, Sept 27
Up Yours: Anal Pleasure and Health
Many of us spend our formative years shoving things up our bums, and by the time we hit adulthood — well, it’s just routine. But others are not so well-versed. This workshop is geared for newbies to anal play. It’s about combating myths and cultural taboos, and providing tips about lube, toys and safety. Everyone is welcome — all you need is an anus (either yours or a partner’s) and a good attitude.
6:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. venusenvy.ca
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events
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