Thursday, April 20
Brown Rice: Potluck
Brown Rice, the recurring party focused on queer and trans people of colour, hosts a very apt 4/20 celebration: a potluck. Munchies-plagued party people come early to snack and then stick around to dance to the music of Ace Dillinger, Wei Back and others. Allies welcome. The venue is mostly accessible (there are no buttons to open the front door or accessible washroom door).
10pm–2am. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook
Friday, April 21
Arabian Knights Spring Party
One of the Village’s newest recurring dance parties celebrates spring with some Middle Eastern heat and amazing music. Nominated for the a 2017 INSPIRE Award for Inspiring Organization of the Year (the ceremony is in June), this queer Middle Eastern event is all about dancing, drinking, flirting and enjoying Arabic music. Everyone is welcome. DJ Louay spins house beats and pop tracks.
10pm–3am. Club 120, 120 Church St. arabianknightslgbtq.com
Saturday, April 22
El Convento Rico 25th Anniversary Show
The much beloved bar celebrates 25 years supplying fun and big beats with a Latin flare. This huge party takes place outside, across the street from the club. It has just about everything — food, hot dancing men from Magic Male Revue, lots of music (by DJ Kno, La Firma Santana, Natalie Castro and others) and drag performances (Courtney Act, Derrick Barry and many others).
2–11pm. El Convento Rico, 750 College St. For more info, visit Facebook
TO Chechnya with Love
The community gathers to express its outrage and grief at Chechnya’s recent persecution of gay men. According to recent news reports, Chechen officials has begun detaining gay men in camps, and there have been reported cases of torture and even murder. The event includes a rally, several short speeches and a march. To ask questions or to volunteer, contact tochechnyawithlove@gmail.com.
2–4pm. Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Beef Curtains: Children of Yasss Gawd
Dottie Dangerfield’s new, vagina-inspired night of burlesque and drag returns for a third installment. It’s all about providing a space for diverse performers who aren’t always welcome at other venues and events. This edition of the party features performances by Igby Lizzard, Helena Poison, Boa, Tanya Cheex, Jacklynne Hyde, Lilith Cain, Atmos Fierce, Dolly Berlin, Aura Nova. DJ Johnny B Goode provides the soundtrack for the evening.
10pm–2am. The Steady, 1051 Bloor St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Sunday, April 23
Ten Oaks Project Acorn Prance
This annual dance-athon raises funds for the Ten Oaks Project. Folks are invited to raise take pledges — this year’s goal is $30,000 — and come and prance the afternoon away for a good cause. Based in Ottawa, Ten Oaks Project provides programming (including a camp, called Camp Ten Oaks) for children and youth from LGBT families, identities and communities. To register to dance, visit website.
2–5pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook.
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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