Thursday, Feb 15
The 39th Rhubarb Festival
Each year, Buddies is transformed into a hotbed of theatrical experimentation, as the long-running Rhubarb festival takes hold. This year’s two-week programme includes Waawaate Fobister’s Gashkigwaaso (about the resilience of the Anishinaabe people of Grassy Narrows) and Augusto Bitter’s Chicho (about being a queer, Catholic Venezuelan). The venue is accessible.
Runs until Sunday, Feb 25, various showtimes. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com
The 39th Rhubarb Festival, which from Feb 14–25, 2018 includes Waawaate Fobister’s Gashkigwaaso. Credit: Courtesy Buddies in Bad Times
Saturday, Feb 17
The Wizard of Oz with Live Orchestra
Whether you’re a friend of Dorothy or not, you won’t want to miss this event. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra provides the soundtrack (live!) for a screening of the classic movie The Wizard of Oz. This should be a particularly good activity for queer families with children to enjoy on Family Day weekend. The venue is accessible.
7:30pm today, and 3pm tomorrow. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Cherry Bomb: Queer Winter Beach Party
After the success of last year’s beach party (that was also queer and in the winter), the folks at Cherry Bomb have decided to make it an annual event. Queer women and their friends are invited to don whatever clothing seems to correspond to this fabulous theme, and move their butts to the music of DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson. The venue is not accessible
10pm–3am. Round, 152 Augusta Ave. For more info, visit Facebook.
DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson spin at Cherry Bomb on April 21, 2018 at The Round. Credit: Courtesy Nancy Kim
Yohomo Presents: Open Relationship
The Yohomo publication (and now party series) presents a Valentine’s party that, billing says, “celebrat[es] all types of relationships all the time.” It’s called Yohomo, but people of all genders and orientations are invited to get romantic to the sexy house beats. Features scandalous dancing by Shazad Syed Hai, Anthony Ellis and Paul Charbonneau. The venue is accessible.
10pm–3am. Longboat Hall, 1087 Queen St W (basement). For more info, visit Facebook.
Yohomo’s Open Relationship party takes place Feb 17, 2018 at Longboat Hall. Credit: Courtesy Sammy Rawal
Monday, Feb 19
The QAPD Collective 3
The latest addition to Toronto’s queer comedy scene is the lovely, handsome and nifty Chantel Marostica’s LGBT open mic night. Every Monday, there will be five open-mic slots (arrive at 7:30pm to sign up) and five booked performers. This week’s booked performers are Anasimone George, Emily Bilton, Campbell Parsons, Cara Connors. The venue is not accessible.
Every Monday, 8–10pm. Pegasus, 489 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Chantel Marostica’s LGBT open mic night takes place every Monday at Pegasus. Credit: Courtesy Chantel Marostica
Wednesday, Feb 21
LGBTQ and the Humanitarian Sector: Inclusion, Security and Pride
What is it like to be a queer humanitarian worker in a country where being queer is illegal? How can humanitarian organizations adapt their work to protect LGBT beneficiaries? What are the legal issues around equal opportunities? Action Against Hunger presents a panel discussion when speakers from the humanitarian sector will address these and other questions. The venue is accessible.
6–7:30pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
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