Thursday, Jan 7
Next Stage Theatre Festival
Three bachelors and their dog spend a harrowing (and hilarious) week boating up the River Thames. The ninth season of the festival for up-and-coming theatre artists includes the Dora Award–winning Mark Brownell’s play Three Men in a Boat. His stage adaptation of an 1889 British travelogue features ample whisky-fueled antics and a jolly ol’ boating song.
Runs until Sunday, Jan 17; various showtimes. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St. fringetoronto.com/next-stage-festival
Friday, Jan 8
Home Turf
Many kinksters packed away their raunchy finery for the holidays, trading their multi-buckled harnesses for cheery, barf-inspiring sweaters. Hosted by Alan Anderson and Mr Black Eagle 2016, this leather and fetish–themed bar night is a chance to get back into the swing of things. Includes draws for prizes from Northbound Leather, Steamworks and B-Whipped.
10pm. The Black Eagle, 457 Church St. blackeagletoronto.com
Back to Church: 2016 Kick-Off
After what you did at New Years’, you have much to atone for. But this girl’s dance party isn’t the place to do it. A crowd of almost-irreparably-naughty folks dance their butts off to DJs Delicious and Annalyze’ repertoire of hip hop, house and trap. Born out of a desire to revive Toronto’s woefully waning lesbian party scene, the event takes place every month.
11pm. Church, 504 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, Jan 9
The Toronto Gaymers Boardgames Night: Villains
Put together an irresistible dungeon. Just the type that an attractive, but unlucky adventurer might be lured into. If you can gain 10 souls before your fellow players, you win. The retro video game-inspired Boss Monster: The Dungeon-Building Card Game is the (probably unintentionally kinky) focus of this edition of the recurring event for lovely game-addicted nerds.
7pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 598 Yonge St. facebook.com/torontogaymers
Business Woman’s Special: Solid Gold Disco
An all-disco edition of the monthly Kensington Market romp. DJs Sammy, Nino Brown, Diego Armand and Phil V spin, and Tynomi Banks performs while you do the hustle.
10pm. Round, 152a Augusta Ave. For more info, visit Facebook.
Sunday, Jan 10
Queer Social: Holiday Recovery
The holidays are often a difficult time for queer people. If we even have a family to go home to, the experience might often be tainted by homophobia, misgendering or a plain ol’ lack of shared interests. After all that nonsense, you can recuperate and celebrate with your chosen family at a cozy bar night. Feel free to bring any unwanted gifts and swap them with others.
9pm. Holy Oak, 1241 Bloor St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Monday, Jan 11
The Fraternity’s Dinner and Talk
We’re in the grip of Trudeaumania, and many are excited by what the new Liberal government will mean for Canada and for the gay community. The Fraternity, a networking club for professional gay men, invites civil rights lawyer R Douglas Elliot to talk about what’s on the horizon. Includes a buffet dinner. RSVP to meet@thefraternity.org by Friday, Jan 8.
5:45pm. Courtyard Marriott, 475 Yonge St. thefraternity.org
(For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events)
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