Thursday, June 1
Strictly Ballroom: The Musical
Based on the much-loved Australian film by Baz Luhrmann, this musical adaptation follows ballroom dance champ Scott Hastings’s adventures on the dance floor and in love. Features classic songs from the film, including “Love is in the Air” and “Time After Time.” The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).
Runs until Sunday, June 25, various showtimes. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St W. mirvish.com
A Dramatic Reading from A Queer Love Story
Written during the age of AIDS, the letters between writers/activists Jane Rule and Rick Bébout are full of spirited intellectual debate and affection. This event is a dramatic reading of sections of the book A Queer Love Story: The Letters of Jane Rule and Rick Bébout. The venue is mostly accessible (there are no buttons to open the front door or accessible washroom door).
7–9pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
June First Thursday: Official Pride Month Launch
Pride Toronto 2017’s multifaceted launch party includes DJ sets by DurtyDabz and Craig Dominic, a performance by hip hop artist Junglepussy, art installations, pop-up talks and more. The event is also one of the AGO’s First Thursday events, a party that takes place on the first Thursday of every month during the summer. The venue is accessible.
7–11:30pm. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Inside Out 2017 Local Heroes Party
Following a screening of the 2017 Inside Out LGBT Film Festival’s Local Heroes program, a local heroes-themed party features performances by Vivek Shraya and Casey Nicole Mecija. DJs Sadziky and Sigourney Beaver provide the soundtrack for the evening. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).
9:30pm–12:30am. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook
Friday, June 2
Inspire Awards 2017
It’s time once again to honour various people, organizations and businesses for their contributions to the queer community. The night includes a cocktail reception, awards presentation ceremony, performances by Adam McMaster, Tasheka Lavann, Forte – Toronto Gay Men’s Chorus, The Yes Men and others) and a dance party in a garden.
6pm–1am. Hart House, 7 Hart House Circ. For more info, visit Facebook.
Cream Farewell Party
Don’t worry, this is not the end of this particular party for queer women and their friends. But it is the party’s last time at its usual venue. Cream says goodbye to Club 120 with a night packed with music by DJs Recklezz and KLR and lots of sexy lady dancing. The recurring event’s new venue has not yet been announced.
10pm–2:30am. Club 120, 120 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, June 3
Forte Turns 20
The gay men’s choir looks back on 20 years of wailing and warbling with an eclectic, nostalgic shindig. Includes a cocktail reception, performances by the choir and stories from wise ol’ choir alumni. The organization also gives out awards to its biggest supporters. The venue is accessible.
7–10:30pm. The 519, 519 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Sunday, June 4
Daddy Issues with DJ Nyte Hawk
The community’s new sports bar hosts a party for a good cause. DJ Nyte Hawk spins disco and house, guys dance and socialize, and, given the name of the event, maybe there are even a few daddies in attendance too. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation.
8–11pm. Striker, 31 St Joseph St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Wednesday, June 7
QueerCab: Pride
Queer and trans folks who adore the spotlight — come on, you know you do — show off their special talents at this open mic night. The monthly event welcomes youth up to the age of 25 to take the stage and do their thing (whatever that may be) for five minutes each. To sign up to perform, contact leelee@buddiesinbadtimes.com. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).
9–11:30pm. 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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