Thursday, June 8

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

Strictly Ballroom: The Musical runs until June 25, 2017, at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Credit: Courtesy Alastair MuirTrue Colours Party 2017 Pride is definitely political when it comes to this bash. The provincial NDP of the Toronto Centre riding host a Pride party complete with drag king and queen performances, drinks and finger food. The venue is mostly accessible (there are no buttons to open the front door or accessible washroom door).7–10pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook. The Lavender Railroad Set in a world in which homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death, Lawrence Aronovitch’s Rideau Award–winning play explores themes of hope, redemption and impossible choices. Described by the CBC as “Bladerunner meets the Counter-Reformation,” the play is a sort of cautionary tale: it warns us to never take our rights for granted.Runs until Sunday, June 18, 8pm. The Box Toronto, 89 Niagara St. itmtheatre.com Friday, June 92017 U of T Pride Pub Pride gets an academic feel at U of T’s annual celebration. Snuggled in Hart House’s elegant quad, folks enjoy a barbecue, community fair and drinks. Revellers stay until nightfall to enjoy performances (including taiko drumming) and shake their butts to hot beats by DJs Cozmic Cat and Sammy Royale. Everyone welcome (not just U of T students).4pm–1am. Hart House, 7 Hart House Circ. For more info, visit Facebook. Toronto’s Queer Slowdance: Snazzamatazz Pride EditionThis event focused on slow dancing is a welcome change of pace for those uninterested in the usual drink-and-sweat-and-fall-over club scene. Gently sway while socializing with friends old and new. In terms of dress code, attendees are encouraged to “snazz it up” with fabulous and inspired outfits. The venue is accessible.10pm–3am. The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W. For more info, visit Facebook. Saturday, June 10Queer and Trans Family Event: Family PrideFor all its varied attractions, Pride generally has very few family-friendly activities. This rare family extravaganza is a chance to spend a few hours with other queer and trans families in a fun, safe environment. Includes a dance party, water play in the splash pad, a mini parade and more. The venue is accessible.10am–1pm. The 519, 519 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook. DND Sixth Anniversary ft Derek Parker Daddy Next Door, the popular bi-monthly bar night all about daddies and their admirers, celebrates six years of catering to your daddy issues (and we know there are many). Features a special guest host, the sexy and butch Derek Parker. DJs Dwayne Minard and Mikey B spin all night long. The venue is not accessible.10pm–3am. The Black Eagle, 457 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.

DJ Dwayne Minard spins at DND’s sixth anniversary at The Black Eagle on June 10, 2017. Credit: Courtesy Jason SteadBonerYou gotta love branding that gets straight to the point — no quibbling, just boner. Presented by Nigel March, this new penis-themed monthly dance party includes a clothes check. Guys just strip down to whatever feels comfortable (which can mean wearing nothing at all) and dance and flirt (and who knows). The venue is not accessible.10pm–3am. Club 120, 120 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Boner takes place June 10, 2017, at Club 120. Credit: Courtesy Nigel MarchSunday, June 11MSM (Men Seeking Men)LemonTree Creations presents a dance theatre piece inspired by online conversation between men who are into men. The result is a lot of sexy dancing to electronic music. The piece, which had its world premiere at WorldPride 2014, has been nominated for six BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).8–9:30pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook. Wednesday, June 14 Nuit Rose Opening Reception and Group Exhibition Nuit Rose, an annual festival focused on queer art and performance, kicks off this year with a group exhibition and party. Come early for the art — painting, drawing, photography, video and sculpture — and stick around for the DJ and dancing. For information on the rest of the festival, visit website. 7–10pm. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St E. For more info, visit Facebook. Ryan G Hinds: On Parade Glamorous cabaret star Ryan G Hinds sets the stage for Pride with his signature blend of music, humour and political commentary. With a gusto that could have something to do with his glitter-encrusted lips, Hinds sings everything from Wham! to vintage Disney tunes. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).8–10pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Ryan G Hinds will sing everything from Wham! to vintage Disney tunes on June 14, 2017 at Buddies. Credit: Courtesy Greg Wong

For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.

Out in Toronto: June 8–14, 2017

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