Thursday, May 11
Strictly Ballroom: The Musical
Based on the much-loved hit Australian film by Baz Luhrmann, this musical adaptation follows ballroom champ Scott Hastings, who gets himself disqualified from a major competition after busting some pretty sweet new moves. After his dance partner dumps him, he considers wallflower and amateur dancer Fran (“Just Fran”) to fill the role for the next competition — and finds love. Features classic songs from the film including “Love is in the Air” and “Time After Time” as well as new songs from artists such as Sia. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).
Runs until June 25, 2017, various showtimes. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St W. mirvish.com.
It’s All Tru
Everything’s fine in the life of Kurt and Travis, a perfect gay couple, until one of them has unprotected sex with a stranger. Written and directed by Sky Gilbert, this new play explores such issues as the use of PrEP and the criminalization of HIV. The cast included the Dora Award–winning David Coomber. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).
Runs until Sunday, May 14, various showtimes. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com
Contain/Collect
This month-long interdisciplinary art show and performance lab is all about queering history. Features talks, performances and work by more than 25 artists. Includes original pieces for sale by such artists as Ulisa Deskaj, Melissa Florence and Michael McGlennon. The event is run by Elephant in the Attic, a print gallery and design shop.
Runs until Sunday, May 14. 1544 Dundas St W. elephantintheattic.ca/contain-collect
Les Femmes: A Drag Burlesque Revue
Draglesque (a performance style that combines drag and burlesque) lipsyncs, sashays and nipple tassel twirls its way to the village. This edition of a new recurring live show features performances by three sassy seductresses — Leelando, Scarlett Bobo and Juice Boxx. The night is hosted by Laura Desiree.
10:30pm–1:30am. Blyss, 504 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Friday, May 12
Cruising Season Ribbon Cutting with Queers Crash the Beat
Queers Crash the Beat, and organization formed in the wake of the police sting in Marie Curtis Park in fall 2016, celebrates the beginning of “cruising season” with a formal ribbon cutting in a park. The event takes place in one of the city’s most popular places for the carnally-minded to meet up on summer nights: Queen’s Park.
2–3pm. Queen’s Park. For more info, visit Facebook.
Trade’s Fourth Anniversary Wigs and Jocks Party
Guys come together (pun intended) to celebrate a sex-positive dance party’s fourth anniversary. DJs Scooter McCreight and Joshua Reid supply the soundtrack and San Francisco performance artist Grace Towers provides the entertainment. Includes dance floor, dark room (bow-chicka-wow-wowww) and patio. The venue is not accessible.
10pm–3am. The Black Eagle, 457 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, May 13
Massive Presents: The TCAF Queer Mixer
This laid-back event is all about the queer side of the 2017 Toronto Comic Arts Festival. A screening of footage from the film Queer Japan is followed by mixing and mingling with some of the queer comic creators involved with this year’s festival. The venue is mostly accessible (there are no buttons to open the front door or the accessible washroom door).
7–10pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Wednesday, May 17
Queer Progress Featuring Tim McCaskell
Tim McCaskell reads passages from his latest book, Queer Progress: From Homophobia to Homonationalism, and discusses queer history in Canada and the work of Body Politic (a now-defunct publication once owned by Pink Triangle Press). The venue is mostly accessible (there are no buttons to open the front door or the accessible washroom door).
7:30–9pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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