Thursday, May 25
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
Newsgirl Opening at Soulo Theatre Festival
Savoy “Kapow” Howe, founder of the Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club (a club for women and trans folks), relates tales from her 25-year-long boxing journey. Her one-woman show, which takes place in her actual boxing ring, covers everything from teaching survivors of violence to box to close calls with the city’s underworld.
8–11pm. Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club, 388 Carlaw Ave. For more info, visit Facebook.
Inside Out 2017 Opening Gala Party
Following a screening of the film God’s Own Country, the 2017 Inside Out LGBT Film Festival kicks off with a huge party. Features music by Toronto’s DJs Lucie Tic and Ace Dillinger and a silent auction. The 11-day-long Inside Out festival include artist talks, panel discussions and thousands of film screenings.
9:30pm–1am. Malaparte, 350 King St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Friday, May 26
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World Tour
As if the city’s drag-obsessed queers weren’t overstimulated enough, a massive drag show featuring some of your favourite queens from the hit show RuPaul’s Drag Race comes to town. This frantic night of heels, hose (like hosiery, of course), hips and lips features performances by Alaska Thunderfuck, Shangela, Bianca Del Rio and others.
8–11pm. The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave. For more info, visit Facebook.
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The latest addition to the village’s nightlife is a simply-named dance party for women, trans folk and non-binary people of colour. Presented by Mojo Toronto, the inaugural party features DJs Recklezz and Mavis spinning hip hop, R&B and house. Includes a raffle and proceeds will be donated to Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape. Allies welcome.
10pm–2:30am. Blyss, 504 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Saturday, May 27
The Fabulous Book and Junk Sale
Now you too can own a piece of Canada’s queer history. Each year, the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives sells off duplicates from its collection. That means books, pins, pictures and other paraphernalia. All proceeds from the sale go back to the archives to help with its mission: keeping our stories alive.
Noon–4pm. Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, 34 Isabella St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Wimmin: Queer Rock and Roll Dance Party
The dance party focused on rock ’n’ roll from female and “gender-expansive” rockers returns. You can expect music from such artists as Patti Smith, The Cliks, Hole, Against Me!, Betty Davis, Le Tigre, Garbage and many others. Everyone welcome (but, as billing says, “queers to the front”). The venue is not accessible.
10pm–2am. The Steady, 1051 Bloor St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Pitbull: Summer Kick-Off
The party for big buff guys with tans and the ability to grow facial hair welcomes summer with a bash headlined by superstar New York DJ, Hector Fonseca. Includes great decor, go-go dancing porn stars and a mind-blowing sound system. This is one of a slew of Pitbull events that will take place this summer.
10pm–4am. The Phoenix, 410 Sherbourne St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Wednesday, May 31
2017 Pride Month Flag Raising Ceremony
Toronto Pride month 2017 kicks off with the usual proclamation and ceremonial raising of a rainbow flag at city hall. Mayor John Tory, city Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and other community members will be on hand for the event. For the second year in a row, Toronto Pride will take up the entire month of June.
Noon–1pm. Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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