Thursday, Jan 12
Rainbow Soup Social
It’s that time of year where I get to guilt you into things. Some of you had a good Christmas, plenty of good food, drinks, friends, all of the best things. But some of you are not as lucky, and this time of year every support group needs help. Find the one that works for you at any number of places like qmunity.ca or checkhimout.ca, just to name two. This particular group, run by the Health Initiative for Men, invites you to make soup weekly that is provided to queer people and their allies. And if making soup isn’t your thing, find something that is, you will feel great afterwards.
5–7pm. Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Broughton St, register at register@checkhimout.ca. More info at checkhimout.ca
Friday, Jan 13
It’s Just Drag
I know some of you think that a three-hour drag show can be just that: a drag. But tonight Tommy D brings us a TFD production, with all the bells and whistles that go along with a top-performance extravaganza with more than 30 performers. Not only has he snagged Roxxxy Andrews and Naomi Smalls from RuPaul, but from what I hear every queen in the city has been vying for a spot in what promises to be one of the classiest nights in one of the best spots in town for this kind of show. Hosted by Joan-E and Shanda Leer, you’ve got your money’s worth already. Grab your date and dress to impress.
8pm. Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St. Tickets $30–50 at ticketmaster.ca. Info at facebook.com/events/1735240636799430/
Full Length Feature: The End?
Have Carlotta and Gingerbear done it again? Have they ravaged every dancer and stripper that has dropped gear at the “O” and now have to move on? Come down tonight for what could be The End. Carlotta Gurl hosts for one last kick at the can along with Peach Cobblah and Isolde N Barron. DJ Gingerbear will be spinning and VJ’ing the night away and legendary Lola is your bartender du jour. If the night is moving — hopefully closer to the Village — I will keep you informed!
9pm. The Odyssey, 686 W Hastings St. Cover $5. theodyssey.ca
Saturday, Jan 14
Rainbow Bowling LGBTQ Event
I can just see my friend Sydney laughing his ass off when he sees I’ve written about a bowling event. I used to bowl. In fact, I was in the Chicago Gay Games for bowling, but that was at the end of my career when I wasn’t having as much fun, though it got me into the Games. My team did great, me not so much, and when the bowling was all done I “accidentally” let go of my ball on the hill beside our hotel. As far as I know that 16-pound ball still lives at the bottom of that canal. Tonight is a fundraiser for Rainbow Refugee and teams will consist of six members. Bring your team, or they will assign you to a team so nobody misses out. There is a bar, concessions, a bowling-themed costume contest and door prizes, and you get to help out a great support group.
7–11pm. Old Orchard Lanes, 4429 Kingsway, Burnaby. Admission $20. facebook.com/events/1103189363082550/
Vancouver Men In Leather Social & Pump Kink Night
What better night to hit the VML gear night and social? You can meet and greet and get tuned up with a few cocktails before sticking around for PJ’s Pump Kink event: a full night of leather, gear, kink, fetish, men and fun. I am going to have to break out the leather cleaner after this one. Anyone know of a good DNA remover for gear?
8–11pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. $5 cover after 9pm. vancouvermeninleather.ca
Bulge
Probably not the best name for a night after a few weeks of Christmas binging, but fortunately for us the bulging they are looking for is a little further south of your belly. Be proud and show off the jock or harness that is itching to get out of the closet. No jockstrap? No problem, as everything looks much bigger compressed into a thong. Dance your naked ass off to beats of DJ J Warren (NY) and enjoy hot music, hot men and hot, sweaty bulges begging to be touched and set free. Brought to you by out of town Man Upp Events
9pm–3am. The Hindenburg, 23 W Cordova St. Tickets $7 at eventbrite.com and at door if available. manupp.net
Wild Fruit
Not to be outdone by all the men’s parties this weekend, the women have one of their own and trust me a lot more goes on at this party than you think. Sexy women dancing their faces off to DJ Nathalie, in one of the classiest nightclub spots in the Village. Low lights, lots of snuggle nooks, an outdoor area above street level, filled with plants and a clear view of the stars for the romantically inclined. Just don’t knock over my martini. If you are having a special night they even offer table service, just check online for contact info.
10pm–3am. Playhouse Nightclub, 1240 Thurlow St. Tickets $10 at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St or at flygirlproductions.com
Sunday, Jan 15
Search For Miss Gay Latina BC
Caliente Nights announces its search for Miss Gay Latina 2017, starting tonight and continuing on Sunday, Feb 19, to find the best to represent the Latinx LGBT community for a year. Winner takes home a cash prize of $500 and a throne on the Latin LGBTQ Community‘s Pride float. Now that I know there is a throne, I may just have to compete. It’s the bathing suit competition I may need a lot of help with.
10pm–3am. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. $5 cover after 10pm. facebook.com/events/704542109701060/
Monday, Jan 16
Condom Party
I hate to burst your blown-up condom bubble, but Santa did not leave all those travel packs in your stocking. Your significant other or BFF is nice to look out for you, but those were all freebies given out by HIM and now it’s time to pay it forward. Tonight is condom-packing night where condoms and lube are packaged into tight little containers for the next round. If every condom user in the West End did one shift, we would have enough done for a year and then I would not be hassling you for the next 11 months, bargain! Plus you meet great guys and at the end of the night you get a tasty meal provided by one of the Village’s great eateries.
6–9pm. Health Initiative for Men (HIM) office, 1033 Davie St. checkhimout.ca
Queer Prov
Does the audience laugh when the Queer Prov actors portray straights? I’m just curious because at an improv night I recently saw in Seattle, two of the guys were told to act gay and although I admit the flamboyance was over the top the entire audience was roaring. I’ll have to check it out sometime to see. Tonight boasts an awesome array of Improv-ers that will have you belly laughing most of the night no matter who they portray. Your host tonight is that tiny bundle of energy Josh Rimer.
9pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. No cover. facebook.com/queerprov/
Club Combo
One of the newer nights on Davie Street at the sexiest lounge around. World. Grime. Dancehall. Weekly with Dolce & Cabanaboy (Prancehall). Try it out, you might just enjoy yourself.
8pm–3am. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. facebook.com/events/1823156221295382/
Tuesday, Jan 17
Join the Struggle With HIM
Resolutions have started and mine have already have gone out the window. I already ate some chocolate and blew a guy at the gym. If I did drugs or smoked I would probably stick it out longer, but that oral fixation is always a killer. If you resolved to quit smoking and need a bit of a push, this meeting is for you. Working with the Lung Association of British Columbia, this is an informative session about options for quitting smoking and advice on beating cravings, getting through withdrawal, and staying smoke-free for good. Whether you need quick answers or step-by-step support, all available options will be presented.
7–8:30pm. HIM Office, 1033 Davie St. no charge but for more information, or to register, email register@checkhimout.ca or call 604-488-1001. checkhimout.ca
Steev & Oli’s Magic Mic Night
Before you get your panties in a bunch, Channing Tatum is not coming to town, although I have heard the microphone they will use tonight is an exact replica of his penis. Comedian Steev Letts and Oli Maughan are calling all comedians, musicians and performance acts to share their new open mic night, starting tonight. Pros, amateurs and first-timers all welcome, sign up is at 7pm.
7–11pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. No cover. facebook.com/events/1330277723689999/
Wednesday, Jan 18
Bear Hump
If you didn’t get enough bear meat in your diet over the holidays, here is your chance to catch up at a mid-week gathering of furry men and the guys that want them. Yes, it is true that some of the muscle bears are too big for the towels and just have to go without, but it is a curse they have to bear. Look away if you can, but I doubt you will. From tourists to regulars, there is something here for everyone. Get a room and spend a week here and you will think you died and went to heaven, you just may need a wheelchair to leave.
3–9pm. Steamworks Baths, 123 W Pender St. Weekday rates start at $13. Steamworksbaths.com
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