Friday, July 17
OTTRDSCO
My spelling may seem suspect (or drunk) at the best of times — and especially after a night of Ryan Steele plying me with panty-removing vodka — but I swear this event is spelled Ottrdsco. Brought to you by HoneyPot Productions, this is a night of fur and disco with DJs GingerBear Todd and Maxwell Maxwell. Tiny short shorts (those would be GingerBear Todd’s), boas, glitter and hot go-go men will keep you “Staying Alive” all night long. Let’s Get Soaking Wet! 9pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. $5 cover after 10pm. More info here on their Facebook page.
Saturday, July 18
Genderfest Conference: Queering Resilience
Organizers describe this event as the “work that makes us ready for the world.” Topics include “Embodying Racial Justice for White Folks,” as well as an arts workshop for queer and trans people living with disability, chronic pain, or illness, a workshop on consensual queer sexuality and more. 10am–5pm. Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House, 800 E Broadway. General admission $50, discount admission $15+ at brownpapertickets.com. Full workshop descriptions, times and presenter bios at genderfest.ca
Fraser Valley Pride Celebration
I know most of you gays will find this hard to believe but there is gay life across a bridge or two and into the far reaches of the dreaded suburbs. Today and Sunday are packed with Pride events that you don’t need a passport to get to; you may just enjoy yourself outside the PumpJack! The Pride Festival starts at 11am today in Abbotsford with entertainment, vendors and community booths. The Dinner and Drag Show Extraordinaire starts at 6pm and benefits the Fraser Valley Youth Society and at 8pm there’s a Flair Dance Party presented by Out in the Valley. Sunday at 6pm catch the Queer Art Exhibit showcasing queer artists, followed by an outdoor movie. Trethewey House Heritage St, 2313 Ware St in Abbotsford. Go to fraservalleypride.com for tickets and more information.
Cor Flammae Invades 8×6
This show is called Fallen Angels: Sacred + Profane Works and since I am a God-fearing man, cough cough, I may burst into flames going to this concert. But it would be worth it to hear this amazing choir let loose in the West End’s positive sex playspace. “How will hearing sacred works in a profane space affect your aural experience?” the choir asks. That’s aural, not oral, guys! After the concert stay for a dance party with DJ Slade. 9pm. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. Tickets $35 at corflammae.com.
Sunday, July 19
Queers & Beers
Most of my friends are reading this quickly now to see if they get trashed in this listing, as I have been known to do that. But this event is too important for that kind of stuff. Plus I am sure they will all be there, slurring and hitting on anything that is still standing, including me. This is the first-ever Pride edition of Queers & Beers Craft Beer Tasting. “Do you love craft beer but hate the bro-culture that often comes with it? Want to check out Vancity’s microbrew spaces with fellow queer beer lovers?” organizers ask. Join them for a special edition as they partner with Genderfest, East Van’s alternative Pride organization, for a fun-filled afternoon of tasting craft beers, meeting new folks, and soaking up the summer sunshine. 5-10pm. The Cobalt, 917 Main St. Sliding scale entry $2–20 here. More information at thecobalt.ca
Vancouver Jax
Now for a complete turnaround: from sacred choral music last night to standing around with your wang hanging out and as many hot men touching and watching it as you can handle. Vancouver Jax brings you masturbation the way it should be, out in the open and enjoyed by many. Air conditioned but not cold enough for shrinkage so don’t even go there. Complimentary water, lube and hand towels courtesy of the Health Initiative for Men. 2–5pm. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. Cover: $5 for guys under 25; others pay $10. 8×6.ca
Wednesday, July 22
Bingo For Life
This is a night always full of surprises. With rotating drag hostesses and the ever-shy DJ Del “please touch my penis” Stamp, you never know what is going to happen. It is always a great time and it benefits the Friends For Life Society, plus you can win great Bingo prizes. Get your guest list requests in to reserve your table at celebritiesnightclub.com. 8–10:30pm. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St. $10 donation for cover and your cards.
Thursday, July 23
Queer Arts Festival
And so it begins. When you see this event start you know Pride is just around the corner. My liver is already starting to ache in anticipation. This year’s Queer Arts Fest theme is “Trigger: Drawing the Line in 2015” and has everything you could want: visual art, dance, music, theatre, comedy, literature, workshops and too much more to mention. All info, shows, times and tickets at queerartsfestival.com. Runs every night until Friday, Aug 7. Roundhouse Community Arts Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews.
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