Thursday, June 16
Bratpack
The first rule of Bratpack is drink until they’re pretty. The reunited gang of six is back to rock your socks or jocks off every Thursday. Valynne Vile, Jane Smoker, Shanda Leer, Jem and Gia Metric will entertain you like you have gone to drag heaven. And yes, that is only five. Number six, DJ Nick Bertossi, is never in drag as he would need a couple extra-wide roles of duct tape to keep the assets hidden, but he’ll be there to keep the beats pumping.
10pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $5. facebook.com/bratpackvancouver/?fref=ts
Friday, June 17
Eastside Flea Summer Kick-Off
So much for the West End’s rough and tough men. With big bags like secret purses over their forearms, most of them are shopping for bargains at more than 50 vendor booths and five artisan studios, or hoisting a Cosmo at the 10,000-sq ft Friday Shop & Bop. Anything you can think of to buy, it will be here along with lots of hot men with packed baskets.
Today 6pm–10pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am–5pm. The Ellis Building, 1024 Main St (near Terminal St) $3 cover or $5 weekend pass. facebook.com/events/1681162378826637/
Full-Length Feature Fridays
Gingerbear Todd, who looks like his parents were the Lucky Charms Leprechaun and The Hairy Coo (a Scottish wood nymph), seems to deejay everywhere from bars to bathhouses. Now he has a new night at The Odyssey that brings the ultimate visual experience to the dance floor. Add drag queen performances and some of the hottest go-go boys, and it is a night to remember. Dynasty is tonight’s special guest.
10pm. The Odyssey, 686 West Hastings St. $5 cover. facebook.com/events/1734084686873864/
Backdoor Summer Sweat
I’ll give you some backdoor summer sweat! Matt Troy throws a party where you can pull on your hottest, tightest lifeguard T and tiniest pair of Speedos, slip on your sexiest sunglasses, or just relax in the lust lounge. This party is for daddies, grannies, twinks and big dinks. DJs Dickey Doo, Zarfan and Perfect Lovers will round out the night at this brand new location in East Vancouver hosted by the ever luscious Berlin.
10pm. Secret location announced day of at facebook.com/events/1134768319919034/ Tickets $15 at Stratosphere Salon, 1259 Granville St and JD’s Barbershop, 235 Abbott St.
Saturday, June 18
Young And Queer: Here And Now
That should be my autobiography but the censors would probably ban it. This is a seven-day workshop that explores identity, gender and community culminating in a dance performance at the Queer Arts Festival. They are looking for 10 participants who are LGBTQ youth and youth allies ages 15-24. No previous dance training is required. Explore what it means to be young and queer, here and now.
If you are interested, please send a short statement on why you would like to be a part of this workshop to info@machinenoisy.com. facebook.com/events/1700371843568879/
Car Free Day
Vendors, food, entertainment and ability to walk anywhere on the street and check everything out, sounds great. It was so busy last year, it was worse than walking the lanes at the PNE. This time I am prepared with a plan and my own map, so if you see me just move out of the way. Come celebrate car-free movement and make our city a better place to live.
12pm–6pm. Denman Street. facebook.com/events/1776787605887491/
Pride Legacy Awards
Pride is edging ever so close and the events are popping up fast and furious, so you know what that means. Barb Snelgrove, of Roundhouse Radio, is all over town. Ms Pride herself, the hardest working woman in the LGBT community, is tonight’s host and that alone is worth the price of admission. Fitting that Barb is hosting a night to acknowledge individuals who have contributed to our community over the years. This year a new category exists for trans activists in honour of Kimberly Nixon and sponsored by barbara findlay QC and Sheila Gilhooly.
6pm. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. Tickets $25 at eventbrite.ca. vancouverpride.ca/index.php?ch=calendar&id=815070
Pride Night At The Met
As New Westminster gets ready for Pride later in the summer, (and yes, even though I got thoroughly smashed last time, I will be there again this year), Youth For A Change hosts this night to create awareness about their activities. They’re a group of LGBT young people ages 13–21 who strive to make a difference in the lives other youth — one of the best causes around.
7pm. The Met Bar & Grill, 411 Columbia St, New Westminster. Regular menu prices in effect.
facebook.com/events/1592150034435723
Naked Heaven
Nervous about going to our first PCAN party many years ago, my friends and I thought if we masturbated beforehand there’d be no surprises popping up while dancing or just looking. Needless to say it didn’t work but we met quite a few accommodating men that night. Some of the best window shopping in town takes place at Naked Heaven — every age, body type and personality you could want. Although I still don’t have a place to keep my wallet.
8pm–2am. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. $15 at door, $10 for members ($25 yearly membership available at door). 8×6.ca
Cabaret
I miss the old show tunes nights at 1181. It was fun watching intoxicated people sing the wrong words because they couldn’t see the screen. Their versions could be a lot more hilarious. Tonight is not a sing-along but it is inspired by big-name musicals, Hollywood glamour and showgirl extravaganza. Throughout the show, you will be immersed in a world of colourful costumes, unique choreography, seduction and comedy all hosted by Evita Versace.
8pm–10:30pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. $10 at door. facebook.com/events/242602212781730
Kink Fetish Night
I swear I find so many kink and fetish nights that I should be covered in way more bruises than I am. High-pain threshold is not something you should write in a profile. This is a kink-based LGBT and straight-friendly event in the heart of the Village. You haven’t lived until you’ve taken a date for a big slam (at Denny’s) and heard the screams from upstairs. Experience the large, outdoor but covered and heated dungeon area as well as a secure, private and relaxed atmosphere to try out whatever you wish. DJs Jamie Van Goulden and Nikky will play the beats to help you maintain your rhythm. Strict fetish dress policy online.
10pm–3am. Playhouse, 1240 Thurlow St. General admission $18, VIP $20 at eventbrite.ca and facebook.com/events/566837086823955/
Sunday, June 19
Queen, Eggs & Ham
I missed this last time round as it was packed when I got there. Lineups and I don’t get along too well. I’m not saying the queens were too big, but maybe their enthusiasm tore the place up as it closed for a few weeks after to do renovations. They are back and better than ever. Hosts Peach Cobblah, Isolde N Barron and Clayton Alexander will be serving you bottomless. . . mimosas, that is. Best of all, 15 percent of total proceeds will go to A Loving Spoonful. So fill your belly, see daytime drag makeup and help out a good cause.
11am–3pm. Village Restaurant, 1143 Davie St. Reservations recommended at bookenda.com or at facebook.com/events/1070611953006661/
Van-Pah Annual BBQ
Pups in the park, with lots of bushes to hide in, sounds like a fun afternoon. Van-Pah is having their third annual Puppy BBQ, and no puppies will be eaten — unless they want to be. Hot dogs and basics, including vegetarian options, will be provided. This is an uncovered space, so please dress accordingly. Bring your own blanket or folding chair.
1pm–5 pm. Second Beach Pool, Stanley Park Drive, Stanley Park. Info and map at vanpah.com. $5 donation to cover supplies.
RuPaul’s Battle of the Seasons Tour
This should be more like the battle of a greased-up Tommy D and Del Stamp. Maybe that can be the half-time show. With RuPaul’s queens front and centre, I am sure there won’t be a drag queen left anywhere in town as they, and all the men who say they never watch drag, will pack the house. With Michelle Visage hosting, see the divas battle live.
8pm. The Vogue, 918 Granville St. Tickets $49.50 at ticketfly.com. More info at aeglive.com/events/view/303523
Monday, June 20
Get Stumped
Trivia nights can be fun as long as alcohol is involved because my team is too preoccupied to notice that I answer every question wrong. It’s just a game after all. Get Stumped is based on general knowledge, movie clips, tunes, pictures and games, so every team of five has a fair chance. Host Richard Romano will test your skills. Don’t worry if you are solo, he’ll find you a team.
7:30pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. No cover. junctionpub.com/events/12975-2016-06-13/
Tuesday, June 21
Unmask: Summer Lovin’
If you get laid more than once a month, this sexual workshop related to everything about cruising is for you. Whether at a beach, in a bathhouse, park, alley or Kevin Moroso’s place, learn the ins and outs of safer and healthier sex and enrich your experience. This workshop is for all levels and experiences. Mpowerment events are planned by and for young self-identified men who are gay, bi or queer.
6:30pm. Mpowerment Headquarters, 568 Seymour St. No charge. facebook.com/events/1592812237695478
Queer Arts Festival: Stonewall Was A Riot
I love the fact that the QAF has moved this year to June instead of Pride. For me the naked boys, parties and boat cruises took up so much time that I always missed most of the arts festival. This year we can all do both as the festival explores emotion in art and activism. With so many excellent choices, too many to list, please visit the site for events, times, venues. Tonight the opening gala reception, Art Party, celebrates QAF’s curated exhibition Drama Queer: Seducing Social Change. Enjoy refreshments, artwork and queer conviviality.
Festival runs until Thursday, June 30.
7pm–10pm. Exhibition Hall, Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. Entrance by donation.
Think there’s an upcoming event I should attend? Click here to list your event on dailyxtra.com or send me a note at oitc.vancouver@dailyxtra.com
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