Thursday, Nov 2
Gay Men’s Health Summit
At this year’s annual gay men’s health summit, presenters will tackle some of today’s most pressing questions, including the most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission and why they’re still out of reach for many men.
Conference begins at 9am and runs until 4:45pm Saturday, Nov 4. Harbour Centre, SFU, 515 W Hastings St. For a full agenda and to register, $40–$150, go to cbrc.net/summit.
Friday, Nov 3
Rainbow Happy Hour
I end up drinking in New Westminster more now than I did when I grew up there, but back then there were no openly gay bars or restaurants, or even the steam bath. They’ve come a long way. Hop off the Skytrain and without leaving the station head up above Safeway to The Hub and kick back with the drink of your choice.
3–7pm. The Hub, 344–800 Carnarvon St. New Westminster. facebook.com/events/1729198217150763
Reflections
I haven’t really cared for the few art exhibitions I’ve attended; they’ve featured just one artist and if you don’t like their work, you’re stuck there pretending you do, while keeping a firm grip on your wallet. This, however, is a group art exhibition curated by Mini and Michael Gallerists, featuring works by Matthew Haylett, Chris Reed, michaelmichaelmichael, and Mini Choi. The artists’ works will reflect on sexual orientations, racial diversity, their own identities, and theology.
7pm–10pm. Foster Eastman, 1442 W Pender St. facebook.com/events/2017455691867645/
Puppy Tail Social
Get those puppy tail butt plugs out as the pups take over a night at the back bar. Caressa, IPTC International Trainer 2017; Daddy Mark, NW Handler 2018; and Pup Clever, NW Puppy 2018 will be in attendance — they’re like canine royalty. Wear your leather, rubber, fuzzy, or whatever other gear you want. Of course gear is admired but never required. Having fun is the only requirement. Well, a bit of leg humping helps as well.
9pm–12am. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. Cover $5 after 9pm. vanpah.com
Sinners & Saints
If you haven’t checked out any of the previous “Sin Night Trilogy” sessions, you must be in the clergy. Now is your chance, as the event is back for one more night of sin with Matthew Presidente and the band performing two live sets. The theme is contrast: sinners and saints, lovers and haters, bottoms and tops, leather and love.
10pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Cover $10 at the door. facebook.com/events/1482101681870889
Saturday, Nov 4
The Health Show
The only thing worse than a hypochondriac at a health show are my friends, who careen by the booths as if they’re shopping at MAC Cosmetics for the latest holiday colours. The Health Show includes booths on health, nutritional info, fitness trends, food products, supplements and more.
10am–6pm Saturday, 10am—5pm Sunday. The Vancouver Convention Centre, East Hall B, 1055 Canada Place. Admission $15 for the day, $22 for a weekend pass. healthshows.com/vancouver-info-17
Health Summit: Community Connections
This year the Community-Based Research Centre for Gay Men’s Health has partnered with the Health Initiative for Men (HIM) and YouthCO to tack an extra day to the end of the gay men’s health summit — this one free of charge and designed to foster more community connections. Members of the community can engage directly with leaders on gay men’s health through a workshop, presentations and then an informal discussion with panellists and attendees.
1–5pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Free event. facebook.com/events/361427454314473
Van-Pah Mosh
I’m guessing most of the pups will still be curled up under the table after the previous night’s event, but I’m sure they will come to life after a few belly rubs. A mosh is an opportunity for pups and handlers to get together and socialize. You’ll find pups romping around, playing with toys and having an all-around blast while handlers socialize and play with the pups and kitties and all the other pets.
1:30–3:30pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. No cover. vanpah.com
Culture Crawl Festival Launch: Take Flight
No, I haven’t lost my mind, and you haven’t forgotten the Crawl, which is not until Nov 16. This is a benefit and launch party for the 2017 Culture Crawl festival, and to celebrate 21 years of art creation. Start with the private ticketed reception with cocktails, canapés, a silent auction, Crawl art roulette featuring 26 original artworks, the 2017 program guide launch and more. Then follow up with the public opening for LIT Preview Exhibit featuring 2017 Eastside Culture Crawl artists.
6–8:30pm, ticketed reception. The Arts Factory, 281 Industrial Ave. Tickets for private reception $55.
8:30–10pm, free public opening for the Preview Exhibit. culturecrawl.ca/takeflight-2017
Aunty’s Social Freestyle Open Mic II
The last thing anyone would want would be my aunt with a mic and a drink in her hand; she grew up in Mission and she can make a trucker blush. They have five-minute open mic spots between sets for freestyle rap, songs, jams or whatever your entertainment niche is. Available equipment includes electric drums, piano and a loop pedal. You may bring your own instrument as well if you’d like to play something other than what’s provided.
7–9:30pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Tickets $15 at the door, $12 online at Eventbrite or $5 with a food donation for the food bank. facebook.com/events/1976873182590433
Salaam Vancouver Fall Social
All queer and trans Muslims are welcome at this social event. Hang out and start conversations about how to make Salaam organizing more vibrant, and meet some queer Muslim friends, old and new. The venue is tentative so keep an eye on the Facebook page.
9–11pm. Breka Bakery & Café, 855 Davie St. facebook.com/events/1955114554728997/
Sunday, Nov 5
Legends
One of the best shows in town, where Jaylene Tyme and special guests celebrate old-school glamour and world-class celebrity impersonation in this truly remarkable spectacle of Vancouver drag. Jaylene Tyme is a former Empress of Vancouver and a master of illusion, recreating incredible looks including Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner and many more. Special guest hostess Misty Meadows and performer Kendall Gender will be joining in as well.
8–11pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Cover $5. facebook.com/events/352664371870139
Monday, Nov 6
Answer Me: RuPaul’s Drag Race Trivia
We all have that one (or more) friend who is addicted to RuPaul’s Drag Race. They watch it and for the next six days they bitch about it, and then hit repeat. This is your chance to either embarrass or praise them on their RuPaul trivia. Even better, it’s in front of others. Shanda Leer is the host so you know the action will be moving fast. Did you know kids are welcome until 9pm as long as they’re with a parent? Bring them along for some classic episodes and team up for trivia. Start them off early.
5–9pm. The American, 926 Main St. No cover. More info at facebook.com/events/179608772590128.
QueerProv Late Show: Technical Spectacle 2.0
I honestly thought this said “testicle spectacle,” and my mind immediately went to Nick Bertossi — what do you think Freud would make of that? This is nothing about low hangers though; this is QueerProv testing out new technical games that could lead to new regular games, or be hilarious disasters. Join in the hilarity.
10pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. No cover. facebook.com/events/519503575062814
Moist Monday
Are you tired of your Mondays being lacklustre, normal and dry? If so, there is a new show in town that promises to fix at least two of those problems, although you have to figure out which two. The DJ for the night is Nick Bertossi; let’s hope he doesn’t read the last listing.
11:15pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Cover $5. facebook.com/events/1735918710044122
Tuesday, Nov 7
Naked Girls Reading
After a short hiatus, Arabella Allure, producer of Naked Girls Reading Edmonton, is teaming up with Minnie Peron and reviving the chapter with a naughty night of naked ladies reading erotica. Will Xtra editor Robin Perelle be among the readers? Stay tuned.
7–10pm. The Projection Room, 2321 Main St. Tickets $20 at the door; seating strictly limited. facebook.com/events/534971276842773
Wednesday, Nov 8
Lesbian & Bisexual Women Speed Dating
Meet 10–12 women in their 40s for one-on-one dates in a relaxed atmosphere with a dedicated host. This event is geared towards single professionals interested in a relationship away from the bar/nightclub scene and the world of online dating. Women in their late 30s are also welcome to attend.
7:30–9:30pm. 1181, 1181 Davie St. Tickets $40 at facebook.com/events/1742969019339269
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