Thursday, Nov 30
An Evening Honouring World AIDS Day
This day seems to come around way too fast for me these days. We all still have so far to go. Tonight is an opportunity for supporters of the Vancouver Friends for Life Society to reflect on the organization and the many people living with HIV/AIDS it has served, and the future of HIV support in the community, and to honour all our passed friends. Martin Laba, John Dub and Jesse Brown will speak.
5:30–8pm. Vancouver Friends For Life Society, 1459 Barclay St. No charge for entry. facebook.com/events/768035076701769/
Story Story Lie
If you haven’t checked this night out, you should grab a few friends and get down there; it is a lot of fun. Five brilliant performers tell tales too strange to be true, as they attempt to trick the audience and discredit each other. The first audience member to guess the liar wins the grand prize, as well as the respect and admiration of their peers. It’s an interactive storytelling game show full of laughs. I am just waiting for the amateur night so I can pull off a few stories of my own — and yes, my friends should be afraid.
6pm. The Rio Theatre, 1660 E Broadway. Tickets $10 in advance at riotheatretickets.ca or $12 at the door. facebook.com/events/366155567137390/
Gay Places and E-Spaces
We have all done it at one time or another; we have been that guy at the bar checking out which Grindr studs are less than 50 feet away. No matter if it’s Scruff, Grindr, Tinder or even Jack’d, sooner or later you are going to have carpal tunnel of the index finger from swiping left. One bar I was in even had three monitors set up to scope out the sites while you pose. There is often talk about what impact this has had on the community. Have these new ways of connection made the pre-existing methods obsolete? Has our sense of community connectedness changed? What impact does hook-up app use have on the individual and collective health of the gay community? Hosted by the quintessential Peach Cobblah for the Momentum Health Study, this event aims to explore some of these questions.
7–9pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. No charge. facebook.com/events/1586697878055336/
Drag 101: Goodbye To 2017
As the 2017 school year comes to a close, Peach has just one more in her — and I don’t mean Carlotta Gurl. I mean one final night of her 2017 Drag 101 double performance show. Grab your heels and strut down to the Pit, as it turns into a gender-bending oasis for Vancouver’s finest drag queens. Dancing, drag and glitter for days!
9pm–1am. The Pit Pub, 6133 University Blvd, UBC Campus, Vancouver. $2 entry. facebook.com/events/148161972601995/
Friday, Dec 1
World AIDS Day: Red Ribbon Awards
Since 2013, AIDS Vancouver has presented the Red Ribbon Awards to individuals and organizations who have had a significant impact on HIV in Vancouver. Each year the past recipients of the Red Ribbon Awards nominate individuals and organizations to receive an award. Join them this year to acknowledge those who are always at the forefront of our communities and who have contributed so much to HIV prevention and care.
6–9pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Please RSVP at aidsvancouver.org/world_aids_day_2017.
Homo for the Holidays
Some adopt a down-on-their-luck family for the holidays; some go to the orphanage and take out a child for Christmas Day. But I want us all to try something new this year: drag a queen home for Christmas. Think of how those boring holiday dinners would be a thing of the past. Just be ready to bump up the budget; those girls work hard and can eat — well, all except Conni Smudge; she just sucks the bones. Join Intrepid Theatre for a queer holiday cabaret hosted by Isolde N Barron, Peach Cobblah and two special guests from across the pond.
8pm. Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra St, Victoria. Limited door tickets only remaining. More info at facebook.com/events/828184597349689/.
Saturday, Dec 2
Lumière
The West End, English Bay and Jim Deva Plaza come alive this December for eight days with a series of light art installations, performances and community-building initiatives for a unique winter celebration. Everything from light shows to art exhibits, culminating in a Dance Your Pants Off disco party at Jim Deva Plaza on Saturday, Dec 9.
Various times and venues around the West End, please check lumiereyvr.com/#about for full schedule.
Van-Pah Holiday Mosh
You know those people you see at holidays, the ones that dress up their pets like reindeer and elves? I think this group would be hilarious if they did the same. Van-Pah never ceases to entertain, even if you are new to puppy culture; it’s always an afternoon of horny pup fun. Meet Daddy Santa and his Puppy Elf, take pictures, eat holiday treats, and spend some extra time to mosh and romp and enjoy each other’s company. 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, kitties and all the other pets. I want a picture of a puppy elf humping my leg — now that’s a Christmas card for next year.
2–5pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. No cover and gear is admired but never required. facebook.com/events/934280076721223/
Vancouver Rubbermen Meet & Play
Too manly for the puppies, are you? Maybe an afternoon of rubber bondage and play equipment with like-minded rubber loving guys is more your style. Pumpjack lives to accommodate. While the pups are off playing in the front, the party is in the back. Whether you are a newbie, a veteran or just curious, if there is an itch they will help you scratch it.
2–5pm. The Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. No cover. https://vancouver.gaycities.com/events/925436-vrm-december-meet-play
Social with NDP MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert
He’s the size of a Christmas elf, but he packs a punch when he has to. Join MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert for a casual social event and a great opportunity to get an update on the new government’s progress. You might even meet some members of the West End NDP’s executive to share some holiday spirit.
3–5pm. Shenanigans On Robson, 1225 Robson St. No cost to attend. facebook.com/events/150431252245310/
Diorama Party
The diorama is a long-standing tradition in the West End: I have always wanted to do one, but my big hands won’t fit in that tiny box — easy Peaches, I mean the wooden box. All the diorama boxes will be on the special tree, so come down and bid on the one that you love; they make a great conversation piece and an even better gift. Hosted by a queen as old as Mrs Claus herself, Conni Smudge will also be in the Ugly Dress Auction: modelling maybe, or is that just her outfit for the night? Rounding out the festivities will be lots of entertainment and dancing; just don’t forget your box.
6–10pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Tickets $10 at Brown Paper Tickets or at the door. Funds raised this year will all go to Rainbow Refugee. facebook.com/events/318069178673727/
Women’s Christmas Dinner & Dance
I love people who plan holidays like I do: if you plan early enough you can get four or five Christmas dinners and parties out of the season. The women at Duelling DJs know the plan for sure; they do their big dinner tonight followed by babes, dancing and a lot of mistletoe.
6pm–12am. The Sands by the Sea, 1755 Davie St. Tickets $55 by e-transfer to hopejacquie@gmail.com. More info at events.time.ly/kq7rkft?event=1803473.
TFD Brings You Kitty Glitter
One of the hottest DJs to close out Pride this year has come back to town. Originally from Sydney, Australia, and after a 10-year award-winning career as a drag queen showgirl, Kitty Glitter gracefully bowed out of her spotlight on stage and into the DJ booth in 2007 and has never looked back. By far one of the best dressed DJs in the business, you never know what kind of outfit she is in the mood for each set. The glitterstorm is coming.
10pm–3am. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Tickets $20–$15 at Eventbrite. More info at facebook.com/events/285739521936743/
Sunday, Dec 3
Red Ribbon For Life
Tonight marks the 10th annual fundraiser for Surrey’s Djaeff Mahler HIV/Hep-C food bank, and features a night of drag, lip synch and live entertainment.
5–9:30pm. The Columbia, 530 Columbia St, New Westminster. Tickets $40 at door. facebook.com/events/1735342366761525/
Moms Over Miami
I don’t get it — the longer Ryan and Amy do this show, the more Ryan looks like a mom and the more Amy regresses into the younger, prettier daughter. Must be the lights and the action of Hollywood. Join the Moms over Miami for their first full-length show and help them celebrate Christmas and all that goes along with it.
7:30–9pm. XYYVR. 1216 Bute St. Tickets $8 at Eventbrite or at the door. facebook.com/events/737419073119676/
Monday, Dec 4
Bright Nights
I know most of you know every nook and cranny of Stanley Park in the dark, but how about under the glow of three million twinkling lights? This year celebrate the 20th year of riding the Bright Nights Train and experience the lights, breathtaking displays, and live performers along the train route. Train runs daily until Saturday, Jan 6.
3–11pm night train, 10am—2:30pm matinee train. Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance. Tickets $6–$12 at the train. Map and individual times at vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bright-nights-train.aspx.
Tuesday, Dec 5
Dirty Little Secrets
Ever wanted to have all your secrets put out there for anyone to hear, but still stay anonymous? See if the quirks you have are really pervy, or just day to day stuff for everyone else? The hit improv show running in New York City’s East Village has come to our little West End. Watch a cast of Vancouver’s top improvisers in a night of exploring your anonymous secrets onstage. Everybody must spill a secret to enter.
7:30pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. $10 at the door. facebook.com/events/1320949987927462/
Why you can trust Xtra
