Thursday, May 26
Body Politic
This play takes a look at the effect The Body Politic, Xtra’s predecessor, has had on queer culture in Canada. Written by Nick Green, the historical drama re-imagines key events and personalities in the publication’s history. It’s based, in part, on interviews with some of those actually involved, and the cast includes Diane Flacks.
Runs until Sunday, June 12, various showtimes. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com
(Drasko Bogdanovic)
Viva Cabaret
Liza, Tina, Cher, Madonna, Gaga, Bette, Whitney, Britney — Yury Ruzhyev pays tribute to loads of big, bold divas with his cabaret-style, one-man show. With the aid of a whole bunch of costume changes, dancing and some music, this whirlwind of a performer transforms into one icon after another. The performance is followed by dancing.
8pm. The Rivoli, 334 Queen St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
Inside out 2016: Opening Gala Party
The Inside Out LGBT Film Festival will soon return with another 11 days of screenings, panel discussions, artist talks and installations. To kick off the festival, here’s a big party with music by DJs Nino Brown, Sammy Royale and John Caffery. It includes go go dancers and a silent auction (probably not simultaneously).
9:30pm. Malaparte, 350 King St W. insideout.ca
Friday, May 27
Sixth Annual Inspire Awards
It’s Inspire Awards time again. This year’s ceremony includes such categories as Youth of the Year, Personal of the Year, Positive Business of the Year, and so on. This year, there’s a special presentation on trans heroes. The ceremony is hosted by Deb Pearce. It includes a performance by Emmy Award-winning violinist Damien Escobar.
6pm. Hart House, 7 Hart House Cir. inspireawards.ca
Saturday, May 28
Paper Trail: The Legacies of The Body Politic
You can’t throw a rock in Toronto’s streets these days without hitting an event focused on The Body Politic. Oh, here’s a symposium on the subject! Forty-five years ago, the publication became an important voice for gay and lesbian liberation. This symposium looks at what we can learn from the paper, and related issues. Registration required.
9am. The Mark S Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, 15 King’s College Cir. For more info, visit Facebook.
Sunday, May 29
(Barbara Kowalski)
Roy de Vos Album Release Party
The unreasonably gorgeous Roy de Vos (as in, it really is unfair how cute he is) launches his debut electro-pop album, Dream House. The up-and-comer brings the album to life on stage with, according to billing, “a burst of colour, choreography, and electricity.” Bursts of electricity sounds dangerous, but attendees don’t mind that as they dance and flirt the night away.
7pm. Club 120, 120 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
Sapphic Aquatica: Rock ’n Roll Hot Tub Edition
It’s a bathhouse night for women and trans people. It includes all that that entails — pool, play areas, private areas, lots of towels — and oodles of entertainment. There’s DJ Sasha Von Bon Bon playing rock ’n roll, alternative and dance music. Tracey Tief talks about natural sex toys and lube. DJ Ella Vation puts on a fisting demo (because it’s just not a party unless somebody’s ass falls off).
8pm. Oasis Aqualounge, 231 Mutual St. oasisaqualounge.com
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events
Why you can trust Xtra
