Here, queer and ready to party: Toronto Pride 2016 events
Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to show up and support LGBTQI rights and culture. Be it dance parties, gut-busting stand-up comedy or political theatre extravaganzas, Toronto has a plethora of happening events to celebrate our Pride. So grab your glitter and make sure you drop by these happening events going on in the final week of Toronto’s 2016 Pride festival. [Photo courtesy of Pride Toronto]
Buddies In Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1B4Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a queer, not-for-profit community hub that’s been opening their doors to the LGBTQI community since 1978. The theatre will host several hot-ticket shows during Pride: On June 25, check out “Too Queer: A Bi Visibility Cabaret,” a show of visual art, music, poetry and dance dedicated to the bisexual and/or pansexual experience and identity. On June 30, catch the Butch Femme Salon: Pride Edition. Dress in your most fabulous attire and watch some of Toronto’s most talented queer performers. Hot tip: pop by early for some snaps in the on-site photo booth.
The Grand Trunk
1718 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1B3Bound to be a blast, Queen’s End Pride at The Grand Trunk is a free dance party that will no doubt be packed with happy queers from across Toronto (and the world). DJ Zack Rosen will be spinning dance tunes from the 60s to today, keeping you boogie-in’ all night long. The fun is on, June 25.
Ryerson University
Paging all Trekkies! For those looking for a Pride experience that is out of this world, check out Ryerson’s “Pride Toronto: An Evening with George Takei.” Takei, who played Sulu in the original Star Trek series, will be giving a lecture at the Ryerson Theatre on topics such as social justice and pop culture, expressed always with his characteristic humour and wit. Beam me up, baby!
Tarragon Theatre
30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1X3Part of the annual Fringe Festival, "Ze: Queer as f*ck!" is an autobiographical comedy theatre performance not to be missed. “Ze” (a gender neutral pronoun) explores intersections of identity and what it means to belong in a diverse and ever-changing LGBTQI community. The play was even nominated for Best Comedy at Fringe World 2016; get your tickets early because this is a hot one.
Glad Day Bookshop
598A Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z3Sometimes more than anything else, what you need during Pride is a good laugh. For stand-up enthusiasts, be sure to check out “Crooked Grin: A Night of Queer Comedy” held at the Glad Day Book Shop on June 29th. Performers include funny folks such as Bita Hemmati, Monica Garrido and Martha Chaves. This is a pay-what-you can event, so there’s no excuse not to get your giggle on.
The Steady
1051 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M4Drop by The Steady on July 2 for “Regretro: Pride Edition.” Dance to banging beats spun by DJS, DJ Wei Back, DJ Party McFly and DJ Case of Base. This event is entirely free, because in their words: “We don’t want your cover money. We don’t want your judgements. We just want to dance. And celebrate being queer.” They are always taking suggestions for tunes, so get at ‘em early to hear your favourite Pride anthem.
Fly 2.0
6 Gloucester St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1L5For those of us looking to get wild, “Pitbull: Hot Pride Mess” at Fly 2.0 is the party to check out. Held on July 3, the last day of Pride, this club event is hosted by Jacklynne Hyde and the Pitbull team, and will be running into the wee hours. Thrown at club Fly 2.0 (the original set for the television hit, Queer as Folk) this huge party will the one to talk about for Prides to come.
