Top five lesbian events across North America

Katie Sly’s guide for where to get stimulated — intellectually and otherwise


Sapphic Aquatica

Toronto, ON

Bi-monthly

Held at Oasis Aqualounge, this party is going three years strong and is exclusively open to women and trans people. It’s a clothing optional, queer friendly, and sex/body positive environment. Oasis is outfitted with a bar, dance floor, hot tub, outdoor heated pool, dungeon and four floors to fuck on (it’s a mansion). With a live DJ, burlesque performances, sexy workshops, icebreakers, and, sometimes, Sybian rides, this consent-driven event is a great place to meet new people, feel empowered and indulge in exhibitionism/voyeurism. The next Sapphic Aquatica takes place on Nov 27, 2016.

Art LovHer Artist Salon

New York, NY

First Friday of every month

With a focus primarily on women artists, Art LovHer currently holds residence at the historic Wow Cafe Theater in the Lower East Side. Through open mic events and gallery exhibitions, Art LovHer creates safe spaces of artistic exchange for marginalized communities. Attend Art LovHer and be welcomed to jump on the mic, or simply sit back and be floored by passionate, political spoken word. The current home of Art LovHer, WOW Cafe Theatre has been a lesbian woman’s space since 1980 and welcomes the full participation of all women and trans people in solidarity with women.

Hot Rabbit

New York and Brooklyn, NY

Every Friday

On Friday nights at Boots and Saddle Drag Lounge, (with additional events in other locations in Brooklyn) Hot Rabbit is a gynocentric LGBT dance party where everyone is welcome, and cruising culture is alive and thriving. Hot Rabbit has been around long enough that there’s a good mix of native New Yorkers, Brooklynites, Jersey Bois and tourists. With a rotating roster of DJs and drag/dance performances where tips are welcome, bring your singles and remember the magic of slipping dollar bills into undergarments.

MIX NYC

Brooklyn, NY

Nov 10–15, 2016

Co-founded by Sarah Schulman, MIX NYC is the nonprofit home of the New York Queer Experimental Film Festival, the longest-running queer film festival in New York City and a decisive launching pad for emerging talents — including some of the best-known names in cinema today. Taking over a warehouse for a week, expect art installations, performances, film screenings and dance parties. Clothing-optional and sex-friendly. Although not exclusively directed at queer women, the amount of queer female (cis and trans) content is staggering.

 

GrrlSpot

New Orleans, LA

Monthly

This monthly pop-up lesbian and queer bar is in a new venue each month, open to all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Followers of this pop-up bar come in masses and make the space queer for the night. Because every month draws a different crowd, there are always new people to meet. One month, you may be meeting new friends in a cozy neighbourhood spot, and the next month you might find yourself in New Orleans’ classiest event venue, watching an aerialist fly overhead and enjoying a sexy burlesque show while dancing to some of The Big Easy’s favourite DJs.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay Toronto, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Event Guide, and Activities Guide.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay New York, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Event Guide, and Activities Guide.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay New Orleans, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Event Guide, and Activities Guide.

Katie Sly is a performer, playwright, visual artist, community organizer and the producer of Too Queer: A Bi Visibility Cabaret. They are the 2016 recipient of the Buddies Queer Emerging Artist Award, and are the 2017 artist-in-residence with the frank theatre company.

Keep Reading

The United States Capitol appears in front of Trans Flag colours; hands holding a smartphone with the TikTok logo on it are shown in front, under a blue filter.

How a U.S. TikTok ban would censor trans people

ANALYSIS: Conservatives are trying to leverage censorship to promote their own anti-trans agenda

In ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt,’ Brontez Purnell balances on a knife edge between hilarity and despair

Purnell's new memoir turns heaviness into humour, and exposes the bleakness under what seems silly and light

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16, Episode 12 power ranking: Designing women

Who among our top five will fall short of the finale?

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16, Episode 12 recap: Bathroom babes

The infamous room design challenge returns, this time with … restrooms?