Thursday, Aug 13
Vancouver Queer Film Festival
How many of us have lovely first-date memories from the Queer Film Fest? I still remember the film my soon-to-be-partner took me to on our first real date: Hustler White, directed by Bruce la Bruce. For those of you who missed it, here’s a recap: Writer meets hustler, hustler runs car over another hustler, run-over hustler loses a foot then spends most of the movie fucking men with the stump of his leg (yes, with a condom pulled on). Needless to say I drank a lot of the wine. For more on this year’s huge film selection, plus theatres, times and tickets, go to queerfilmfestival.ca. Festival runs until Sunday, Aug 23.
Friday, Aug 14
Boner Fashion Show at The Coast Is Queer
Finally the type of show where I could offer a Joan Rivers-type of running commentary: that one is too thick, that one too thin, too wrinkly, too smelly, too stubby, too bushy . . . But no, I wasn’t invited to participate in the making of this short film by Ryan Steele and Amy Goodmurphy. The short features Riley Cox, Dan Bevan and others, all sporting fantasy boners in the fashion show of your dreams. It’s part of the Queer Film Festival’s annual “The Coast Is Queer” night, showcasing more than “15 grassroots shorts offering a slice of BC’s queer film pie.” 6:30pm. The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway St. Tickets $12 plus $5 membership at queerfilmfestival.ca.
Hershe Bar at New West Pride
I used to bartend for the Flygirl events back in the old days at Lava Lounge, and I can tell you these girls can drink anyone under the table and still kick ass! Many a night they were the ones to walk me to my car to protect me from the neighbourhood. Tonight they celebrate Pride in New Westminster. 9pm–2am. Smirnoff Room, Starlight Casino, 350 Gifford St, New Westminster. Tickets $12 at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St, and at flygirlproductions.com.
Saturday, Aug 15
New West Pride Street Party
Since I had so much fun at Vancouver Pride’s Davie Street Party (or so I’m told), I’m ready to see how New West’s Pride Street Party compares. Organizers say they expect to see about 20,000 of my gay brothers and sisters checking out the street party’s food trucks, vendors, four beer gardens and two stages. (And, for us out-of-towners, there’s a bathhouse to try just down the street.) Bif Naked headlines the street party entertainment. 3–8pm. Columbia Street from 4th Street to Begbie Street, New Westminster. newwestpride.ca/
Sunday, Aug 16
Sanctuary
If you have been to one of my favourite haunts, you have probably seen me sitting politely at the bar, looking deep in thought, when actually I am praying for one of the half-naked hot bartenders to come over and take a seat on my face. It hasn’t happened yet but with Sanctuary night making 1181 the new church on Davie Street, maybe my prayers will be heard. Every week all my sinner friends can recover, repent and rejoice with DJ Sollors and the weekly Drag Mother Superior as you sweat out your sins on the dance floor. 6pm-3am. 1181, 1181 Davie St. No cover. More info on their Facebook page.
Tuesday, Aug 18
Lesbian and Bisexual Speed Dating
I know it’s lesbian speed-dating night when the parking lot is full of U-Hauls and the bar is covered in cats. Just kidding! This event is geared towards single women looking to meet other single, professional women. 7:30–9:30pm. 1181, 1181 Davie St. Ticket price of $40 includes a complimentary drink, appetizers and potential dates. (And if no one strikes your fancy, you get the next event for free!) Registration, tickets and info at singleandeligible.com
Wednesday, Aug 19
The Barron Gurl Show
A new weekly drag night featuring the barren Carlotta Gurl — I mean, Isolde N Barron and Carlotta Gurl. (Hey, it’s an easy mistake to make. That gurl is too old to be fertile!) Expect wacky games, phenomenal theatrical numbers, R-rated comedy, DJ Dom Top and some special guests to top off the night. 9pm–3am. The Odyssey, 686 W Hastings St. Cover TBA. More info on their Facebook page.
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