Yes, it is true, just like Elton says: The bitch is back!!! You thought I disappeared along with that other publication, but luckily or alas, depending on you, I survived. New site, new boss but same great top events for you. Looking to know about something special then give me a shout. tomsnewlistings@outlook.com

Friday, Oct 12

Rainbow Retreat 2018

Are you a frustrated horn blower? Looking for a band where your quirky self can fit in? Look no further as our very own LGBTQ Rainbow Band is having a weekend retreat to play and party with their instruments, musical that is, open to all concert band members in the Pacific Northwest.  Tonight there is a party after check in, Saturday & Sunday are rehearsals and working on their concert repertoire.

Cost is $150 for the whole weekend; partners and friends are $150 as well. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday plus Friday and Saturday night accommodations in the Longhouse or Cabin 6/7.

Alexandria Neighborhood House, 2916 McBride Ave, Surrey. More info and registration online at Rainbow Retreat

Testosterone

The elusive juice all men search for: pills, shots, gels, supplements, raw meat, whatever it takes. Here is a play that is a funny, fearless, and spectacle-filled exploration of identity, masculinity, and digging deep to find the person within. One year after his first injection of testosterone, trans man Kit is perceived completely as a man. However, with this triumph comes a crisis of masculinity; what kind of man is he? Drawing on autobiographical experiences, Testosterone is the true story of Kit Redstone’s first entrance into a male gym changing room at the age of 33.  Just a few days left to see this amazing portrayal of what the juice does to us.

8pm tonight, 2pm & 8pm Saturday. York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr. Tickets $10--$45 and info at Testosterone

Saturday Oct 13

Nightmare Before Christmas Market

If you are like me, god help you, then you like these early Halloween parties so you can find out if your costume is a winner or sucks the big pumpkin. That way on Oct 31 you can look bangin. I’m thinking this year I will go as Connie Smudge, I just need to find all that muumuu material she has been stockpiling. Tonight and Sunday shop and explore the wacky, weird and wonderful at the 2nd Annual Nightmare Before Christmas Market. Two wicked days featuring a plethora of local makers and vendors, food, character appearances and family fun to celebrate and bring out the geek/freak in you. Costumes are encouraged.

10am. 318 Keary St, New Westminster. Admission $3 at door. Nightmare Market

Zee Zee's 5th Annual Drag AGM: Annual Glamour Meeting!

Zee Zee Theatre brings you the absolute best in theatre entertainment and tonight is their 5th AGM, not your usual meeting but an Annual Glamour Meeting. Drag Queens doing financials along with performances, go figure. Join Managing Artistic Director Cameron Mackenzie as her alter-ego The Queen of East Van Isolde N. Barron along with Playwright in Residence/Associate Producer Dave Deveau aka Peach Cobblah as they share their successes over the past season and unveil the full 2018-2019 line-up of programming.

7—10:30pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. $10 entrance also includes a year membership to Zee Zee Theatre. Annual Glamour Meeting

8th Annual Stack the Rack 2018

A benefit night for QMUNITY that brings together over 200 passionate supporters who share a vision of a thriving LGBTQ/2S community. The gala event, hosted by Karmella, includes tastings from some of the best wineries globally, delicious canapés to refresh your palate, an exclusive silent auction, and a raffle along with live music. Registration begins at 6:30pm where you will be greeted with a glass of bubbly and walk the red carpet, and have your photo taken in front of our media wall before all the festivities begin.

6:30—9pm. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 roundhouse Mews. Tickets $125--$150 at Stack The Rack

Monday, Oct 15

Queer Life In Colour

This drop in social and coffee discussion group will cover topics relevant to men who identify as both queer and of colour. It is a safe space for guys to share their experiences, challenges and opportunities living in the Fraser Health region as queer men of colour.

7—8:30pm. Room 418, Surrey City Centre Library, 10350 University Dr, Surrey. For more information or to register, please phone 604.488.1001 or email register@checkhimout.ca  Info at Queer Life In Colour

How To Have A Great Orgasm: Women Only

Not one to forget about the ladies, I have found the best ladies night yet. Ever have an orgasm that makes your whole body shake and toes curl? Want to learn how to have one? This evening is a women’s guide to self-pleasure that includes all the details from the basics of getting started to more advanced tips and techniques. Tickling your fancy includes inviting all of your senses and nurturing them. Embrace your natural ability to enjoy sexual pleasures and orgasm without guilt or inhibitions. Knowing your sweet spots will enhance your lovemaking with your partner too. Join us for a fun evening whether you’re exploring your sexuality for the first time or you’re an experienced hand looking for a few new tricks. Goes without saying this is a women’s only event, all for the price of a couple of foot longs, no pun intended.

7:30pm. The Art Of Loving, 369 West Broadway. Cost $25. Register at The Art Of Loving

Tuesday, Oct 16

Jazz Funk

If you have a tendency to flail your arms all around when trying to look cool dancing to Jazz then this is the class for you. Emerging in the 1980s, this dance form was brought about by the popularity and commercial influence of Hip Hop dance. Jazz Funk, sometimes known as Street Jazz, borrows movement from other dance styles such as ballet, modern, hip hop, to lyrical and wraps them into a funky style that is both cool and expressive. Come dance with HIM and connect with other fun-spirited dancers. Bring your best dancing shoes and flexible clothing. No previous skills or partner required.

7:30—9pm. The Stage, 50 Lorne St, New Westminster. Free or donation. Jazz Funk

Wednesday, Oct 17

Interested In Getting Kinky?

Thought about it but too shy? Join a series of talks held by Health Initiative for Men (HIM) and Vancouver Men in Leather (VML) to further the understanding and exploration of Fetish and Kink for Gay and Bisexual Men who have sex with Men. Tonight’s topic is Consent: Navigating Communication, Desire and Pleasure so come check it out.

7:30—9pm. Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. No cover. Get Kinky

Friday, Oct 19

Glow In The Garden

Since so many of you guys have trouble feeling your way through Lee’s Trail in Stanley Park here is a garden all lit up for you. VanDusen Glow in the Garden invites you to join in this Halloween for an adventure through a whimsical garden with curious twists and magical moments from the classic tale Hansel and Gretel. Follow the bread crumbs on a wondrous walk with zany lights and sounds, and illuminated pumpkin caricatures. Visitors of all ages will enjoy tasty treats, crafts, and much more. Starts tonight and runs until all Hallow’s Eve.

4:30—9pm. Van Dusen Gardens, 5251 Oak St. Tickets $12.50 and info at Glow In The Garden

A Conversation With Ellen Degeneres

The Queen of Daytime, literally, is coming to town. A bit of stand up, a bit of Q&A, who knows where the night will go, but it will be funny. Ellen DeGeneres continues to deliver uplifting, inspiring, and hilarious experiences for her fans. Her distinctive comedic voice and infectious personality have earned her recognition as a household name and a global entertainer. "A Conversation with Ellen DeGeneres" will highlight her one-of-a-kind sense of humour, warmth, and kindness. You will be laughing right up until the charge card bill for the tickets arrives. 

7pm. Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way. Tickets available $260--$330 at www.ticketmaster.ca More info at Ellen Degeneres

TOM COLEMAN

New job, new great site but same old me. I will try to continue to keep you updated, entertained and hopefully not tell too many secrets about any of you. I attempt to cover the top dozen, or couple of dozen, events that not only interest me but a wide variety of others.

Please feel free to send me any listings you would like posted but they must be LGBTQ themed, whether it is a meeting, art show, event party, seminar, restaurant opening or anything else you think you would like to see my cheery self attend.  tomsnewlistings@outlook.com TOM