You may have noticed that the last couple of listings have not adhered to a specific pattern of dates, like Thursday to Thursday etc. I haven’t started losing it I assure you: and my listing Yoda, aka Jude, has been very supportive and not asked. I feel that during holidays and special events, some parties fall on days outside the normal listing period so I extend those days only during these times, in case you haven’t heard about the event, so that you have a chance to get tickets before it sells out.  Rest assured that after New Year’s Eve events programming will return to normal, please do not adjust your set: now is that dating myself or what. TC

 

Monday, Dec 10

Pink Monday

Tis the season! Every European Xmas Market has a special gay day (if there isn't even a separate gay Xmas market). Help introduce this tradition to Vancouver. Make the Christmas Market a place of acceptance, warmth, tolerance and Geselligkeit. Just be aware that this is not a gay happening. They’d only like to see a special day and a special place to be filled with gay happiness and with a high number of queer and happy people enjoying the season. Please pass this invite on to any of your LGBTQ (-friendly) friends and family. I hear Colin Marcus Jackson will be the first ever “Jockstrap Elf” on site. Now where is that mistletoe hanging?

6—9:30pm. Vancouver Christmas Market, 1055 Canada Place. Admission $10. Pink Monday

Hairspray Hosted By Ricki Lake

I know what you bitchy ones are thinking: Ricki Lake has been back and forth, weight wise, between a beach ball and a tennis racquet and that  is the only reason you are going to check out. You may be surprised because at 46 she is quite the foxy cougar. Tonight she is live and in the house as she hosts the 30th anniversary of Hairspray.  Ricki is going to be at the Rio  to introduce the film, and answer a few questions, too. She is also in town to promote her excellent new documentary WEED THE PEOPLE.

8:30pm. The Rio, 1660 east Broadway St. Tickets $12 and more info at Hairspray

Oh Christmas Tea: A British Comedy

When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the friends leap into action, finding innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat. Redefining immersive theatre, these masters of physical comedy—with over 20 comedy awards to their name—sweep the audience out to sea in a jolly aquatic escapade brimming with whimsy, action, and ingenuity in a celebration of friendship at Christmas.  A must-see performance on the international comedy circuit, the unstoppable duo, regarded as “one of the most popular fringe duos ever” (CBC), has been named Best of Fest (Orlando, Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa), Most Outstanding Show (London), Best Comedy (Victoria), Patrons’ Pick (London), and are currently performing a 5 week run Off Broadway.

7pm tonight, 9pm Tuesday, Dec 11. Kay Meek Arts Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave. Tickets $39 and more info at Oh Christmas Tea

Tuesday, Dec 11

Queer And Trans Youth Drop In

Holidays are hard for a lot of people, some more than others. If you are Queer or Trans youth and need some help or counselling then these are the people to reach out to. This is open to all LGBTQ2S+ and questioning youth 13—18. No one should be afraid to seek answers.

3—6pm. West End Community Centre, 870 Denman St. Drop In

Lezervations YVR

An evening of good company and delicious conversation—all on the communal table at Lezervations. Have a taste of some of Vancouver's favourite local cuisine, paired with the perfect glass of wine (or two) and a chance to get to know other women in the local LBTQ community. It’s like a big family dinner, if your entire family were made up of lesbians. Networking and friendships at their best. Your ticket includes: Main Course + Dessert. Drink (a glass of wine, beer, or something non-alcoholic).And, of course, the fabulous company of 43 like-minded LBTQ women (all letters welcome)!

6:30—9:30pm. Bridges, 1696 Duranleau St, Granville Island. Tickets $75 and more info at Lezervations

Random Acts Of Comedy Hour

A dozen of Vancouver’s most stellar talents take the stage to explore never-seen-before unscripted content. 12 Improvisers + 5 minute increments =1 hour of reckless & ridiculous comedy. Don’t miss this edge of your seat Hilarity! You may want to pick up some Depends because you are not going to want to miss a minute.

7:30pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. $10 at door. Random Acts of Comedy Hour

Wednesday, Dec 12

LOUD 2018 Holiday Party

Join the annual Holiday Party. Meet like-minded people in the LGBTQ2s business and non-profit community. Regularly 60-70 people attending, this year they have more room so bring more friends! Once again your welcome drink is sponsored by MortgageGay.Ca ! LOUD love to the bubbly Casey Archibald of Xeva Mortgages. Maybe a little speech or two, but the agenda is definitely celebratory. Come out and socialise with old friends - meet some new ones too. Let the Holidays begin!

5:30—8pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Tickets $30--$40 and more info at LOUD Holiday Party

Bingo For Life

Join dolled up  drag queen hostesses for the weekly Bingo For Life! DJ Del Stamp will be on hand every Wednesday to keep the party going and sharing his beauty tips for looking younger each show. Find out what he puts all over his face each night to keep that youthful shine. I know but I can’t tell in public. Just like before, all proceeds from Bingo will go towards the Vancouver Friends For Life Society, which provides vital services to people living with HIV and other illnesses. Plus this is a great chance to win awesome prizes to regift to friends and any listing writers you may know and love.

7:30—9:30pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. Entrance by donation. Bingo For Life

Thursday, Dec 13

Silent Night: Queer ASL's 1st Annual Art Show

Before the holiday season overwhelms everyone, take a pause to reflect and celebrate what was an excellent year. New friendships, new language skills and a community that only grows better with each passing session. This year, Queer ASL is hosting a one night art show with the theme of Silent Night.

6—9:30pm. 336 East 1st Ave. No cover. Silent Night

Friday, Dec 14

Saige Community Food Bank: Trans/Gender Variant Safe Space

An East Vancouver Community Food Bank that does food rescue to provide fresh produce and baked goods for those in need. A Trans and gender variant safe space that is open to all. No ID, proof of housing or income needed. Volunteers welcomed from 1:30-5:50. Numbers given out lottery style at 3:30. Doors open from 4:00 till food runs out. Please contact them with questions or donations.

4—5pm. Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, 2425 Oxford St. Saige Community Food Bank

Youth Winter Gabaret

There will be lots of performances, storytelling, poetry and songs, dancing and a short film from Out in Schools! Come and hang out, eat delicious food, drink hot cocoa, take a photo in the holiday booth, and enjoy an exciting lineup of performances. If you're new to QMUNITY Youth Program (Gab), this is a great event to come to! Everyone is friendly and welcoming! You can sit back and watch a show without the pressure of socializing. Come drop by even if it's just for the food. This event is for youth ages 14-25 and is a drug & alcohol-free space.

6—9pm. Robert Lee YMCA, 955 Burrard St, 5th floor. No cover. Youth Winter Gabaret

Saturday, Dec 15

25th Annual Women's Winter Faire

Hosted by Pat Hogan this will be the last Faire of the season so don’t miss out. Showcasing 50+ BC women artisans, artists and craftswomen offering a diverse and unique selection of gifts at various prices shown at www.soundsandfuries.com/faire.

11am—5pm both today and Sunday, Dec 16. Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St. $3--$5 donation at door. Women's Winter Faire

The Dirty Betty Show: Nutcracker Edition

I thought maybe a Dirty Betty was the female equivalent of a Dirty Sanchez: if you have to ask just move on as it is not. This holiday season The Dirty Betties will crack you and your nuts up! Their all-star cast features Vancouver's hottest female-identifying performers letting their hair down, and getting dirty. With performances by comedians, improvisers, and queens, this is one festive night you won't want to miss. Grab your ladies, your gents, and some mulled wine and let’s get silly, sassy and saucy.

10pm. Little Mountain Comedy Department, 195 east 26th Ave. $10 at door or $8 online at Dirty Betty Show

House Werq: Underground Queer Dance Vibes

Tired of all the Christmas carols and drag Showtunes? Enter a new dimension and lose yourself in the music w/ AWood, Lola Phyne, Skylar Love, Gissala & LeahBabe. They call it… HOUSE WERQ. Brought to you by local Queer DJs seeking to bring back the ways of the old school, playing a range of bass, tech, and G-house tunes. Featuring Frankie teardrop, Innez and Xtine. Peace, Love, Unity & Respect.

12am—4am. The Rattle, 1410 Venables St. $12 at door. House Werq

Vancouver Eastside Choir

Join the Eastside Choir for an evening of choral singing of popular favourites, sung by fabulous treble voices and directed by Elyse Kantonen. Special performances by soloist Janelle Zwarych, and drag by the amazing Rose Butch. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Saige Community Food Bank, which provides a no-barrier safe space for transgender and gender non-conforming or queer individuals to access healthy food, as well as support from their LGBTQ2+ peers and allies.

8—10pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. $22 general admission but limited number of pay what you can tickets available by request for those in need! Send an email to vancouvereastsidechoir@gmail.com .   Vancouver Eastside Choir

DMS Holiday Drag Market

For those of you that always wanted to know where Selma Bush and her brother, Sydney aka Patches, get all their fabulous(?) outfits: here is their secret place. Looking for a special thing for a special someone? Something to decorate your homo for the holidays? Or do you want to clear out your closet, make some money and give back to charity? Maybe there will even be a performance or two. It will be exactly like a Christmas Carol, except this time Scrooge is Misty and Tiny Tim is Continental. 

3—7pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. $5 entry or $20 if you want a table to clean out those closets. Holiday Drag Market

Sunday, Dec 16

Winter Solstice Feast

A holiday meal served to our Trans and gender diverse community and their family, friends and allies from the Saige Community Food Bank.

4:30—8:30pm. Broadway Youth Resource Centre, 2455 Fraser St. Winter Solstice Feast

Caliente Nights' Adoremos a Yuri 

Caliente Nights' Adoremos a Yuri will be a night filled with hits by such an amazing Mexican artist! From romance to up-beat; her music will fill your hearts with joy. Performers to be announced... don't hesitate and join la fiesta where everyone is welcome. Drag show is at midnight. Ándale, ándale!

10pm—3am. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $5. Caliente Nights

  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.  tomsnewlistings@outlook.com TOM