In a few weeks Pride Fever will hit and by the looks of the listings I have it will be party, after party, after party: you get the drift. In light of that I have a few party events in here but try and expand your horizons and go to a few non-party events and support the groups that maybe you haven’t tried before, you could be pleasantly surprised. Even plan a day trip out of the city center, yes over a bridge: I know you are in shock, and see what the burbs hold. What’s On Queer has a great listing of 2019 BC Pride Celebrations, on their Resources page.

Thursday, June 20

Workshop: Writing About Trans People

QMUNITY and Ahmad Danny Ramadan invite you to a free workshop on Writing about Trans People. Are you an author, a journalist or someone with deep interest of how to represent Trans folks through the art of words? This is the workshop for you. Writing about Trans people, whether it's journalism, fiction, non-fiction or poetry doesn't just stay on the page, it has real life effects on the lives of transgender people. In this workshop Mey Rude will draw from her experience as the Trans Editor at queer women's news and media site Autostraddle and her work as a Trans Consultant on books, comics and video games to help attendees maximize the amount of good their writing can do for the real life trans community. This is a free workshop - You got to sign up for a free ticket to get in. Please note that when you take a ticket, you are blocking a spot out of a limited 20 people space - if you can't attend anymore, make sure you cancel your ticket.

3:30—5:30pm. 1033 Davie St. Register for tickets at Writing About Trans People

Starting Over

A panel focusing on the distinct needs of LGBTQ + refugee claimants, their experiences in Canada, the challenges they faced, the agencies that helped them and where they are now in their Canadian journeys. Partnering with Rainbow Refugee and MOSAIC’s ‘I Belong’ program and featuring the photographic exhibition #BreakTheStigma.

6:30—9pm. Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia St. Starting Over

Friday, June 21

Yuk it up Sis 3

Yuk Yuk’s Vancouver’s All Drag Comedy Show! It was only a matter of time until Comedy Drag performers were brought into the fold of Canada’s Comedy legacy! This show is a celebration of Comedy Drag and art of making people laugh. This show will have EVERYTHING you want and even maybe a few things you don’t. We are pulling out all the gags for this show so you won’t want to miss it! First it has no stand up, it is a showcase of outrageously funny drag performances, and secondly it is exclusively QUEER and FUN. Featuring Molly Poppinz, Lame, Zit Poppinz, Imelda Mae Santos, Shanda Leer and more.

10pm—12am. Yuk Yuk’s, 2837 Cambie St. Tickets $20 online, $25 at door Yuk It Up Sis 3

Saturday, June 22

Bye Felicia - She's Back!  With Amora Dior Black

Amora Dior Black is energetic queen from Seattle, WA. Known as the "Bruce Lee of drag”, her stunts and dance moves keep the crowd at the edge of their seats, and screaming at the top of their lungs. With winning competitions/pageants and the love of the crowd, she promises 100% on stage. The perfect dismissal, "Bye Felicia!" is a goodbye given to any unwanted, irritating, or disliked person, place or thing. Alma Bitches has one mission at the party: to slay you and give you life! Werk! DJG-Luve along with Shanda Leer, Nicki Ravange, Raye Sunshine and others will keep you entertained all night long.

10:30pm—3am. The Biltmore Cabaret, 2755 Prince Edward St. Tickets $10 online, $12--$15 at door. Bye Felicia

Sunday, June 23

Sizzle: Pride Run & Walk Launch BBQ

This year's BBQ, called Sizzle, will have a fun "Sizzle Chest" - think tickle trunk - with props for some fun photo ops. Bring your friends and family and enjoy yourself a burger (or veggie burger) and domestic draft beer (or highball) for $10 (purchased in advance online or $15 at the door) while soaking up the sun on the patio. Guaranteed to get your blood sizzling when you see the half-naked boys adorning the event.

2:30—5:30pm. The junction, 1138 Davie St. Tickets $10 online and info at Sizzle

Tuesday, June 25

DRAG BINGO at Northyards

A night of bingo hosted by two amateur drag queens just a short drive away. Give a couple of new girls a chance at breaking into the hard core Drag Bingo scene. Please join  for a night of fun, prizes, and entertainment in support of Pride Squamish. Tonight’s event is targeted at 19+, but please stay tuned for information about all ages events in the coming weeks!

7—9:30pm. Northyards Cider Company, 9-38936 Queensway, Squamish. Drag Bingo

Wednesday, June 26

Spring Fling

Qmunity’s Spring Fling is an annual event for LGBTQ2S+ seniors and older adults, and allies In addition to private venue space, with refreshments and light snacks, guests will also be able to enjoy the newly opened rooftop, taking in downtown views and rooftop gardens from the top of the Library. Guests are welcomed to attend for the whole event or drop-in during a time that works for you. They will have a few remarks and a brief program starting at 2 PM.

1—4pm. Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia St. Please RSVP to confirm attendance by emailing seniors@qmunity.ca, or calling 604.684.5307 ext. 100. Spring Fling

Thursday, June 27

Life Drawing with HIM

I have it on good authority, from the hung horse’s mouth, that the current Mr RUFF, Tim Wesseling, will be dropping trou for one of these events so you better attend all of them or you will miss out on your own version of the painted meatballs. Life Drawing with HIM is a drop-in, informal social group for men with a focus on drawing and sketching. The group has an open studio format and, depending on the weather, may even move outdoors. All skill levels are welcome. This group is facilitated, but no formal instruction is offered. Please bring your sketchbook and favourite drawing materials (but no ink or paint please)

7—9pm. St Paul’s Anglican Church, 1130 Jervis St. No charge. HIM

Ivan Coyote: Chest Air

With the nuanced and finely-honed timing of a gifted storyteller, Ivan grapples with complex and intensely personal issues such as gender identity, family, class, social justice, and queer liberation—always with a generous heart and a quick wit. Ivan’s stories remind us of our own fallible and imperfect humanity while at the same time
inspiring us to change the world. Ivan will do a meet-and-greet after the performance. Books will be available to purchase.

7:30—8:30pm. Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall, 13450-104 Ave, Surrey. Tickets $35 at Chest Air

Fatality: The Beginning

Join Maya Ritchey, Lola Lewis, Rafael Calvente and Todd Hoye as they embark on another new exciting night at 1181. Victory is imminent. We will not be silenced & are immune to any bullsh*t. We have in our hands a collection of creative femme performers to gift to you. Our power is infinite. So sit back, relax & enjoy the show...... for your fate may be at risk.  Hosts of the night are Madame Lola and the Boss.

9:30pm—12am. 1181, 1181 Davie St. Cover $5. Fatality

Friday, June 28

Celebration 50: Say it Loud, Gay is Proud

In July of 1969 the Canadian government took its first legislative steps towards decriminalising homosexuality in Canada. This was a result of activism by the LGBTQ community over the course of the late 60s. The very next day in the US, the Stonewall riots spontaneously sparked spelling the end of legal oppression of homosexuals in that country. The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations protesting against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Manhattan, New York City. They are widely considered to constitute the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern Pride movement and sustained activism for LGBT rights in the United States. Please join to reflect, remember and renew as we joyfully CELEBRATE 50 years of liberation for LGBTQ2+ community members in a carnival of performance, inspiring words and interactive fun. Featuring Peach Cobblah, Allan Morgan and the Vancouver Youth Choir along with the immensely talented Queer As Funk.

7—10pm. Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave, New Westminster. Event is free but please register online to reserve seats. Celebration 50

Queer Songbook Orchestra

Celebrated national chamber ensemble Queer Songbook Orchestra unearths the queer backstories and personal narratives inspired by music of the past several generations. Weaving together stories told by local narrators including Monica Meneghetti, Jaye Simpson and Marv Houngbo with arrangements by Canada’s foremost composers.

7pm—12am. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. Tickets $40 and info at Queer Songbook Orchestra

Late Night Snack

Are you hungry? Thirsty? Wanting drag? Or all of the above? Come on down to Save On Meats and feast on some of Vancouver finest drag talent! The clown duo is back from NYC, and we promise we have snacks better than airline food! We know this stellar cast will leave you satiated, so mark your calendars y’all chicken nuggets,. Featuring a plethora of Queens to entertain you and probably steal your food and definitely your drink.

8pm. Save On Meats Diner, 43 West Hastings St. Tickets $10 at door. Late Night Snack

Storytelling with Drag Queens for Adults

Join for the next ADULT version of Storytelling with Drag, this evening’s theme is Legally Blonde. Featuring the amazing Tara Beladi, Mx Fortunate, Homo Hardware, Candie and friends, come help us party it up! Stories, sassiness, hilarity, songs and probably even more games await you this evening, another not to be missed event. Surprises too! Based on NYC's Famous Drag Queen Story Hour at the Brooklyn Public Library and the San Francisco Library, but with a twist, this one's for Adults.

9—11pm. Café Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Dr. Entrance by donation with no one turned away. Storytelling For Adults

Glitter is Forever #QAFrevolution

On the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the closing of QAF 2019 we're throwing the party of the half-century! Get ready for a culmination of the creative outpouring of this festival season and the past fifty years of queer art and culture. Emprex Alma Bitches and Emperor Del Stamp will be presiding with performances from Alma and recording artist Quanah Style! DJ G-Luve spins us through the decades since Stonewall. Join us in collaboration with Vancouver Pride Society, The Frank Theatre Company, and Zee Zee Theatre to revel in the queerevolution (and possibly take a dip in our glitter pool...) It's not your story. It's your LEGEND.

9pm—12am. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. Tickets $20 and info at Glitter Is Forever

Saturday, June 29

Man Up: A Beach BALL!

Drag's a peach and life's a BEACH. Sun's out, bums out, and quite honestly we're baking hot n' bothered. Strap on your thongs and slap on that SPF ~ cuz your saltiest dreams are about to come true with a midsummer night's steamy romp through the imaginations of the glamourpussy family that has brought you glittery fabulous all-genders drag since 2008! Featuring a wavy-ass line-up of familiar Man Up fam, some COME BACK originals, a BRAND newbie, and some EXTRA SPECIAL out of town guests! Hosted by Ponyboy with DJ Easy Bake Coven and some of the best Drag Kings in town.

9pm—2am. Warehouse at East Side Studios, 550 Malkin Ave. Tickets $10 online or $11 before 10pm, $15 after. Man Up

RUFF Canada Day w/ Pure Noise | LAX & Zarfan YVR

If it is a long weekend then it must be RUFF. Presented by Steamworks Baths, RodRozen Designs & Celebrities Underground and produced by Michel Nadeau Events get ready for another party to knock your jock off: that is if it is still on. GoGo performances by Mr RUFF 2019, Tim, and all the hot Men of Ruff including a power bottom or two. As always followed by a little RUFFplay at Steamworks afterwards so hold onto your tickets and wristbands for a discount.

10pm—3am. Celebrities Underground, 1022 Davie St. Tickets $25 online and $30 at door. RUFF Canada Day

Sunday, June 30

Oh Canada! With Glowing Hearts!

YOHO Cruises and The Unstoppable Conni Smudge present a VERY CANADIAN edition of the BIG BOOZY BOATY BRUNCH, Eh! Enjoy Bottomless Mimosas, no that is not Conni’s ocean name, all you can eat brunch buffet, Patriotic backyard-bbq custom hot-dog grill and delicious drag performances! During the 2.5 hour sailing, take in spectacular views of Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coal Harbour and English Bay from one of our two outdoor decks. Dress to impress for Canada Day and show your best Red & White. You may even win a prized or two.

11:30am—2pm. Yoho Cruises, 1698 Duranleau St, Granville Isl. Tickets $60 online or at 604-688-6625. Oh Canada

Monday, July 1

Canada Day On Robson

Robson Street sidewalks between Burrard and Denman, including five separate activation zones, will come alive with music, entertainment, dance performances, kids' activities, street hockey, interactive art, delicious fare, business promotions and more! The activation zones can be found at Bute Robson Plaza, Eihu Lane between CB2 and Shenanigans, Whole Foods parking lot, as well as Jervis and Cardero Streets, which will be closed to vehicle traffic.

1—5pm. Robson St. Canada Day On Robson

CruiseyT - Canada Day Fireworks Cruise

CruiseyT brings back the Canada Day Fireworks Cruise! Join in for the gayest Canada Day party where you will soak up the sun and enjoy a front row view of the Fireworks at Canada Place. Not only do you get DJs Del Stamp and Darren Kerr but the entire Bratpack will be on board for your showtime entertainment. Come check out Jane Smoker’s sea legs, maybe flats would be a better idea gurl.

6:30—11:30pm. Harbour Cruises, 501 Denman St. Tickets $45 and info at CruiseyT

In Advance

Sometimes there are gay events that are so popular they sell out weeks before you may even hear about them. If there is an event like that which gives back to a good cause, then I will be posting one of them here, so you have a chance to get your tickets before they are gone.

Sunday, July 7

Brunch With BABZ! The Glamour of it all!

This cruise will be worth it just to catch Conni and Babz fighting over the Microphone. YOHO Cruises and The Unstoppable Conni Smudge present Brunch with BABZ! The Glamour of it all! With Special Guest Star Jaylene Tyme as Barbra Streisand and Conni Smudge as, well, Conni Smudge. Enjoy Bottomless Mimosas from 11am-1pm, All you can eat brunch buffet, custom omelette bar and delicious drag performances! During the 2.5 hour sailing, take in spectacular views of Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coal Harbour and English Bay from one of our two outdoor decks. Best of all I will be onboard catching a few mimosas myself. Did you know if you have a ticket for YoHo then your trip back and forth on false Creek Ferries is included!!

11:30am—2pm. Yoho Cruises, 1698 Duranleau St, Granville Isl. Tickets $60 online or at 604-688-6625. Brunch With Babz & Connie

Written by
Tom Coleman

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