Pride Guide
A Preview OF T.O.’s mOsT sPecTAculAr FesTivAl
Who to see, what to wear, where to party at the 10-day gay blast
bonus supplement
events
NIC POULIOT
NOW PRIDE GUIDE
Hundreds of ways to celebrate Pride, culminating with the spectacular parade on July 1 Compiled by LESLEY McALLISTER and JULIA HOECKE
Thursday, June 21
MICHAEL WATIER
AIDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL Community memorial to honour, remember and celebrate the lives of people who have died of AIDS, and to recognize and honour those affected by and living with HIV/AIDS. 9-10:30 pm. Green Space on Church (Cawthra Square Park, 519 Church). the519.org. BEAUTIFULME GROUP SHOW Bezpala Brown Gallery, 17 Church. 416-907-6875. BERENICE ABBOTT: PHOTOGRAPHS An exhibition of works by the American photographer runs to Aug 19. Free w/ admission. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas W. ago.org. THE BEST BROTHERS Stratford Festival presents Daniel MacIvor’s play about brothers who learn about each other and their mother after her death. In previews to Jul 11. Opens Jul 12 and runs in rep to Sep 16. $30-$70. Studio Theatre, 34 George E, Stratford. 1-800567-1600, stratfordfestival.ca. BEST CHEST CONTEST Competition for the best man’s chest. Woody’s, 465 Church. 416-9270887, woodystoronto.com. EMNOWAANGOSJIG/COMING OUT: THE SHIFT-
SHOW YOUR PRIDE
Photo by KATHRYN GAITENS Hair and Makeup by Jordana Maxwell TRESemmé Hair Care & MAC Makeup for judyinc.com Model: Maddy Van Rijn / Ford Models
As Pride festivities kick into gear, who can resist the urge to party? This year we’ve made tons of gains – gay-straight alliances got their political due, the Ontario Legislature enshrined human rights for trans people (with Manitoba following suit), and the mayor even showed up at the rainbow-flag-raising ceremony to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. NOW’s glossy Pride preview sets the stage for a huge celebration. Start with listings surveying all of 2012’s Pride-related events, whether official or those spinoffs taking place all over town. Laugh out loud with funnyman
Gavin Crawford, interviewed here, who headlines this year’s edition of Bitch Salad. And check out our tips for the best music events through Pride weekend. What to wear? We feature some of the year’s best rainbow styles, and fashionistas offer tips on dos and don’ts. And you’ve gotta eat – and drink, right? See our full slate of Pride bars and restos along the parade route. Plus, Queer Quips, of course – commentary from some of Pride’s most intriguing personalities. Be proud and party on!
ING AND MULTIPLE SELF GROUP SHOW To Jun 24. Toronto Free Gallery, 1277 Bloor W. 416913-0461. FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS Shaw Festival presents Terence Rattigan’s comedy about men visiting France to improve their language skills. Runs in rep to Sep 15. $24-$90. Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen, Niagara-on-theLake. 1-800-511-7429, shawfest.com. GET OUT: GAY MUDDERS BOOTCAMP The LGBT outdoor club holds an eight-week training program for Tough Mudder competitors. 7 pm. $10. Riverdale Park, Broadview N of Dundas. Pre-register getoutcanada.com. THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA? A married man falls in love with a goat in Edward Albee’s play about societal taboos. To Jun 24, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $25. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman, Extra Space. 416-531-1827, aticproductions.com. HIRSCH Stratford Festival presents Alon Nashman and Paul Thompson’s play about theatre director John Hirsch, who came to Canada as an orphaned Hungarian refugee. In previews to Jul 11. Opens Jul 12 and runs in rep to Sep 14. $30-$70. Studio Theatre, 34 George E, Stratford. stratfordfestival.ca. ICONOCLASM: CAROLE POPE The art rocker performs from her newest album, Landfall, with fem rockers Slanty Eyed Mama. 8 pm. $20. Buddies in Bad Times Chamber, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555. continued on page 4 œ
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NOW PRIDE GUIDE 2012
Get your tiki on! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Pride this year than slipping into a coconut bra, a grass skirt and a lei for a little hula hotness. And for the ladies? How ‘bout a Hawaiian shirt and a Gilligan hat? Or vice versa.
P l e a s e d r i n k r e s P o n s i b ly
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Happy Pride from the LCBO!
NOW pride guide 2012
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events œcontinued from page 2
Kent MonKMan: Paintings. Centre Space, 65 George. centre-space.ca.
naKed night Cash prize for the best bod. Black Eagle, 457 Church. blackeagletoronto.com.
PaM ann – around the World Comedian
Pam Ann returns with her solo show. Runs to Jun 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $35-$55. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. mirvish.com. Present laughter Shaw Festival presents Noël Coward’s comedy about an actor and the various people vying for his attention. Runs in rep to Oct 28. $35-$110, stu/srs mats $24-$45. Festival Theatre, 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagaraon-the-Lake. 1-800-511-7429, shawfest.com. retro night Dress up and dance to the sounds of the 70s, 80s and 90s every Thu. Remington’s, 379 Yonge. 416-977-2160. rocKin’ thursdays Kick off the weekend with drag king Clint Lyckher and Nikki Chan (9 to 11 pm), plus Darma Queens with Heroine Marks and guest (11 pm to 2 am). Crews/ Tango, 508 Church. crewsandtango.com. shaWn hitchins: Fire(crotch) sale! Hitchins gives a farewell cabaret performance featuring older material from his solo shows, new laughs and special guests. 8 pm. $20. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
QueerQuips
We asked diverse voices how they feel about everything from Rob Ford to John Travolta to Pride celebrations
How do you identify?
that’s so gay: girls Who are Boys Who do Boys liKe they’re girls The annual Pride
art show, curated by Sholem Krishtalka, opens today (7 pm) and runs to Jul 29. Free. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. 416-5314635, gladstonehotel.com. toP gun! the Musical A director tries to keep his musical adaptation of the film afloat in this musical play by Denis McGrath and Scott White. To Jun 29, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $35. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 416-9156747, lowerossingtontheatre.com. trouBle in tahiti Shaw Festival presents Leonard Bernstein’s one-act opera about the 1950s American dream. In previews to Jul 6. Opens Jul 7 and runs in rep to Oct 7. $32. Court House Theatre, 26 Queen, Niagara-onthe-Lake. 1-800-511-7429, shawfest.com. Wanderlust Stratford Festival presents Morris Panych and Marek Norman’s musical comedy based on the life and poems of Robert Service. In previews to Jul 10. Opens Jul 11 and runs in rep to Sep 28. $49-$106, srs $41$66, stu $19-$29. Tom Patterson Theatre, 111 Lakeside, Stratford. stratfordfestival.ca. the Wizard oF oz Drayton Entertainment presents the stage musical based on the 1939 film. Runs to Jun 23, Thu and Sat 7:30 pm, mats Thu-Sat 2 pm. $40, stu $20. Huron Country Playhouse, 70689 B Line, Grand Bend. 1-888-372-9866, draytonentertainment. com.
Friday, June 22 avenue Q A college grad moves to NYC
and works through the transition to adulthood in this puppet show musical. Runs to Jul 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $45-$60. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com. Best ass contest Competition for the best man’s ass in town. Today and tomorrow. Woody’s, 465 Church. 416927-0887, woodystoronto.com.
dance caMP – Pride edition DJ Mark Falco
and VJ Gary White. $10. Fly, 8 Gloucester. 416410-5426.
david toMlinson: MeMoirs FroM cracKtoWn The comedy writ-
BERGE ARABIAN
er performs his autobiographical solo show. 7:30 pm. $15-$20. The Flying Beaver Pubaret, 488 Parliament. 647347-6567, pubaret. com.
Passing & Privilege: a dialogue
Discussion on what it means to be “passing” (gender, race,
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NOW pride guide 2012
I am attracted to women, but I would say gay.
an Imperfect expandIng beIng, or homo.
DJ Blackcat, spinning at the Go Hard event, July 1 at Goodhandy’s; on Pride’s central Stage, June 30; and at Blockarama, July 1
Dawn wHitwell, performing tuesday and wednesday (June 27) at the Gladstone’s Pride Show; June 27 at laughs @ Slacks; June 29 at Maryjanes Of comedy, Pride edition at Vapor Social; June 30 at Homo night in canada, at Buddies
Queer as fuck. I don’t feel transgender any more. I used to be a woman and at one point identified as one, and am very proud of that. To be told by some politico trans people that saying that undermines my identity as a trans man just makes me feel invisible all over again. I don’t identify with people who want to fit into binary gender norms for the sake of “normalcy.” I can be normal and still be a man who used to be a woman. lucaS SilVeira, playing with the cliks on Pride’s South Stage June 29; and solo on the north Stage, July 1
sexuality, etc) and the privilege that comes with it. 6 pm. Pwyc. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. gladdaybookshop.com.
PuBlic sins/Private desires – tracing lesBian lives in the archives 1950-1980 Event
celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lynne Fernie and Aerlyn Weissman’s Forbidden Love: Unashamed Stories Of Lesbian Lives. 7 pm. Free. Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, 34 Isabella. clga.ca. WorK it! MC Jazz hosts a queer hip-hop showcase, with DJ Nix. 9 pm. $7 or free before 10 pm. Buddies in Bad Times Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555.
Saturday, June 23 airshiP Femmes du Feu
present a sexy steampunk circus and aerial dance show. 8:30 pm. $15-$20. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander. 416975-8555, femmesdufeu.com. BroadWay shoWstoPPers The Velvet Curtain vocal ensemble performs hits from Rent, Chicago, Evita, Mamma Mia and more. 8 pm. $25. Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen E. thevelvetcurtain.ca.
Buddies aFter hours
Featuring Donnarama and guests DJs K-Tel and Triple-X.
gay.
cHriS tSuJiucHi, playing in Sharron Matthews Superstar to June 22 at Buddies in Bad times theatre; in Shawn Hitchins’s Fire(crotch) Sale, June 21; and Bursting with Pride, at Statlers, June 27
10:30 pm. $10. Buddies in Bad Times Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555.
cherry BoMB 5 year anniversary addition
Dance party with DJs Cozmic Cat, Denise Benson and DJ Jerus Nazdaq. 9 pm to 3 am. $5. Andy Poolhall, 489 College. CherryBombToronto.com. crush Party Pride edition Pride Week kickoff mixer. 8 pm. $5. Central, 603 Markham. id-tap-that.com. an evening oF caBaret Hosted by Troy Jackson. 9 pm. $5-$10 sliding scale. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. gladdaybookshop.com.
FilMs and archives – caPturing the “truth” Panel discussion with documentary
filmmaker Lynne Fernie, video artist Wil Craddock and others. 2 pm. Free. Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, 34 Isabella. clga.ca. #ForallgaMerssaKe Meet-up on video games, gender and queerness, hosted by Jamie Woo. 1 pm. Free. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. gladdaybookshop.com. get out: gay learn to KayaK The LGBT outdoor club offers lessons. 5 pm. $55. Old Mill subway. Pre-register getoutcanada.com. neWcoMer Pride celeBration Gardening, face painting and entertainment for LGBTQ+ newcomers and friends. 1-3 pm. Free. Access Alliance, 3079 Danforth. accessalliance.ca. PoP Machine Pride edition 10 pm, $5 before 11 pm, $10 later. Waylabar, 996 Queen E. 647292-2290. Pre-Pride Party DJ Danny Verde. Doors 10 pm. $10-$20. Fly, 8 Gloucester. 416-410-5426. Pride KicK-oFF BaseBall gaMe Get Out Canada game. Noon. $10. Riverdale Park East Diamond. getoutcanada.com. songs My Brother taught Me Forte men’s chorus presents songs by composers including Cole Porter, Rufus Wainwright and Elton John, Broadway greats and more. 7:30 pm. $35, adv $30. Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Square. forte-chorus.com.
Sunday, June 24 all strung uP: unPlugged Special Pride edition with acoustic performances by Jen Calder and Amy Lewis. 7 pm. $10 sugg. Flying Beaver
NOW pride guide Tuesday, June 26 Beyond BorderS: the StruGGLe for LGBt human rIGhtS In the BaLKanS Panel discus-
sion with lawyer Douglas Elliott and others. 6 pm. Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, 475 Yonge. pridetoronto.com.
Born thIS red!: communISt dance Party
Celebrate Pride at a night of dancing with the Proletarian Revolutionary Action Comm. Performances by a communist drag artist and revolutionary dance tunes from DJ Hamma-nSickle. 9 pm-1 am. $4. Hen House, 1532 Dundas W. practoronto.wordpress.com.
cIty cInema: the adventureS of PrIScILLa, Queen of the deSert Outdoor screening. 9
pm. Free. Yonge-Dundas Square. ydsquare.ca.
the cruSh Project Panel discussion on the
queerness of fat activism, fat/queer arts and poetry and a party. 6:45 pm-2 am. $5-$10 sliding scale. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. kalebrobertson.ca/crushproject.
the GayeSt ShoW on earth WIth darcy mIchaeL Pride at the Gaystone presents the
Gender: retired/queer. Rae Spoon, playing pride’s north Stage, June 30
Pubaret, 488 Parliament. 647-347-6567. Body ShotS Live erotic photography shoot. 8 pm. $40. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. 416-961-4161. creamed SundayS Soulful numbers from Lady G (7-9 pm), Devine Darlin and Sexy Sunday (9-11 pm), plus Kera Keys & Farra N Hyte (11 pm-2 am). Crews/ Tango, 508 Church. crewsandtango.com mary Lou Screening of Eytan Fox’s modern musical about a young man who becomes a drag queen and searches for this mother, featuring Israeli drag troupe the Holy Wigs. 7 pm. $10. Congregation Darchei Noam, 864 Sheppard W. aspindel@rogers.com. Pre-PrIde PreP BurLeSQue WorKShoPS Rodney James aka Mr Burlesque hosts two unique co-ed workshops. FAN-Tasy Workshop (3:30 to 5 pm), and the Burlesque Bonanza Workshop
trans woman. nina aRSenault, appearing at the Monstrous Ball at Buddies in Bad times, June 28; and reading from her new book, tRanS(per) FoRMinG nina arsenault: an unreasonable Body of Work, June 29 at Glad Day Bookshop
(5:30 to 7 pm). $69 or both for $120. Brass Vixens Fitness Studio, 721 Queen W, ste 202. 416-901-2848, brassvixens.com. PrIde ServIce of ceLeBratIon Service of welcome and celebration in honour of Pride 2012, with former mayor David Miller, singer Jackie Richardson, the Forte Choir and others. 7 pm. Free. St Andrew’s United Church, 117 Bloor E. standrewsunited.com. tea dance: BIKe for LIfe fundraISer 4 pm. Waylabar, 996 Queen E. 416-901-5570.
What We taLK aBout When We taLK aBout Gay men In art Mini-lecture followed by a
roundtable discussion and audience Q&A. 7
“queer” and “Gay” work for me. John CaFFeRy, modelling in a club kid runway show as part of the Monstrous Ball at Buddies, June 28; DJ at Mighty Real at Cold tea, June 29; performing with Kids on tV on pride’s alterna-Queer Stage, July 1
pm. $5. Drake Undergound, 1150 Queen W. facebook.com/whatwetalkabout.
Monday, June 25 canadIan medIa GuILd Short fILm ShoWcaSe Selection of acclaimed short films from
recent years chronicling the diversity of the LGBT experience. To Jun 29. Continuous screenings Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm. Free. Graham Spry Theatre, CBC Building, 250 Front W. cbc.ca/museum/spry.html. chocoLate BaBIeS Trans Film Screening of a political satire about an underground band of
ally. MaGGie MaCDonalD, playing paul Kane parkette, June 30
HIV-positive activists of colour. 6 pm. Free. U of T Health Sciences Building, rm 610, 155 College. transfilmseries@gmail.com. dIrty BInGo PrIde 2012 edItIon Outrageous night of bingo hosted by Lena Over and Gloria Hole with guest Roxy Rollover. 8:30 pm. Zelda’s, 692 Church. 416-922-2526. GLBt runnInG GrouP Get Out Canada hosts free running for members. 9 am. Church Street Junior Public School, Church and Alexander. getoutcanada.com.
PoetrIx: KIrK demataS/jordaan maSon/ SamIra mohyeddIn/BrocK heSSeL/mIchaeL erIcKSon Evening of poetry and spoken word.
7 pm. Free. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. 416-961-4161, gladdaybookshop.com. rehaB mondayS Glitz and glam with Carlotta Carlisle (9-11 pm), plus Candice’s Star Search talent show (11 pm-2 am). Crews/Tango, 508 Church. crewsandtango.com
queer comic plus stand-up, sketch, improv, music and drag performances. To Jun 27, TueWed 9 pm. $20-$25. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. gladstonehotel.com. the GLam! PrIde Game ShoW revue GLAM Cabaret presents a benefit for queer youth program SOY with comic Andrew Johnston and others. To Jun 27 Tue-Wed 9 pm. $10. The Flying Beaver Pubaret, 488 Parliament. glamcabaret.blogspot.com. InduStry tueSdayS Toronto Imperial Court benefit, with Candice Kelly and Nikki Chan (9-11 pm), plus Bittersweet with Honey Brown and Olivya Chin (11 pm-2 am). Crews/ Tango, 508 Church. crewsandtango.com LeSBIan Sex Women-only workshop. 7-9:30 pm. $33. Good for Her, 175 Harbord. Preregister 416-588-0900. marKetInG to the LBGt communIty Business forum to provide marketing expertise to corporations on diversity. 8 am-noon. $249. Velma Rogers Theatre, 333 Bloor E. Pre-register marketingmag.ca/microsite/lgbt-2012. a mIdSummer nIGht’S dream Canadian Stage’s Shakespeare in High Park presents the classic comedy performed outdoors. Runs to Sep 2, Tue-Fri and Sun 8 pm. Pwyc, 14 and under free. High Park Amphitheatre, Bloor W and Parkside. canadianstage.com. mILe hIGh tueSdayS DJ Turt McGurt spins house, top 40 and requests. 9 pm-close. Free. Boutique Bar, 506 Church. 647-705-0006. SceneSterS & StoryteLLerS Evening of dramatic readings, featuring Teneile Warren, Ryan C Hinds, Sarah Bertrand, Evan Vipond and others. 7 pm. Free. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. gladdaybookshop.com. So you thInK you can StrIP Amateur night. Remington’s, 379 Yonge. 416-977-2160. continued on page 6 œ
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES
Earn more.
Happy Pride Week!
Learn more.
Continue the celebration by investing in yourself. Classes available at U of T St. George, U of T Mississauga, and U of T Scarborough. For a free copy of our course catalogue, or to register, email learn@utoronto.ca, call 416-978-2400 or visit
www.learn.utoronto.ca NOW pride guide 2012
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NOW pride guide
events œcontinued from page 5
trailer trash karaoke Belt out some tunes
QueerQuips
with host Onya Knees and D’Manda Tension, and guest Gloria Hole. 8 pm. Zelda’s, 692 Church. 416-922-2526. varsity tuesday Students drink specials. Remington’s, 379 Yonge. 416-977-2160.
Message to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford?
bursts with pride! Music from the 90s plus top 40 with a twist, with cabaret performer Chris Tsujiuchi and friends. 9:30 pm. Statlers, 487 Church. 416-922-0487. Freaks aNd Geeks: the draG MusiCal This glamorous musical celebrates all that is outcast, awkward, unusual and beautiful. 8 pm. Pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander. buddiesinbadtimes.com. huMp wedNesdays Church Street pros Jada Hudson and Nicolette Brown take to the stage (9-11 pm), plus Fireplay with Farra N Hyte and guest (11 pm to 2 am). Crews/ Tango, 508 Church. crewsandtango.com iNtro to burlesque daNCiNG Classes with Coco LaCreme and Mickey D Liscious. 7:30 & 9 pm. $5-$10 sliding scale. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. gladdaybookshop.com. lauGh @ slaCk’s Pride edition of the weekly comedy open mic w/ Dawn Whitwell, Martha Chaves, Phil Luzi, host Marco Bernardi and others. 8 pm. Free. 562 Church. slacks.ca. libido: dyke MarCh FuNdraiser 8 pm. $15, adv $10. Tickets at Toronto Women’s Bookstore. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. 416531-4635. Mr leather pride 2012 Judges including Alex Canning and cash prizes for the best man in leathers. Black Eagle, 457 Church. blackeagletoronto.com. ride with pride Fundraiser in support of People with AIDS and the Friends For Life Bike Rally. 8 pm-close. No cover. Boutique Bar, 506 Church. 647-705-0006. spirits CoMedy pride show Scott Thompson, Paul Bellini, Debra DiGiovanni, Martha Chaves, Richard Ryder, Andrew Johnson and Cal Post perform. 9 pm. Free. Spirits Bar & Grill, 642 Church. 416-967-0001 thoM verNoN Vernon reads from his debut novel, The Drifts. 7 pm. Free. Glad Day Bookshop, 598 Yonge. 416-961-4161. youNG, GiFted aNd blaCk: (re)telliNG stories oF survival aNd thrival For youNG blaCk MeN Black CAP, Project: Humanity and
Ontario HIV Treatment Network present a reading of a new play about the experiences of black gay and bisexual youth. 8 pm. Pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander. 416-9758555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
Thursday, June 28 aNNual white party DJ Madeline spins his
eclectic mix of electro and house music. 7 pm-close. $5, no cover in white. Boutique Bar, 506 Church. 647-705-0006. best Chest CoNtest Competition for the best man’s chest. Woody’s, 465 Church. 416-927-0887, woodystoronto.com. bouNCe Big Freedia and Brenmar play for this sissy bounce party. Doors 10 pm. $10. Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen W. 416-531-5042. briNGiNG your whole selF to pride Rainbow Health Network interactive workshop for LGBTQ+ identified individuals. 7 pm. Free. 31 Wellesley E. facebook.com/events/ 311673395582011.
R. JEANETTE MARTIN
CaNadiaN iMMiGratioN For saMe-sex Couples Info and applications for permanent
residency and family-class sponsorship. 6 pm. Free. 519 Church Community Centre. toronto@legit.ca. CoMe baCk, little sheba Shaw Festival presents William Inge’s play about a couple who married young and must confront their past. In previews Jun 28-Jul 5. Opens Jul 6 and runs in rep to Oct 19. $35-$90, stu mats $24. Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen, Niagara-on-theLake. 1-800-511-7429, shawfest. com. dJ Cory aCtivate 70s-90s gay anthems at this retro party. 10 pm. $5. Waylabar, 996 Queen E. 416901-5570.
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NOW pride guide 2012
Any advice for John Travolta?
Essential pride accessory?
CHEOL JOON BAEK
Wednesday, June 27
What Whitney Houston song do you want to hear at Pride?
Have fun at tHe cottage, dick face. Lucas Silveira
“It’s the people’s fault” was the best line yet! Make that your re-election campaign slogan. John Caffery You need to read some Margaret Atwood. Rae Spoon Robby plz just come out of the closet and stop taking out your “inner feelings” on Toronto. DJ Blackcat
step by step, from the lesser-known Preacher’s Wife soundtrack, remixed dubstepstyle. Does such a glorious thing exist? One hopes. Chris Tsujiuchi The Greatest Love Of All. The lyrics are amazing. Lucas Silveira How Will I Know – classic. Maggie MacDonald
if you came out, you’d be as cool as you were in Saturday Night Fever and still look the same as you do now. Just saying. Lucas Silveira Your next comeback movie should be directed by Bruce LaBruce. Nina Arsenault Find one guy or pay more money to shut them up, John! You know you got it, and if you don’t, your best friend Oprah does. DJ Blackcat
Come to Pride this year. Hell, march in the parade. It’s good cardio. Chris Tsujiuchi
I’ve been DJing Whitney’s How Will I Know over the beat of Robyn’s Dancing On My Own mixed by Divide & Kreate. It’s a floor-filler. John Caffery
Love yourself, find a boyfriend, have lots of uninhibited gay sex. And pass the message along to Tom Cruise. Rae Spoon
Have you been on a bike lately? Don’t knock it till you try it! Maggie MacDonald
Queen Of The Night. Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeahyeahyeah! Dawn Whitwell
That role in the Hairspray movie was mine, I tell you! Mine! (Also, keep your hands to yourself.) Chris Tsujiuchi
I Want To Dance With Somebody. Rae Spoon Love Will Save The Day. BTW, I will hear it for sure. I am a DJ. DJ Blackcat
draG-a-liCious pride editioN Dinner and
drag, hosted by Tara Hole, Roxy Rollover and Zelda Angelfire. 9 pm. Zelda’s, 692 Church. 416-922-2526. FuCkiNG stepheN harper Rob Salerno performs a Pride edition of his hit solo show. 9 pm. $20. The Flying Beaver Pubaret, 488 Parliament. pubaret.com. lGbt FilM trivia NiGht (TIFF Pocket Fund/Inside Out) Test your skills and prepare for thrills. 7 pm. $10. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. tiff.net/ membership/trivianight. Julie MiChels Pride Week jazz performance. 7 pm, $20, adv $15. The Flying Beaver Pubaret, 488 Parliament. pubaret.com. the MoNstrous ball Lady Gaga is the inspiration for a night of art, fashion, music and performance by Nina Arsenault, Tyson James and others. 10:30 pm. $10. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-9758555, buddiesinbadtimes. com.
Naked NiGht Cash prizes for the best bod. Black Eagle, 457 Church. blackeagletoronto. com. paul hutChesoN’s pride paCkaGe ii This stand-up comedy cabaret features Hutcheson w/ Kristen Becker, Susan Fischer, Mike Albo, D’yan Forrest and others. 8 pm. $10-$20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com. prisM: ColleGe All-night party with DJ Mickehi and Cajjmere Wray, with a performance by porn sensation Brody Wilder. $20. Fly, 8 Gloucester. 416-410-5426, prismtoronto.com. roCkiN’ thursdays Kick off the weekend with drag king Clint Lyckher and Nikki Chan (9 to 11 pm), plus Darma Queens with Heroine Marks and guest (11 pm to 2 am). Crews/ Tango, 508 Church. crewsandtango.com. sCissor sisters aNd rye rye 8 pm, all ages, $32.50-$42.50 (Rotate This, Soundscapes, Ticketmaster). Sound Academy, 11 Polson. sound-academy.com. speed datiNG Make new friends & lovers of all genders. 7 & 9 pm. $5/session. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. gladdaybookshop.com. starry NiGht 2012 Night of music, drinks, friends and flirtations for the LGBTQ community, with Toronto All-Star Big Band and Sofonda Cox. 7 pm-midnight. Green Space on Church, 519 Church. the519.org. steers & queers: NiGht oF a thousaNd dollys Dress up as Dolly for this party. 10 pm, $10, adv $8. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom, 1214 Queen W. gladstonehotel.com.
tHigH-HigH boots. Nina Arsenault
SPF-30 sunscreen from Bath & Body Works. It’s orange-creamsiclescented. Chris Tsujiuchi Underwear made by Will Munro has been my fave accessory at Pride for years. I particularly enjoy riding my bicycle through my neighbourhood and the rest of the city on my way to the festivities in his underwear creations. John Caffery A bottle of Dole pineapple-mango. DJ Blackcat David-Benjamin Tomlinson. Because he sparkles. Dawn Whitwell A beverage! It’s hot out there, and we need to stay hydrated. Maggie MacDonald Rainbow cape. Rae Spoon Waterproof fanny pack. Needed to protect my iPhone from water guns, but no longer my money, which is now made of plastic that smells like maple syrup. How gay is that? Lucas Silveira
10 x 10 photoGraphy exhibitioN An exhib-
ition by LGBT photographers of people who have contributed to the arts opens today (7 pm) and runs to Jul 20. Free. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. gladstonehotel.com. this is My biGGest oNe yet Nathan Carroll performs queer anthems and tells stories of his youth. 8:30 pm. $10. Gladstone Hotel Melody Bar, 1214 Queen W. gladstonehotel.com. thuMper: sCissor sisters aFter-party DJS Sammy Jo, Scooter and Travis. $5, free with concert ticket stub. Bambi’s, 1265 Dundas W.
NOW pride guide BesT ass conTesT Competition for the best man’s ass in town. Today and tomorrow. Woody’s, 465 Church. 416-927-0887, woodystoronto.com. BiTcH salad GiVes BacK Female comedy w/ Christina Walkinshaw, Julia Hladkowicz, Emma Hunter, host Andrew Johnston and others. 8 pm. $20 (partial proceeds to Buddies and ACT). Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com. Blaze LGBT event catering to all. 10 pm-3 am. $20, adv $15. Hard Rock Cafe, 270 Yonge. 416704-5171. BUddies aFTer HoUrs DJs K-Tel and Triple-X. 10:30 pm. $10. Buddies in Bad Times Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555. THe cHeaP sHoW Drag show, hosted by Leno Over and Scarlett Bobo. 9 pm. Zelda’s, 692 Church. 416-922-2526. clam slam 2012 All-queer roller derby featuring skaters from Toronto Roller Derby and leagues from all over North America. 6:30 pm. Downsview Park Bunker, 40 Carl Hall. torontorollerderby.com. crUsH – Women’s Pride dance Women celebrate Pride with DJ Deb Parent and guests. 8 pm-2 am. $25, adv $20. Opera House, 735 Queen E. wendo.ca/dance. FicTion WiTH FricTion #1 Fiction readings by Ken Harvey, Matthew J Trafford and David Balzer. 2 pm. Free. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. gladdaybookshop.com. Fridays – niGHT oF mayHem Fierce impersonations and off-the-charts costumes with Ivory Towers, Katherine Dior and Heroine Marks (8:30 pm), plus Bitchapalooza, with Daytona Bitch and friends (11 pm-2 am). Crews/Tango, 508 Church. crewsandtango.com. Girl Play Vs ToasTr – leT’s Play Women’s party, with music by DJ Sticky Cuts, DJ Ria and Mariana Morales plus go-go dancers. $30, adv $25. Kool Haus, 132 Queens Quay E. ticketbreak.com. GraPeFrUiT Pride DJ Shane Percy and DJ Aural. Doors 9 pm. Fly, 8 Gloucester. 416-4105426. maryJanes oF comedy Lianne Mauladin, Jillian Thomas, the Vagetarians, Shelley Kidwell, Dawn Whitwell and others. 9 pm. $5. Vapor Social, 896 College. 647-765-4422. one World 2012 Music by Frankie Knuckles, Deko-ze, Addy, Mark Kufner and Ticky Ty and others. 5 pm-midnight. Free, donations appreciated. Green Space on Church, 519 Church. the519.org. ParTy ciTy Tasha the Amazon, the A-Game, DJs Larry Tee & Stereogamous, DJ Betti Forde. Doors 9 pm, $10-$20. The Garrison, 1197 Dundas W. 416-519-9439. Pride WareHoUse ParTy Venus X & RL Grime, Alex Brooks, and B2B Basha provide the beats. 10 pm. $10. Amsterdam Brewery, 21 Bathurst. ticketweb.ca.
R. JEANETTE MARTIN
Friday, June 29
ToronTo Pride: Girl Play Vs ToasTr. leT’s Play DJ Sticky Cuts & DJ Ria, and Mariana
Morales. $30, adv $25(ticketbreak.com). Kool Haus, 132 Queens Quay E. facebook.com/ events/218666228251899. Prism: BooTcamP Dancing to DJs Tony Moran and Hector Fonseca, plus performances by male adult stars James Huntsman and Trystanbull. $55. Guvernment, 132 Queens Quay E. prismtoronto.com.
ProUd Voices aT THe ToronTo Women’s BooKsTore Check website for detailed list-
ings. To Jul 1. 73 Harbord. pridetoronto.com.
ProUd Voices: alec BUTler/cHase JoynT/ nina arsenaUlT Readings. 8:30 pm. Glad Day Books, 598 Yonge, 3rd flr. pridetoronto.com. Trans marcH The march for trans people
kicks off at Gloucester and Yonge. Free. transpride@pridetoronto.com. yes Please! DJs Joe Blow and Denise Benson spin sexy sounds for this Pride party. 10 pm. $5. Bambi’s, 1265 Dundas W. y2K Goes Gay Retro dance night. 10 pm. $5. Waylabar, 996 Queen E. 416-901-5570.
Saturday, June 30 aaqUa Jessica Sutta, DJ Manny Lehman, DJ
Honey Dijon and DJ Aron. 2 to 10 pm. Sugar Beach, 25 Dockside. prismtoronto.com. arTs n’ rec Community art engagement program with activities by Asian Arts Freedom School, diverseCITY Dance Co and others every afternoon. Today and tomorrow. Free. James
Canning Gardens, Norman Jewison Parkette & George Hislop Park. pridetoronto.com. BacKyard BeaTs Music by Yes Yes Y’all, Delicious and Ana Paula at an outdoor party. 1 pm-midnight. Green Space on Church, 519 Church. the519.org. BeeFBall 2012 Canada’s largest leather and bear Pride party with UK DJ Hifi Sean. 10 pm. $35 adv (Priape, 501 Church; Northbound Leather, 586 Yonge), Opera House, 735 Queen E. gayguidetoronto.com. BUddies aFTer HoUrs Featuring Donnarama and guests DJs K-Tel and Triple-X. 10:30 pm. $15. Buddies in Bad Times Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555.
a clUB called rHonda ToronTo Pride ParTy Horse Meat Disco. Doors at midnight. $10.
Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen W. 416-531-5042.
darcy micHael Vancouver’s gay stoner dad
performs a Pride week comedy show. 7 pm. $15-$20. The Flying Beaver Pubaret, 488 Parliament. pubaret.com. dyKe marcH Celebrating the diversity and passion of LGBTTIQQ2S women and trans folk. Starting at Church and Hayden, moving north on Church to Bloor, west on Bloor to Yonge, south on Yonge to Wood. 2 pm. Free. pridetoronto.com. rFamily Pride Activities for families of all kinds include children’s entertainers, a style zone, H2O zone, and arts and crafts. Today and tomorrow 11 am-6 pm. Free. Church Street Jr Public School, Church and Alexander. pridetoronto.com. continued on page 8 œ
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES
Achieve more.
Happy Pride Week!
Learn more.
Continue the celebration by moving ahead in your career. Classes available at U of T St. George, U of T Mississauga, and U of T Scarborough. For a free copy of our course catalogue, or to register, email learn@utoronto.ca, call 416-978-2400 or visit
www.learn.utoronto.ca NOW pride guide 2012
7
NOW pride guide
QueerQuips Who’s your favourite queen? How would she celebrate her diamond jubilee?
Gay-straight alliances are a hot topic. Who’s your fave straight ally?
Secret celebrity crush?
alan turinG,
GeorGe Michael. Obviously, public bathroom sex with me. Lucas Silveira
MICHAEL WATIER
Crystal Visions, celebrating with Stevie Nicks, natch. Dawn Whitwell
events œcontinued from page 7
Fiction With Friction #2 Fiction readings by
Lizz Bugg, Grace Flahive and Debra Anderson. 10 am. Free. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. gladdaybookshop.com. hard candy Pride edition DJ Davinci. 10 pm. Free. Waylabar, 996 Queen E. 416-901-5570. hollyWood to dollyWood ReelHeART presents the documentary about Baptist-raised, identical gay twins Gary and Larry Lane who wrote a script for their idol Dolly Parton and take a road trip to deliver it to her. 7 pm. $12. Projection Booth, 1035 Gerrard E. realheart. org/saturday-june-30. hoMo niGht in canada Comedy w/ Kristen Becker, Marco Bernardi, Richard Ryder, Dawn Whitwell, Ian Lynch, hosts the B-Girlz and others. 8 pm. $25. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, glam-glam.com. hotnuts christMas DJs Christeene, JJ Booya, Das Hussy and Produzentin. 10:30 pm. $12, adv $10 (Rotate This, Soundscapes). The Garrison, 1197 Dundas W. facebook.com/ HotnutsTO. Pride DJ Leomeo and DJ Shawn Riker. Doors 9 pm. $20-$25. Fly, 8 Gloucester. 416-410-5426. Pride and reMeMbrance 5K run (HALCO/ LGBT Youth Line/Pride and Remembrance Fdn) Runners and walkers hit Church for charity. 10 am. Pledges. Church and Wellesley. runorwalk@priderun.org. Pride sPectacular draG shoW Contests and prizes, hosted by Daytona Bitch and Nicolette Brown. 9 pm. Zelda’s, 692 Church. 416-9222526. PrisM Festival DJs Chus & Ceballos, DJ Paulo, Micky Friedmann, and Erika Jane. 10 pm. Guvernment/Kool Haus, 132 Queens Quay E. prismtoronto.com.
Proud voices: nalo hoPKinson/siaira har-
8
NOW pride guide 2012
ris/FarZana doctor/tara-Michelle ZiniuK/KaMal al-solaylee/Kristyn dunnion/ Marcus Mccann/daniel allen Readings.
4-pm. Glad Day Books, 598 Yonge, 3rd flr. pridetoronto.com. reelheart Pride ProGraM ReelHeART International Film Festival presents a live reading of Tom McIntyre’s screenplay, Spin, and screenings of Eric Casaccio’s film Freak and John Lavin’s film From Hollywood To Dollywood. 6:30 pm. $12. Projection Booth, 1035 Gerrard E. reelheart.org. suPer saturdays A mélange of sequins, dark beats and musical theatre, with Devine Darlin, Lady G and Jada Hudson (8:30-11 pm), and Robyn de Cradle & guest (11 pm-2 am). Crews/ Tango, 508 Church. crewsandtango.com. tease DJ Lissa Monet, DJ Mary Mac 9, Infamous Sound Crew and special guest Da Brat. 10:30 pm-4 am. $25-$30. Screen Lounge, 20 College. iaminthelife.com. trucK stoP The craziest women’s party is back with Truck Stop Girlz and DJ Bryan Taylor. 9 pm-2 am. $25, adv $20. Courthouse, 57 Adelaide E. truckstopgirlz.com. WoMen’s Pride dance Post-Dyke March dancing with DJ Lynz, plus finger foods. 4 pmmidnight. $25. Ryerson University Thomas Room, 55 Gould. wrib.ca. WronGbar Pride SSION and Lioness spin from 10 pm. $13.50. 1279 Queen W. Tickets @ ticketweb.com. yes yes y’all Pride edition DJ Jr Flo spins at this hip-hop jam. 10 pm. $10-$15. Annex Wreckroom, 794 Bathurst. 416-53-0346. Zelda’s Pride brunch Start off the day with an à la carte brunch. 10:30 am-2 pm. Zelda’s, 692 Church. 416-922-2526.
Sunday, July 1 alternaPride Alternative, retro, goth and rock-a-billy dance party. 10 pm. Waylabar, 996 Queen E. 416-901-5570.
India.Arie. She’d have a private party, celebrating the woman she’s become. (Google it. You won’t be disappointed.) Chris Tsujiuchi Miss Fluffy Souffle. Eating doughnuts with me somewhere on Queen West. Rae Spoon Keith Cole. She’d celebrate by doing something unprintable. Maggie MacDonald Madonna. Continuing to do exactly what she wants. Nina Arsenault
buddies aFter hours DJs K-Tel and Triple-X.
10:30 pm. $10. Buddies in Bad Times Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555. canada day Pride Party Bovine Sex Club, 542 Queen W. 416-504-4239. church on church Pride Day service with Metropolitan Community Church. 11 am. Free. South Stage (Church and Wood). pridetoronto.com.
Dolly Parton (until she officially comes out). Rae Spoon President Obama. DJ Blackcat My mom. Maggie MacDonald Tom Cruise. He makes staying in the closet look so douchebaggy. Lucas Silveira Either cabaret performer/superstar Sharron Matthews or Andrew Bravener (one of my straight, not narrow besties) Chris Tsujiuchi The amazing Julie Faught – known for her singing with the Pining, Doug Paisley and Kids on TV – has been my best friend since we were five years old. She once told a bunch of guys who were bullying me that they’d have to go through her first. John Caffery Sarah Grange. She is most herself with her homos and I am one of them. Dawn Whitwell My boyfriend. Nina Arsenault
Mariah. Rae Spoon Michael C. Hall (Dexter). I’m convinced he’s gay. And not just gay. Gay. Lucas Silveira Depending on the day it is either Jake Gyllenhaal, François Sagat or Penélope Cruz. John Caffery David Lynch – he’s the greatest. Nina Arsenault It’s no secret – Emma Thompson. Dawn Whitwell
rstories and snacKs For Kids With S Bear
Bergman and friends. 11 am-noon. Free. Glad Day Bookshop, 598A Yonge. pridetoronto.com. treehouse Party 2012 Outdoor party with music by DJ Abel, Jamal and others. 1 pmmidnight. Donations support the 519. Green Space on Church, 519 Church. the519.org. vaZaleen: shaMe Presents Limp Wrist, Vag Halen, DJ Rawbert and Miss Barbara Fisch. Doors 9 pm. $15 (ticketweb). Wrongbar, 1279 Queen W. WinK DsJ Cozmic Cat, L’Oqenz, Infamous Sound Crew, and Aneela Q. 4 pm to 2 am, $5$10. Screen Lounge Rooftop, 20 College. iaminthelife.com.
Monday, July 2
Go hard ‘sWaGG 2 da rooF’ shut eM doWn!
DJs Blackcat, JJ Rock, Unruly Twin & Pleasure spin R&B, reggae, house, hip-hop, soca and old & new school. Doors 10 pm. $10-$15. Goodhandy’s, 120 Church. 416-760-6514. rthe lady oiye’s tea dance Get some respite at a family-friendly gathering just off the prade route. Buddies in Bad Times Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555. Pride day brunch Celebrate Pride with a buffet brunch. 9:30 am-2 pm. Zelda’s, 692 Church. 416-922-2526. Pride Parade The annual parade of floats, marching bands and music returns, starting 2 pm at Bloor and Church, heads W on Bloor to
scientist. He was arrested for homosexuality in Britain in 1952, even though he helped the allies win WWII by cracking the Enigma code. Oh, and he gave us modern computing. Maggie MacDonald
Yonge, S on Yonge to Gerrard and E on Gerrard to Church. 2 pm. Free. pridetoronto.com. PrisM Festival: revival DJs Peter Rauhofer, Dave & Gerardo, Javier Medina, and Sofonda Cox. Guvernment prismtoronto.com.
Proud voices: sKy Gilbert/ WaaWaate Fobister/shaWn syMs/ari belathar Readings. 5 pm. Glad Day Books, 598 Yonge, 3rd flr. pridetoronto.com. Queer West Pride closinG Party Doors 10 pm. $10. El Mocambo, 464 Spadina. 416-7771777.
dirty binGo – the Post-Pride recovery sPecial edition Outrageous night of bingo and prizes hosted by Lena Over and Gloria Hole. 8:30 pm. Zelda’s, 692 Church. 416-922-2526.
Tuesday, July 3 disney’s beauty and the beast This musical
is based on the animated feature film. Previews Jul 3-4, Tue 8 pm, Wed 2 and 7:30 pm. Opens Jul 5 and runs to Jul 22, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun & Wed 2 pm. $42-$150. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-644-3665, dancaptickets. com. 3
NOW PRIDE GUIDE
pride comedy
BITCH SALAD GIVES BACK with GAVIN CRAWFORD, CHRISTINA WALKINSHAW, JULIA HLADKOWICZ, THE CHEETO GIRLS, EMMA HUNTER and host ANDREW JOHNSTON, June 29, 8 pm (7 pm doors), at Buddies in Bad Times (12 Alexander). $20. 416-975-8555.
Gavin a gay time
GAVIN CRAWFORD TALKS THE CBC’S COLD FEET AND HOLLYWOOD’S HOMOPHOBIA, AS HE PREPS FOR HIS FAVOURITE DISH, BITCH SALAD. By GLENN SUMI
it’s hard not to feel self-conscious interviewing Gavin Crawford. The Second City and 22 Minutes alumnus sees all and has the uncanny ability to pick up and expand on every tic and mannerism you never knew you had. Watch his impressions of Rufus Wainwright, Lady Gaga and even political journalist Chantal Hébert and you see a master comic caricaturist at work. He nails Rufus’s blasé sense of entitlement, Gaga’s baby girl voice and… well, pretty much everything about Hébert. “I’m basically a myna bird,” says Crawford, who’s stopped by the NOW offices a couple of weeks before his headlining gig at a special Pride edition of Bitch Salad. He looks lanky and boyish in a Tshirt and shorts, pretty much identical to the way he did back in 1999 when I interviewed him for a cover story a year before he launched The Gavin Crawford Show and a few years before he scored the 22 Minutes gig. “I mimic everything,” he says. “That’s why I started imitating Rufus in the first place. We’d be listening to his album over and over – I really like his music! But at a certain point if you listen to Rufus for too long, he goes from being really amazing to being kind of….” He stops, closes his eyes and produces a nasal, wavering extended note, like an animal moaning. “I think I got annoyed with it and realized how slightly atonal it all was.” Freed from the pressures of doing
22 Minutes, which he left a year and a half ago, Crawford’s returned to live shows, doing what he did when he first started out – but on a larger scale. After a sold-out Pride performance last year and a remount at last month’s We’re Funny That Way Festival, he’s developing a show he might tour with. “After eight years of doing things that had to be under two minutes long, and where nothing could be too edgy, I’m looking forward to doing something that resonates just a little bit more,” he says. Then he adds, modestly, “I have a slightly larger profile than I did before, so now I can go places and at least fill a third of the theatre.” Doing live shows is also a nice break from the constraints, politics and ineptitude of TV and film. He left 22 Minutes, he says, because he’d done what he wanted to do in that arena. “I wanted to add more edge,” he says. “I thought, ‘I can stay here and make money and be safe,’ but I’ve never had that kind of career. Things only go well when I follow my gut.” If he hadn’t followed his gut, his brilliant version of Harry Potter character Severus Snape delivering an It Gets Better message would never have gone viral; nor would his Hébert impression ever have aired on 22 Minutes. “It took me about two years to convince the producers to let me do [Hébert],” he says. “They were like, ‘Nobody knows her, she’s not big enough.’ And I said, ‘It’s the CBC. Everyone who watches this show also watches The National. Eventually, I had to ask the show runner for five minutes on air. I told him, ‘If it doesn’t work, I’ll eat it. But let me do this and I’ll shut up.’” The impression became one of his most popular. He’s still pretty raw about his CBC
series that got axed after the recent round of funding cuts. The Ceeb had taped the pilot – a Chris Lilley-type mockumentary set in Alberta – and paid him and partner Kyle Tingley to write six scripts. Then the network announced that it wasn’t producing any more new comedy shows. A waste of two years. “It was a little bit like creating a city and then having a hurricane wipe it out,” he says. He assures me the CBC will likely air the pilot eventually – for the tax credit. “So there’ll be a half-hour of really funny TV on one day.” At least no one in Canadian TV has ever told him to tone down his gayness, which is what happened when he was in Hollywood in 2000. “When I was in L.A. [for the series Hype], I was told time and again by agents and producers and managers that I couldn’t be out. I had good press, but they told me I’d have to ‘take the gay out of the articles’ or I wouldn’t get work. No one would hire me. “In Canada, no one said I couldn’t be on 22 Minutes unless I pretended not to be gay. They just said, ‘If you’re funny, you can do it.’ That’s one of the reasons I prefer to stay here. It’s frustrating, TV- and film-wise. It’s a damn hard place to make a living as an entertainer, but there are tradeoffs.” There’s also the satisfaction of seeing a queer comedy community grow up around him. “There are now at least five or six out gay stand-ups,” he says. “And they’re doing all different kinds of material, which is great.” 3 glenns@nowtoronto.com twitter.com/glennsumi
more online
Interview clips at nowtoronto.com
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES
Celebrate more.
Happy Pride Week!
Learn more.
Continue the celebration by opening doors to a new profession. Classes available at U of T St. George, U of T Mississauga, and U of T Scarborough. For a free copy of our course catalogue, or to register, email learn@utoronto.ca, call 416-978-2400 or visit
www.learn.utoronto.ca NOW PRIDE GUIDE 2012
9
NOW pride guide
pride on stage Compiled by Julia HoeCke
Friday, June 29 Central Stage
Festival map
(Church and Maitland)
Steve Rapson Cory Activate MC Flipside Joel Smye Richie Santana
Yonge/Bloor Station
South Stage
Bloor E
(Church and Wood)
pride 2012 KiCK OFF DJ The Cliks Bif Naked Betti Forde DJ DJ Clymaxx
Hayden
Accessible Viewing Stand
TBA DJ Liam (Yes Yes Y’All)
Gloucester Ln
St Nicholas
alexander parkette (behind Buddies In Bad Times, 12 Alexander)
Gloucester
First Aid
Monteith
Wellesley Station
1-10 pm 5 pm 5:10 pm 5:20 pm 5:30 pm 5:40 pm 5:50 pm 6 pm 6:10 pm 6:20pm 6:30 pm 6:45 pm 7 pm 7:10 pm 7:20 pm 7:35 pm
(Church and Dundonald)
Maitland Terr.
Yonge
First Aid Accessible Viewing Stand
Maitland
Mutual
Alexander PI
Church
Alexander
Family Pride
Wood College Station
Accessible Viewing Stand
Carlton
Gerrard
LEGEND
DJ Alyssa 2 pm Spoken Word: Nicki Ward, Syrus Ware, Kenji Tokawa, Nik Red 4 pm DJ Memphis Sugar 5 pm Bach Social 6 pm Rae Spoon 7 pm Olive or Oliver 8 pm TBA 9 pm DJ Nik Red 10 pm
village Stage
(Church and Wellesley) COMMunity CaBaret DJ Da Vinci 1 pm Heroine Marks 1:45 pm Devine Darlin 2 pm Chris Edwards 2:15 pm Chantelle Cartier 2:30 pm Farra N Hyte 2:45 pm Cassandra 3 pm Samba Elegua 3:15 pm Ill Nana/DiverseCity Dance 4 pm Project Dance: Limitless Edition 4:30 pm Spectra (Queer Idol) 5:30 pm Disco Down 6:30 pm brOWN//out w/ Sikh Knowledge 7:15 pm Sapphire Dance Prod. 8:45 pm Tina Timebalm 9:15 pm Nerd Girls Burlesque 9:30 pm Dukes Of Drag 10 pm Tynomi Banks 10:45 pm Naked Boys Singing 11 pm Dancin’ In The Streets Scissors w/ Big Canoe & Sokes 11:20 pm
Festival Sites
Dyke March Route July 2, 2 pm
TTC
Trans March Route July 1, 8pm
Accessible Viewing Area
South Stage (Church and Wood) dyKe day: tHe rHytHM, tHe BOOgie, tHe Beat DJ Carma 4-9 pm Kelly & the Kellygirls 4 pm Raging Asian Women 5 pm Bellydancers with Pride 5:20 pm Saye Sky 5:50 pm MC Jazz & Cozmic Cat 6:05 pm Shi Wisdom 6:20 pm Masia One 6:40 pm Tasha the Amazon 7:05 pm Corey Hart 8:15 pm eLeCtriC aVenue Nightbox 9 pm Lisa Delux 9:30 pm Lori J Ward & T Orlando 10:30 pm Cassandria 11:30 pm Sara Simms 12:15 am
welleSley Stage dirty diSCO SoundSyster thepharmacist Ticky Ty Andy Reid Chiclet TK Larry Tee Dr Trance Tom Stephan Robb G Adam K Deko-ze Jelo
1 pm 1:45 pm 2:30 pm 3:15 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm midnight
CJ Sleez Random Order Kids on TV Helene Ducharme Venus Cotton Judy Virago Jenny Syde Venus DeMars Plastiq Passion Die Mannequïn
6:30 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 8:08 pm 8:13 pm 8:21 pm 8:30 pm 9:15 pm 10:15 pm
Central Stage
(Church and Maitland)
dJ CentraL Nyte Hawk DJ Pashtun Dare-N Dru & Terry Danny W Cole Stanley Lady Bass Linguist Chez Jamal César Murillo Chris Steinbach Cajjmere Wray
1 pm 1:45 pm 2:30 pm 3:15 pm 4 pm 4:45 pm 5:30 pm 6:15 pm 7 pm 7:45 pm 8:30 pm 9:15 pm 10 pm
South Stage (Church and Wood) WORLDSTAGE Church On Church – Metropolitan Community Church 11 am DJ Sir Jemi 1 pm DJ Micke Hi 2 pm DJ Theresa 3 pm Suprise guest DJ 4 pm DJ Micky Friedmann 5 pm DJ Javier Medina 6 pm Lady Miss Kier 7:30 pm DJ Stephan Grondin 8 pm Tom Stephan (Superchumbo) 9 pm Suprise guest DJ 10 pm
paul kane parkette
north Stage
(Wellesley west of Church)
(Church and Dundonald)
COMMunity CaFe at CLean SOBer and prOud pLaCe Stars Project Comm. Art 1-4 pm Swingin’ Out Club noon-3 pm LGBT Dance noon-3 pm Rainbow Ballroom noon-3 pm Toronto Wranglers noon-3 pm Sapphire Dance 3 pm Queer Asian Youth Cabaret 5 pm Patti Cake 7 pm Grey Gritt 7:30 pm Maggie Macdonald 8 pm Wannabe: Spice Girls Tribute Band 8:30 pm
Bricoteer Puppetry Project 2 pm Sound Sluts 2:15 pm Olive or Oliver 3:15 pm Julissa 3:25 pm Fluffy Soufflé 3:35 pm Boyd Kodak & Carrie Chesnutt 4 pm Robert Torbica 5 pm 6 pm Tye Kenny (Strip Maddisson) Lucas Silveira 7 pm DJ Alyssa 8 pm ILL Nana/DiverseCity Dance 9 pm Venus DeMars 9:15 pm
Sunday, JuLy 1
BLOCKOraMa: if the Spirit Moves you Yoga with Jamilah Malika 11 am Omisoore Dryden 12:30 pm David Lewis Peart 12:45 pm Faith Nolan 1 pm DJ Syrus Ware 1:25 pm DJ Nik Red 2:10 pm DJ Sebastian 2:55 pm 88 Days Of Fortune 3:40 pm TBA 4:10 pm DJ Dickie & DJ Carma 4:55 pm Nicolette Brown 6 pm Mahogany Brown 6:10 pm Devine Darlin’ 6:20 pm Tika Simone 6:30 pm MC Jazz 6:40 pm Shy Wisdom 6:50 pm Urbanesque 7 pm ILL Nana/DiverseCity Dance 7:10 pm DJ Craig Dominic 7:20 pm DJ Unruly Twin 8:05 pm Keshia Chanté 8:30 pm House of Monroe 9 pm DJ Blackcat 9:15 pm jojo flores 10 pm
village Stage
(Church and Wellesley)
COMMunity CaBaret Mark Jacob 1 pm Teran Blake 2 pm Vitality Black 2:15 pm Divinesque 2:30 pm Jade Elektra 3 pm Toronto Drag Kings 3:15 pm OliveorOliver 3:45 pm Limitless Productions 3:55 pm Project Dance 4:15 pm Destinasian 5 pm Zipperz Angels – Sylvia 6 pm Zipperz Angels – D’Manda Tension 6:20 pm Zipperz Angels – Nicolette Brown 6:40 pm Robin Loren 7 pm Amanda Roberts 7:15 pm Freak Amanda 7:30 pm Royal T 7:45 pm Lena Over 8:30 pm Daytona Bitch 8:45 pm Ivory Towers 9 pm Stephanie Stephens 9:15 pm Dancin’ In The Streets 9:40 pm
Central Stage
alexander parkette (Behind Buddies In Bad Times, 12 Alexander)
Boots Boogie 1 pm Phil V 1:45 pm Sikh Knowledge 2:30 pm Gangbangaz 3:15 pm Quinces 4 pm DJ Blackcat 4:45 pm Sumation 5:30 pm Craig Dominic 6:15 pm SpekrFreks w/ Melleefresh & Billy Newton Davis 7 pm Serial Sean 8:30 pm
aLterna-Queer Venus DeMars 3-6:40 pm Triple X 7-11 pm Women’s Charity Arm Wrestling 2 pm Some Minor Noise 3 pm The C’mons 3:30 pm Radius & Helena 4 pm The Mittenz 4:30 pm Loveshot 5 pm Vag Halen 5:30 pm Sluts on 45 6 pm
(Church and Maitland)
Pride Parade Route July 3, 2 pm
NOW pride guide 2012
Fruit Loopz Prgm. by SOY Sarah Weatherhill Ryan Firestone Rainbow Abstract Minded Romeo Shirin Nish Evan Vipond Anna Ray Mittenz DJ emcee Tri Shi Wisdom KJ Brendan Philip Sydanie
north Stage
Wellesley E
10
10 pm 11 pm
Saturday, June 30
Isabella
9:15 pm 10 pm 10:45 pm 11:30 pm 12:15 am
(Wellesley and Maitland)
(Church and Dundonald)
Accessible Viewing Stand
Accessible Viewing Stand
7 pm 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:15 pm 11 pm midnight
north Stage
Charles E
Dundonald
7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm
Mark Vicente Fawn Big Canoe Justin Ryan Dwayne Minard Joee Cons
party patrol Used to be yoU really had to reach to find decent mUsic dUring the Pride festival. not any more. check oUt these excellent artists, jUst some of a raft of cool Performers this year. Bounce
New Orleans sissy-bounce rapper Big Freedia plays the Drake Hotel June 28. Freedia puts on a legendarily great live show – expect the whole club to be wall-to-wall jiggling butts.
Scissor Sisters
It could be just a coincidence that the flamboyant NYC pop band plays Toronto Pride weekend, but it’s great timing for the super-gay rockers to be swinging through town. They play Sound Academy June 28.
welleSley Stage
(Wellesley and Maitland)
paul kane parkette
(Wellesley west of Church)
Hanau I Ka Hula Na Kane noon Etobicoke School of the Arts 12:30 pm SOY presents Fruitloopz Cabaret 1 pm The NIA Technique 2 pm Beautiful & Damned Poetry Cabaret 3 pm GBT Youth Line Trivia 5 pm Iman Wain 7 pm Rex Baunsit 7:30 pm Arlene Paculan 8 pm Meghan Morrison 8:30 pm
FraNkIE kNuCklEs
Frankie Knuckles
House music gets its name from Frankie Knuckles’s residency at the Warehouse in Chicago from 1977 to 82, and no one spins it quite like he does. Expect a soulful foot-stomping journey when the legend plays a very special free (!) gig at the Green Space on Church June 29.
Vazaleen: Shame
The infamous Shame edition of Will Munro’s queer punk party Vazaleen continues to be a highlight of Pride weekend, but now as a celebratory memorial for the influential artist/ activist/DJ/promoter who died of brain cancer in 2010. This year it returns to Wrongbar July 1, with performances by Limp Wrist and Vag Halen and DJs Miss Barbra Fisch and Rawbert.
NOW pride guide BiG FREEDiA
Horse Meat disco
UK underground disco team Horse Meat Disco are DJing at the Drake Hotel Underground June 30. Expect a night of bumpin’ bass lines, forgotten classics and dance-floor oddities.
Yes Yes Y’All
The popular queer hip-hop, dancehall and R&B party has DJ Jr Flo playing the Annex Wreckroom June 30. Get there early if you want to get in.
pride Stages
KiDS ON TV
There’s tons of free great music outside all weekend on the official Pride stages. NOW recommendations include Rae Spoon (June 30, North Stage; see also Queer Quips, page 5), Kids on TV (July 1, Alexander Parkette; see also Kids’ John Caffery, Queer Quips page 5), 88 Days of Fortune (July 1, Wellesley Stage), Deko-ze (June 30, Wellesley) and Tom Stephan (June 30, Wellesley; and July 1, South Stage).
SSiON
Kansas City art/punk/dance weirdos SSION play Wrongbar June 30, with Toronto dance rock trio Lioness opening up. Expect an over-the-top extravaganza.
Steers & Queers
The Pride edition of the Gladstone Hotel’s charming gay country party is the Night Of A Thousand Dollys (June 28). And, yes, they mean Dolly Parton. Bring your wig!
Hotnuts Christmas
DEKO-zE
At the Garrison, the campy drag-friendly dance music party gets in the holiday spirit with a Christmasthemed party June 30. (We don’t get it either.) Musical entertainment includes Christeene, DJ JJ Booya, Das BENJAMIN BOLES Hussy and Produzentin.
NOW pride guide 2012
11
pride style NOW PRIDE GUIDE
Wear the rainbow
Looking to make a loud, proud fashion statement this Pride? Some multihued stripes and bold colour blocking should do the trick. By ANDREW SARDONE
Joe Fresh coloured leather belts ($19 each, 60 Carlton, 416-5936154, and others, joefresh.com)
Converse Chuck Taylor Two Fold sneakers ($80, Get Out Side, 437 Queen West, 416-593-5598, converse.com). continued on page 17 Ĺ“
12
NOW PRIDE GUIDE 2012
NOW pride guide 2012
13
NOW PRIDE GUIDE
PRIDE
dos and don’ts
The spectrum of how to properly Pride ranges from passive parade-watching to drunk-off-your-ass debauchery. So it’s not surprising that the queer crowd at La Perla (783 Queen West) for June’s HER party (herherher.com) dished out a diverse list of tips to help you celebrate and survive the week. Text and photos By STEFANIA YARHI
DO…
HOTNUTS
It’s on June 30 at the Garrison (1197 Dundas West). We’re flying in guest star Christeene. And on June 28, there’s the Scissor Sisters after-party at Bambi’s (1265 Dundas West).” – Mary
DO…
PUT ON SUNSCREEN It’s the only thing you need to wear for Pride.” – Jeremy
DON’T…
WEAR DENIM SHORTS But still wear a lot of shorts. Not too short, though. You want to keep them guessing.” – Robert
14
NOW PRIDE GUIDE 2012
DO…
CHECK OUT THE PARADE Bike around and find the good dancing. And drink in an alleyway.” – Heidi
DO…
LOOK FIERCE
It’s my second Pride and I’m going as a woman: dress, hair, makeup, heels and all. Five inches obviously.” – Amit
DO…
CHECK OUT GREAT DJ SETS
I’m looking forward to the performances of all my friends: Betty Ford, Cosmic Cat and Denise Benson. Those are my girls, and they put on a good show. I’m playing with Big Freedia, Brenmar and Roney & Nani at the Drake Hotel (1150 Queen West) on June 28. – Lucie Tic
DON’T…
OVERDO IT
I’m sticking to the beer gardens this year. I don’t do the big parties any more, because they’re too much for my body. I’m a professional now. I can’t party like I used to.” – Matthew
continued on page 16 œ
NOW PRIDE GUIDE 2012
15
NOW PRIDE GUIDE
dos&don’ts
DO…
œcontinued from page 15
EMBRACE THE DRESS CODE
I’m going to my friend’s house for an S&M Pride birthday bash. Apparently, it’s a Nicki Minaj Starship theme, so neon is in order!” – Tess
DON’T… GET TOO DRUNK SATURDAY NIGHT
DO…
SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDS
You don’t want to be hung over for the parade!”– Erick
DO…
BE SPONTANEOUS
Plan on going out and having a bunch of drinks, meeting up with friends and enjoying the summer. Where? I’m not sure. It’s going to be hot, so we’ll see.” – David
I’m going with Erick and wearing whatever he tells me to wear.” – Kelly
Kent Monkman, (b.1965), High-Heeled Moccasins, 2007, machine-loomed beads on vinyl shoes, 10.2 x 27.9 x 20.3 cm Photo by Brian Brian Boyle, © ROM, 2007
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NOW PRIDE GUIDE 2012
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A dress that inflates into a tent for two, frozen ball gowns and a painting of a Versace dress… These are just some of the intriguing works by 23 featured Canadian artists, including Kent Monkman, Aganetha Dyck, and Jana Sterbak, who explore the interplay between clothing, identity, and culture in this fascinating exhibition about our “Fashionality”.
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Sale
pride style œcontinued from page 12
50% off Minnow Bathers Aztex maillot swimsuit ($147.17, etsy.com/ shop/MinnowBathers)
Entire Spring Summer Stock Sale starts today
Rainbow boxers ($15, Out on the Street, 551 Church, 416-967-2759)
DAVID HAWE
DON’T MISS OUT! Drop by FRED PERRY’S 50% off Sale (next door)
Lacoste striped sweater ($195, 131 Bloor West, 416-513-1212, lacoste.com)
Unisex rainbow-stripe suspenders ($20, American Apparel, 499 Queen West, 416-703-5146, and others, americanapparel.net)
962 QUEEN WEST • 647 348 7673 oliverspencertoronto.com 964 QUEEN WEST • 416 538 3733 NOW PRIDE GUIDE 2012
17
pride eats NOW pride guide
& drinks
ZACH SLOOTSKY
Belt it out at Henhouse Karaoke, one of the many theme nights at the Dundas West hot spot.
Here’s an Bars array of cool Flash bars ready to welcome Fly pride revellers throughout the fun fest. Goodhandy’s plus, the best restos along the parade KoKoni izaKaya route.
463 Church, at Maitland, 416-925-8363, flashonchurch.com. New self-described “members’ sex club and bar” in the former Bigliardi’s (!) steak house, from the nowdefunct George’s Play crew.
8 Gloucester, at Yonge, 416-925-6222, flynightclub.com. Massive laser-strafed circuit-party-style dance club open Friday and Saturday night. Drink till 2 am, dance till 7 am. 120 Church, at Lombard, 416-760-6514, goodhandys.com. Pansexual playground for T-girls, T-boys, drag kings and their admirers anonymously located upstairs from Spring Rolls’ Go and next door to McVeigh’s Irish pub.
Compiled by STEVEN DAVEY
18
NOW pride guide 2012
459 Church, at Maitland, 647-346-0886. Trendy Guu-style watering hole with tapas-style bits ’n’ bites.
PeGasus
489B Church, at Wellesley, 416-927-8832, pegasusonchurch.com. This relaxed second-storey space features four pool tables as well as a number of video and pinball games. Regular drink specials and
free pizza Fridays.
ReminGton’s
379 Yonge, at Gerrard, 416-977-2160, remingtons.com. Male strip club in the heart of Yonge Street’s decidedly hetero pseudo-sleaze zone.
slacK’s
562 Church, at Wellesley, 416-928-2151, slacks.ca. Once a slacker named Alice, this neighbourly gastro-pub pulls a mixed crowd for regular live music nights and DJ sets aimed at the ladies in the house.
tallulah’s cabaRet
12 Alexander, at Yonge, 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimestheatre.com. Where “art meets dance culture,” the cabaret space of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre doubles as a retro-themed dance club.
Woody’s/sailoR
467 Church, at Maitland, 416-972-0887, woodystoronto.com. Ever watched Queer As Folk? Then you’ll know what Woody’s looks like from the street. Sadly, inside is nothing like TV. Instead, this rambling room has several stand-up bars and pool tables, and hosts a weekly Best Ass contest.
ziPPeRz/cellblocK
72 Carlton, at Church, 416-921-0066, zipperzcellblock.com. Two bars in one! Sing along to Broadway show tunes in the oldschool piano bar complete with working
fireplace, or dance the night away on a stainless steel dance floor in the adjacent disco.
ElsEwhErE andy Poolhall
489 College, at Markham, 416-923-5300, andypoolhall.com. Warhol-themed billiard lounge with DJs on the College strip.z
annex WRecK Room
794 Bathurst, at Bloor W, 416-536-0346, theannexwreckroom.com. Massive dance club in the Annex across from Honest Ed’s.
beaveR
1192 Queen W, at Gladstone, 416-5372768, beavertoronto.ca. Cheap drinks, glam-punk DJs and an artsy crowd make Lynn McNeil’s smallish café one of the hottest spots on the alterna Queer West strip.z
bovine sex club
542 Queen W, at Bathurst, 416-504-4239, bovinesexclub.com. From the outside, the Bovine looks like the aftermath of an accident in an ironworks. Inside, where it’s dark, down and dirty, DJs spin vintage glam metal or whatever’s loud and happening.
cadillac lounGe
1296 Queen W, at Grove, 416-536-7717,
cadillaclounge.com. Retro 50s-era rocker lounge with huge backyard patio in unpretentious Parkdale.z
cameRon house
408 Queen W, at Cameron, 416-703-0811, thecameron.com. Downtown’s original art bar offers live music nightly in two too-cool rooms.z
cloaK & daGGeR
394 College, at Borden, 416-921-8308, cloakanddaggerpub.com. Eclectic local close to Kensington with an emphasis on suds and alternative programming.z
comFoRt zone
486 Spadina, at College, 416-975-0909. Tweaked-out DJs starting at 4 am (!) Sundays and running well into the next day in the basement of the colourful Waverley Hotel. Unlicensed.
dance cave
529 Bloor W (2nd floor), at Albany, 416532-1598, leespalace.com. Cavernous dance club near U of T specializing in retro alternative rock.
dRaKe hotel
1150 Queen W, at Beaconsfield, 416-5315042, thedrakehotel.ca. Swanky supper club, cocktail lounge and basement performance space in trendy west-side boutique hotel.z
el convento Rico
750 College, at Crawford, 416-588-7800,
z indicates patio
NOW pride guide Footwork
425 Adelaide W, at Brant, 416-913-3488, footworkbar.com. Scaled-down version of a large underground dance club, with a focus on house and techno.
Garrison
1197 Dundas W, at Lakeview, 416-5199439, garrisontoronto.com. Live alternative music venue close to super-cool Ossington.
Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen W, at Dufferin, 416-5314635, gladstonehotel.com. Restored Victorian hotel and arts complex complete with installations, café, live music and karaoke.
HenHouse
1532 Dundas W, at Dufferin, 416-5345939, henhousetoronto.com. Now under new management, the ’House shifts the focus from vegan brunch to trashy theme nights.
laide
138 Adelaide E, at Jarvis, 416-850-2726, laide.ca. Cocktail lounge near the core screens non-stop vintage girl-on-girl porn.
Mod Club tHeatre
722 College, at Crawford, 416-588-4663, themodclub.com. Medium-sized live music venue with a raised stage, extended dance floor and elevated seating.z
weekly parties and DJ residences.
wronGbar
1279 Queen W, at Brock, 416-516-8677, wrongbar.com. Bare-bones live music and DJ space in Parkdale with an electro bent.
Burgers ñGourMet burGer CoMpany
9 Charles W, at Yonge, 647-3516408, thegourmetburgerco.com. Ultimate hangover helper: the Aussie burger, 6 ounces of aged lean, never-frozen houseground Canadian beef topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, Hellman’s mayo, gooey cheddar, grilled pineapple, honey-poached beets and a runny fried egg. Also: 482 Parliament, at Carlton, 647-344-5103. Unlicensed.z
Hero CertiFied burGers
77 Wellesley E, at Church, 416-972-9665, heroburgers.com. A greatly improved burger with lots of free toppings and optional gluten-free buns. Unlicensed.
sizzlers
460 Yonge, at College, 416-966-4714, sizzlerstoronto.ca. Dinerstyle burgers, French fries and Greek salads on the Yonge Street strip. And they deliver from 5 pm till late!
Cheap bonGa buldak (HoMe oF Hot taste)
710 Yonge, at St Mary, 416-975-0000. You have to be very drunk indeed to eat the house specialty at this student-friendly Korean cantina: Tearful Blazing Chicken, quite possibly the hottest dish in town. Vegetarians, beware: there is nothing for you here!
CoMo en Casa
565 Yonge, at Wellesley, 647-748-6666. Once home to Pita Break, this Casa specializes in slow-cooked Mexican stews and the inevitable tacos ’n’ burritos. Unlicensed.
ñGHazale
78 Wellesley E, at Church, 416-9224417, ghazale.ca. Upstairs from a bath-
continued on page 21 œ
STeVeN DAVeY
elconventorico.com. Latino salsa club with late-night drag shows Friday and Saturday.
1554 Queen W, at Fuller, 416-532-2570, thesister.ca. The name might have been altered, but this rockin’ Parkdale restobar’s agenda remains the same – cool tunes, reasonably priced suds and veggiefriendly grub.z
wayla
996 Queen E, at Carlaw, 647-938-2524, waylabar.com. Leslieville lounge with
Chow down on the Aussie at Gourmet Burger Company, right on the parade route.
luxury every day
KATHRYN GAiTeNS
sister
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19
SUMMER RUSH Sunday July 22, 2012
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Friday August 10, 2012 Aboard the River Gambler 7:30pm to Midnight 333 Lakeshore Blvd. East $40.00 Before August 1st Cash Galley - Cash Bar - 19+ Event Attire: Vintage Glamour, Dress To Impress! 20
NOW pride guide 2012
mcclellandbeers.ca 905.238.3330
@mpibeers
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NOW pride guide
pride eats
œcontinued from page 19
house, this wholesome family-run Middle Eastern take-away offers an extremely inexpensive and relatively health-conscious card in fast-food-chain digs. Skip the microwaved falafel and dig into mostly veggie nirvana. Unlicensed. Cash only.
ñGinGer
546 Church, at Wellesley, 416-4131053, gingercuisine.ca. Dead cheap Vietnamese- and Thai-style veggie-friendly dishes in a casual self-serve cafeteria. Best deal in the village: substantial $3.50 banh mi sandwiches stuffed with grilled pork, beef or chicken or deep-fried tofu dressed with spicy pickled veggies. Also: 695 Yonge, at Charles, 416-966-2424; 252 Carlton, at Parliament, 416-923-7979.
ñKenzo ramen
Chinese
sushi
CHa lau
toKo
476 Yonge, at Alexander, 647-344-6578, chalaudimsum.com. Classy uptown dim sum spot moves downtown, where the rents are cheaper and the students more plentiful.
ñCrown PrinCess
1033 Bay, at Irwin, 416-923-8784. Fancy some of the tastiest – and priciest!– dim sum in town in an over-the-top setting that’s best described as Versace does Versailles? Servers in French maid costumes and Strauss waltzes on the sound system only add to the luxury. Show up early or wait in the inevitable queue.
Diner CHurCH street Diner
555 Church, at Dundonald, 416-324-8463. Funky luncheonette in the former Five Alarm features inexpensive all-day Molly Wood breakfasts, burgers and hot openfaced sandwiches.
522 Yonge, at Maitland, 647-3402112, kenzoramen.ca. Massive meal-inone Japanese noodle soups sided with don’t-miss house-made gyoza dumplings.
Pizza
Korean Grill House
6 Wellesley W, at Yonge, 416-929-7888, magicoven.com. Health-conscious pizza ’n’ pasta in a cozy room just off Yonge. Pair that gluten-free pie with a gluten-free beer!
637 Yonge, at Isabella, 647-436-9943. This sushi resto brings your supper to table via a 62-metre conveyor belt. Grab whatever you like, stack up the empty colour-coded plates to tally the bill once you’re done and you’re in ’n’ out for under 20 bucks in less than 30 minutes. Unlicensed.
VeggieFrienDly CHino loCos
459 Church, at Mailtland, 416-551-7007, chinolocos.com. Ever wondered what would happen if you put jerk chicken and Chinese chow mein noodles in a Missionstyle burrito? You do now! Unlicensed.
ñCrePe it uP
507-1/2 Church, at Wellesley, 416916-3558, crepeitup.com. After being shuttered for a lengthy renovation, this health-conscious creperie is now twice the size, having expanded into the old Pita Pan space next door. The menu’s larger, too, and currently includes the café’s signature crepes, freshly roasted coffee and house-baked Greek pastries like addictively lickable loukoumades honey balls. Unlicensed.
TRUTH
ritz Caribbean
450 Yonge, at College, 416-934-1480. Ridiculously affordable jerk chicken with rice ’n’ peas, massive vegetarian rotis and dinner combos. Unlicensed.
YummY bar-b-Q
522A Yonge, at Wellesley, 416-921-5158. No frills food-court-style Korean grilled kalbi ribs and noodle sides. Unlicensed.
Pizzaiolo
461 Church, at Maitland, 416-922-5252, pizzaiolo.ca. Local pizza chain with oodles of optional veggie toppings as well as whole wheat and gluten-free crusts. And they deliver! Other locations: 550 Yonge, at Wellesley, 416-515-9090; 707 Yonge, at Charles, 416-966-0555.
CrePe masters Cafe
473A Church, at Maitland, 416-922-8409. French flapjacks, both savoury and sweet. You were expecting Korean tacos? Unlicensed.
ñfabarnaK
519 Church, at Dundonald, 416-3556781, fabarnak.com. Stylish new café in the recent 519 addition with a locally sourced and mostly organic contemporary
continued on page 22 œ
TRUTH WILL SET U
MiCHAEL WATiER
754 Yonge, at Hayden, 416-922-3328, koreangrillhouse.com. All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue for as little as $9.99.
maGiC oven
Fuel up on a steaming bowl at Kenzo Ramen on Yonge.
1LOVE
FREE Saturday COREY 8:00 PM HART FREE SHOW THE RETURN OF COREY HART with very special
guest appearance by
30 June 2012
TRUTH WILL SET U FREE
South Stage
Church & Wood (across from Maple Leaf Gardens)
IN PERSON at PRIDE
NOW pride guide 2012
21
NOW pride guide
pride eats
Beer is the star at Bar Volo.
œcontinued from page 21
card. Incredible bang for the buck. Best food in the village?z
fickle
507 Yonge, at Grosvenor, 647-351-3529, fickleonline.ca. Pan-Asian grub from all over the map. Think of it as Spring Rolls minus the polish.
kathmandu kathmandu
517 Yonge, at Maitland, 416-924-5787, kathmandurestaurant.ca. Friendly allyou-can-eat north Indian lunch buffet right in the middle of the parade.
regal on church
491 Church, at Wellesley E, 416-551-4346. Where else can you get har gow, pasta primavera and a grilled steak with Caesar salad?
7 west café
7 Charles W, at Yonge, 416-928-9041, 7westcafe.com. 24-hour resto-lounge with tiny street-side deck and third-floor rooftop aerie.z
sweet lulu
471 Church, at Maitland, 416-323-3235, sweetlulu.com. Local pan-Asian minichain known for its DIY noodle bowls.
Patios acme Burger company
STEFAnIA YARHI
542 Church, at Wellesley, 647-352-4089. Surprisingly okay burgers with halal options in what used to be Zelda’s.
Bar Volo
587 Yonge, at Gloucester, 416-928-0008, barvolo.com. Cask beer and microbrews for serious beer drinkers and their admirers.
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t: 416.924.6555
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Oakville
2375 Yonge St.
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t: 905.844.4900
Barn
418 Church, at Granby, 416-593-9696, thebarnnightclub.com. Sweaty threestorey dance palace in an old Victorian with a second-floor chill deck.
Tapas and sangria next to the former Zelda’s.
churchmouse & firkin
Bishop and the Belcher
475 Church, at Maitland, 416-927-1735, firkinpubs.com. Pub grub and pints at the centre of the action.
Black eagle
523 Yonge, at Maitland, 416-923-4545, cocinalucero.ca. Mexican restaurant with leafy patio and a front-row view of the parade. If you stand on a ladder.
175 Bloor E, at Church, 416-591-2352, bishopandbelcher.com. Pub grub and combo platters on a wraparound high-rise terrace.
457 Church, at Maitland, 416-413-1219, blackeagletoronto.com. Toronto’s only leather bar – unless you count the Bovine – attracts the BDSM crowd for cruisy yearround barbecues on the rooftop deck every Saturday and Sunday from 3 pm.
Blake house
449 Jarvis, at Maitland, 416-975-1867, theblakehouse.ca. Bloor East’s Groundhog Pub relocates and rebrands itself on the old Red Lion’s 80-seat terrace, the perfect spot for Sunday night’s $17 prime rib ’n’ Yorkshire pudding meal deal.
Boutique Bar
506 Church, at Maitland, 647-705-0006, boutiquebar.ca. Swellegant martini lounge with curbside garden at the village’s ground zero (aka across from Woody’s).
Brownstone
603 Yonge, at Gloucester, 416-920-6288, brownstonebistro.ca. Pasta, pizza ’n’ panini in an informal bistro setting right on the parade route.
Byzantium
499 Church, at Wellesley, 416-922-3859, byz.ca. The upscale cocktail lounge opens to the street, making it one of the village’s prime cruising zones. Unusually good grub for the nabe and a gazillion different types of martoonis.
café california
538 Church, at Wellesley, 416-960-6161.
cocina lucero
crews/tango
508 Church, at Maitland, 416-972-1662, crewsandtangos.com. Huge new backyard patio with non-stop drag kings ’n’ queens.
ethiopian house
4 Irwin, at Yonge, 416-923-5438, ethiopianhouse.com. Incendiary and moderately priced veggie-friendly platters on a curbside patio just off the parade route. Warning: if you don’t like eating with your fingers, remember to BYOF – bring your own fork!
fire on the east side
6 Gloucester, at Yonge, 416-960-3473, fireontheeastside.ca. Smart resto-lounge in the former Fenton’s offers brunch Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 am.
flying BeaVer
488 Parliament, at Carlton, 647-347-6567, pubaret.com. Former Slack Alice and Big Mama’s Boy mama Heather MacKenzie and comic Maggie Cassella bring cabaret to Cabbagetown. Jazz brunch Sundays.
hair of the dog
425 Church, at Wood, 416-964-2708, hairofthedogpub.ca. Two-storey watering hole across from the former Maple Leaf Gardens (now a Loblaws).
JaVa JiVe
585 Church, at Charles, 416-923-7267. Independent coffee house offers al fresco all-day breakfasts. Unlicensed.
Andrea
Horwath
Shop online at www. pureandsimple.ca
ONTARIO
22
NOW pride guide 2012
z indicates patio
NOW pride guide Koyoi
suds on tap and some of the most diabolical barbecue in town.
LoLa’s Kitchen
487 Church, at Maitland, 647-3510957. No longer BLU – or LUB, for that matter – this two-storey show bar features nightly cabaret acts and an upstairs deck with unparalleled sightlines.
634 Church, at Hayden, 416-966-3991, lolaskitchen.ca. Popular lunch and brunch spot in a rambling Victorian with a curbside deck at the top of the strip. Friday 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 10 pm.
o’Grady’s
518 Church, at Maitland, 416-323-2822, ogradyschurch.ca. Formerly Oscar’s, the bar that dared not speak its name, this student-friendly suds parlour has a latenight kitchen serving above-average burgers on a huge multi-level deck.
statLer’s
suGo
582 Church, at Dundonald, 416-9299108, sugotrattoria.ca. No longer the impossible-to-pronounce Voglie, this unexpectedly polished two-storey Italian trat and lounge sports two patios, one up front cheek-to-cheek with the Fuzion cocktail crowd, the second a gargantuan grotto out back.
urban house
Pi-tom’s
4 Dundonald, at Yonge, 416-915-0113. Rebranded pub close to the parade route in the former Local 4.
second cuP
580 Church, at Dundonald, 416-9449888. No longer Fuzion, this rebranded pub moves slightly downmarket. Translation: goodbye, tapas and cocktails; hello, poutine and pints.
smith
3 Charles E, at Yonge, 416-935-0240, wishintoronto.com. Sister to nearby 7 West and the newly minted Smith, this swanky South Beach-style restolounge oozes sophistication on a chic white-on-white curbside terrace. Weekend brunch, too.
6A Alexander, at Yonge, 416-966-1813, pi-tom.com. Pad thai on a curbside garden terrace close to Buddies and the parade.
544 Church, at Wellesley, 416-966-2981, secondcup.com. Remember the Steps? Well, they’re back – except there are no actual steps, but there’s a huge cruisy patio right on the strip instead. Unlicensed. 553 Church, at Dundonald, 416-926-2501, 553church.com. Formerly the gay bar known as Straight, this classy addition to the village and sister to Wish and 7West puts more emphasis on the food than most.
sPirits
642 Church, at Hayden, 416-967-0001, spiritsbarandgrill.com. Neighbourhood sports bar with two patios.
st Louis
528 Yonge, at Maitland, 416-792-9464, stlouiswings.com. Great patio – remember Hornero? – right on the parade route,
Snack at the South Beach-style resto-lounge Wish, just steps away from the parade route.
Vic Pub
Wish
ZeLda’s LiVinG WeLL
692 Yonge, at St Mary, 416-922-2526, zeldas.ca. The liquored-up trailer trash queen returns to her original digs with a virtually identical lineup of drag queens, cheap drinks and dirty bingo in an extremely secluded backyard. Pride’s hottest patio? 3
DaVID LaUReNce
2 Irwin, at Yonge, 647-351-5128, koyoi.ca. Guu-style izakaya right on the parade route. Best food with a front-row view (obscured)?
NOW pride guide 2012
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Forever loud. Forever proud.
Pride Parade & Festival: June 22 – July 1, 2012 www.pridetoronto.com
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NOW pride guide 2012