Out and About Community Update

OUT & ABOUT

COMMUNITY UPDATE GIULIANO D’ORAZIO

As winter winds down, we’re all looking forward to brighter and warmer days ahead. Although this can be a sleepy time of year, there’s plenty going on in our local LGBTQ+ community. Let’s take a look at some of the special events coming up, as well as recurring events at local spaces.

Last month I highlighted The Woo Bar & Grill, a local gay-owned restaurant, launched their Sunday brunch on Valentine’s weekend, and it was a smash success. Definitely make a point to check that out, and try an “O’l G” from their cocktail menu, it’s a spicy/smoky mezcal concoction named after yours truly. Not for the faint of heart (or palate!).

Anyone for karaoke? The MB Lounge hosts their karaoke night every Wednesday with DJ Larry at the helm. It’s a fun night and Matt behind the bar always takes great care of everyone! Over at Electric Haze, local drag maven Mal E. Fisn’t hosts Melodies with Mal, a karaoke night on the third Thursday every month. Mal is an awesome host, and Electric Haze is a great spot to grab a group of friends, chill out with a hookah, and belt out your favorite songs.

Thursdays are shaping up to be a busy night for queer nightlife. A few months ago I wrote about Studio 154 Night at Valentino’s, a fun way to get your groove out on the dancefloor and enjoy the really chic aesthetic vibe they have going on in there. The MB Lounge is hosting a weekly trivia night on Thursdays starting March 24. The third Thursday of month at Ralph’s Rock Diner is Harley’s Funhouse. This event, hosted by Harley Queen, is an open stage drag competition that welcomes drag performers of all experience levels to strut their stuff and throw their hat (or wig) in the ring.

For the younger crowd, Love Your Labels’ Drag Story Time hosted by Redemption Rock Brewing Company is a beautiful time for queer folx and families of all ages. Drag performers read inclusive and affirming stories to kids, while adults enjoy awesome craft beer and full-service coffee/espresso treats from the taproom. This usually takes place on the third Sunday of the month, but check out Love Your Labels and Redemption Rock Brewing Co. on social media for the most up-to-date event information!

Gala season is fast approaching, and due to the pandemic, many organizations are returning to in-person events for the first time. Safe Home’s Gala and People of Courage Awards ceremony is taking place on April 8. The Creative Hub Worcester is hosting its inaugural gala later in the year, but ticket sales will be happening soon, so check that out. These are both two great organizations to support!

I do my best to keep an eye on everything going on in the local queer community, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s something I missed – I’d be happy to cover it in a future column. My email is below in the bio. I hope we’re all looking forward to coming out of hibernation, and I hope to see you out at some of the events mentioned above!

Bio Giuliano D’Orazio (he/him) is a Worcester native, musician, music educator, member of the queer community, and a board member of Love Your Labels.