VillageFest 2024
VillageFest is back for 2024!
Join us for the 10th anniversary of the Church-Wellesley Village’s local (and free) street festival on 22-23 June 2024. This year’s theme is Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ arts and talent.
We have two outdoor stages, two outdoor arts markets, and over 15 outdoor street vendors representing local businesses.
We are grateful to have wonderful sponsors for this event including Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, The Q Musicale (who are bringing in over 25 live music performances from 2SLGBTQ+ artists in the Toronto area (including Simone Denny and Carole Pope!), and Labatt Breweries.
BIA Stage (Northwest Corner, Church and Maitland):
Saturday, 22 June 2024:
11.00 AM to 12.30 PM: Opening Ceremony
1.00 PM to 3.00 PM: EJ Kwandibens and Sagatay Kwandibens, Layla Paredes-Kwandibens, Bonnie Johnston, Amy Moore, Rosary Spence (Jingle Dress Dancers)
3.00 PM to 4.00 PM: O’Grady’s on Church (Drag)
4.00 PM to 6.00 PM: Garage on Church (Drag)
6.00 PM to 7.00 PM: The Drink (Drag)
7.00 PM to 8.00 PM: Sarah Hopkins (Two Spirit Story Teller)
8.00 PM to 9.00 PM: DJ Classic Roots and Dancers
9.00 PM to 10.00 PM: Flash on Church (Drag)
10.00 PM to 11.00 PM: Woody’s and Sailor (Drag)
Sunday, 23 June 2024:
12.00 PM to 2.00 PM: The Imperial Court of Toronto Fundraiser featuring Emperor 37 Okimawiw Kevin, Morgan James, and other performers curated by Nikki Chin.
2.00 PM to 3.00 PM: Red Dress Project – Native Child Family Services Toronto
3.00 PM to 4.00 PM: Wynona Maracle (Hand Drum Singer)
4.00 PM to 5.00 PM: O’Grady’s on Church (Drag)
5.00 PM to 6.00 PM: The Well (Drag)
6.00 PM to 7.00 PM: The Drink (Drag)
7.00 PM to 8.00PM: DJ Classic Roots and Dancers
8.00 PM to 9.00 PM: Closing Ceremony led by Elder Shirley Gillis-Kendall
The Q Musicale (Barbara Hall Park):
http://theqmusicale.ca/
Saturday, 22 June 2024 – 1PM to 11PM:
Host: Mickey Dykeman
1.05 PM to 1.25 PM: Circle of Cedars Singers (TBC) and Land Acknowledgement
1.30 PM to 1.50 PM: Emerging Artist Showcase featuring Kalyssa, K WooDZ, nuépa, Scott Thiessen, Dinayro, and others.
1.55 PM to 2.10 PM: Mandy Goodhandy
2.15 PM to 2.35 PM: Brooklyn Doran
2.40 PM to 3.00 PM: Robert Ball
Host 3: Amanda Roberts
3.00 PM to 3.15 PM: Shadrack Jackman
3.20 PM to 3.30 PM: Ali
3.35 PM to 3.55 PM: Count Classy
4.00 PM to 4.40 PM: Urvah Khan
4.45 PM to 5.00 PM: Ori Dagan
Host: Jade Elektra
5.00 PM to 5.15 PM: Jade Elektra
5.15 to 5.35PM: Adam Wienman and Heidi Michelle Thomas
5.40 to 6.00 PM: Aaron de Sousa and Sherry Sylvain
6.00 PM to 6.25 PM: Sherry Sylvain
6.25 PM to 6.30 PM: Sherry Sylvain and Mira Fantasy
6.30 PM to 6.50 PM: Mira Fantasy
Host: Robert Watson
7.00 PM to 7.15 PM: Blxck Cxsper
7.20 PM to 8.00 PM: Christian Jeffries
8.00 PM to 8.30 PM: el Hashem
8.30 PM to 8.50 PM: Danny Dymond
Host 5: PAM
9.15 PM to 9.10 PM: J3M
9.15 PM to 9.30 PM: Herdd
9.40 PM to 9.45 PM: el Hashem with Shelly-Ann Skinner
9.40 to 10.15 PM: Simone Denny
10.20 to 10.45 PM: Carole Pope
Outdoor Arts Market (12.00 PM to 6.00 PM, Saturday & Sunday)
Indigenous Arts Market: In front of Church Street Public School
Toronto Queer Market: In front of 519 Church Street
VillageFest 2024
VillageFest is back for 2024!
Join us for the 10th anniversary of the Church-Wellesley Village’s local (and free) street festival on 22-23 June 2024. This year’s theme is Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ arts and talent.
We have two outdoor stages, two outdoor arts markets, and over 15 outdoor street vendors representing local businesses.
We are grateful to have wonderful sponsors for this event including Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, The Q Musicale (who are bringing in over 25 live music performances from 2SLGBTQ+ artists in the Toronto area (including Simone Denny and Carole Pope!), and Labatt Breweries.
BIA Stage (Northwest Corner, Church and Maitland):
Saturday, 22 June 2024:
11.00 AM to 12.30 PM: Opening Ceremony
1.00 PM to 3.00 PM: EJ Kwandibens and Sagatay Kwandibens, Layla Paredes-Kwandibens, Bonnie Johnston, Amy Moore, Rosary Spence (Jingle Dress Dancers)
3.00 PM to 4.00 PM: O’Grady’s on Church (Drag)
4.00 PM to 6.00 PM: Garage on Church (Drag)
6.00 PM to 7.00 PM: The Drink (Drag)
7.00 PM to 8.00 PM: Sarah Hopkins (Two Spirit Story Teller)
8.00 PM to 9.00 PM: DJ Classic Roots and Dancers
9.00 PM to 10.00 PM: Flash on Church (Drag)
10.00 PM to 11.00 PM: Woody’s and Sailor (Drag)
Sunday, 23 June 2024:
12.00 PM to 2.00 PM: The Imperial Court of Toronto Fundraiser featuring Emperor 37 Okimawiw Kevin, Morgan James, and other performers curated by Nikki Chin.
2.00 PM to 3.00 PM: Red Dress Project – Native Child Family Services Toronto
3.00 PM to 4.00 PM: Wynona Maracle (Hand Drum Singer)
4.00 PM to 5.00 PM: O’Grady’s on Church (Drag)
5.00 PM to 6.00 PM: The Well (Drag)
6.00 PM to 7.00 PM: The Drink (Drag)
7.00 PM to 8.00PM: DJ Classic Roots and Dancers
8.00 PM to 9.00 PM: Closing Ceremony led by Elder Shirley Gillis-Kendall
The Q Musicale (Barbara Hall Park):
http://theqmusicale.ca/
Saturday, 22 June 2024 – 1PM to 11PM:
Host: Mickey Dykeman
1.05 PM to 1.25 PM: Circle of Cedars Singers (TBC) and Land Acknowledgement
1.30 PM to 1.50 PM: Emerging Artist Showcase featuring Kalyssa, K WooDZ, nuépa, Scott Thiessen, Dinayro, and others.
1.55 PM to 2.10 PM: Mandy Goodhandy
2.15 PM to 2.35 PM: Brooklyn Doran
2.40 PM to 3.00 PM: Robert Ball
Host 3: Amanda Roberts
3.00 PM to 3.15 PM: Shadrack Jackman
3.20 PM to 3.30 PM: Ali
3.35 PM to 3.55 PM: Count Classy
4.00 PM to 4.40 PM: Urvah Khan
4.45 PM to 5.00 PM: Ori Dagan
Host: Jade Elektra
5.00 PM to 5.15 PM: Jade Elektra
5.15 to 5.35PM: Adam Wienman and Heidi Michelle Thomas
5.40 to 6.00 PM: Aaron de Sousa and Sherry Sylvain
6.00 PM to 6.25 PM: Sherry Sylvain
6.25 PM to 6.30 PM: Sherry Sylvain and Mira Fantasy
6.30 PM to 6.50 PM: Mira Fantasy
Host: Robert Watson
7.00 PM to 7.15 PM: Blxck Cxsper
7.20 PM to 8.00 PM: Christian Jeffries
8.00 PM to 8.30 PM: el Hashem
8.30 PM to 8.50 PM: Danny Dymond
Host 5: PAM
9.15 PM to 9.10 PM: J3M
9.15 PM to 9.30 PM: Herdd
9.40 PM to 9.45 PM: el Hashem with Shelly-Ann Skinner
9.40 to 10.15 PM: Simone Denny
10.20 to 10.45 PM: Carole Pope
Outdoor Arts Market (12.00 PM to 6.00 PM, Saturday & Sunday)
Indigenous Arts Market: In front of Church Street Public School
Toronto Queer Market: In front of 519 Church Street
Youth Pride Durham
[1] Name: Youth Pride Durham
[2] Date: June 22, 2024
[3] Time: 1-4pm
[4] Location: Region of Durham Headquarters
[5] Address: 605 Rossland Rd E, Whitby, ON L1N 0B7
[6] Website: https://yourvoice.durham.ca/youth-pride-durham
[7] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthPrideDurham
Additional information 1 : Free Event
Additional Information 2 : All-Ages
Additional Information 3 : Wheelchair Accessible
Description of the event:
Youth Pride Durham is a collaboration of several service providers and organizations in Durham Region. We host an annual free event as part of Pride month in Durham Region, specifically a celebration for children, youth, parents and allies. We first presented Youth Pride Durham in 2018 and on June 22, 2024 we will host the 5th Annual Youth Pride Durham event, and for the third year it will be hosted by the Region of Durham. The true highlight of our event is our Resource Village which consists of over 40 organizations and service providers in Durham Region eager to offer their support and advocate for the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ children, youth and families. Our event is also packed with phenomenal entertainment starring extremely talented drag queen performers Wilma Checklear and Sofonda, a very special Indigenous opening and closing as well as great music provided by DJ Psi. Hundreds of guests enjoy an educational activity highlighting informative elements such as intersectionality, the meaning of notable observances and tips for allyship. Guests will also enjoy a photo booth, food trucks and many prizes and freebies, including our signature Youth Pride Durham water bottles!
Wynne Neilly | Have/Hold
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 1, 2-5pm
Exhibition Dates: June 1 – June 29, 2024
Stephen Bulger Gallery is pleased to present Wynne Neilly’s Have / Hold, on display in our Reading Room Gallery from Saturday, June 1 to Saturday, June 29. Have / Hold is a collaborative project produced by Wynne Neilly and Kyle Lasky.
Neilly and Lasky met at art school in 2009. They were two young, butch women, who found kinship in their masculine identities and mutual investment in documenting the queer experience. They transitioned in tandem and supported each other through the complicated and non-linear process of reimagining their identities and relearning how to see themselves and be seen by others. The ease with which they express their closeness is built on a lifetime of socially acceptable, affectionate “female friendships.” They took this type of closeness and kept it with them.
Years later, as two cis-presenting men – and more specifically “men who are seen dating women” – their relationship is an anomaly among representations of male friendship. When they are together, when they take photos together, when they interact publicly (online or in-person), it is with an intimacy people are only comfortable seeing between lovers, and they are assumed to be such. This tension has always interested Neilly and Lasky, and they’ve been intentionally contributing to an archive of their relationship, to continue in perpetuity. They balance on a thin line between platonic and sexual intimacy, an intimacy always ripe with romance. They create scenes in which the viewer would feel very familiar seeing a couple framed – a lazy morning in bed, getting ready for a night out, changing to swim, taking in a sunset on vacation – scenarios in which couples typically perform their relationship, but all of which escape that defining edge of proof. Their trans (and non-male) identities bring a nuanced component to the work, further complicating the homoerotic imagery.
While gay and queer representation in mainstream media increases, there remains a lack of exposure to-or celebration of-platonic “same-sex” intimacy. The images in the project frustrate an erotic expectation while creating space for a new truth–a representation of platonic intimacy that has not been seen before.
Neilly is a Canadian, queer, and trans identified, visual artist and award-winning photographer. He is most known for his monumental cover of TIME Magazine featuring Elliot Page in 2021, along with receiving recognition for winning Scotiabank’s New Generation Photography Award in 2023, which included an exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa.
Wynne Neilly | Have/Hold
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 1, 2-5pm
Exhibition Dates: June 1 – June 29, 2024
Stephen Bulger Gallery
1356 Dundas St. West
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BulgerGallery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenbulgergallery/
Website: https://www.bulgergallery.com/
Free Event
All Ages
Wheelchair Accessible
WOTLESS – Indo-Caribbean Pride Fete
Join us at The Well Bar for an unforgettable LGBTQIA+ Indo-Caribbean night, hosted by ICCA (Indo-Caribbean Canadian Association). Liberate yourself to the rhythms of Soca, Chutney, Bollywood, and Tassa! Enjoy a sensational drag performance by Zaman, a.k.a Sundari! Indulge in delicious cuisine and drinks, savoring every bite of our culinary fusion! Let’s embrace our heritage and celebrate our beautiful LGBTQIA+ Indo-Caribbean Community!
[1] Name: WOTLESS – Indo-Caribbean Pride Fete
[2] Date: Saturday June 8th, 2024
[3] Time: 9PM-2AM
[4] Organizer: ICCA (Indo-Caribbean Canadian Association)
[5] Location: The Well Restaurant & Bar
[6] Address: 487 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C6
[7] Website: https://linktr.ee/indocaribcdn
[8] Paid Event
[9] Must be 19+
[10] Wheelchair NOT Accessible
Workshop: Inclusive communication
– Workshop: Inclusive communication
This workshop is an opportunity to learn about the foundations of inclusive communication in French; raising awareness of discrimination and prejudice linked to inclusion; and learning to use inclusive communication tools to create a respectful environment for people of emotional, sexual and gender diversity. Additionally, inclusive communication promotes healthy interpersonal relationships, which contributes to a more harmonious and positive
working and living environment. In french only.
– Time and place: Friday June 7, from 2 p.m. on Zoom.
– Register: https://francoqueer.membogo.com/fr/franco-fierte-2024/detail/formation-communication-inclusive-training-inclusive-communication/54699
– Formation : La communication inclusive
Cette formation est une occasion de connaître les fondements de la communication inclusive; de sensibiliser sur les discriminations et les préjugés liés à l’inclusion; et d’apprendre à utiliser les outils de communication inclusive afin de créer un environnement
respectueux pour les personnes de la diversité affective, sexuelle et de genre. De plus, une communication inclusive favorise des relations interpersonnelles saines, ce qui contribue à un environnement de travail et de vie plus harmonieux et positif.
– Heure et lieu : Le vendredi 7 juin, à partir de 14h sur Zoom.
– Inscription : https://francoqueer.membogo.com/fr/franco-fierte-2024/detail/formation-communication-inclusive-training-inclusive-communication/54699
Transformations 2024
Transformations 2024 is a day-long summit to celebrate the resilience and examine/encourage activism within the Trans community in Toronto.
Given the constant attacks from political leaders (both in the United States and increasingly here in Canada) against the Trans community, Transformations 2024 will focus on how resilient the Trans community is and to foster tools to harness that resilience into political activism and change.
The day will offer a variety of programming including workshops and discussions that will represent stories of trans activism, survival and the impacts of social justice activism and how the trans community in Toronto can use activism, political organization and influence to turn resolve into tangible results within the Canadian political scene.
Transformations 2024
“A Summit on Trans Hope and Resolve”
Hosted by the Trinity-St.Paul’s United Church & Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts
427 Bloor St W, Toronto
Managing Organizer: Emma Wakelin
Concept
Building off of the success of “Transformations 2023”, “Transformations 2024” (T24) has an opportunity to offer a day-long summit to celebrate the resilience and examine/encourage activism within the Trans community in Toronto.
Format
Hosted at the Trinity-St Paul’s Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts, T24 will be held on June 27 from 11am to 5pm. The proposed program would be:
10a-11a Registration
11a-12p Welcomes/Opening
-welcomes/land acknowledgement/logistics
-comedy/music
12p-1p Lunch (boxed lunch?)/transition to Workshops A
1p-2p Workshops A
2p-2:15p Break/transition to Workshops B
2:15p-3:15p Workshops B
3:15p-3:30p Break/transition to Plenary Session
3:30p-4:30p Plenary Session/Closing Remarks
4:30p-4:45p Break/transition to “comedy on the steps”
4:45p-5:30p Comedy on the Steps
The event is free.
The event is All-ages.
The venue is Wheelchair Accessible
Toronto Queer Market – July Edition
[1] Name: Toronto Queer Market – Pride Edition
[2] Date: Sat July 6, 2024
[3] Time: 11am-6pm
[4] Organizer: Toronto Queer Market
[5] Location: Barbara Hall Park
[6] Address: 519 Church St. Toronto, ON
[7] http://www.torontoqueermarket.ca
http://www.instagram.com/torontoqueermarket
[8] Free event
[9] All ages
[10] Wheelchair Accessible
[11] Description: Toronto Queer Market is back outside in Barbara Hall Park celebrating Pride on July 6th, featuring over 40 local queer vendors for you to shop from! There will be a free drag show at 2:30pm, food, bevvies, and so many goodies to come see! And best of all admission is FREE!
The ArQuives Zine Workshops
[1] Name: The ArQuives Zine Workshops
[2] Date: Saturday June 8
[3] Time: 12:00-3:00pm
[4] Organizer: The ArQuives
[5] Address: 34 Isabella Street, Toronto
[6] Website Link:
https://arquives.ca/programming
https://arquives.ca
https://instagram.com/thearquives
[7] Free event
[8] 18+ due to the nature of discussions and material
[9] We are a masked space, masks can be provided should you not have one. Join us for a one-day free zine workshop on either June 8 or June 9. Participants will learn about the history of zines and their role in DIY and queer culture, featuring examples from The ArQuives collections! Participants will also learn how to create and reproduce their very own zines. The ArQuives will supply some materials, but bringing your own is encouraged. We hope to see you there!
Facilitated by Emma Awe & Clara Lynas
//////
[1] Name: The ArQuives Zine Workshops
[2] Date: Sunday June 9
[3] Time: 12:00-3:00pm
[4] Organizer: The ArQuives
[5] Address: 34 Isabella Street, Toronto
[6] Website Link:
https://arquives.ca/programming
https://arquives.ca
https://instagram.com/thearquives
[7] Free event
[8] 18+ due to the nature of discussions and material
[9] We are a masked space, masks can be provided should you not have one. Join us for a one-day free zine workshop on either June 8 or June 9. Participants will learn about the history of zines and their role in DIY and queer culture, featuring examples from The ArQuives collections! Participants will also learn how to create and reproduce their very own zines. The ArQuives will supply some materials, but bringing your own is encouraged. We hope to see you there!
Facilitated by Emma Awe & Clara Lynas
The Selby Pride Carnival
[1] Name: The Selby Pride Party
[2] Date: Saturday, June 8th
[3] Time: 1pm – 5pm
[4] Location: Tricon Residential, The Selby
[5] Address: 25 Selby St. The Selby
[6] Ticket Link: Will share the Toronto Life Ticketing page once it is live
Free for residents of The Selby – ticketed and paid event for anyone else (tickets through Toronto Life page)
[7] All ages
[8] Wheelchair accessible
[9] Description: Join us for the 4th annual Selby Pride Event, a dynamic celebration nestled within The Selby, Toronto’s iconic rental apartment building with a storied LGBTQ+ history. This year’s Pride Carnival pays homage to Maison Selby’s legacy as the former home of Boots, a legendary gay nightclub that was a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community for two decades.
Attendees will enjoy the live performances and DJ, photo opps, signature cocktails and snacks and more!
Hosted by Miss Renona, a Selby resident who began her drag journey at The Selby, the event features drag queen performances, acrobatics, and a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Pride while honoring our past. It’s a testament to Tricon Residential’s dedication to community building and celebrates the diversity and individuality of our residents.
Get ready to celebrate Toronto Pride in style at the 4th annual Selby Pride Party, taking place at The Selby, a vibrant luxury rental building with a rich LGBTQ+ history. This event pays homage to Maison Selby, the historic mansion at the base of The Selby, which once housed the legendary gay nightclub Boots, a staple in Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community for two decades starting in 1981.
This year, Tricon Residential invites you to immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere of The Selby’s stunning poolside venue with an exciting Pride Carnival theme. Prepare to be dazzled by electrifying drag queen performances, awe-inspiring acrobatics, and beats that will keep you dancing all day and night courtesy of our talented DJ. Hosted by the fabulous Miss Renona, a Selby resident who embarked on her drag journey right here at The Selby, our Pride Carnival promises an unforgettable experience. Indulge in delectable food and refreshing drinks as you mingle with fellow residents and allies, celebrating the diversity and individuality that make our community truly special.
Join us as we come together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and pave the way for a future filled with love, acceptance, and pride.
Ticketing page through Toronto Life.
