On the queer calendar: Queer burlesque, Ga Ting, Jasper Pride

by Craig Takeuchi on March 20th, 2014 at 1:59 PM

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If you're looking for something queer to do this weekend, there's a little something for everyone to take in. Here's a sample of a few highlights that might pique your interest.

BURLESQUE: A Queer Cabaret

With burlesque having overtaken the city, here comes a gender-blending, queer take on the popular performance tradition.

A Queer Cabaret will showcase both drag kings and queens (Hollywood Highball, Vincent Vice, Leada Stray, and more), queer solo and duet burlesque performances (by Draco Muff-Boi, Ginger Femmecat, Dezi Desire, and more) that will challenge gender stereotypes, and a dash of boylesque (Tranny Zukko, SocraTease, Johnny Bottomsworth, Bitch Please!) for good measure. That's not all: there'll also be go-go dancers, DJs, and more.

It's at Heaven's Door (1216 Bute Street, the former J-Lounge) on Friday (March 21). And to make you feel good about yourself, all proceeds from the coat check will go to A Loving Spoonful. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

TRAVEL: Jasper Pride Weekend

If you happen to be heading to the Rocky Mountains this weekend, the fifth annual Jasper Pride Weekend runs from Friday (March 21) to Sunday (March 23). This LGBT celebration in Jasper, Alberta, promises comedy shows, outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, snowshoeing), drag shows, parties, and more. For full details, visit the Jasper Pride website.

THEATRE: Ga Ting

Different cultural and generational values towards being gay literally sets the stage for frank theatre company and Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre's Ga Ting (which means family in Cantonese), which will have its world premiere on Saturday (March 22).

The stageplay explores what happens when an immigrant Chinese couple, grieving the death of their son, invite their son's Caucasian boyfriend for dinner after the funeral—and face for the first time that their son was gay.

The play—written by Minh Ly, directed by Rick Tae (John Apple Jack) and starring former Vancovuer city councillor B.C. Lee, Hong Kong film star Alannah Ong, and Michael Antonakos—will run until March 30 at the Richmond Cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate) and will be performed in English and Cantonese with English and Chinese surtitles.