Queer West Fest Toronto June 13-22, 2008 June 13, 2008

Berlin has one, Copenhagen has one, and now Toronto has one. An International Queer Festival! Queer West Fest now in it's third year, is an event that showcases the best of alternative queer culture, taking place at various west end Toronto establishments from June 13th to the 24th.. “It’s an eye-opening experience for many people to see such diversity and acceptance”, said Chris Mitchell, Marketing, Publicity & Exhibitions Manager, Gladstone Hotel

West Queen West: Home to a vibrant arts, fashion and culture scene, "Queer West" as it's affectionately called. It is now a "sizzling neighbourhood", as many Gay Travel magazine have called it, attracting a younger gay/straight bohemian crowd. Two of the neighbourhood's favourite spots, The Drake and the Gladstone, will host a number of Official Queer West Fest events during the week. (501 Streetcar: West Queen West).

3rd Annual Queer West Festival - 10 days this year - Friday June 13 to Tuesday June 24 2008

Our main point is to show that there is a real and strong alternative to traditional Pride Festivals.

Thursday June 12 to Sunday June 22 - The Fur Real Art Collective presents: "Fur Real: Bears Without Boundaries Art Show" Gallery 1313 - 1313A Queen St. West http://www.g1313.org

Friday June 13 - Queer West Fest Launch Party @ Beaver Cafe & Patio - Art show and exhibition Beaver Cafe, 1192 Queen W. Cover Charge $5:00

Saturday June 14 - Mix and Mingle Community Fair & Marketplace @ Drake Hotel 1150 Queen Street West, artisans, retail vendors, and community organizations, 11 am to 2 pm http://www.thedrakehotel.ca

Saturday June 14 - Dirty Bingo with Shirley "Fundraiser" @ The Friendly Bar & Restaurant. 10 PM - 1116 Queer St. W. http://www.shirleysdirtybingo.com

Sunday June 15 - 4th Annual Toronto Pride Ride cyclists travel along Martin Goodman Trail – Meet at noon. http://www.queerwest.org/bikeclub.php

Wednesday June 18 - Queer West Film Fest @ Good Catch General Store 1556 Queen St. W. Doors at 9 pm show 9:30 pm http://www.queerwest.org/queerwestfilmfest.php

Wednesday June 18 – Queer Ears– A night of musical madness with live performances by Vivek Shraya and GiraGira.gif, followed by a queer dance party. Hotel 1214 Queen St. W, 9pm, http://www.gladstonehotel.com

Thursday June 19 - Art Discussion - Toronto Wilde Chats Socrates Cafe @ Tinto Coffee House, 89 Roncesvalles. 7.30 pm to 9 pm Topic: Is censorship of Canadian public art's community unjust or perfectly legal? http://www.queerwest.org/wildechats.php

Thursday June 19 - Leif Harmsen's HOMODIGITAL Art Show "a censor's worst nightmare" @ Fountain Contemporary Gallery 652 Queen St. W. at Palmerston Ave Opening Thurs 19 June 7-10pm. http://www.harmsen.net

Friday June 20 – Frydaze – Live performance by post punk renegades The Torrent at Gladstone Hotel 1214 Queen St. W, 9pm, http://www.gladstonehotel.com

Saturday June 21 - Knotty Nights Closing Night 80’s Dance Party - Lot 16 1136 Queen St. 10PM

Sunday June 22 – Family Brunch @ Mitzi's Sister 1554 Queen West 3PM - $9.95 special menu items http://www.mitzissister.com

Sunday June 22 - Forte – Queerly Beloved with a 24-voice Men’s Chamber Choir @ Emmanuel Howard Park United Church 214 Wright Ave, 8PM http://www.forte-chorus.com | http://www.ehpchurch.org

Tuesday June 24 - A Java Knights - LGBT Human Rights Panel Discussion @ Gladstone Hotel Art Bar 1214 Queen St. W. 7 PM to 9 PM http://www.queerwest.org/javaknights.php

Official Website: http://www.queerwest.org/queerwestfest.php