Out in Ottawa: Oct 1-15, 2016

Choice events in the city


Saturday, Oct 1

Calling In: Doing Justice Without Breaking Each Other

The practice of “calling out” people who cause offense has become common in progressive circles. As useful as some people find this practice to be, it can cause damage as well. At this event, Karen BK Chan presents an alternative: “calling in,” which, according to billing, “seeks accountability while keeping the offender close.”

7:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. venusenvy.ca

Totally Awesome ’80s Party

The 1980s was a simpler time. People used words like “bomb diggity,” and wore giant alarm clocks around their necks, à la Flavor Flav. And Donald Trump was only just developing into the odious asshat he is today. And now it’s all back as a themed party in support of Bruce House. 1980s attire is strongly encouraged. DJ Ashley Gauthier spins.

8pm–midnight. Montgomery Legion, 330 Kent St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Sunday, Oct 2

Bear Coffee

What happens when a bear drinks coffee? Does he hatch mad schemes to get all the honey? Whatever he does, it’s probably pretty cute. The Ottawa Bears invites Ottawa’s bears and their admirers to socialize and have a couple cups of coffee. Afterward, attendees head to a restaurant for dinner. This takes place every Sunday.

3–5pm. Centretown Pub, 340 Somerset St W. oursottawabears.ca

Tuesday, Oct 4

Written in the Body, told by Jan Andrews

It’s England in the 1940s and ’50s and a small girl is growing up wanting only to be a boy. Later, in her 70s, she sees friends transitioning and thinks, “what if?” Canadian storyteller Jan Andrews performs a touching story. Produced by 2 Women Productions, this event is also a launch for the CD version of Written in the Body.

7:30pm. Address with ticket purchase. For more info, visit Eventbrite.ca.

Wednesday, Oct 5

Learn to Swim Fall 2016

It’s never too late to learn to swim. The Rideau Speedeaus, Ottawa’s primarily queer swimming club, once again offers a course for beginners. It begins today, and runs for eight weeks. It covers using the timing clock, aerobic pacing, floating, and the basics of freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and more. To sign up, contact lts@rideauspeedeaus.com.

 

Oct 5–Nov 23. Montpetit Hall, 125 University Private. rideauspeedeaus.com

Saturday, Oct 15

Manajiwin LGBTTQ+ Fitness space

The gym can be a very intimidating place. That’s why Kind Space and Odawa Native Friendship Centre are providing an exercise space geared specifically for queer people. Folks can work out in a pressure-free environment. Volunteers are on-site to show participants how to use the equipment. This takes place every Saturday.

2–8pm. The Odawa Native Friendship Centre, 250 City Centre Ave, Bay 102. kindspace.ca/manajiwin

For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events

Jeremy Willard is a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor. He's written for Fab Magazine, Daily Xtra and the Torontoist. He generally writes about the arts, local news and queer history (in History Boys, the Daily Xtra column that he shares with Michael Lyons).

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