Enza’s guide to pride
Joe Gaffney/Torstar News Service
The diva-powered True Colours Tour hits town tonight at the Molson Amphitheatre. Headliners include ’80s sensations Debbie Harry (pictured), Cyndi Lauper and Erasure.
June is the month of proms and for many teenagers it marks the end of high school. Tonight, queer teens will also be celebrating their end-of-school year with the Pride Prom.
Festivities have been organized by the Triangle Program, an alternative school for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students, and Supporting Our Youth (SOY), a queer youth counselling network.
What makes this night extra special is that the traditional king and queen gender roles are reversed. The male becomes the “queen” and the female becomes the “king.” A new twist to the crowning night is the selection of an ace, someone who puts themselves in the middle of both roles.
“Whether you’re Marie Antoinette in her frivolous frock or planning the Velvet Revolution, you’ll be the talk of the court at Pride’s masqueerade!” says SOY program co-ordinator Clare Nobbs.
The mask-themed night takes place in the queerest of queer spaces, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., and is open to all youth — straight, queer and friends. Don’t wait up for the kids, doors open at 8 p.m. with the dance floor rocking until 2 a.m. Visit www.soytoronto.com.
While the kids will be rock’n, some of the city’s talented poets will be slam’n. The Pride Slam will bring together poets of every stripe in a daring, yet outrageous, spoken word battle.
The poet left standing will not only be able to claim the grand prize of $200 plus bragging rights, but will get the chance to perform in front of thousands this Friday at the Labatt South Stage.
This gruelling three-round spectacle gets slamming at 8 p.m. at the Now Lounge, 189 Church St. Visit www.pridetoronto.com.
But the biggest party of the night is the diva-powered True Colours Tour. Packed with notable ’80s sensations Erasure, Cyndi Lauper and Debbie Harry, the tour makes its way to the Molson Amphitheatre.
Expect a long night, though. The show also features The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip and the Cliks. Never mind the music, the true star of the night will be host comedian Margaret Cho.
It’s a fundraiser for the U.S. Human Rights Campaign with a portion of the proceeds going to Pride Toronto. So tickets are not cheap, $43.50 to $96.50. Showtime is 6 p.m.
For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.caor call 416-870-8000.
