Sunday, April 16

Embassy Q: The Show

Meghan Murphy and Angus Wright are two comedians who want to make space for, and meet, queer talent in Ottawa. This new recurring event begins with a drop-in improv workshop (for those who want to come early and try it out), followed by a variety show (featuring stand-up comedy, improv, music and more). Takes place the third Sunday of each month.

Drop-in improv workshop at 6pm; variety show at 7pm. The Improv Embassy, 176 Rideau St. www.improvembassy.com

The new recurring comedy event takes place the third Sunday of each month at the Improv Embassy. Courtesy Embassy Q

Thursday, April 20

Hard Cover Book Club: Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Four friends decide to dive into life and make the big move to New York City. They have no money, but they have each other. Over the decades, their friendship deepens, and, in some cases, darkens, as the friends experience success, failure and addiction. At this book club, men gather to discuss Hanya Yanagihara’s novel Little Life, about love and life in the 21st century.

6:30pm. Centretown CHC, 420 Cooper St. For more info, visit Facebook

Saturday, April 22

Oh My Jam: Spring is Here, Lettuce Turnip the Beet

Love hip hop? Love strange vegetable-themed dance parties? Then this one is for you! The Queer Mafia, a group that throws events and supports causes in Ottawa, hosts a big queer party. Features D-luxx Brown, Yes Yes Jill and Sammy Rawal spinning hip hop, dancehall, R&B, reggae and more. Proceeds go to Westfest, the three-day celebration of arts and culture. The venue is accessible.

11pm–2:30am. Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St. For more info, visit Facebook

Oh My Jam, organized by The Queer Mafia, takes place on April 22, 2017, at Babylon Nightclub. Courtesy The Queer Mafia

Monday, April 24

Knotty Fun: An Intro to Rope Bondage

Whether you’re actually dominant in bed or just like to pretending you’re a proper olde-tyme melodramatic villain tying people to train tracks, this workshop is for you. It covers all-things basic bondage, including topics such as safety, buying gear and the best knots. It includes hands-on practice (attendees are provided with a length of rope to practise with.

6:30pm. Venus Envy, 226 Bank St. venusenvy.ca

Saturday, April 29

Written in the Body: A Performance by Jan Andrews

Written in the Body is the story of a woman’s lifelong struggle with gender issues — from growing up in England in the 1940s and 1950s to coming out as a lesbian in her late 40s, to turning 70 and seeing friends transition and wondering “what if?” Jan Andrews gives a live performance based on her book Written in the Body. Books are for sale at the event.

2pm. Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks St. For more info, visit website

Manajiwin: LGBTTQ+ Fitness Space

The gym is one of the most intimidating places — especially for people from marginalized communities. That’s why Kind Space and Odawa Native Friendship Centre provide an exercise space for queer people. Folks can get workout tips from on-site volunteers (if they want), and work out in a pressure-free environment. This takes place every Saturday.

5–8pm. The Odawa Native Friendship Centre, 250 City Centre Ave, Bay 102. kindspace.ca/manajiwin

Show Tune Showdown 2017

The LGBT choir Tone Cluster hosts its annual musical theatre-themed extravaganza. Performers on various teams compete by singing songs from Broadway and off-Broadway musicals for a panel of celebrity judges. This year’s judges are China Doll, Robert Fillion and Alan Neal. This is a massive event (the venue has nearly 1000 seats) that usually sells out.

8–10pm. Centrepointe Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Dr. For more info, visit Facebook.

Show Tune Showdown 2017 takes place on April 29, 2017, at Centrepointe Theatres. Courtesy Jay Dee Photo

Sashay Spring: DJ Stephan Grondin

The massive (as in, it’s probably the largest queer dance party in Ottawa outside of Capital Pride) seasonable LGBT dance party returns. Montreal’s DJ Stephan Grondin is back once again to provide a thrilling soundscape for the evening. Ottawa’s own DJ Ashley Gauthier opens. Features drag performances by Markida Brown, Kiki Coe, Koko Shennel and Jasmine Dymond.

10:30pm–2:15am. Barrymore’s, 323 Bank St. For more info, visit Facebook.