Miss Vikki is Cruisin' the Straits

The Pride Patrol

Your guide for what to do and where to go during Pride Week

Okay, by the time you read this, the annual dragball game will be over, but don’t despair—there’s plenty of other things to do during Pride Week. From forums and readings to art and parties, there’s myriad ways to show your pride this week. And remember, you don’t have to wear pink, dress like a rainbow or adopt an easily understood label to live a proud life. Just be who you are; that should be good enough for anyone who matters.

Transmissions From Beyond - A Trans-Pride poetry and spoken-word night with live music by SYL. Proceeds to the Queer Youth Pride Prom. 7pm THURSDAY at Sostice Cafe. Sliding scale $4-$10.

Sex & Sensibility - An open forum for gay men with a discussion and information about Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV. 6:30pm FRIDAY at Cook Street Health Unit, 1947 Cook.

Cruisin’ the Straits Tour - Miss Vikki Smudge (a.k.a. Rick Meyers) will perform her outrageous Las Vegas-style drag show. 6pm FRIDAY at Ambrosia. $45. 250-475-1948.

8th Annual Colin Fraser GLBT Art Show - Visual art with a queer twist, continues through to July 16 at the Martin Batchelor Gallery, 712 Cormorant.

The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue - Lavish costumes, comedic timing and serious seductiveness 10pm FRIDAY at the Paparazzi Nightclub. $7.

Big Gay Dog Party - Oh, the jokes we could make here. Contests, displays and hot dogs (that’s the kind for eating), noon-3pm SATURDAY along Dallas Road near Cook.

Pride and the Word - Join the likes of Ivan Coyote, J. McLaughlin, Billeh Nickerson, Captain Snowden, Michael V. Smith and others at this lively literary event. 7:30pm SATURDAY at Ambrosia, 638 Fisgard. Tickets $10 at the door.

Victoria’s Sekret - Lesbian party with Vancouver’s top female DJ, Betti Forde and our own M-Award winning DJ Kenzie Clake spinning top 40, dance anthems, electro house, mashups and hip-hop. 8pm SATURDAY at Vertigo SUB at UVic. $20 advance at Chronicles of Crime on Fort or online at flygirlproductions.com. Limited day-of tickets at the door.

Not Another Drag Show - Hey, we’re not complaining—that’s the name of this show featuring performances by the Dragbots. 10pm SATURDAY at Paparazzi Nightclub. $8.

Dickey Doo - Check out the most flamboyant DJ in town alongside DJ Jason and Bonnie Takahashi spinning house, speed garage, jackin electro funk and breaks. SATURDAY at Hush. $12.75.

Annual Pride Service - On a slightly more serious note, this spiritual morning features a dance performance by triPOD’s Stacey Horton, with music by Elijah Marrett-Hitch and singing by Barbara Boyle. 10am SUNDAY at First Unitarian, 5575 West Saanich Road. victoriaunitarian.ca or 250-744-2665.

Pride Parade - Catch the main event with cheering crowds and rainbow flags. Leaves noon SUNDAY at Government and Pandora and continues along to Fisherman’s Wharf park in James Bay.

Pride Festival - Entertainment by Wunderbread and the Cheesecakes, activities for the kids, food fair, vendors and beer garden—and don’t forget to swing by the Monday table and say ‘Hi.’ 1pm SUNDAY at Fisherman’s Wharf Park.

Parking Lot Party - Looking for something to do post-fest but pre-evening hijinx? Swing by the Paisley Upstairs for this 4-10pm mix of live and DJ muisc, 880B Esquimalt. Plus, a free shuttle bus runs from Fisherman’s Wharf parking lot to the Paisley, from 3:30-5:30.

Wrap-Up Party - Pride Society fundraiser with prizes. SUNDAY night at Paprazzi Nightclub.

Chris and Don: A Love Story - Movie Monday presents this documentary celebrating the 30-year relationship of famed British writer Christopher Isherwood and his lover, Don Bachardy. Plus a screening of local filmmaker Maureen Bradley‘s short film The Chosen Family. 6:30 pm MONDAY at 2326 Trent. By donation. 595-FLIC. moviemonday.ca. M