Weekly queer events in Toronto give LGBTQ+ citizens the opportunity to socialize within the local communities and sub-cultures they identify with. While the city that generally embraces diversity, day-to-day life is hazy with heteronormativity. Contrary to popular belief, online dating is not the only answer to meeting new LGBTQ+ pals and partners.

Queer-centric parties, game nights, and recreation activities happen every day of the week, where you can assume with much certainty that you won't be the only homo in the room. Whether you go with friends, or fly solo, getting yourself out there will help to expand your social circles, while you have some fun at the same time.

SUNDAY

Beaver Karaoke | The Beaver (1192 Queen St. West) | 11pm | Free
The Beaver's regular karaoke nights pull in a diverse crowd who pack the front room on Sunday nights. Rifle through the song books and find that tune you've been singing in the shower, then strut up to the three step landing and become a star - for the next 3-5 minutes. There's rotating cast of enthusiastic hosts that always keep things weird and wonderful.

Also on Sundays

• Gay West Bicycle Club | 562 Dufferin St. | various times | free membership
• Staycation Sunday | Oasis Aqualounge | 11am | $20-50
• Euchre Tournament | Pegasus Bar | 2-5pm | Free
• Sh!t Show Sundays | Statler's (487 Church St) | 9pm | free

MONDAY

FML Mondays | O'Grady's on Church | 10:30pm | Free
O'Grady's hosts the longest running industry night in the Village. This dance party has drag shows, drink specials, and the best of top 40, hip hop, dance, and electro.

Also on Mondays

• SINGular Sensation | Statler's | 10pm | free
• Industry Mondays | The Beaver (1192 Queen St. West) | 11pm | Free
• Martini Mondays | Crews and Tangos | 9pm | Free
• Live Cabaret with Roxxie Terraine | Zipperz/Cellblock | 10pm | Free
• Village Pool League | Pegasus Bar (489 Church St) | 7pm | Free

TUESDAY

Crag Crux Climbers | Joe Rockheads (29 Fraser Avenue) | 7:30pm | gym fees
Joe Rockheads provides a massive indoor facility with walls for climbers of all levels. Everyone is welcome: all you need to know is how to belay using a gri-gri and how to tie a figure-eight knot, which you can learn in an initial lesson. The group also meets outdoors at Milton area, the Collingwood area, and at Lion's Head on the Bruce Peninsula. At Easter and Thanksgiving, there's often a trip down to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. Find out about gym fees on Joe Rockhead's website.

Also on Tuesdays

• Industry Night | Crews and Tangos | 9pm | free
• Fooftastic Foofer-Karaoke | WAYLA Bar | 10pm | free
• Bingo With A Twist | Pegasus Bar | 9pm | free
• Mile High Tuesdays | Boutique Bar | 9pm | free
• Games Night | Statler's | 9:30pm | free

WEDNESDAY

Toronto Drag Kings | Zipperz | 11pm | Free
Toronto Drag Kings bring the heat every Wednesday night, dancing on tables, swinging from the rafters, collecting $10 bills in their teeth, and melting the hearts of the predominantly lesbian crowd. It's high energy, dance-happy, and vibes are always positive. The bar especially fills up during drag competitions, when new talent comes out to compete against the best.

Also on Wednesdays

• College Night | CHURCH on Church | 10pm | free
• Lawn Bowling | Cosburn Park Lawn Bowling Club | 7pm | $100 registration fee
• Wild Wednesdays | Central Spa (1610 Dundas West) | 11am - 2am | $5-$10
• Top Shelf Comedy | WAYLA Bar (996 Queen St. E.) | 9pm | free

THURSDAY

Queer As Fuck Comedy Night (biweekly) | The Steady (1051 Bloor Street W) | 9pm | PWYC
Queer As Fuck (formerly known as Laughs at Slack's) is a comedy open mic featuring a rotating lineup of all-star LGBT (and LGBT-friendly) comics. These nights also serve as a training ground for aspiring new comedians. Have a drink and get giggly in the audience, or have a few more drinks and try out some of your solid gold jokes. Catch Lesbian Road Trip Comedy on alternate weeks.

Also on Thursdays

• It's the Dinner Show | O'Grady's on Church | 7:30pm | cost of dinner
• Ultimate Thursdays | Crews and Tangos | 9pm | free
• Heaven Lee Thursdays | Zipperz/Cellblock | 11pm | free
• Open Mic | Statler's | 9:30pm | Free
• Cribbage Tournament | The Loft at Statler's | 8pm | free
• Random Play | WAYLA Bar (996 Queen St. E.) | 10pm | free
• South Beach Thursdays | Boutique Bar | 10pm | free

FRIDAY

Pheromone Fridays | Church Street Garage (477 Church St) | 10:30pm | $5
SisterMister presents Pheromone Fridays, a party geared towards females of all labels. The party has been at Church Street Garage, but is moving to Queen West with the exact location yet to be disclosed. There's a different theme every party and on most nights you can find DJ Recklezz behind the turntables. If you're a fan of drag, once a month the Toronto Drag Kings stop by to perform.

Also in Fridays

• Club Lite Fridays | Crews and Tangos | 10pm | $5
• Dance Lessons | El Convento Rico | 11:30pm | $8
• SLAM! | Zipperz/Cellblock | 10pm | free

SATURDAY

Sensational Saturdays | Crews and Tangos (508 Church St.) | 6:30pm | $5
Saturday at Crews is an absolute staple of queer party culture in Toronto. It brings in a lot of regulars, as well as people from out of town who want to experience the sheer size of this gay bar. There's a drag show in the main room, a huge back patio for quieter socializing, plus two flashy dance floors with DJs spinning top 40, pop, remixes, hip hop, rnb, electro, and more. It's a sure bet if you're looking for a mixed crowd, and a packed house for your weekend night out.

Also on Saturdays

• Tallulah's Cabaret | Buddies in Bad Times | 10:30pm | $7
• Poker Tournament | Statler's | 2pm | free
• Sultry Saturdays | Byzantium (499 Church Street) | 11pm | free

Know of more weekly queer-friendly events? Add them in the comments below!

Photo: Jesse Milns