With the school year coming to a close, queer students in Peterborough may be wondering where to go for fun, LGBT friendly activities over the summer. While it’s true that larger cities such as Toronto and Ottawa do offer larger queer scenes, Peterborough has several options for the local queer on a budget.
TQC Beers for Queers (The Spill)
The TQC is planning weekly ‘Beers for Queers’ meetups at the Spill each Tuesday. While the date is not set in stone, those interested are encouraged to keep an eye on the TQC’s Facebook page for additional info.
Gender Journeys (CMHA) Twice Monthly Drop-In (466 George St. N.)
For those who are trans, gender non-conforming, or questioning, Gender Journeys will be hosting a twice monthly drop-in on the first and third Tuesday of every month beginning April 21, from 6:30-8:30pm. Their Facebook page states, “Drop-ins offer a loosely structured forum for discussing current issues, connecting with local community, and getting practical and helpful information.”
Gender Journeys also offers support groups for parents and partners of trans youth. If you are interested, contact Jan Tkachuk at jan@cmhahkpr.ca.
PARN Rainbow Youth (151 King St.)
For anyone under the LGBT umbrella, PARN hosts a weekly drop-in called Rainbow Youth. Held each Thursday from 3:30-5:30pm, the drop-in includes free snacks and drinks, mental health check-ins, and discussions on important queer issues.
PARN Queer Movie Nights (151 King St.)
PARN will also be hosting monthly movie nights, showcasing queer cinema followed by a guided discussion. Movies will be screened on the first Thursday of each month, from 6-9pm.
The first three movies (listed below) have already been selected, and those interested are encouraged to keep an eye on the Rainbow Youth Facebook page for updated info.
• April 9, But I’m a Cheerleader
• May 14, Paris is Burning
• June 11, Pride
Peterborough Pride
Finish off your summer with the biggest LGBT celebration Peterborough has to offer. Peterborough Pride will be taking place September 12-19 this year, meaning it just barely qualifies as a ‘summer’ queer activity.
The pride parade will be held on Saturday, September 19 to bring the festivities to a close. Check out peterboroughpride.ca for updated schedules and activities listings.
Queer Friendly Spaces
If the above activities do not interest you, or if you are looking for even more to do this summer, consider stopping in to one of Peterborough’s many queer friendly businesses, such as:
• Le Petit Bar
• Black Honey
• Needles in the Hay
• Sam’s Place
• Pita Pit
• The Garnet
• The Spill
• Sapphire Lounge
If the above list looks incomplete, or if you have even more ideas for fun and inclusive queer events, contact the Trent Queer Collective at trentqueercollective@gmail.com. Events are hosted based on interest!