Kelly’s Queer Event and Restaurant Review

The Dyke Does Desire
by Kelly Wilk

I loath deeply that I have so little space to describe such a fantastic event. LABIDO was a prime example of why I am so proud of my city this time of year.  This steamy fundraiser for the Dyke March was not only a night of entertainment but also an opportunity for artists, musicians, businesswomen, and your every day Queer community members to network, showcase amazing gifts and support one another. This one-night gallery showcase on the theme of desire gave the city a chance to see some of the amazing talent coming out of the Queer community.  A very large tip of the hat must go to the dedicated and hardworking women of the Dyke Committee for organizing and presenting this dynamic event.

My first impression of The Gladstone Hotel was a type of old-world lushness, brass and brick walls. The glass-ceiling elevator in the lobby was an especially unique characteristic. LABIDO was located in the special event room with a large bar covered in beautiful black granite. The hotel features a Wednesday evening for the Queer community, which I plan to check out in the future.

To begin with the art, the selection was not huge but there was a nice variety within the pieces.  For me I found the works demonstrating the subtle everyday desire more interesting that the overt images of it.   For example Ann Alellas work “Pourquois Pas?” This back and white photograph of a women’s lower torso in jeans indicated confidence, sassiness and created much more allure than a fully nude picture.  

I was also impressed with a pair of photographs by Mina Saniford. One entitled “It’s Time to Retrace Our Steps” was an artistic poster for activism with text referencing rights for transgendered individuals. It featured a dyke in the act of binding, with a beautiful tattoo filling her entire chest to her shoulders. This is a prefect example how art and activism are so well suited to each other.

I also found Richelle Forsey’s pair of photographs humorous, an important aspect of sexuality. They featured a dyke with a blow up doll. The pictures were mainly white with black elements creating a dynamic contrast. In one she in a sensual pose with the doll and in the other she is laying beside the doll smoking a cigarette.  I loved these photos so much because not only were they witty and visually interesting but also, depicted desire as individual. So often desire is presented as a reaction to someone else and not for its own sake. Understanding our own desire, celebrating it, satisfying it is, I believe is an important triumph for everyone.

Our M.C for the night was the fabulous and entertaining Deb Pearce from 103.9 Proud F.M. She kept the ball excellently rolling through the whole night, clicked well with the crowd and tied everything together while keeping us laughing. And I am quite sure there is one newly out lesbian and her proud mother who will never forget her! Deb is featured on the 10am to 3pm time slot, so turn her on and you won’t be disappointed!

As for the performances the evening featured Sauci Calla Horra of Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque. Her first number was my favorite; she was charming in a brown wig and layers of retro lingerie a la Sophia Loren. Sipping wine and dancing to “That’s Amore” was deliciously funny and sensuous. For her finale she frolicked like a nymph in the Trevi Fountain sprinkling herself with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese!  Sauci will be performing with her Troup at the Spiegel Tent at Harbourfront. For information visit www.skintightouttasight.com.  The Gladstone Hotel will also be featuring the 6th Annual Tiki Tease Friday July 6th. The evening features tropical drinks, a costume contest and prizes. Sounds like an entertaining date or group outing to me!

Zoe Whittal and Lisa Foad presented a wonderful eclectic spoken word performance with poetry and a short film. Whittal and Foad are both acclaimed queer fiction writers. The glimpse of their talent was intriguing and highly entertaining.      The crowd was also dazzled by the soulful sounds of Faith Nolan, http://www.faithnolan.org/. This singer songwriter is an activist as well as a gifted performer.  Her sly, charismatic stage presence captivated the audience.   Her partner in crime for the evening Pamela Levi also performed a fantastic cover of TLC’s  “Waterfalls” that got the audience singing along.

The end of the evening however has a special place in my heart. Bitch, formally of music group Bitch and Animal regaled LABIDO with some numbers on the Ukulele and electric fiddle. Bitch has been coined as a “feminist folk hero” known for her edgy spoken word lyrics and song. I was blown away by her energy and enthusiasm. Bitch is a fantastic musician and very talented dyke! In a word she is amazing to watch.

I was able to chat with her afterwards and was struck by what a lovely person she is. Inviting, down to earth, and she seemed truly delighted to be there. Bitch was also slated at South Stage during Pride on Saturday; to perform hits from her new solo album “Make this/Break This.”  Bitch looks forward to her time in Toronto and plans to stay in Toronto for some time but will return to the states for the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival in August.  And so an autograph in my pocket and a smile on my face, this femme exited LABIDO happy and a little hot under the collar!

Press Release of the 6th Annual Tiki Tease

Where: The Gladstone Hotel at 1214 Queen Street West
When: Friday July 6th

Advance tickets $15, purchase at below locations

Nearly Naked, 920 Queen St. W.

Rotate This, at 620 Queen St. W.
Tickets will also be available at the door for $18.

Click here for Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque Biography