Queer Books

This time we'll be reading Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. Here's the blurb: Red Schuhart is a stalker, one of those young rebels who are compelled, in spite of extreme danger, to venture illegally into the Zone to collect the mysterious artifacts that the alien visitors left scattered around. His life is dominated by the place and the thriving black market in the alien products. But when he and his friend Kirill go into the Zone together to pick up a “full empty,” something goes wrong. And the news he gets from his girlfriend upon his return makes it inevitable that he’ll keep going back to the Zone, again and again, until he finds the answer to all his problems. First published in 1972, *Roadside Picnic* is still widely regarded as one of the greatest science fiction novels. The book is available here: Amazon- Paperback, eBook, Audiobook: https://www.amazon.ca/Roadside-Picnic-Arkady-Strugatsky/dp/1613743416/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4CF8Z2KM9FR5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OkKU7AC1WfScTlwfheDPnXc6RoH27bTDKMyfAgC_JANost0NCKJUcjZqbrLEile8IathzFMmAmFe9oXiUWLxKh0sg2kayNmgEhJeLKnThaxDk_9Nmn1yHf77Bct23OqBlVzxGEpNppD1tjZHWL0s7jQ4OA2YCoqJ5wL-eUmc8we34pauk-oG5kcohPzDgi_je8CjkyuMZtBD9FL-ijN8lzwv7OthBw_4PRiTvvZPAoimmLqGW3osojbapjD2J2EwKkDSsW8nh6xzHTdnXuVZKsuwVD2Pb6_99nT4Yqhn-WU.W4eSQPh8pV3pjNwYowMlY_NWsCM75jm2_aqs1Z4WAl0&dib_tag=se&keywords=roadside+picnic&qid=1768352378&sprefix=roadside+picnic%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1 Indigo- Paperback: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/roadside-picnic/9781613743416.html Kobo- eBook: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/roadside-picnic-1?sId=a2633ff7-55e3-4248-88ad-9f7fedb4c18f&ssId=1AYtAyk0vt3KTVdGTn8zv&cPos=1 Toronto Public Library: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2898868&R=2898868 Toronto Public Library- eBook https://toronto.overdrive.com/media/1075415

トロントにいる日本人で集まっておしゃべりするmeetupを開催します。 日本語と英語、どちらでも自由にお話ししましょう。 トロントに来たばかりの方も、２年目以降の方も歓迎！カフェで楽しくおしゃべり＆情報交換できたら嬉しいです。トロントには10年いますので、何でも聞いてくださいね。 お一人の参加でも全然大丈夫なので、ぜひお気軽にご参加ください。 ※This is for Japanese people studying/working in Toronto.

Join other Gaymers this evening to work on your DIY project with others and show off your work in progress! Come chat, craft, and work on whatever project you wish! (Or just chill with us!) The only thing you have to do is bring your project, materials, and yourself! Your host, Nef, is also happy to teach you how to crochet :) While this event is free, we encourage folks to get some food or drinks if possible! (Only if this is a possibility for you!) We provide nametag stickers with a pronoun field; we want this to be a comfortable environment for everyone, kindly respect people's listed or stated pronouns. If you are unsure of someone's pronouns, don't assume: Ask, Respect and Practice Definitely ask before taking pictures/videos. \*\*\*Please reach out to [info@torontogaymers.ca](mailto:info@torontogaymers.ca) with any accessibility concerns. [https://linktr.ee/TorontoGaymers](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://linktr.ee/TorontoGaymers&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1753646882381297&usg=AOvVaw00IFqJeQVIkNQH04yjTL6E)

Join us for **Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish**, an extraordinary, award-winning production that critics are calling the most powerful *Fiddler* ever staged. Performed in Yiddish with English subtitles, this deeply moving and authentic interpretation (directed by Joel Grey) brings fresh emotion, humour, and resonance to the beloved story of Tevye and his family. ***Our group will save over 60% off the regular price! We'll be seated in the second half of the First Balcony @ $46 all fees included (regular $106.75). CLICK ON "Read More" BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS.*** **The Show:** In 2018, New York audiences fell in love with this truly authentic version of Fiddler for the very first time. Don't miss the Drama Desk Award-winning production of one of the greatest musicals ever written, presented in Yiddish with English subtitles. Laugh, cry, and feel the love at this powerful and universal testament to the strength and resilience of Jewish community. [More information](https://hgjewishtheatre.com/2025-2026-Fiddler-on-the-Roof.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23805489280&gclid=CjwKCAjwwpDQBhAuEiwAa-4Wo1l9txSTfAUH9KZAAuwVeAYnrF9_GaZqr2CP_vgrwRDVJaBTDOM1BRoCzxIQAvD_BwE#calendar). *** **OUR DISCOUNT TICKETS** **Group Tickets:** * **$46 including HST and service fee** (regular $106.75 with HST and service fee) ***No Meetup Fee*** *** **HOW TO PAY** 1\. Sign up on this event page 2\. Send an email to **belindameetup@gmail.com** to request the payment instructions 3\. Specify you are inquiring about **FIDDLER ON THE ROOF IN YIDDISH** 4\. Include the name you use on this Thumbs Up Theatre website\. 5\. Belinda will email you the payment instructions 6\. If you don't receive the instructions in your inbox\, check your junk box in case it has gone there **PAYMENT DEADLINE:** Sunday, May 24 @ 8 p.m. Members must purchase their ticket(s) in advance from Belinda. Purchase early to avoid disappointment. Pick up your ticket(s) from Belinda at the meetup spot on the day of performance. \*\*\* **OVERVIEW** **When:** Monday, May 25, 2026 **Time:** Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Meet Belinda between 6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. **Where:** Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario **Show Length:** 3 hours with one intermission *** **ACCESSIBILITY** The Elgin Theatre's first balcony is not accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. While there is elevator access to the mezzanine level, stairs are required to reach all seating in this section. If you require accessible seating in the Orchestra, please let Belinda know so she can check on availability and pricing. *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda any time between 6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. outside the Yonge Street entrance, on the right side as you face the theatre. Belinda is very short and will be wearing a bright pink hat and bright pink glasses. Cell # (416) 879-7575 (text/call) for use on the day / time of performance ONLY. **Intermission Meetup Spot:** On the aisle beside Mezzanine G301 **PLEASE NOTE OUR ZERO-TOLERANCE [CELLPHONE POLICY](https://www.meetup.com/thumbs-up-theatre-toronto/events/243426512/)**

Please note that access to this event is exclusive to those you register using the link below. Thu May 28th, 7-10 pm, Good Fortune Bar. You asked for it and we heard you! Intro's first Toronto Queer Desi Mixer. What to expect? \~Ice Breaker hosted by Harsh, cue cards and fun little games! ​\~Socialize with Queer Desis, maybe you'll find someone to go on a Sunday sunset date <3 ​\~A sundowner with drinks and a fun jolly vibe. ​\~Attire - Casuals, or whatever makes you feel confident and sexy ;) Please [CLICK HERE](https://luma.com/vbsh9shh) to book! See you soon!

**Description** Coming Out Being Out (COBO) is a peer discussion group that has served the LGBT community for over 15 years in downtown Toronto. We meet to share stories and opinions, challenges and triumphs at all stages of coming out and being out. COBO participants are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and questioning people. We welcome all who identify under the banner of queer sexual orientation and gender identity. **What We Do** \|\-\| COBO participants are often seeking to: * Understand what experiences others have in coming out to family, friends and their respective communities. * Develop comfort in discussing their identity with others. * Meet others having the same experiences when it comes to living openly. * Receive the encouragement of peers. \|\-\| Regular topics of discussion include: * How people choose to come out (at work, with family, with friends). * Where to find others like us in the community. * Challenges and triumphs in navigating family and partner relationships. **Where & When** * Every Wednesday from 6-8pm * Community meeting space at Casey House - 119 Isabella St., Toronto **How to Access the Meeting** Registration on Meetup is not required to attend. Attendance is on a drop-in basis. The front door to our meeting space at Casey House is controlled by the main floor receptionist. To access the space when you arrive: * Press the button to the left of the main entrance door. * Tell the receptionist that you are there for the COBO meeting. * You will be buzzed in and someone from our group will come to show you to the meeting. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON WEDNESDAY! *COBO is a community group led by non-professional peer facilitators and is not a Casey House program.*

The next event is happening on Saturday May 30 at 2:30PM at Danu Social House! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately! To help cover the costs of meetup fees, we will be taking optional donations for this event. If you're inclined to, feel free to send any amount you're comfortable with to harresh.s@hotmail.com, or bring cash to the event. Please note that this is entirely optional and not required to join the event! All proceeds will go towards fees for this event and future events, as well as meetup fees.

For May, we'll read Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe 313 pages First published in 1722 About the book: Born and abandoned in Newgate Prison, Moll Flanders is forced to make her own way in life. She duly embarks on a career that includes husband-hunting, incest, bigamy, prostitution and pick-pocketing, until her crimes eventually catch up with her. One of the earliest and most vivid female narrators in the history of the English novel, Moll recounts her adventures with irresistible wit and candour-and enough guile that the reader is left uncertain whether she is ultimately a redeemed sinner or a successful opportunist.

[[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/4829900303499264) of the poll for this event] ABCD Reads AND Watches "**Train Dreams**", a [novella](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C2792355) written by Denis Johnson, and a [film](https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/train-dreams) directed by Clint Bentley. **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "Suffused with the history and landscapes of the American West—its otherworldly flora and fauna, its rugged loggers and bridge builders—this extraordinary novella poignantly captures the disappearance of a distinctly American way of life. Train Dreams tells the story of Robert Grainer, a day laborer in the American West at the start of the twentieth century—an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Buffeted by the loss of his family, Grainer struggles to make sense of this strange new world. As his story unfolds, we witness both his shocking personal defeats and the radical changes that transform America in his lifetime." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12991188-train-dreams)) **:: ABOUT THE MOVIE ::** "Train Dreams is the moving portrait of Robert Grainier (Golden Globe-nominee Joel Edgerton), whose life unfolds during an era of unprecedented change in early 20th century America. Orphaned at a young age, Robert grows into adulthood among the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he helps expand the nation's railroad empire alongside men as unforgettable as the landscapes they inhabit. After a tender courtship, he marries Gladys (Academy Award-nominee Felicity Jones) and they build a home together, though his work often takes him far from her and their young daughter. When his life takes an unexpected turn, Robert finds beauty, brutality and newfound meaning for the forests and trees he has felled." (from [Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/train_dreams)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** Instead of just reading the book as usual, this time we're asking that you also watch the movie adaptation. During our discussion, we'll explore the strengths of both the book and the movie, evaluate the adaptation's effectiveness, and touch on any other topics that arise. You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book and watched the movie before attending (though finishing either is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT READ&WATCH ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next Read & Watch (date TBA). If you have a good pairing in mind, please ensure that the book is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules), and that the movie or TV-series is readily available. When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

Join us on May 29th for the launch of *Vivisect*, by Vivi Partridge, published by Inservice Comics—a raw and rambunctious diary comic about a big breakup, making your first graphic novel, therapy, mental health, and befriending characters from manga, by the author of *Quiet Crossings* (Conundrum Press). Vivi will guide us through their artistic process in conversation with Mollie Cronin, author and artist of *Future Me is Fat* (Conundrum Press). We’ll have drinks, snacks (of course), and music. The event starts at 7 PM. After the conversation, there will be a Q&A, followed by time to mingle and celebrate yet another release from one of the most distinctive emerging voices in Canadian comics. **The ticket includes one copy of *Vivisect*. The author will be signing books at the event.**

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

Big Ohio Book Con "A convention for book lovers all over Ohio (and beyond)! Author panels, signings, bookish vendors, meet & greets, and more!" Featuring more than 100 authors, more than 50 bookish vendors, and plenty of exciting activities throughout the event! Travel with fellow book lovers or meet us at the event. Park for free at the Medina Convention Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Ohio 44256, then hop aboard one of the free shuttles whenever you’re ready for your next bookish adventure! The convention spans three neighboring locations, giving you even more to explore and enjoy.

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

Join us for Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn! Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the unsolved murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story-and survive this homecoming.

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖