SCARBOROUGH ARTS WANTS YOU TO COME OUT! THIS PRIDE MONTH!

Scarborough Arts is pleased to present Come OUT!, a series of boundary-pushing and out-there events in celebration of Pride Month this June. The youth-focused events series will feature a lineup of musical and theatre performances, a panel discussion, a film screening, interactive arts activities, and a visual arts exhibition. All events take place at the Bluffs Gallery, and are free and for all-ages. We invite all members of the LGBTTI2QQ community, friends and families, allies, and all those who are Pride-curious to these events!

Marianne Rellin, Scarborough Arts’ Program Coordinator and curator of the Come OUT! series emphasizes the importance of these events: “We want the queer and transgender youth in Scarborough to have a safe space to discuss and open up about their struggles, and be comfortable in and celebrate who they are without the fear of being judged. With the conversations around LGBTTI2QQ issues gaining momentum globally, Scarborough Arts is proud that we are finally taking part in the conversation.”

A multi-media visual arts exhibition will be on view at the Bluffs Gallery from June 16 to 26, 2015 and will feature works from queer-identified visual artists and allies that celebrate the histories, cultures, lives, and diversities of the LGBTTI2QQ community from the past to the present.

On Tuesday, June 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., join us for a panel discussion and take part in conversations about the issues, struggles, and triumphs of queer and transgender youth today. The discussion will be moderated by Tristan Whiston, a multi-disciplinary theatre artist and co-artistic director of Red Dress Productions, an organization that creates and disseminates original interdisciplinary performance and works with/in communities on large-scale, community-engaged public artworks. Panelists include Elisha Lim, a graphic novelist and artist, and Gein Wong, an interdisciplinary director and playwright and Artistic Director at Eventual Ashes and Asian Arts Freedom School. Also taking place this evening will be an Open Mic Nightsegment featuring queer-identified performers and allies from the Scarborough community. Refreshments will be served.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2015, join us from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. as we go all-out with a radical showcase of queer musicians and theatre performers. Headlining the evening is Colombian-darling Lido Pimienta whose music combines electronic beats, analog synths, Afro-Colombian rhythms, and out-of-this-world chanting into one energetic performance. The band LAL will also perform a set of their hip-hop and techno-infused music complemented with a visceral digital painting live performance. Theatre artist Adrian Proszowski takes us on an emotional journey with a performance of an excerpt from Allen Legacy’s Beyond the Rainbow, a play about a young man struggling to find his way in the world, set against the background of the historical Stonewall Riots to the present. Flerida Peña reads from her comedic one-woman show, Sister Mary’s a Dyke?!, a contemporary story of a young and naïve schoolgirl who is torn between her religious beliefs and her burgeoning lesbianism. Hosting the evening is the fabulous performer, writer, and storytellerTroy Jackson, joined by Ash Jahmori who will be spinning all-night long.

Throughout the evening, visitors are also invited to participate in an interactive arts activity with artist Joanna de los Reyes, and view a selection of short films that tell the stories of LGBTTI2QQ youth, presented in partnership with Inside Out Film Festival. Guests can socialize at our outdoor garden and enjoy virgin cocktails and catered food provided by Fabarnak Restaurant and Catering.

About Scarborough Arts
Scarborough Arts, a non-profit charitable organization, is the only arts organization of its kind specifically serving the Scarborough community through innovative arts and culture programs for citizens of all ages. We bring artists to the community and community to artists.

COME OUT!: A SERIES OF EVENTS CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH 2015
JUNE 16 TO 26, 2015

WHAT:                 Come OUT! Visual Arts Exhibition
WHEN:                 Tuesday, June 16, 2015 until Tuesday, June 26, 2015
WHERE:               The Bluffs Gallery, 1859 Kingston Road, just east of Birchmount

WHAT:                 Come OUT! Conversations and Open Mic Night
WHEN:                 Tuesday, June 16, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE:               The Bluffs Gallery, 1859 Kingston Road, just east of Birchmount
RSVP:                  Contact 416-698-7322 or exhibit@scarborougharts.com

WHAT:                  Come OUT! Closing Reception
WHEN:                  Tuesday, June 23, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
WHERE:                The Bluffs Gallery, 1859 Kingston Road, just east of Birchmount
RSVP:                   Contact 416-698-7322 or exhibit@scarborougharts.com

-from Scarborough Arts newsletter
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