Fall into the first weekend of October with your Big Gay Guide.
FRIDAY
Book reading
What: Hear live readings, “Awakenings,”selected by Lambda LitFest, of literary works of stories about people’s lives and events that have contributed to LGBTQ social and spiritual awakenings.
When: 6-10 p.m.
Where: Founders Metropolitan Community Church
Admission: No cover; free tickets here.
Billy Strayhorn, a composer-arranger and protégé of Duke Ellington, revolutionized the American jazz movement in the mid 20th century with his pioneering music skills. Strayhorn also lived his life as an openly gay man during an oppressive and homophobic era. Photo: William Gottlieb
Billy Strayhorn
What: “Halfway to Dawn” tells the story of jazz genius Billy Strayhorn, a groundbreaking composer-arranger during the American jazz movement of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s and protégé of Duke Ellington, who never received the credit he deserved.
When: 8:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Redcat
Tickets: $12-$15
Dance Party
What: Celebrate Libra season by dancing at this 21+ “Gay Asstrology” dance party in Silver Lake.
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: The Satellite
Admission: Free before 10 p.m., $5 after. Libras free all night.
SATURDAY
Disneyland Gay Days
What: Be out and proud at the during Gay Days at happiest place on Earth.
When: 8 a.m.-midnight
Where: Disneyland
Tickets: Disneyland park $117, park hopper ticket $167.
The Tom of Finland home, a two-story Echo Park residence, is home to the Tom of Finland Foundation, which hosts many events on site. Photo: Adrian Scott Fine/L.A. Conservancy
Tom of Finland Festival
What: The Tom of Finland Foundation has scheduled a two-day festival with food and drinks, an art fair, life drawing session, readings, and film screenings at the Tom of Finland house, a famous Los Angeles erotic art house.
When: noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Tom of Finland House
Tickets: $10 per day
Equality Fashion Week
What: Equality Fashion Week is four days of queer fashion, models, and designers at the Montrose West Hollywood. This event will
break all the rules and defy conventional standards with a loud message of diversity and inclusion,
When: 4 – 7 p.m. Saturday-Tuesday at the rooftop Tone Lounge
Where: Montrose West Hollywood.
Admission: Free
Nik Kacy Footwear is one of the queer designers who will display their collection during Equality Fashion Week in West Hollywood. Photo: Rob Eves.
SUNDAY
Short Film Festival
What: Watch short films (30 minutes or less) about topics across the LGBTQ spectrum.
When: Saturday programs at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Sunday programs at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Where: West Hollywood City Council Chambers
Tickets: Single program $10, festival pass $35. All proceeds go towards the AIDS Walk Los Angeles.
Coffee, Donuts
What: After struggling to stay open, Cuties coffee is potentially closing down if they don’t meet their Patreon goal of $12,000 by November 1. Since this could be the end of the world for Cuties, event attendees are encouraged to dress in their best apocalyptic future fashions, Mad Max inspired gear, and nuclear fallout looks.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Cuties Coffee
Admission: No cover
Best in Drag
What: A drag show that will benefit the Alliance for Housing and Healing.
When: 5:30 p.m. pre-show party; 7 p.m. show
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Tickets: $50-$500
