LGBTQ+ in The Land: Winter 2020

Cleveland’s LGBTQ+ community is diverse, vibrant and creative. Whether you’re in for a quiet evening at a bar listening to stories from the community, up for exercise, in need of support, or looking to dance your butt off, there’s a place for you. Check out these events from this winter to connect, inspire, dress up or meet new friends.

Social Justice Teach-In

Feb. 8, 2020 | 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

One of the greatest strengths of the LGBTQ+ Community is that it contains people from all walks of life — immigrants, the incarcerated, the disabled, the homeless and more. Learning the needs of various communities and how our interconnectedness matters is of vital importance to many LGBTQ+ communities. Flex your activism muscles and get involved at this social justice teach-in. Held at the Tinkham Veale University Center at Case Western Reserve University, the event is $15 at the door, or $10 if you pre-register.

LGBTQ +Allies Paint and Sip

Feb. 11, 2020 | 6 p.m.

In this fundraising event for LGBTQ+ services in Lake County, a guided exercise with a skilled instructor will help you produce a colorful willow tree painting at the Candoren Guest House in Painesville. The price of a ticket ($25) includes materials, a glass of wine, appetizers, a raffle ticket and a gift bag. Stick around for trivia and win prizes!

Galentine’s Day Drag Show!

Feb. 13, 2020 | 7–9 p.m.

To celebrate love in all its interpretations, Brewnuts, located in the Gordon Square Arts District, is kicking open the doors for a Galentine’s-themed drag show featuring performances by Aurora Thunder, Peach Fuzz, Anhedonia Delight and Dusty Bucket. It’s an free, non-ticketed, all-ages show. Drag is fun, but so are donuts made with beer. Win win.

Rock and Roll Drag Show

Feb. 14, 2020 | 8 p.m.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with drag performers Joliee Black, Kimmy Katarja, Ramona Rattail, and Magnolia D’Flowered? Join this fabulous crew for music and performance at Mahall’s in Lakewood — the perfect start to a romantic evening. And, in addition to its fantastic show spaces, Mahall’s has bowling, which is arguably romantic. Right? Well, there is drag, which definitely is. There is a $7 suggested donation at the door.

Pride Yoga

Feb. 15, 2020 | 11 a.m.

Keeping a healthy exercise routine when possible is perhaps even more important for the LGBTQ+ community, who report that they are often hesitant to go the doctor’s office on account of potential discrimination. So, the LGBTQ Community Center of Greater Cleveland in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood is offering a series of queer-focused yoga courses to keep your body and mind in their best shape. There is $5 suggested donation at the door.

Let it Out – Let Change Out

March 19, 2020 | 8 p.m.

This free monthly storytelling show hosted by the Side Quest in Lakewood and run by Lou Barrett of Purple Palm Press has a rotating theme. March’s theme is “Change.” Members of the LGBTQ+ community are invited to submit a 10-minute true story through the website, and potentially tell their story to an audience. It’s a great community event – not to mention that the Side Quest, which is a boardgame bar, is just a lot of fun on its own.