There's something about
Queer West Toronto

Queer West Village decidedly progressive and countercultural bent.

The Queer West Inside Story Newspaper published since 1996. Serving the High Park-Parkdale and Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhoods in Toronto Ontario. We're not just an online newspaper; we're a complete resource guide, with detailed listings for: Community Resources - Hotels, B&B, Restaurants, Bars and Clubs Copyrighted 2009. All Rights Reserved. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of The Inside Story or its Publisher Masthead Email edition: Inside Story eBlast

Submission Rules: It couldn't be simpler. Firstly, ALL press releases must be imbedded in the body of the email. We do not open attached files. Secondly,, we do not use photos or logos in the listings section. If we are interested in seeing visuals of the event you are promoting, we will specifically request that you send them. Thirdly, this web site gets an average of 2.8 million visitors who spend 8 to 53 minute here. The Publisher reserves the right to approve, amend or decline copy at their sole discretion and without explanation. (Mo) Bamford., editor insidestory_toronto@yahoo.ca

Double Trouble in Gay Toronto

by Bryen Dunn bryendunn.com
listings compiled by Michael F. Paré,

Toronto is on the list of growing international cities that claim more than one "gay village". As most visitors believe, the Church Street Village (centred around Church and Wellesley streets) is Toronto's gay hub.

If you come for a visit? Remember its a real village, not a tourist desginated area. You won't find a row of gay bars and community centre at one end. You won't find rainbow flags fluttering from every lampost like Church Street. Here you will find an edginess to the neighbourhoods that are a rich mix of populations, gay and straight, young and old, and with a decidedly progressive and countercultural bent.

With cheap rents in rooming houses that younger queers love so much to stately mansions, old factory building and no skyscrapers. It only recently it started gaining recognition as a viable gay alternative to the Church Street Village.

There are no purely gay bars in this part of town; instead there are mixed events and venues that provide a safe and welcoming place to party and be yourself. As well, there are several funky dining establishments and accommodation options so you can actually plan a full itinerary in QW. There are several, that are gay owned. Andy's Pool Hall, Beaver Cafe, Mitzi's Sister and the Cock and Tail, where everyone is welcome.

Queer West Toronto is more of an attitude than an identity—new and radical with a thriving underground gay scene. “I like the diversity here,” explains local Tom Riley, who has lived in the area for 10 years. “This is a fairly tolerant in terms of ethnicity's. As for its attitude toward the gay community…I've had no adverse reactions.”

The Queen West strip (sometimes called “Queer West”) suddenly exploded with the arrival the ever-so-funky venue/hotel The Drake (1150 Queen W). The boutique concept rooms have been featured in magazines, on television and most recently on international flights.

The hip and happening migrate here nightly to be seen or to catch the hottest acts in the city. A cluster of other equally trendy venues soon opened in the vicinity, including The Beaconsfield (1154 Queen W), Lot 16 Bar (1136 Queen W) and the gay-owned Beaver Cafe (1192 Queen W).

Walk past Queen West club like The Social (1100 Queen W.) any given night and there they are, smoking in packs on the sidewalk, skinny jeans, thick-rimmed glasses, ironically ugly cardigans and greasy hair all congealing into a look both meticulous and haggard. Inside, they dance to Madonna and Goldfrapp, Souljah Boy and Faster Pussycat, stopping occasionally to sip bottles of 50 and to pose for photos, that will appear the next morning on blogs like Blogto.com. Just don't call them hipsters, please.

The queers are now migrating even further west along Queen Street into the heart of Parkdale. This area is still gritty enough to provide an edge, yet hip enough for some gentrification to occur alongside traditional Parkdale establishments. It’s not uncommon to see same-sex couples strolling hand-in-hand without anyone skipping a beat.

One of the most popular neighbourhoods in Queer West Toronto is Parkdale. Happening entertainment venues include the Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen W), Stone’s Place (1255 Queen W) and Rhino (1249 Queen W), long-time mainstays of the area that continue to attract devotees to their premises. Last year “The Caddy” doubled its patio size, making it one of Toronto’s largest. Rhino also underwent a facelift and now sports new décor with changing art exhibits. As for Stone’s Place, it’s their eclectic and often gay events that make it interesting. across the street.

Further along is the discreet Café Taste (1330 Queen W). Not to be missed are the great affordable eats at Bacchus Roti (1376 Queen W), regularly voted as one of the best places in the city to buy a roti. Two recently opened establishments are Chino (1378 Queen W), offering Asian cuisine, and Mother India (1456 Queen W), with delectable Indian flavours.

For a quick pint be sure to stop by Not My Dog (1510 Queen St W), a tiny spot with a big attitude. This area is locally known as Little Tibet with the large Tibetan population adding character and flavour to the area, including Tibet Kitchen (1544 Queen W). Mezzrow’s (1598 Queen W) and Mitzi’s Sister (1554 Queen W) are two long-time watering holes that attract the neighbourhood night-owls. Mitzi’s is gay-owned and operated, and Mezzrow’s proudly displays a Pride sticker in their window.

Poor John’s Café (1610 Queen W) is a cozy little shop offering an assortment of baked goods, sandwiches and other delicacies all made onsite. There’s also free WIFI to keep you connected. Rice and Noodle (1690 Queen W) is a great stop for take out before heading down to the lake or over to High Park. Finally on the south side of Queen just before Roncesvalles is Easy Diner (1645 Queen W), around for quite some time and still attracting crowds, especially on weekends when there’s generally a line up. While you’re in this block, be sure to browse the multitude of antique shops. Twenty-something Jonathan who recently moved to the neighbourhood enjoys the alternative scene without the attitude. “I like being able to step outside my door and have options of where to go for queer happenings without having to make my way to the old Gay Village, which is so mundane anyway.”

There are several accommodation options in the area, including the swanky Old Mill Inn and Spa (21 Old Mill Rd) right on the Bloor subway line. This magnificent 59-room, 4-star hotel (circa 1793!) is a historic country retreat along the banks of the city’s Humber River. Those seeking something lighter on the pocketbook should check out Palmerston Inn B & B (322 Palmerston Blvd) or Toronto Townhouse (384 Clinton Avenue). There’s also the economical Travelodge Toronto Downtown West (621 King Street W) with free parking, Internet and breakfast. Day’s Inn (14 Roncesvalles Ave) has great views of Lake Ontario. Be sure to check out other places to stay in the Queer West, Toronto.\

Liberty Village is a neighbourhood in The Queer West Village (King St & Dufferin area). A new 45 acre neighbourhood with easy access to downtown Toronto, as well as the Lake Shore and Gardiner. Nearby is the Martin Goodman trail - ideally suited for running, biking or rollerblading. Liberty Village is unique is a new development project in that it is encompassed with century-brick warehouse buildings now converted to office and recreational use. Numerous amenities such as a sizable 24 Hour Dominion grocery store, video stores, health club, cafes, restaurants, design stores, are all within a short walk. This is an ideal new neighbourhood in downtown Toronto. It is bounded at the north by King Street West, the west by Dufferin Street, the south by the Gardiner Expressway, the east by Strachan Avenue, and the northeast by the CP railway tracks. Liberty Village BIA

Liberty Village is also known for its successful Art and Design studios. Many Canadian and US design firms have located to Liberty Village, creating many jobs for the increasing number of citizens that have moved into the growing neighbourhood.

Gays and Lesbians are now hanging out along Dundas Street W., between Gladstone and Lansdowne, where it's cheap in the western end of Little Portugal (Rua Acores). Places that queers love so much. José Ortega opened Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West, a nightclub specializing in world music and jazz, on Dundas West in 2002, the street was a low-rent zone of bakeries, car garages, sheet metal and plumbing suppliers and a rash of Portuguese sports bars. "Seven years ago, the area had this ugly-duckling vibe," Ortega said. "But ... it felt more authentic, more real, a working-class neighbourhood where artists and bakers and construction workers and store owners come and do their work."

Mr. Ortega has created brightly coloured street banners for Dundas Street West, which feature a pair of open hands cradling a neighbourhood growing beneath a golden sun. "That's what I think of the neighbourhood," Mr. Ortega says from his art studio on Dundas West. "It is vibrant, on the cusp of change, but still friendly and unpretentious.

Last fall Alison Smith Gallery opened at Dundas West and Gladstone, it was the latest sign of the once-homely neighbourhood's transformation. West Side Stories, an LGBT video store at 1499 Dundas St. W. at Dufferin, all opened within the year. Grain, Curd & Bean, 1414 Dundas Street, a high-end cheese shop, specializes in three things: bread, cheese and coffee. More specialty store than cafe, this new spot does have some stools by the front window, but, generally, it's more of a take out spot than somewhere to meet-up, surf WiFi or otherwise pass the time.

She Takes the Cake - Hipster Cafe-Sandwich-Bakery Shop (Street Map) 1600 Dundas St. W. 416-538-2253. Owners Adrienne and Peter Weinberg are very gay positive, how could they be anything but, as Adrienne puts it "our bake shop is in the Lesbian capital of Canada." The Dulce De Leche Cheesecake is to die for, as well as the chocolate bouchon which is a combo of brownie/chocolate cake. Decadent indeed. They also sell fresh Gryfe's bagels. Fair Trade coffee, expressos, hot chocolate and amazing variety of teas.

The place is a few away doors from Central Spa Bathhouse 1610 Dundas Street W. at Brock.Ave. Zoots Cafe, 1438 Dundas Street West one business west of Gladstone north side of street in a former shoe store, is full of character and as much as I would love to keep this wonderful finding all to myself, I have to recommend that you check it out next time you're in the neighbourhood. Bonus: An amazing treasure trove/vintage store in the back for those who get too overcaffeinated and get an urge to get up and shop.

The owners Shawn and Melanie are so easy going and welcoming that the feeling is that you are visiting friends The friendly lesbian Suzette, who works part-time as counter help. Told me, she use to work at Cock and Tail bar on Queen West. But this place is more fun and laid back. Zoots is drawing in a huge lesbian, gay men and queer friendly straight crowd, who mostly sip lattes, type in their Mac's and gossip with friends, maybe because of Suzette. Nice assortment of munchies from cakes, bagels to expresso, to while away the time.

Smith's gallery is the third to open on the strip - after Wil Kusey's LE Gallery to the east and Jessica Bradley Art + Projects to the west. Ms. Bradley, a former curator of contemporary art at the Art Gallery of Ontario, was drawn to the Dundas and Dufferin area three years ago for similar reasons. "I could see what was going on, down on Queen Street, where the rents were doubling and tripling, driving the galleries out. ... When I saw this space, I just thought it was in the right zone."

NACO’S Gallery 647-347-6499 at 1665 Dundas Street West, opened across from St. Anne's Portuguese Catholic Church. Naco gallery aim is to promote culture and enrich community. One way this will be accomplished is through the promotion of local emerging and established visual artists, showcasing video and new media, hosting book readings and other cultural events. As a gallery, their aim will be to promote low rates of a professional gallery wall space. With a progressive and collaborative outlook, they hope to invite artists who are interested in showcasing their work to contact them

NACO Gallery Café serves Mexican inspired Cuisine with an emphasis on healthy, tasty food. They are offering imported food and coffee from Mexico. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is served during special events and regular hours. Naco Gallery on FaceBook

The owner of Naco Gallery, Julian Calleros said "The word Naco in old Mexican Spanish used to mean a low-class, no-class or low educated person. Today, the meaning has changed and everybody, regardless of skin colour, economic, age social and cultural background can be Naco. Nowadays, some people are proud to be Naco and in some cases it is becoming a part of the self identity in various social and economic spheres. It is common to hear someone saying “I am naco, but rich”, or “I am proudly naco” or “I am cool and naco”.

Julian who arrived in Canada when he was 17, nine years ago is an out and proud gay Mexican, very supportive of queer artists, being one himself. He plans many shows for queer Latin artists living in the Queer West Village. Many Mexicans live, work and play a little further north up around Dufferin and Bloor St. W., and Calleras hopes many of them, will start coming down to his gallery. Naco Gallery is home to the popular Wilde Chats Philosophy Cafe every Sunday, Queer men creating community

The Hen House opened late fall 2008, 1532 Dundas St W. 416-534-5939 on north side. Did attract lesbian/ gay crowd when first opened, now mostly a straight crowd. Not a great place to go if you single. You won't find any community information or brochures on other queer neighborhood events in area. No DJ or live music. Domestic beer is cheap, $4 a bottle and only Creemore Cream Ale on tap at $5.00 a pint. Open 6 PM to 3 AM, best to go Friday or Saturday night, when the 1950 juke box is jumping. Cash only. $$ Affordable Little Portugal (Rua Acores) neighbourhood. Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

For more on the Little Portugal neighbourhood, see this recent news story: Wednesday June 17, 2009 - CTV News Channel - Toronto's other gaybourhood shows its stripes with Queer West Fest: Saira Peesker cp24.com

Queer West Toronto, Ontario is located along Queen St W., in High Park/Parkdale and Trinity Bellwoods, making this is one of the largest queer neighbourhoods in North America. Toronto's QWT boasts some of the most beautiful parkland and nature trails in the city. Although known mostly for its wild nightlife, there are dozens of bistros, boutiques, antique shops, galleries and book stores galore, mixed in with trendy cafés and restaurants providing the perfect meeting place to chill or hang out with friends. It’s a bohemian paradise with extraordinary ethnic diversity that offers gay visitors amazing cuisine, affordable prices, and dining among interesting, historic neighborhoods. Queer West - Photo Albums

IF YOU COME

Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has service on nearly every major airline. Toronto is also severed by VIA Rail. As well, it’s within easy driving distance of many eastern Canadian and US centres. Over View of The City of Toronto, Ontario

EAT:

Beaver Café, 1192 Queen Street West, 416 537-2768 – Serving healthy creations during the day and providing queer entertainment at night. Complete meals for around $10.00. Check local listings for evening events

Easy Restaurant, 1645 Queen Street West, 416 537-4893 – A diner of sorts serving huge mouth watering portions. Their specialty is breakfast and located steps from the lakefront so you can walk it all off afterward. Complete meals for around $15.00. Licensed but not open in the evenings.

Mitzi’s Café and Mitzi’s Sister – the cozy Café in picture (100 Sorauren Avenue - 416 588-1234) is a haven for weekend brunch. Complete meals for around $15.00. The bigger Sister (1554 Queen Street West - 416 532-2570) offers an assortment of meals and is a hotbed for local evening entertainment. Serves upscale pub-grub with complete meals including beverage for around $20.00. There’s never a cover charge and both gay owned.

There are now over 70, safe friendly Bars, Cafes and Restaurants, where owners, welcome all orientations. There have been no reports of gay bashings since 1978, in the QWT. For travel visitors, there are now over 500 queer events in theatres,cinemas, galleries, bars, cafes, Restaurants and the community every day of the week, in Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

MARRIAGE:

It's official! At 6:09 pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2005, the Equal Marriage Bill was proclaimed into law in Canada, making it legal for same-sex couples to exchange vows from coast to coast. Two years previously, the Province of Ontario, announced the legalization of same-sex marriage on July 12, 2002, and as a result hundreds of couples from around the world have come to Ontario and other regions of our province to legally exchange vows.

Marriage requirement for the Province of Ontario: Marriage licenses, valid anywhere in Ontario for three months from the date of issue, cost about $83 and are available from any municipal office in Ontario. Both parties must sign an application form and submit it in person, along with a passport or birth certificate and one other photo I.D. There are no residency or citizenship requirements, and a blood test is not required.

Same sex marriage information and requirements for Province of Ontario and City of Toronto, official government websites. Gay Weddings Toronto Inc. Wedding planners: traditional, contemporary and post-modern services. Telephone: 416 969 9191 Email: info@gayweddingstoronto.com | www.gayweddingstoronto.com/

PRAY:

Christos Metropolitan Community Church A friendly Christian church for all people, with a special outreach for the GLBT community for 18 years. Worship services are held each Sunday at 7 pm. at Trinty-St.Paul's United Church, 427 Bloor St. W. 416/925-7924 ChristosMCC.com The Annex neighbourhood

Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church, Welcomes all people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations. Besides usual church programs and services, it offers advocacy for refugees and recent immigrants. EHP is located at 214 Wright Avenue, at the corner of Wright and Roncesvalles in the city's west end. To reach us by subway, go to the Dundas West Station, and get on the 504 street car. Get off in front of the public library at Fern. The church is half a block north on the west side. 416-536-1755: www.ehpchurch.org | Minister Philip Cable:cable.philip@gmail.com.

St. John's Anglican Church - 288 Humberside Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. Telephone: 416-763-2393 The parish of St. John's serves the neighbourhoods of historic West Toronto (Parkdale-High Park) including the Bloor West Village. St John's, is a church that welcomes and affirms gays and lesbians.

SLEEP:

Day’s Inn Toronto West Lakeshore, 14 Roncesvalles Ave, 416 532 9900, Rates from $74.00 to $169.00 depending on season. A five-minute walk to Sunnyside Beach at Lake Ontario, and includes breakfast. daysinn.ca

Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St W, 416 531 5042, 19 rooms. Chosen by Travel and Leisure Magazine is one of the world's top 500 hotels in 2006. Rates from $179.00 to $289.00 for individually artist designed rooms. Choose based on your mood swings at check-in time. thedrakehotel.ca

The Old Mill Inn & Spa, 21 Old Mill Road, 416 236 2641. In 1793 the Kings Mill - the forerunner to Today's Old Mill - was built in order to process lumber for the first homes in Toronto. Rates from $219.00 to $659.00 depending on season. A classic addition to the historic Old Mill Restaurant, Meeting and Conference facility. On the banks of the Humber River. Right on the Bloor Subway line. This exclusive Boutique Inn incorporates, 59 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, together with a pampering Spa. oldmilltoronto.com

Young Man - Global Village Backpackers Youth Hostel is the place you should go. Young man, there's no need to feel down. You can get yourself clean. You can have a good meal. You can nap whenever you feel. Cost: $24.50 (dorm); $150.00 (weekly dorm rate); Queer West Toronto's Original and Largest Backpackers Hostel offers the ultimate Downtown Experience in the heart of Canada's most vibrant city! Now GVB is your home in Toronto, and the perfect hub for independent youth and student travellers. Global Village Backpackers, just steps away from all Toronto's top tourist attractions and Queer West's Entertainment District. Facilities include 24 hr reception, Free breakfast, Free wireless internet, huge common areas, self-serve kitchen, laundry, daily tours, stunning outdoor patio and Toronto's only in-house Backpackers Departure Lounge, a fun place to hang. GBV .460 King Street West, at Spadina.Tel: (416) 703-8540 Fax: (416) 703-3887 Tollfree: 1 (888) 844-7875 Website: www.globalbackpackers.com

VIDEO TOUR:

Video Tours of Gay Toronto's - Queer West neighbourhoods. Toronto's queer west end, is not so much a part of the city as a collection of small villages. Parkdale in the heart of Queer West Toronto, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city dating back to 1879. Parkdale Running through the village is a beat driven queer street which, defies the ordinary Canadian stereotype with its live lingerie models and progressive music scene Queen Street West

In the 1920's, Kensington was know as the Jewish Market. Today, you can sense the city's funky, multicultural mix in shops packed with goods from Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, South America and Asia. Kensington Market No other neighborhood has quite as much charm as The Annex in Toronto. Unique shops and abundant ethnic restaurants reflect its artsy, diverse population. Annex Part of Toronto's queer west end includes the, quintessential Chinatown that rivals all other chinatowns around North America. Chinatown Liberty Village in Parkdale, has become a haven for artists, actors and other madly creative types. Liberty Village Funky stores on West Queer West

by Bryen Dunn bryendunn.com
Listings compiled by Michel F. Paré.