17 Gay Things to Do in Philly This Week

The SEXx Interactive Conference, Trixie Mattel comes to Voyeur, pop diva Erika Jayne and more gay things to do in Philly this week.

By Mel Stevens· 5/4/2015, 3:48 p.m.

Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Returns to Philly

This annual LGBT cocktail competition returns to Philly to test out some of our best spirit-slingers. Competitors have the chance to win a trip to Key West to compete in the national leg of the competition, $5,000 for their favorite hometown charity and title of Honorary Grand Marshall at the 2015 Key West Pride Parade. You get to try out delicious cocktails and root on your favorite bartender. Carol Ann Carol Ann hosts. RSVP here so you don't miss out on the fun. Tuesday, May 5th, 7 pm, free, Icandy, 254 South 12th Street.

SEXx Interactive Conference

Led by GALAEI, this multi-day conference dedicated to all things sex runs all weekend long. The interactive series includes forums with sexuality experts, TED-style talks, workshops, films, and performances. Where else can you take classes on boylesque, prostitution laws, and BDSM all in the same place? Runs through Sunday, May 10th, various times, $20-125, Unitarian Universalist Church, 2125 Chestnut Street. —Bryan Buttler

Happy Hour Fundraiser for bare: a pop opera

Meet the cast of Truth Be Told Productions' bare: a pop opera. The show concerns five Catholic boarding school seniors getting ready to start their new journey. There's a particular focus on the relationship between Peter and Jason—the latter being a loner and the former being a popular jock. Click here to donate and learn more about the production. Thursday, May 7th, 6 pm, $10, Tabu, 200 South 12th Street.

Trixie Mattel at Voyeur Nightclub

This season's Drag Race comeback queen, Trixie Mattel, will be a special guest at Mimi Imfurst's Cash 4 Queens. Mattel will be there for a meet and greet beforehand and will stick around to critique the queens clawing for cash in the weekly amateur competition. Buy your tickets here. Thursday, May 7th, 9 pm, $12-$25, Voyeur, 1221 Saint James Street.

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Erika Jayne at Voyeur Nightclub

Up-and-coming electro-pop diva Erika Jayne recently snagged the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart for her single "One Hot Pleasure." She also launched Pretty Mess Records, after her 2009 album. See her perform in Philly this week when she hits Voyeur on her Pretty Mess tour. Buy your tickets here. Friday, May 8th, 10 pm, $10-$15, Voyeur, 1221 Saint James Street.

Cameron Esposito at World Café Live

Out comedian Cameron Esposito and her fiancée Rhea Butcher will perform their LGBTQ-themed comedy this week at World Café Live. You might recognize Esposito from her Buzzfeed videos: Ask a Lesbian, which are hilarious and oh-so-honest. Click here to buy tickets. Friday May 8th, 6:30 pm, $17-$20, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.

Josh Schonewolf's Birthday Extravaganza

A slew of Gayborhood performers are coming together to celebrate the birthday of local party producer Josh Schonewolf (aka the guy who gives them gigs). Look out for performances by Schonewolf Presents favorites like drag queen Mistor Fahrenheit, ukulele whiz Eric Jaffe, singer Larisa Bunch, and burlesque artist Gemini Rose. Friday, May 8th, 7 pm, free, Tavern on Camac, 243 South Camac Street.

Back 2 Basics: Philly Dyke March Fundraiser

This month, Back 2 Basics is throwing its queer dance party to benefit Philly Dyke March. Come out and share your love for your three favorite Ds: dykes, dancing, and drinks. This will also be an official afterparty for SEXx Interactive (more info a few slides back). Saturday, May 9th, 10 pm, $5-$10, Tabu, 200 South 12th Street.

Kricket's Comedy Presents: Loud & Proud Comedy Show

Transgender comedian Julia Scotti joins forces with a gaggle of area LGBT funny folks like, Tim Raymus, Joanne Filan, Alex Pearlman, and Hannah Harkness, to take you to comedy church. Alejandro Morales hosts. Buy your tickets here. Saturday, May 9th, 7 pm, $20, Bull Shooters Saloon, 14000 Bustleton Avenue.

Recurring Events Worth Popping By

Try Monday night quizzo at Tabu with ally Jimmy Viola. (Monday)
Queer Urbanist Exchange (QUE) meets at Ubar to go over their latest projects. (Wednesday)
Brian Sims is hosting a job fair at Peirce College. (Friday)
Sutton Fearce hosts Fearce Frenzy at Philly Benchwarmer's Sports Bar. (Friday)
DTF is DTSEXx at First Unitarian Church. (Friday)
Find out what's making Pissi Myles pissy this month. (Saturday)
Venture Inn crowns a new supreme at Nitty Gritty. (Saturday)
Mirror Mirror Off the Wall promises "the absolute freakiest and strangest in Philadelphia's side show, burlesque, and drag scenes, all under one roof.