8 Gay Things to Do in Philly This Week: Giovanni’s Room Re-Opens, Summer Kamp Comes to An End, OurNightOut, and More
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What's Gay This Week at FringeArts
The 2014 FringeArts festival moves into its first week, and there are lots of LGBT-centric productions to see, like Truth Be Told Productions's Bent, which opens September 11th, and Gunnar Montana's Resurrection Room opens September 12th. Then there are the shows that have already started: Brian Sanders JUNK's sexy Suspended, and Tribe of Fools' Two Street are two particular must-sees. For the full lineup of this week's LGBT-centric shows, and some that are opening down the road, go here.


Summer Kamp Finale
This Tabu competition to find the Gayborhood's best triple threat performer comes to an end Tuesday night, when one of the top four contestants, Rachel Pinkstone, Lexi Schreiber, Kate Coyne, and Chad Parsons, will be named winner. For the finale, the entire cast of Summer Kamp will return to put on a few more numbers. Ian Morrisson (aka Brittany Lynn) and Josh Schonewolf host. Tuesday, September 9th, Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 South 12th Street.


Battle of the Burger
Join us for Philadelphia Magazine's second annual Battle of the Burger, the carnivorous throw-down that will crown one burger the best in Philly. At this ultimate cook-off, guests can enjoy unlimited samples of all 20 competing burgers (!), sip Amstel Light, and cast a vote for their favorite contender. There will be music, games, and activities to enjoy, as well, if you can fight off the inevitable food coma. More information is available here. Tickets can be purchased online. Wednesday, September 10th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., $50-60, The Piazza at Schmidt's, 1001 North 2nd Street.


Trick / Another Gay Movie Screening
Two gay movies many of us cut our teeth on—Trick and Another Gay Movie—get back-to-back screen time at Tavern on Camac's weekly film series, hosted by the oh-so-lovely Ashley Coleman. Wednesday, September 10th, free, Tavern on Camac, 243 South Camac Street.


Sex, Intimacy & Relationships in the Digital Age
Therapist and author of Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men Robert Weiss is leading this discussion at William Way that "explores gay male relationships, love and connection in the age of internet dating and hook-up apps." Weiss will share ways in which gay men can "learn to find closeness, intimacy, and love in a world where all men are taught to compete and win, rather than affiliate and connect." Mazzoni Center's Open Door Counseling Program is co-presenting the free event. There will be book giveaways and signings. Thursday, September 11th, 6 p.m., free, William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street.


Our Night Out at The Pyramid Club
The first Our Night Out, the monthly networking event hosted by Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (DVLF), kicks off high above the city at The Pyramid Club. The occasion will also serve as the official kick of for DVLF's late-fall benefit soiree for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, TOY. Thursday, September 11th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., free, The Pyramid Club, 1735 Market Street.


Sissy Hop at The Dolphin
If you're looking for a unique dancing alternative this week head to The Dolphin Tavern on Thursday night for its monthly queer dance party, Sissy Hop. This month around Cutn Paste DJs Precolumbian and Nolita Selector remix popular oldies—from girl group to funk to Motown. You better believe it'll be one of the most danceable nights in town. Thursday, September 11th, 10 p.m., The Dolphin Tavern, 1539 South Broad Street.


Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room Soft Opening
Philadelphia AIDS Thrift moves into Giovanni's Room this week, resurrecting the historic book store as a secondhand shop / bookstore. It's getting a "soft launch" on Friday. Owners are going to "open the doors and see what happens." Some of the merchandise that will be available for purchase that day is a handful of new books, like lesbian erotica anthology When She Was Good, and Rod Bellamy's steamy Mississippi Hustler. Plus there will be a bunch of collectibles and clothing. Keep an eye out for a pair of leather chaps and some Elvis knickknacks out the yang. Friday, September 12th, 11 a.m., Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room, 345 South 12th Street.
