LGBTQ+

The Umbrae Noctis Festival is elated to announce 3 different movement workshops with the illustrious headliners and feature performers. Take class with local sensation Asteria Atombomb, Burlesque Hall of Fame title holder Moscato Sky, and/or Dragula season 4 runner-up Throb Zombie.

November 14: Are you stuck doing the same repetitive movements onstage? Trying to tell a story but can't find the actions to fit the narrative? Then this workshop is for you! Asteria will use her decades of experience in dance, theater, and artistic direction to help you create a compelling act. Through a series of dance and improvisational exercises, attendees will explore various ways to incorporate movement into a compelling storyline. Walk away feeling confident in getting your point across on the stage and leaving audiences wowed. Bring a journal and writing utensils. Clothes that are easy to move in.

November 14: Take your chair work to the next level with the them fatale of burlesque, Moscato Sky. This class will begin with a warm-up to prepare students to learn innovative ways to use this classic prop, how to maneuver on and off the chair with ease and grace, and exciting tricks that will stun any audience. In this workshop-style class, students will be challenged to create new movement pathways, explore obscure approaches to chair work, and walk away with tools to generate chair choreography.

This class is designed for students with a movement background or previous chair and floor work experience and may not be appropriate for people with serious knee and back injuries. However, all levels are welcome as this class acts as a lab and encourages exploration. Wear yoga or dance clothes you can move freely in. Knee pads are encouraged but not required.

November 15: Hump and Grind: Masc Movement and Choreography with Throb Zombie. Hump and Grind is an energetic and sexy dance class for kings or anyone who is ready to move. Taught by one of the most prolific, current dancing drag kings in the industry and iconic himbo, Throb Zombie.

Class will entail:

• A stretch/warmup
• Introduction to posture/masculine body movement
• Transitions/specific moves that can work for all dance levels from beginner to advanced
• Commanding space with presence
• A short choreography sequence
• Don’t be scared! While this class dares to challenge you, all levels are welcome. Come gyrate, grow, and get ready to sweat with the boys.
• Students must bring clothes they are comfortable moving in and are strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle and knee pads.

Join a special evening with trailblazing drag artist, activist, and political candidate Marti Cummings and Portland-based constitutional law professor and author Robin Maril. Before the film, Marti and Robin will sit down for a live conversation about queer representation, civic engagement, and the power of showing up for your community. The conversation will be moderated by Kyndall Mason of Basic Rights Oregon.

Following the conversation, stick around for Queen of New York, the acclaimed documentary following Marti Cummings’ groundbreaking 2020 campaign to become one of the first openly nonbinary members of the New York City Council. This evening also celebrates the launch of Robin Maril’s new book, A Queer Guide to Saving American Democracy. Copies will be available for purchase on site.

ON SCREEN: Queen of New York

2023. Directed by Emma Fidel. Runtime: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Welcome to a different kind of drag race. As NYC emerges from the chaos of 2020, Marti Cummings (they/them), an audacious and big-hearted drag queen, goes all out in a historic bid to become a City Councilperson. It’s one of the most hotly contested Council races in years, and Marti’s strongest competitor is Shaun Abreu, a tenants’ lawyer with deep roots in the district’s Latinx community. As these first-timers race to do the most good for their Upper Manhattan neighbors, they offer very different visions for Democratic politics — one in a suit and tie, the other in combat boots and floral print. As this immersive documentary reveals, Marti’s passion inspires queer activists and allies to change the political system. Their campaign becomes a community of its own, especially for Marti’s non-binary peers who have never before seen themselves represented.

Get into historic gay business. Join a talk that explores the lives, loves, and drama of our gay ancestors. No salacious stone will be left unturned.

You’ll defend (or disparage) the reputation of gay men of yesteryear by voting KISS, MARRY, or DIVORCE. Be gay and have fun.

Cited by The Portland Mercury as "One of the funniest (and most educational) comedy shows in town": Comedy, queer history, and dangerously delightful shenanigans collide at Be Gay Do Crime.

July features a Know Your Rights presentation by community activist Frances Portillo, with scenarios acted out in sections by the featured BIPOC improv troupe Brown Sugar.

**This presentation is specifically geared towards allies wanting to know more about how to support their immigrant and BIPOC neighbors and community members.**

Also featuring the talents of local comedians and performers, including:

• Stand-up comedy from Lindy Tongol (Host of qu eer, BIPOC show House Party)
• Improv from Brown Sugar
• Stand-up from Julia Corral (host of Comedy in the Park, House Party, and Bruja-ja)

July's show will be hosted by Jane Dillinger and Jenna Britann.

Tickets are GAYAF — give as you’re able, friend. Ticket sales will go towards compensating the hosts and performers. All additional tips collected during the show will support a different local community non-profit organization each month.

(Please note, this show is about history and adult themes, and adult content is often included, including themes of violence, racial discrimination, homophobia, sexual violence, sexual content, drug use, mature language, etc. There are also "dishonorable guests" whose comedy or artistic material could include similar themes. Recommended for ages 14+ and parental discretion for those under age 18.)

Join us in an Analog-Style listening space, where Adult patrons and Teens (16+) who identify as Two-Spirit/LGBTQ+, and allies, can enjoy culturally relevant and identity-supporting media and learn more about local Two-Spirit resources. As part of this series, we will explore analog media and hand-made projects.

Explore green tea as a pathway to clarity in a guided tasting class centered on presence, flavor, and mindful attention. Participants will engage with the leaf’s story through taste, reflection, and conversation, discovering how each infusion can foster serenity and a felt connection to nature’s wisdom. A sliding scale contribution supports access and sustainability, with $35 suggested and the option to offer $25, $35, or more as means allow. A $15 option is available for BIPOC participants to honor equity and reduce barriers. If pricing remains a concern, arrangements can be made to keep this experience within reach. All are welcome in a space grounded in care, openness, and community, where every person is valued. To support those with sensory sensitivities, participants are asked to avoid strong fragrances. Respect for personal boundaries helps nurture a setting where meditation, tea, and queer belonging can flourish. Five dollars from each participant will be donated to Q Center, supporting LGBTQ2SIA+ communities through advocacy, resources, and safe spaces. The gathering is guided by D’Guar (They/Them), a trans person of color, tea guide, and community weaver rooted in Portland, Oregon, whose practice with Camellia sinensis blends learning with reverence through ritual and story. Through Water Fairy Tea, they cultivate spaces where tea becomes a companion in personal discovery, collective care, and relationship with the natural world. This work honors the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Clackamas, Chinook, Kathlamet, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other Indigenous peoples, with gratitude for their enduring presence, care, and wisdom.

Contra Remix: gender-free queer-friendly DJ‘d contra dancing. Also keep spreading the good word to continue filling up the hall with even more of our friends and new friends we haven‘t met yet! Contra Remix is back, with caller and DJ Noah Grunzweig. This is a queer loving space that supports the expression, exploration, and rejection of gender & sex identities. The terms used to identify partnered positioning in our dance are Larks and Robins. Community welcome and newcomers‘ lesson at 6:30 pm; dance 7-10 Admission: $6-$20 sliding scale New Location! Norse Hall, upstairs - 111 NE 11th Ave, Portland Mask Policy All regular Contra and English dances will be mask-optional. Vaccination Policy PCDC no longer requires proof of vaccination, but we continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated. While currently available COVID-19 vaccines no longer do much to prevent transmission, they continue to be effective for protecting oneself from more serious illness.