Legendary Toronto-based artist, filmmaker, writer and photographer Bruce LaBruce takes over First Thursdays to celebrate the launch of Toronto's first-ever Pride Month, with a series of electrifying performances exploring diverse visions of queerness.

Internationally celebrated queer artist Ron Athey, who has been at the forefront of his field since the 1980s, will present his performance Apotheosis, a very corporeal deconstruction of the queer body through the lens of camp aesthetics and political intervention. Also performing will be New York-based Narcissister who similarly plays with the historical and political paradoxes of female representation relative to race, gender and feminism, with pop songs, elaborate costumes, contemporary dance, and her trademark doll mask. In a darkened gallery, musician and artist No Bra will perform her music, which like her work challenges easy conceptions of gender and sexual identity from a stark and unique feminist perspective. And finally, Gio Black Peter, the internationally renowned queer musician and artist, will act as both Special DJ and Minister in Charge of Insane Party Atmosphere.

Additional programming highlights include pop-up talks, art-making activities, Out of the Vaults pop-up exhibition, a one-night-only selection of prints & drawings generously supported by the Volunteers of the AGO, as well as special selections of thematic food from Night Market.

Presented in partnership with Inside Out LGBT Film Festival & Pride Toronto.

For programming updates, follow the #AGO1st hash tag on Twitter and Instagram. And don't forget to RSVP to this event on Facebook.