Archive | December, 2017

What’s On East Van: December 29, 2017 Edition

29 Dec

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Lots happening in East Van being New Year’s Eve is this Sunday.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week which highlights some of the New Year celebrations. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Community Skate at PNE Agrodome – December 29, 2017 + January 3, 2018

PNE Agrodome is hosting ice skating Friday, December 29th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Cost is $3 for adult, $2.50 for youth/senior, $2 for kids 3-12 and kids under 2 are free. Note, there are no skate rentals or helmets, you will need to bring your own. If you miss the skate on December 29th, it happens again January 3rd and 5th same time.

New Year’s Eve In East Van  – December 31, 2017 

You have a number of choices depending on what you are looking for.  If you are looking for dinner and dancing, we recommend Federico’s Supper Club. Perfect venue with great food, excellent service, dancing and a great night out.  If you prefer something a little on the naughty side, you may wish to check out Patrick Maliha’s 5th Annual Naughty Little New Year’s Eve Party at The Rio Theatre.  If you are looking for a family night out, Rocky Mountain Flatbread on Main Street is again hosting a 3 course dinner for adults and kids which includes pizza or pasta making.  For a laid back adult evening, Bodega on Main is hosting a casual event starting at 10:30 pm with a live DJ. There is a $20 cover charge which gets you in the door with a glass of champagne and canapes served which are served until 4:00 am.  The Cascade Room is hosting a British themed New Year’s Eve party from 2:00 pm as well as a  Late Night Menu from 10 pm to 2 am.

Transit Free – New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2017 to January 1, 2018

For those planning a night out this New Year’s Eve, we hope you plan to travel safe. We know all too well, cabs are near impossible to find. So keep in mind, transit is free from 5:00 pm on December 31st to 5:00 am on January 1st with an extended service. To see, what service is available, check out the Holiday Schedule which we’ve included a link to.

New Year’s Day In East Van – January 1, 2017 

Peruvian restaurant, ChiCha’s in Mount Pleasant is doing an New Year’s Brunch all day long. We hear it’s happy hour all brunch long.  Britannia Ice Rink at the Britannia Community Centre is hosting a free skate from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

East Van Panto – York Theatre – Until January 6th

This is your last week to catch the fun that is the East Van Panto on now at The York Theatre until January 6, 2018.  This is one show you don’t want to miss. Great family fun, the music alone is worth attending, but the performance, storylines and few political jabs just too much fun to pass up. Tickets start at $22. For  more information, check our recent write on the East Van Panto.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

Looking to take in a classic movie?  The Rio Theatre is featuring The Shining this Saturday, December 30th at 7:30 pm   Don’t forget the Winter farmer markets are not on this weekend at either Nat Bailey Stadium or Hastings Park. They will return next weekend.   To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

Some Delish Cooking Classes Coming In 2018

27 Dec

EastCountryPatesA New Year is upon us.  Who hasn’t made a resolution to learn something new.  We try and kick our cooking skills up a notch.  Thus love spending time at cooking classes learning new dishes especially this time of year when it’s cold outside.  We’ve put together a selection of upcoming classes whether you are a beginner or seasoned cook, we are sure you can take away something from these classes to do at home.

French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pâtés – Uncommon Cafe – January 24, 2018

Valentine of Tartine Maple introduces a cooking class series that will take you on a culinary tour of France. Each class in the series brings you food from a different region of France. While learning about culinary and cultural facts, Valentine will prepare a main dish and sides typical of the chosen region. The first class in this series begins January 24th entitled French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pates. This class will focus on East “Terroir”. You will learn to make:

  • Chicken Liver Mousse: The easiest pate.
  • “Terrine Campagnard”. A rich meat pâté, delicious served for appetizer with bread and pickles.
  • Pâté en Croûte: the richness of a warm porc and poultry pâté cooked in puff pastry.

After the class, you get to sit in the restaurant and enjoy the food with a glass of wine. For $65, you get a cooking class, great meal and bit of a culinary tour. To register, visit Eventbrite.

The Raspberry Trio – Gourmet Warehouse – February 4, 2018 

Chef Steven Hodge, Owner/Chef of West Vancouver’s “Temper Pastry & Chocolate” hosts this demonstration class.  You will learn three different techniques to use raspberries in a dessert to create some amazing dishes including:RaspberryTrioGourmetWarehouse

  • Light raspberry mousse
  • Raspberry gelee
  • Dark chocolate sponge
  • Raspberry spherification

After class, everyone has the opportunity to shop in store at Gourmet Warehouse with a 10% discount on items purchased the day of your class. Cost of the class is $79. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.

Thai Home Cooking – Gourmet Warehouse – March 18, 2018 

In this demonstration class, you will learn classic Thai cooking techniques and get to know some staple Thai ingredients including how to buy, use and store them. You will learn to make the following dishes:

  • Coconut Galangal chicken soupThaiHomeCookingGW
  • Corn Cucumber salad with salted duck eggs
  • Eggplant & pork stir-fry with Thai basil
  • Red curry chicken with kabocha squash

After class, everyone has the opportunity to shop in store with a 10% discount on items purchased the day of your class. Cost of the class is $79. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.

Bon appetit!

Merry Christmas, Buon Natale, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Frohe Weihnachten East Vancouver

24 Dec

MerryXmas

Merry Christmas

Frohe Weihnachten

Buon Natale

 Joyeux Noël

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Natal

Maligayang PaskoSretan Božić

Vrolijk kerstfeest

 Wesołych Świąt

Καλά Χριστούγεννα

Super Valu – 24/7 365 Days A Year

21 Dec

FruitColourfulWho has not been stuck preparing for dinner and realized you forgot that one thing you needed for a recipe, or had unexpected company and you don’t quite have enough of something. Did you know that the Super Valu at 1st Avenue & Commercial Drive is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year? Yup, that means on Christmas Day when everything else is closed, Super Valu is there for you in your hour of need to save the day.  After stopping in last year shortly after Christmas, we learnt that people travelled quite a distance from outlying areas just to pick up a few needed items.  For those making the trip by car, there is free underground parking for the first 45 minutes, you just need to register your license plate at a machine near the elevator in the parkade which will issue you a receipt. If you need to grab some fresh flowers as a hostess gift, they’ve got you covered there as well.  If you are a senior, take note on Wednesdays, you can do your shop and have your groceries delivered to your door within a 5 KM radius FREE of charge. If you are a senior you can get your groceries delivered any other day of the week for $5.50.   If you are a non-senior, delivery is an option for you as well for $10 they will deliver them to you within a 5 KM radius.  Note, they will even be doing deliveries on December 24th, but not December 25th and 26th.  We think having a grocery store open 24/7 365 days a year is a pretty cool thing to have in one’s back yard. Nice to know they are there if you need them.

Giving The Gift Of Experience This Holiday Season – 2017

20 Dec

JustForYouGiftsIt’s that time of year when gift giving is front of mind for the holiday season.  We love to receive thoughtful gifts over the holiday season, but with more people downsizing and living in condos, space becomes an issue.  Thus, over the years we have been fans of  giving the gift of experience. Not only is it fun, but you are also creating memories, not just for the few minutes you are opening your gift, but for the many hours while the recipient enjoys the gifted experience. In East Vancouver, there are some great options for gifting an experience. We have set out below a sampling of ideas that speak to us.

Vancouver Brewery Tours

Founded in 2013, Vancouver Brewery Tours offers behind the scences excursions to craft breweries.. Vancouver Brewery Tours offers walking tours as well as ones in their comfortable vans that take you to various breweries for some VIP treatment.  From first hand experience, we can attest that tour guides are knowledgeable about beer, the brewing process and the collaborative community behind the making of beer.  They offer a variety of tours on different days of the weekend and/or weekends. To see what’s offered, visit Vancouver Brewery Tours.

Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing

What about a gift certificate for an evening of dinner and dancing? Federico’s Supper Club offers amazing Italian food, wine and impeccable service. You will regularly find owner, Federico Fuoco, belting out tunes but they regularly bring in lots of local talent to mix things up including nights featuring ABBA music, 80s and R&B.

Les Amis Du Fromage – Wine & Cheese Tasting

If you know someone that loves cheese, you may wish to consider purchasing a ticket(s) to one of Les Amis Du Fromage’s upcoming wine & cheese tasting classes in 2018. They have some delicious classes lined up for the New Year.

The Gourmet Warehouse – Cooking Classes

Have a foodie in your life that loves cooking? Or someone that wishes to kick up their cooking skills a notch to impress that special someone? The Gourmet Warehouse offers some delicious and fun cooking classes. In the New Year they are offering the art of cheesemaking and these ones tend to sell out. Most classes are demonstration vs. hands on, but certainly informative.  

The Cultch – Live Theatre

This is a favourite spot of ours. The Cultch has an amazing array of talent that graces their stages whether drama, comedy, musical, historical, they cover all the bases. In the New Year, first on our list is Hot Honey Brown, but there are many other great productions already lined up.

Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours

The ladies behind Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours provide some delicious walking tours in which you get to taste your way around the City. Every tour offers something a little different, but always tasty.  It’s a fun way to spend some time with friends. To see what tours are offered, visit Off The Eaten Track Tours.

The gift of experience is a gift that keeps on giving, the memories will stay with them for many years to come.  Add to that, it’s eco-friendly and supports local. Win win all around as we see it.

Shop Local With These East Van Shops

19 Dec

WhiteChristmasFinished your Christmas shopping? If not, the countdown is on. We recommend skipping the craziness that is the malls. Why not stop into one of these great local businesses that will a) not only appreciate the business, but b) offer some truly great service.  We’ve set out a few of our favourite spots we think are great for gift giving. Note, many of the stores have extended hours this week to help you with your Christmas shopping.

Les amis du fromage – 843 East Hastings Street

For the cheese lover, this is a great spot, but that’s not all they have.  They have a host of kitchen accessories and gourmet condiments perfect for giving gift.  Add to that, they are hosting a Sweet Pop Up Shop with delish items from Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar until December 24th.  If you know a true cheese lover, take note of their upcoming Wine & Cheese Tasting classes in the New Year.

Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 East Hastings Street

Who does not love to receive great food at Christmas?  There is such an array of delectable food items in store at Gourmet Warehouse whether for entertaining over the holidays or gift giving.  You can find just about everything here whether it’s small appliances, knives, condiments, baking items or maybe a gift certificate for an upcoming cooking class. There are lots of great gift ideas in store.  This week, they are making it easy for you. Gourmet Warehouse is open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm until December 22nd. Saturday, December 23rd 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and December 24th 8:30 to 4:30 pm.

Bird On A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street

Bird On A Wire Creations is located near Kingsway on Main Street and features a host of new as well as established Canadian artists. They have an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind items.    If you missed artisan markets and craft fairs, you will find many of local makers in this store.  They are are open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm this week.

Giving Gifts Co., 4570 Main Street

Giving Gifts is a unique concept store made up of 5 rooms with items from over 70 local artists and small businesses in one lovely boutique shop.  The items are also eco-friendly and fair trade made. This store also has a great selection of gifts for kids and toddlers.

Little Mountain Pop Up Shop, 4386 Main Street

The Little Mountain Pop Up Shop is currently hosting ‘Holid-eh!’ featuring over 20 Canadian makers.  A few participants include Fox & Fancy, Bar Skin Bar, True North Trading Post and more.  They are open for holiday shopping until December 24th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and for those last minute shoppers, December 24th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Olive & Wild, 4391 Main Street

If you are looking for some beautiful unique home décor items for gift giving this year, we recommend checking out Olive & Wild. Lots of beautiful items in store sourced locally and globally.

Second Nature Home, 3565 Commercial Street

Second Nature Home is great little shop just steps away from the Commercial Street Café in a great little stretch of road nestled next to the Toso Wood Gallery.  It boasts an array of eco-friendly items from Canadian artisans many of them local.  There is a wide selection of products and we might add great knowledgeable service. This week, they are open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday, December 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive

Doctor Vigari on The Drive boasts quite a collection of art from BC and Canadian artists whether you are looking for large or small pieces, there’s lots of choose from including tiles, prints, jewellery, sculptures, furniture, ceramics and much more.  Also framing is available in store to finish off that perfect piece of art whether purchased in store or elsewhere.

Lala’s On The Drive, 1748 Commercial Drive

A newer addition to The Drive, Lala’s has an array of gift giving items, some silly, some sassy, many just plain fun.  Lots of unique items for gift giving.

Wherever you shop, we hope you will continue to support our local businesses.

 

Hot Honey Brown At The York Theatre January 9 – 27, 2018

18 Dec

HotHoneyBrown4This January, The Cultch presents a production that promises to turn up the heat with Hot Brown Honey. This smash hit from Australia took the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm with a group of six sassy women who know how to make some noise and defiantly smash stereotypes.  We see this as part of the evolution of our changing cultural landscape as it relates to women.    The #metoo campaign shook the tree, we think Hot Honey Brown lends voice to some of the empowerment that comes from stepping out of the shadows and speaking up. See a production that speaks with sass along with hip hop, dance, poetry, comedy, circus, song and striptease to push boundaries and defy labels.  We’ve learnt an extra week has been added due to popular demand for tickets. So if you wish to see this production, we recommend grabbing your tickets sooner vs. later. Tickets start at $22 and are available online at The Cultch.

What people are saying about Hot Honey Brown:

★★★★★
Gleefully challenges stereotypes of sex and race with a full grin, bared
chest and raised middle finger.” 

Edinburgh 49

★★★★★
It’s gobsmacking the talent and message this show has to offer: how it challenges
everyone to review their views, and inspires everyone to rock the boat

Theatre Press

★★★★★
A powerhouse performance of passion and poignancy” 
Broadway World

★★★★★
Unapologetic, almost aggressively graceful and fabulously fierce…”
Theatre People

 

What’s On East Van: December 15th Edition

15 Dec

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Chinese Lantern Festival – The PNE – Dec. 15, 2017 to Jan. 21, 2018

This weekend kicks off a 5 week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, live performances, storytelling, food trucks including Beaver Tails and Red Velvet Mini Donuts along with baristas offering coffee, hot chocolate spiked with Baileys if you want it. There will be two live performances nightly Sunday to Thursday at 6:30 and 8:30 pm and Friday and Saturday 6:30 and 9:30 pm.   You can purchase tickets in advance online which gets you a better price or at the gate. For ticket information and pricing visit Vancouver Lantern Festival.

Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre – December 16, 2017

Crafty Affaire Market is a great spot to put a serious dent in your Christmas List all in one spot. You can expect to find an array of vendors showcasing handmade creations, one-of-a-kind treasures, some vintage items and we are hearing lots of edible treats for nibbling or gift giving. Crafty Affaire happens Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Admission is $2.00.

June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street – Dec. 16 & 17, 2017

East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a 2 day studio sale this weekend. It’s a great opportunity to finish up some Christmas shopping, or get started whichever the case may be for the nature lover in your life.  June has a great selection of nature inspired jewellery, prints, cards, tiles and more.  Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street stop by either day between 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall – Dec. 16 & 17, 2017

The 24th Annual Women’s Winter Faire happens at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, this Saturday and Sunday. Expect to find a range for items for gift giving for that lovely lady in your life including jewellery, clothing, gourmet foods and much more.  Event happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Admission is by donation with $3-5 suggested which goes to support local charitable organizations.  We see since the inception of the Women’s Winter Faire, organizers have raised over $108,400 for local charities. Hats off to them!

Burlesque, Burlesque, Burlesque – Rio Theatre –  Dec. 15, 16 & 17, 2017

If you are looking to kick up your heels, or well maybe watch someone else kick up their heels on stage, Rio Theatre has you covered this weekend.  Burlesque is happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Kitty Nights Presents Pee Wee’s Burlesque on Friday and Saturday, 8:00 pm start and Sunday it’s Harry Potter Christmas Burlesque.

Sweet Pop Up Shop With Lisa Lou’s – les amis du fromage  – December 14 – 23, 2017

The Strathcona location of les amis du fromaage at 843 East Hastings is hosting a Sweet Pop Up Shop now until December 23rd.  The sweets being those from Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar.  There looks to be a great selection of their sweet treats.  Stop by anytime between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

If you are a night owl and wish to take in a late movie, Edward Scissorhands is playing at the Rio Theatre Friday night 11:30 pm. If you are a fan of Jane Goddall, you may wish to catch the documentary Jane at the Rio Theatre Sunday afternoon 2:15 pm or on December 22nd at 6:00 pm. Don’t forget the Winter farmer markets for your Christmas shopping. Nat Bailey Stadium on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm and Hastings Park on Sunday also from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

Shop Local: Gifts Ideas Under $50

13 Dec

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We are big fans of local, shopping and buying local where we can.  There are so many great opportunities to support local with gift giving, we thought we’d highlight some great finds under $50 to help you with your Christmas shopping.

Walnut Boards $20 & $30 

The folTheWoodShopWalnutBoardsks at The Wood Shop have created these beautiful wooden boards made from reclaimed black walnut. Perfect for serving appetizers or charcuterie. Add a unique cheese, a small jam, some nuts, you are set. Small board is $20 and large is $30.  To order yours, visit them online at The Wood Shop.


Starters, Salads & Sexy Sides $24.95
Starters Salads & Sexy Sides

Caren McSherry, owner and chef of Gourmet Warehouse, recently published a cookbook Starters, Salads & Sexy Sides. This is a collection of over 80 creative recipes for the foodie in your life. Book retails for $24.95 and is available at Gourmet Warehouse in store or online.

Nip In The Butt – $10

This is forNipInTheButtColours the cat lovers, or those looking for a fun gift for the cat lover. 2 Fork Designs has created this fun whimsical design called Nip In The Butt.  This cool catnip cat toy is made with 4 layers of felt and comes in a host of different colours all for $10.  To purchase your Nip In The Butt, check out their Etsy Shop.  Pssst 2 Fork Designs is offering our readers a 20% discount use code 1217EASTVAN20 to get your discount.

Sriracha Revolver Gift Pack – $24

Know someone that loves sauces? We recommend this Gift SrirachaRevolverGiftPack (2)Pack by local East Van business, Sriracha Revolver. It includes their 3 sauces for $24.00 – Beets + Tequila, Cilantro + Lime Sriracha and Clean Mango Sriracha. The Gift Pack is currently only available at the Blitzen Pop Up Shop at 623 Kingsway which is open Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 to 8:00 pm.  You can also order their sauces individually online, or visit their website to see where you can purchase them.

Silver Wrapped Pearl Earrings – $45

SilverWrappedRoseEarringsC&SKnow a special woman that deserves something unique and pretty? We are sure you do and we bet she might like these freshwater pearls wrapped with pure Argentium sterling silver wire. They give the impression of small rose buds in bloom. They are made by local jewellery designers, Cord & Stone and are available online, but you can also find some of their pieces at Second Nature Home on Commercial Street and Scout & Co. in Steveston. To see all their designs, visit them at Crafty Affaire at The Croatian Cultural Centre December 16th.

Carrall Credit & Debit Card Wallet – $30

For the guy that doesn’t like to carry a wallet, but just a few cards. These woodeCarrallKonisaStudiosn credit/debit card holders designed by Jeremy Lee of Konisa Studios hold up to 6 cards. As you might imagine, the wood does keep the cards from bending or breaking.  This is cool gift that will last and at $30 we think a steal. You can find the Carrall Credit/Debit Wallet in person at Kyubu Market located in the Maker Labs or online at Konisa Studios.

Em’Say Lil Squares Planters – $20/$25

We are qEm'SayLilSquaresuite in love with the concrete planters created by Nadia M’Seffar of Em’Say.  Nadia has created a number of different planters in various shapes and sizes, but we quite like the Lil Squares Planters which range from $20 to $25, whether you have 1, 2 or 3 side by side with a living plant, they look darn cool and make a great gift this Christmas. To purchase, visit her store online or stop by the Eastside Flea this weekend for the Holiday Market Saturday and Sunday. Outside of that, you can purchase them at Octopus Studios by appointment.

Macaron 6 Piece Gift Box – Le Gateau Bake Shop – $MacaronsLeGateau215

Who does not love to receive macarons? They are delish and usually gluten free. They make a great hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or maybe that  Secret Santa gift at the office.  You can’t go wrong with this 6 piece set in a beautiful gift box from Le Gateau Bake Shop located on 3458 East Hasting Street (at Cassiar).  Pop by in person, or place your order in advance.

 

East Van Mule Kit – Odd Society Spirits-$60

OK we know this isn’t under $50, but just over but we think it makes a great gift so felt MuleKitOSScompelled to include.  Check out this East Van Mule Kit by the good folks at Odd Society Spirits which comes with a Moscow Mule Cup, Rootside Provisions Ginger Beer Mix, a bottle of their East Van Vodka and a few fresh limes.  To order your East Van Mule Kit, contact Odd Society Spirits or drop by the distillery.

We hope you will consider shopping local and supporting all the amazing small businesses in our community.

Review Of How Star Wars Saved My Life

12 Dec

StarWarsContributing writer, Tiva Quinn, steps outside of East Van to review an important production that just completed a short run at Performance Works on Granville Island. Although it’s completed, we wish to feature it as it provides valuable information and insight for survivors of sexual abuse.

How Star Wars Saved My Life is intended first and foremost as a cathartic experience for sexual abuse survivors and an awareness-raising piece, but it also succeeds brilliantly as an entertaining one man show. Writer/Performer Nicholas Harrison is a theatre instructor at Capilano College with a lengthy and distinguished history as an actor, writer, director, fight director and stunt performer, so it’s hardly surprising that he knows how to take deeply emotional material and make a good story from it.

The most noticeable thing about all this talent is that when Nick chooses to perform as his younger self, he sells it completely – he takes us through highs and lows of his young life with the full level of joy, fascination, shock and terror that children experience. And when he becomes more withdrawn as he gets older, he makes us feel the reality of being withdrawn and keeping secrets, as well – no small task.

The set was also a very effective piece of this performance, with a minimalist design that works brilliantly for a story where the past and the present are the two most important locations.

The play is often funny, but it’s also quite serious about the work it’s here to do. Each performance is followed by a 15-minute talkback with Don Wright, of the Vancouver Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Noa Rabin of Jericho Counseling, Nick’s therapist. Nick has given Noa permission to share information about their therapy sessions in response to audience questions so that people can learn more about what types of issues come up in therapy for sexual abuse.

In keeping with the spirit of the production to share information and resources with anyone who might need them, I would encourage any survivors who might be interested in this topic to check out Nick’s blog, which covers a lot of the same material. Another organization that provides assistance is the local chapter of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse who also provide services to trans survivors.

By Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn

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