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🪔 Today is Karthikai Deepam 🪔

It’s sometimes considered the OG festival of lights, since extant historical references to it predate references to Diwali/Deepavali

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the Hindu stories where Agni is born from water and what predates them. About how as island people we will always belong to the water. How because we are water, we embody துனிவு. And how because of Cyclone Ditwah, people across my homeland will not be able to celebrate or honour their inherent connection to nature and the elements.

I have complicated feelings about “Good vs. Evil” narratives that get associated with festivals like this. Nature, the forces that move us, are not fundamentally “good” or “evil.” What I call evil is intentional negligence designed to wipe out whole groups of people 👎🏾

I am only one small cluster of stardust, but I can still take action to help my people and honour the water that connects us. For December and January, I’ll be donating all my tip money to the @tealeaftrust to support their distribution of dry rations and new bedding to people whose homes have been destroyed.

If you enjoy your Ceylon Chai, I ask you to consider making a donation yourself, to support the people who harvest those tea leaves for you 🫖

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto
👗: @omisha_321

🪔 Today is Karthikai Deepam 🪔

It’s sometimes considered the OG festival of lights, since extant historical references to it predate references to Diwali/Deepavali

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the Hindu stories where Agni is born from water and what predates them. About how as island people we will always belong to the water. How because we are water, we embody துனிவு. And how because of Cyclone Ditwah, people across my homeland will not be able to celebrate or honour their inherent connection to nature and the elements.

I have complicated feelings about “Good vs. Evil” narratives that get associated with festivals like this. Nature, the forces that move us, are not fundamentally “good” or “evil.” What I call evil is intentional negligence designed to wipe out whole groups of people 👎🏾

I am only one small cluster of stardust, but I can still take action to help my people and honour the water that connects us. For December and January, I’ll be donating all my tip money to the @tealeaftrust to support their distribution of dry rations and new bedding to people whose homes have been destroyed.

If you enjoy your Ceylon Chai, I ask you to consider making a donation yourself, to support the people who harvest those tea leaves for you 🫖

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto
👗: @omisha_321

LOTUS THREADS | QAPA SHOWCASE 🪷
07.21.24 AKI Studio @nativeearthperformingarts

“முட்டை (egg)”

FEATURED ARTIST
@optimaltease

COLLOBORATOR
@yogayrajah

PHOTOS by Quan

HOST
@santotricks

STAGE MANAGER
@headphone2000
@santotricks
@vincehacreates

VOLUNTEER
Nancy

QAPA ORGANIZERS
@aries.cheung.media.productions
@vincehacreates
@santotricks

A MESSAGE FROM THE ORGANIZERS
QAPA’s Lotus Threads was a WOWOWOW kind of night… Magical! BIG Congratulations to all the artists and thank you all for supporting Queer Asian Art.

This was made possible with the support of @torontoartscouncil and the limitless creativity and heart work of queer people of colour (QTBIPOC) ♥️

#theatre #queerasian #performanceart

LOTUS THREADS | QAPA SHOWCASE 🪷
07.21.24 AKI Studio @nativeearthperformingarts

“முட்டை (egg)”

FEATURED ARTIST
@optimaltease

COLLOBORATOR
@yogayrajah

PHOTOS by Quan

HOST
@santotricks

STAGE MANAGER
@headphone2000
@santotricks
@vincehacreates

VOLUNTEER
Nancy

QAPA ORGANIZERS
@aries.cheung.media.productions
@vincehacreates
@santotricks

A MESSAGE FROM THE ORGANIZERS
QAPA’s Lotus Threads was a WOWOWOW kind of night… Magical! BIG Congratulations to all the artists and thank you all for supporting Queer Asian Art.

This was made possible with the support of @torontoartscouncil and the limitless creativity and heart work of queer people of colour (QTBIPOC) ♥️

#theatre #queerasian #performanceart

LOTUS THREADS | QAPA SHOWCASE 🪷
07.21.24 AKI Studio @nativeearthperformingarts

“முட்டை (egg)”

FEATURED ARTIST
@optimaltease

COLLOBORATOR
@yogayrajah

PHOTOS by Quan

HOST
@santotricks

STAGE MANAGER
@headphone2000
@santotricks
@vincehacreates

VOLUNTEER
Nancy

QAPA ORGANIZERS
@aries.cheung.media.productions
@vincehacreates
@santotricks

A MESSAGE FROM THE ORGANIZERS
QAPA’s Lotus Threads was a WOWOWOW kind of night… Magical! BIG Congratulations to all the artists and thank you all for supporting Queer Asian Art.

This was made possible with the support of @torontoartscouncil and the limitless creativity and heart work of queer people of colour (QTBIPOC) ♥️

#theatre #queerasian #performanceart

💖Happy AAPI Heritage Month💖

What better way to celebrate than supporting your friendly neighbourhood Thamizhachi?

Here's a few ways you can do so:
✨ Come out to @pwwednesdays TONIGHT 9:30 PM and watch me heal my inner child. $10 cover at the door
✨ See me and a bunch of other AAPI hotties put on an UNFORGETTABLE show at @threedollarbill.parkdale next Wednesday 8PM, hosted by @babe_sapien. $10 cover at the door
✨ Send me an email to book me for a private event 🎉 I have one coming up next month, and will be posting teasers on my Substack. Addy is in my bio.
✨ Help me get off this platform by subscribing to my Substack! It's where I'll be sharing my acts in development and general yappery. You can do so for free and get access to my posts for 3 weeks after publication. There is a paid option for those who are able to support financially, and I'm comping in QTBIPOC artist friends who ask me to outside of IG. Link up top

📸: @royadelsol from @brownoutstage 2025

You ready to get Tiger Beaten? Tonight 4am Last Call with @vulturesoffuzz, @ivylafleur @optimaltease @palmsies22 @allysinchaynes @eltoroburlesque @avivamirage @tanyacheex @paintedladypaigeturner @bovinesexclub @departurefest #allwednesdaysaretrash

The Tamil Temptrix @optimaltease is back for the new season of Tiger Beat May 6th @bovinesexclub! #allwednesdaysaretrash

The return of Tiger Beat May 6th for Reactive Fest 4 am Last call with live music by @vulturesoffuzz and burlesque by @ivylafleur @optimaltease @palmsies22 @eltoroburlesque @allysinchaynes @adventuresofvivs @tanyacheex @paintedladypaigeturner @bovinesexclub #allwednesdaysaretrash

Hi y’all ✨

Ya boi is returning to the stage May 9 for Bad Girls of History by @scarlettlaflammeburlesque 🔥🔥🔥

I’ll be bringing my Sita act, which is in perpetual redesign as I learn more about the different traditions associated with the Ramayana

Here’s a peek at my current moodboard:
✨The Ramanand Sagar serial I watched as a kid on VHS from the library
✨The Illankai-India land bridge
✨The incredible Tamil Mother Goddess zine by @nabihaiderali
✨ What even is history? Words by Tyron Devotta
✨ Studying the greats

Want to see how it all comes together? Click the 🔗 up top and grab your ticket for the show!

Hi y’all ✨

Ya boi is returning to the stage May 9 for Bad Girls of History by @scarlettlaflammeburlesque 🔥🔥🔥

I’ll be bringing my Sita act, which is in perpetual redesign as I learn more about the different traditions associated with the Ramayana

Here’s a peek at my current moodboard:
✨The Ramanand Sagar serial I watched as a kid on VHS from the library
✨The Illankai-India land bridge
✨The incredible Tamil Mother Goddess zine by @nabihaiderali
✨ What even is history? Words by Tyron Devotta
✨ Studying the greats

Want to see how it all comes together? Click the 🔗 up top and grab your ticket for the show!

Hi y’all ✨

Ya boi is returning to the stage May 9 for Bad Girls of History by @scarlettlaflammeburlesque 🔥🔥🔥

I’ll be bringing my Sita act, which is in perpetual redesign as I learn more about the different traditions associated with the Ramayana

Here’s a peek at my current moodboard:
✨The Ramanand Sagar serial I watched as a kid on VHS from the library
✨The Illankai-India land bridge
✨The incredible Tamil Mother Goddess zine by @nabihaiderali
✨ What even is history? Words by Tyron Devotta
✨ Studying the greats

Want to see how it all comes together? Click the 🔗 up top and grab your ticket for the show!

Hi y’all ✨

Ya boi is returning to the stage May 9 for Bad Girls of History by @scarlettlaflammeburlesque 🔥🔥🔥

I’ll be bringing my Sita act, which is in perpetual redesign as I learn more about the different traditions associated with the Ramayana

Here’s a peek at my current moodboard:
✨The Ramanand Sagar serial I watched as a kid on VHS from the library
✨The Illankai-India land bridge
✨The incredible Tamil Mother Goddess zine by @nabihaiderali
✨ What even is history? Words by Tyron Devotta
✨ Studying the greats

Want to see how it all comes together? Click the 🔗 up top and grab your ticket for the show!

Hi y’all ✨

Ya boi is returning to the stage May 9 for Bad Girls of History by @scarlettlaflammeburlesque 🔥🔥🔥

I’ll be bringing my Sita act, which is in perpetual redesign as I learn more about the different traditions associated with the Ramayana

Here’s a peek at my current moodboard:
✨The Ramanand Sagar serial I watched as a kid on VHS from the library
✨The Illankai-India land bridge
✨The incredible Tamil Mother Goddess zine by @nabihaiderali
✨ What even is history? Words by Tyron Devotta
✨ Studying the greats

Want to see how it all comes together? Click the 🔗 up top and grab your ticket for the show!

Optimal Tease really embodies the spirit of this show, being a rebel worth celebrating themselves! They rejected the rules of their conservative upbringing to become a political burlesque artist and producer (IGNITE Cabaret) who reimagines, reclaims, and pays tribute to their Tamil heritage onstage. You won't want to miss Optimal's fiery, enchanting homage to a courageous woman who is also a GODDESS on May 9!

Bad Girls of History: A Burlesque Tribute is now just under 3 weeks away! Did you get your tickets yet? VIP are VERY limited and general admission is currently a steal at $20, but will go up to $30 if there are any left at the door. 🔗you-know-where to enjoy a once-every-two years theatrical burlesque experience in a beautiful venue with a big stage, lots of seating, and great sightlines!

#badgirlsburlesque #badgirlsofhistory #nerdlesque #burlesqueshow #thingstodointoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

Long overdue appreciation post for the absolute ABUNDANCE of Brown™️ talent we blessed you with last fall at the first 🔥IGNITE Cabaret🔥

And I’m not just talking about the ridiculously gifted performers, including our PHENOMENAL headliner @kween.of.kweenz on the last slide (who came all the way from Guelph to grace us with her presence💖) but everyone involved in making this show a reality ✨

I’m very grateful to Dainty Smith and @deliciapastiche for chatting with me about values-aligned producing. Also many thanks to our raffle sponsors @chocosoltraders @rafflesiaillustration @unibrowelephant @solidaridadtango @lunamatatas 💖💖💖

I’m also grateful that it wasn’t hard to form an all-BIPOC crew for my first production. Everyone involved was someone I’d met in real life just by going about my business. And I know there’s so much more BIPOC talent out there that I hope to have the privilege of showcasing in the future 💖

I would highly recommend everyone on the cast + crew of the first 🔥IGNITE🔥 who you can follow below:

@mxquest - host and sounding board to keep me sane
@yogayrajah - soundbaths and music, also an incredibly talented poet
@chandrakari - drag clown who made sure we ate our vegetables
@tifa.wine - Educated Drag Aunty
@kween.of.kweenz - our opulent burlesque headliner
@samastaroth - sound tech and Demonic DJ
@illluminami - stage manager (also a talented poet and burlesque artist)
@babe_sapien - kitten (also a talented drag performer)
@zara.r.6 - mask guardian and go-between for FOH&BOH (also a talented artist)
@allworriesnogood_ - door guardian (also an excellent musician)

📸: @studio_eeldahs @aadhetoronto

SET TIMES BELOW ⬇️

SEE YOU AT IT’S OK*

We’ve got some surprises lined up for you so get here early and don’t miss anything!

SET TIMES
8:00 PM - DOORS
9:00 PM - BRIDGE OF SAND.
9:45 PM - OPTIMAL TEASE
10:00 PM - LIZ UNINVITED
10:45 PM - LITERAL TRASH
11:15 PM - KAI SAMUELS
12:00 AM - 999ADJ

Advance tickets available at the link in our bio while supplies last. 🎟️

We’ll have lots of PWYC tickets at the door, but “skip the line” tickets can only be purchased online. 🔓

Optimal Tease (they/them) is a Tkaronto-based burlesque artist and producer with roots in Yazhpanam. Their practice reimagines stories from their Tamil Hindu upbringing, and highlights perspectives that have been silenced by dominant narratives. Optimal has been featured by brOWN//out and the QAPA collective, and is the producer of IGNITE Cabaret, a cabaret show featuring local talent from across the South Asian diaspora. You can keep up with Optimal on Patreon and IG @optimaltease.

🦚 LW 14.3
🗓️ Friday, January 16, 2026
⏰ 8PM doors
LOCATION: It’s OK* Studios
📍468 Queen St. W. Toronto, ON
💸 Limited advance tickets (skip the line!) are available for purchase via the link in our bio. As always, pay-what-you-can tickets will be available at the door.
♾️ Always all-ages
🍺 19+ bar
🛞 Accessibility: The first floor of the venue and bathroom are accessible at ground level. The second story is up a flight of stairs. All performances will be on the first floor. For accommodation requests, please contact us at contact@torontolongwinter.com. The venue can be easily accessed by foot, TTC and bicycle lanes. Green P parking is available at Augusta and Wolseley, and street parking is available throughout the surrounding area.
😷 Cold season sucks, and so does COVID. Please consider wearing a mask to this event. If you aren’t feeling well, stay home! WE TAKE CARE OF US.
🎨 Poster illustration by @fruichii

🌊 LINEUP

MUSIC:
liz uninvited (‘i don’t have to do anything’ album release)
Kai Samuels
bridge of sand.
999ADJ

ART:
Optimal Tease
Literal Trash

+more TBA!!!

💜 Very special thanks to @itsok.world and our beverage sponsor @lostcraftbeer

This event is made possible with funding support from @torontoartscouncil, @canada.council, @cdn.heritage, and your pay-what-you-can donations.

Optimal Tease (they/them) is a Tkaronto-based burlesque artist and producer with roots in Yazhpanam. Their practice reimagines stories from their Tamil Hindu upbringing, and highlights perspectives that have been silenced by dominant narratives. Optimal has been featured by brOWN//out and the QAPA collective, and is the producer of IGNITE Cabaret, a cabaret show featuring local talent from across the South Asian diaspora. You can keep up with Optimal on Patreon and IG @optimaltease.

🦚 LW 14.3
🗓️ Friday, January 16, 2026
⏰ 8PM doors
LOCATION: It’s OK* Studios
📍468 Queen St. W. Toronto, ON
💸 Limited advance tickets (skip the line!) are available for purchase via the link in our bio. As always, pay-what-you-can tickets will be available at the door.
♾️ Always all-ages
🍺 19+ bar
🛞 Accessibility: The first floor of the venue and bathroom are accessible at ground level. The second story is up a flight of stairs. All performances will be on the first floor. For accommodation requests, please contact us at contact@torontolongwinter.com. The venue can be easily accessed by foot, TTC and bicycle lanes. Green P parking is available at Augusta and Wolseley, and street parking is available throughout the surrounding area.
😷 Cold season sucks, and so does COVID. Please consider wearing a mask to this event. If you aren’t feeling well, stay home! WE TAKE CARE OF US.
🎨 Poster illustration by @fruichii

🌊 LINEUP

MUSIC:
liz uninvited (‘i don’t have to do anything’ album release)
Kai Samuels
bridge of sand.
999ADJ

ART:
Optimal Tease
Literal Trash

+more TBA!!!

💜 Very special thanks to @itsok.world and our beverage sponsor @lostcraftbeer

This event is made possible with funding support from @torontoartscouncil, @canada.council, @cdn.heritage, and your pay-what-you-can donations.

January is Tamil Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than seeing ✨moi✨ perform at @longwinterto @itsok.world on January 16?

I’m excited to bring back the first act I did in this city, an exploration of Sita’s story from the Ramayana. If you think you’ve seen it before, no you haven’t because I’m revamping the whole thing 😶‍🌫️

Bring cash and you can grab some limited-edition polaroid-style photos of yours truly at the merch table. All proceeds from the photos are going to @tealeaftrust so you’ll be doing some good by taking some home with you 💫

Tickets are $20 adv or PWYC at the door. Come or you’re r4c157 💋💋

Info in usual places

January is Tamil Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than seeing ✨moi✨ perform at @longwinterto @itsok.world on January 16?

I’m excited to bring back the first act I did in this city, an exploration of Sita’s story from the Ramayana. If you think you’ve seen it before, no you haven’t because I’m revamping the whole thing 😶‍🌫️

Bring cash and you can grab some limited-edition polaroid-style photos of yours truly at the merch table. All proceeds from the photos are going to @tealeaftrust so you’ll be doing some good by taking some home with you 💫

Tickets are $20 adv or PWYC at the door. Come or you’re r4c157 💋💋

Info in usual places

January is Tamil Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than seeing ✨moi✨ perform at @longwinterto @itsok.world on January 16?

I’m excited to bring back the first act I did in this city, an exploration of Sita’s story from the Ramayana. If you think you’ve seen it before, no you haven’t because I’m revamping the whole thing 😶‍🌫️

Bring cash and you can grab some limited-edition polaroid-style photos of yours truly at the merch table. All proceeds from the photos are going to @tealeaftrust so you’ll be doing some good by taking some home with you 💫

Tickets are $20 adv or PWYC at the door. Come or you’re r4c157 💋💋

Info in usual places

January is Tamil Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than seeing ✨moi✨ perform at @longwinterto @itsok.world on January 16?

I’m excited to bring back the first act I did in this city, an exploration of Sita’s story from the Ramayana. If you think you’ve seen it before, no you haven’t because I’m revamping the whole thing 😶‍🌫️

Bring cash and you can grab some limited-edition polaroid-style photos of yours truly at the merch table. All proceeds from the photos are going to @tealeaftrust so you’ll be doing some good by taking some home with you 💫

Tickets are $20 adv or PWYC at the door. Come or you’re r4c157 💋💋

Info in usual places

January is Tamil Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than seeing ✨moi✨ perform at @longwinterto @itsok.world on January 16?

I’m excited to bring back the first act I did in this city, an exploration of Sita’s story from the Ramayana. If you think you’ve seen it before, no you haven’t because I’m revamping the whole thing 😶‍🌫️

Bring cash and you can grab some limited-edition polaroid-style photos of yours truly at the merch table. All proceeds from the photos are going to @tealeaftrust so you’ll be doing some good by taking some home with you 💫

Tickets are $20 adv or PWYC at the door. Come or you’re r4c157 💋💋

Info in usual places

January is Tamil Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than seeing ✨moi✨ perform at @longwinterto @itsok.world on January 16?

I’m excited to bring back the first act I did in this city, an exploration of Sita’s story from the Ramayana. If you think you’ve seen it before, no you haven’t because I’m revamping the whole thing 😶‍🌫️

Bring cash and you can grab some limited-edition polaroid-style photos of yours truly at the merch table. All proceeds from the photos are going to @tealeaftrust so you’ll be doing some good by taking some home with you 💫

Tickets are $20 adv or PWYC at the door. Come or you’re r4c157 💋💋

Info in usual places

January is Tamil Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than seeing ✨moi✨ perform at @longwinterto @itsok.world on January 16?

I’m excited to bring back the first act I did in this city, an exploration of Sita’s story from the Ramayana. If you think you’ve seen it before, no you haven’t because I’m revamping the whole thing 😶‍🌫️

Bring cash and you can grab some limited-edition polaroid-style photos of yours truly at the merch table. All proceeds from the photos are going to @tealeaftrust so you’ll be doing some good by taking some home with you 💫

Tickets are $20 adv or PWYC at the door. Come or you’re r4c157 💋💋

Info in usual places

January is Tamil Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than seeing ✨moi✨ perform at @longwinterto @itsok.world on January 16?

I’m excited to bring back the first act I did in this city, an exploration of Sita’s story from the Ramayana. If you think you’ve seen it before, no you haven’t because I’m revamping the whole thing 😶‍🌫️

Bring cash and you can grab some limited-edition polaroid-style photos of yours truly at the merch table. All proceeds from the photos are going to @tealeaftrust so you’ll be doing some good by taking some home with you 💫

Tickets are $20 adv or PWYC at the door. Come or you’re r4c157 💋💋

Info in usual places