Go east There’s life on the other side of the Don
by Chris Jai Centeno
photo by Adam Schwabe

You don’t need to head west of the Don River to socialize anymore. In fact, there’s enough to do on the other side that even west-enders might find the formerly tough east end—famous for Degrassi Street and the site of Alanis’s “Too Hot” video—enticing.

The people moving into new loft and condo developments include single and coupled gays, many with the children and puppies that Riverdale, the Danforth and the Beaches are known for. “It’s not a separation but an extension of Church Street,” says Jason Fuller, owner of Soma Restaurant and Lounge (703 Queen St. E.). “It might not be as crazy as Queen West but it’s probably going to be the next big thing.” The historic buildings have attracted an influx of chic restaurants and lounges—from the sleekness of Soma to the Indochine-inspired wine and cheese bar Comrade (758 Queen St. E.). “It’s a piece of Toronto that has been missed and overlooked and there’s a possibility to become a village on its own,” says Fuller, who recently moved to Leslieville after living at Jarvis and Isabella for nine years. Part of Leslie’s growth spurt is due to the cheaper-than-Church digs.

“Back when I moved out of Dublin, the landlord was charging $598 for a one bedroom,” says Fuller. “Now living in the same building, a one bedroom is about $900. Rents are going fast and that’s the same thing happening with the bars.”

Andrew Wyatt founded the East End Boyz Club three years ago as a group of guys getting together for a beer. It’s since grown to include an email list of 800 and a website (www.eastendnoise.com) promoting events happening in the east. The club hosts a relaxed gay monthly night out at Velvet (932 Queen St. E.), and an ’80s retro dance party at Soma. “The east end is a bit more settled, a bit more mature and it’s a different vibe that way,” says Wyatt, who’s been living in the east end on and off for about 20 years.

Queen East also has its own artist community. The Artist Network of Riverdale puts on events like the Riverdale Art Walk and The Little Art Show. For jocks, parks like Riverdale and Withrow provide a home for Downtown Soccer Toronto, a gay and lesbian co-ed group. There’s also Extreme Fitness (635 Danforth Ave.) and Training Room (17 Carlaw Ave.).

Though Church Street still supplies the visibility for queers, the east end can offer a neighbourhood that is intimate, personable and increasingly accepting. “It’s a little community. You’re part of something. You’re not anonymous. This is what gay people experience here,” says Wyatt.

Chris Jai Centeno is fab’s listings & style editor. He’s everywhere.