Absolut, a global pioneer of progress and creativity, is hosting a panel discussion featuring cultural leaders who will explore the emerging trend of progressive nightlife and its role in creating tangible change. This is the latest in a series of initiatives supporting Absolut’s ongoing platform, Create A Better Tomorrow, Tonight.

Panelists including New York City trans rapper Mykki Blanco, DJ and social progress advocate Bambii and producer, activist and event promoter Cindy Li (Ciel/Work In Progress) will discuss topics surrounding inclusivity, self-expression and the role progressive nightlife plays in shifting cultural norms and creating a more open world.

“Whether it’s the music I play, make or an event I curate, it’s a reflection of myself and the multiple communities I come from,” says Toronto-based DJ Bambii. “I want to show the power and futurism in communities that always get labeled as marginalized.”

The panel, moderated by Michelle da Silva of NOW Magazine, is called Tomorrow Tonight and will take place May 3 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at FREE, a creative co-working hub in downtown Toronto. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and will go directly to Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian based charitable organization that helps LGBT individuals escape violence and persecution in their home countries and find a path to safety.

“LGBTQI relationships are still criminalized in over 70 countries,” says Winnie Luk, the newly appointed Managing Director of Rainbow Railroad, who will also be speaking on the panel. “The platform will help us reach wider audiences and let people know about our mission and the important work we do.”

Panelists will delve into the impact of inclusive and diverse programming, nightlife as a platform for self-expression, and how global LGBTQ+ issues can be addressed by informed and engaged communities.

“Events like this help bridge communities, connecting people and encouraging conversations between folks who might not regularly have an opportunity to exchange information, knowledge, experience and ideas,” says Luk. “If we can share the stories of who we help, what we do and what is going on around the world with more people, it means we can save more lives.”

Absolut is further supporting Rainbow Railroad through a $20,000 donation and additional proceeds from a series of pay-what-you-can Absolut Nights parties in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Typically, it takes $10,000 to help provide a path to safety for individuals. Through its donation and proceeds from events, Absolut hopes to reach its goal of $50,000 to save the lives of five individuals through Rainbow Railroad.

“Absolut believes in a more open world where everybody can be exactly who they are,” says Madeline Burch, Absolut’s Senior Brand Manager. “That’s why we’ve partnered with nightlife communities across the country who share an ethos of inclusivity and self-expression.”

Absolut will continue its support of the LGBTQ+ community with an interactive exhibit at the AGO’s First Thursdays event in June, as well as with the release of a new limited-edition Rainbow Bottle that will be available across Canada. With a history in the LGBTQ+ community dating back to 1981, Absolut continues to shout its
support and devotion to fostering a more open and equal world.

Learn more about Absolut’s Tomorrow Tonight panel here.

Event Details
When: Thursday, May 3
Where: FREE, 68 Claremont St., Toronto
Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
Panel Begins: 6:00 p.m.
Format: 55-minute discussion, 20-minute Q&A
Admission: Free/pay what you can. Donations go to Rainbow Railroad.

AFTER PARTY

Three of the city’s best, most inclusive parties in one room. 

Absolut believes in a more open world where everybody can be exactly who they are. That’s why they’ve partnered with nightlife communities across the country who share an ethos of inclusivity and build nights as a platform for self-expression. Join in for one night of epic creativity and diversity – all in support of a worthy cause.

For their Toronto event, they’ve collaborated with Dudebox, Work in Progress and Yes Yes Y’all – party collectives and leaders in a nightlife movement toward positivity, inclusivity, and change. The stacked lineup features an eclectic mix that represents each group’s respective DNA – from hip hop, to techno, to dancehall – lead by headliner Mykki Blanco, featuring New York-based stud1nt, and esteemed locals Bambii, Ciel, Nino Brown, and Ktana.

UPDATE: Total contributions raised from this event for Rainbow Railroad were $30,950!

Date: Thursday May 3, 2018
Venue: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. West
Doors: 10 PM
Cover: PWYC – Proceeds to Rainbow Railroad

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.