WEDNESDAY

Never A Boy
Wednesday, October 30 at UCB Hell’s Kitchen, 9 pm: $9

Visibility and representation in the media for trans and gender non-conforming people is certainly better than it once was, but it’s still all too common to see trans characters played by cis actors (or written by cis writers) or shoehorned into unfortunate stereotypes. That’s not the case with comedian Chloe Koser’s one-woman show Never A Boy. Koser tells her own story in her own words, delving into her personal journey of transition with a narrative that’s poignant but also unabashedly, comedically explicit. It’s not all autobiography, though; in between the memoir components of the show, Koser will perform an array of absurd characters, from a tampon maker to someone with deep carnal desire for a whale.

THURSDAY

Orchid Receipt Service
Now through October 26 at Mitu580, 7 pm: $25 ($10 for low-income artists)

One of the perks of seeing theater in New York is that sometimes you get to see actors that would normally only occupy your TV screens in person. Typically, this happens on Broadway stages, where you have to fork over big bucks (and go to Times Square) to see big names. Corinne Donly’s new play Orchid Receipt Service, a dreamscape centering around two transmasculine people’s relationship, breaks that mold by being in Gowanus (well, still a trek for some). Not only does the show feature Billions actor Asia Kate Dillon, both its cast and creative team are almost entirely made up of trans, non binary, and gender non-conforming artists. So not only can you see a face you know from TV, you can also see the stars of an inclusive, expansive future.

WEDNESDAY

I’m Selfish! The Birth of Venus
Wednesday, October 16 at Dream Baby, 9:30 pm: $10

Drag performer The Great Fairy Venus Celestina’s recurring show at the bar Dream Baby is always named I’m Selfish, but this time the title feels even more justified, as it will be celebrating the literal birth of Venus herself. Join the birthday queen, members of her Haus, and other special guest performers who will be turning out “Venus-themed” numbers for all to see. The cast will be performing a whopping three sets, so there will be plenty of time to see, tip, and drink, including some chances to win free booze.

THURSDAY

Not Straight Not White
Thursday, October 10 at 132 W 21st Street, 7 pm: FREE

At this trio show, audiences get the best of three worlds. There’s photography, there’s sculpture, and there’s performance, and it’s all created by young artists (Patrick Arias, Jinyong Choi, and Garrett Allen) who are, as the title suggests, neither straight nor white. To those deeply enmeshed in inclusive, queer, nightlife-y worlds, this may not seem like the most revolutionary thing (though I’d advise taking a closer look at those scenes to see how consistently diverse they really are), but recall that it was a mere two days ago that the Supreme Court was contemplating queer and trans people’s right to hold a job without the constant fear of being fired simply for who they are. Not Straight Not White acknowledges these tumultuous times and attempts to imagine a better future, one where the marginalized take back the power.