Anyone who has visited Philly will tell you that the residents have a lot of pride. We take pride in our history, our professional sports teams and our local cuisine. Philadelphians have the sort of unwavering, unflinching and uncompromising pride that gives the city its unique heritage and character.
The spirit of pride is particularly pervasive within the local LGBT community. Since becoming the first U.S. city to stage a demonstration for equal rights on Independence Mall in 1965, Philadelphia has been ahead of the curve. On June 14, we have the chance to celebrate our community’s past, present and future during Gay Pride. Below are my top picks for how to spend your day. In my opinion, there is no better time to get “out” and celebrate.
— One-Mile Run/Walk for Pride: Our local LGBT running group, the Front Runners, will celebrate Gay Pride and Team Philadelphia’s Sports Week with a raucous and outrageous 1-mile run through the streets of Center City. Beginning at 13th and Locust at 11:45 a.m., participants will be timed on the course, with awards given to the top three male and female finishers. The entry fee is $20 in advance and $25 on race day. For more information on this fun and fit event, visit www.phillysportsweek.info.
— Gay Pride Parade: Immediately after the Frontrunners christen the route, Philly Pride Presents will initiate the “official” pride festivities with its annual parade. Beginning at 13th and Locust, the parade heads southeast to 12th and Pine, then north to Market Street. At 12th and Market, the parade continues east to Penn’s Landing. This year’s theme is “A More Perfect Day,” so it should be interesting to see how parade participants work that concept into their floats and diversions. For more information on the parade route, check out www.phillypride.org.
— Festival at Penn’s Landing: As the parade is winding down, the Pride Festival will be heating up. From noon-6 p.m., over 120 community groups more than vendors will entertain thousands of festival-goers at Penn’s Landing. Always a popular event, the festival is only $10 per person. Tickets will be sold at the entrance. A list of all exhibitors is available online at www.phillypride.org.
— Triumphant Pride at Mad River: I’m thrilled to be hosting the third annual Triumphant Pride with Nightlifegay.com. This year’s event will take place at Mad River, 126 Chestnut St. — only one block from Penn’s Landing. Starting at 4 p.m., guests will be treated to discount drinks and, most importantly, air conditioning. Following an afternoon in the hot summer sun on Penn’s Landing, there’s no better remedy than a cold beer and some fierce AC. For more information, visit www.nightlifegay.com.
— Pride 101: Following a long day bouncing around Penn’s Landing and Old City, you’ll have a chance to relax and decompress at the last 101 event before its summer break. 101 has been going strong and Pride 101 will surely give it a proper sendoff. The party is at O.N.E. on Rittenhouse Square, 121 S. 19th St., from 7 p.m.-midnight. It is a perfect way to cap off a fun-filled Pride weekend. To sign up for the guest list or learn more, visit www.nightlifegay.com/Pride.html.
So there you have it — my recommendations for a phenomenal Gay Pride on Sunday, June 14. From the looks of it, it might be advisable to take June 15 off of work … I’m just saying.
Before signing off, I want to add a quick plug for all the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fans among us. On June 5, Paradise in Asbury Park, N.J., plays host to Bebe Zahara Benet. The winner of season one of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Zahara Benet will perform a few numbers and meet her fans throughout the evening. Cover is only $10 after 9:30 p.m., with the event starting promptly at 10. Visit www.paradisenj.com for more information.
If you can’t make it to Asbury Park to see Zahara Benet, you can get your “Drag Race” fix during Fierce Fridays at Albert’s Second Story, 3180 Grant Ave., at 9 p.m. June 5. Hosted by Steven Andrade, the world’s premier Cher impersonator, and featuring “Drag Race” finalists Tammie Brown and Victoria Pork Chop Parker, this is guaranteed to be an entertaining evening. Call (267) 339-1579 for more information.
That’s it for this week. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!
If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail [email protected], reference Offline.