Last weekend, my partner and I rented the documentary “Outrage,” which chronicles the stories of closeted gay political leaders, strategists and staffers. Though incredibly well done, this film is equally frustrating and shocking, as many of the featured closeted, conservative leaders are the same people who work to limit equal rights for LGBT individuals on Capitol Hill and in their home states. Under every denial, refutation and lie about sexuality captured for this film is an assertion that the LGBT community threatens family values. These individuals view the contraction of gay rights and maintenance of the status quo as a necessary defensive tactic to protect their hallowed family structure and morality.
Anyone brave enough to come out of the closet understands wholeheartedly that the journey to “live your truth” requires the support of both the family you’re born with and the one you make within the LGBT community. In fact, I would argue the bonds forged with our “gay family” provide the same values as those of our straight counterparts. For many of us, the LGBT community is our family, and the values we develop and strengthen together are just as meaningful and important as those of any other group. Keep this in mind as you socialize in the next two weeks. Use the time with your LGBT family and friends to strengthen and support those relationships. If “Outrage” taught me anything, it’s that we have a long way to go on the road to equality. We need one another more than ever, and there’s no better time to get started.
Tomorrow at New Jersey’s Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive in Camden, the Philadelphia Family Pride Meetup Group will gather from noon-2 p.m. Adults and kids of all ages are invited, with PFP members receiving an $8 discount off the regular admission price. For questions, e-mail [email protected].
On Jan. 31, Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, will host the 2010 “Miss’d America Pageant.” This night of campy fun spoofs the Miss America Pageant while raising funds for the Atlantic City GLBT Alliance, the William Way LGBT Community Center, Broadway Cares-Equity Fight AIDS and the South Jersey AIDS Coalition. Hosted by Carson Kressley of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and Sandy Beach, the pageant will also feature parties at Trump and Caesars. Tickets are available at the Boardwalk Hall box office and Ticketmaster.com.
The Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media, will host a special complimentary reception for the LGBT community before the performance of “Master Class” on Feb. 10. Tony-nominated actor Ann Crumb plays opera great Maria Callas in this play by Terrence McNally. Cover charge for the evening is $36. Visit www.mediatheatre.org for more information.
Look for Valentine’s weekend events in my Feb. 12 column. For the women, Ladies 2000 will host its “30th Anniversary Weekend Bash” at New Hope’s Nevermore Hotel, 6426 Lower York Road. The weekend will culminate in the main event on Feb. 14 from 4-9 p.m. Ladies 2000 is offering tickets to individual parties or a weekend package including all events, hotel reservations and a Valentine’s Day brunch. This event sold out last year, so call (215) 862-5221 to make your reservations today.
Also make sure to keep your eyes peeled as momentum builds for the “Mr. Gay Philadelphia” competition. Though the main event isn’t until April 17 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., many LGBT businesses will hold preliminary contests to select their representatives. Here are the prelims scheduled so far:
— Mr. Gay Q Lounge: Feb. 18 at Q Lounge, 1234 Locust St. — Mr. Gay Voyeur: Feb. 19 at Voyeur — Mr. Gay Woody’s: Feb. 20 at Woody’s Bar, 202 S. 13th St. — Mr. Gay Tavern on Camac: March 3 at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St. — Mr. Gay Stir: March 19 at Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor St. — Mr. Gay Shampoo: March 26 at Shampoo Nightclub, 417 N. Eighth St.
That’s all for this week. If you have any thoughts about this column, please e-mail me at [email protected]. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!