A few weeks ago, one of my closest friends was involved in a terrible car accident. He emerged relatively unharmed, but the ordeal was frightening for him and everyone with whom he shares his life. I love each of my friends, but the person involved in this accident is truly special — he’s one of the most generous, caring and inspirational people I have the pleasure of knowing. It’s very unfortunate that he had to endure such a horrific accident, but it’s even more bothersome that it often takes traumatic events to put things in perspective and make us truly appreciate our friends and family. I’m incredibly thankful that he’s OK, and I’m committed to making the time I share with my friends as meaningful as possible.
As the spring season officially kicks off over the next two weeks, Philly’s LGBT community will shake off the frost with a number of high-profile social events. No matter how you spend your social time in the coming weeks, make sure you drink deeply of every smile, every story, every laugh and every memory. Life is unpredictable and goes by too fast — we owe it to ourselves, and each other, to appreciate these moments.
Momentum continues to build for the fourth annual Mr. Gay Philadelphia competition on April 17 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. Just last week, Nightlifegay.com announced that Logo has signed on as a presenting sponsor for the event. Cast members from Logo’s “Big Gay Sketch Show” will serve as judges and perform their unique brand of sketch comedy between rounds of competition. In addition, several local businesses completed their preliminary contests over the last few weeks: Here is an updated list of prelim winners who will square off for the Mr. Gay Philadelphia title on the line.
Mr. Gay 12th Street Gym: Tim
Murdaugh Mr. Gay Tavern on Camac: Mike
Free Mr. Gay Darling’s Diner at The
Piazza: Dave McCann Mr. Gay Q Lounge: Emmanuel
Sanchez Mr. Gay Woody’s: Jacob Anthony Mr. Gay Voyeur: Jeff
Next weekend, several more contestants for Mr. Gay Philadelphia will be named during prelim contests at the following venues: Albert’s Second Story, 8 p.m. March 18, 3180 Grant Ave.; Stir Lounge, 10 p.m. March 19, 1705 Chancellor St.; and Shampoo Nightclub, 11 p.m. March 19, 417 N. Eighth St. Daly’s Pub in the Northeast, 4201 Comly St., held its preliminary contest last evening. To check out Daly’s winner and see an up-to-date roster of competitors, including photos and background information, visit Nightlifegay.com.
On March 13 at the Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd., the Philadelphia Regional Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign will present its 14th Annual Gala Dinner. The theme for this year’s event is “Speak the Truth.” The evening will feature a speech by U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-8th Dist.), relating his exceptional leadership in Washington, D.C., on the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal effort. Former “Project Runway” finalist and winner of the “Project Runway All-Star Challenge” Daniel Vosovic will be on hand to receive HRC’s regional “Visibility Award.” HRC will also host a silent auction, featuring items from Caesar’s Atlantic City, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Caribbean Sun Cruise by Olivia and a lavish dinner for four prepared at home by Terra’s executive chef, Eric Paraskevas. As one of the LGBT community’s most popular annual fundraising events, the HRC dinner typically sells out early. To check for ticket availability and learn more about the event, visit philadelphia.hrc.org.
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., will host “Kiss Me I’m Irish and Gay III.” Starting at 8 p.m., this event will feature live music by legendary local DJ Reenie Kane and benefit Philadelphia Fight. It’s guaranteed to be one of the city’s most colorful St. Patrick’s Day parties. Cover for the event is a donation of $10, and guests will enjoy festive holiday drinks and food throughout the evening. For more information about “Kiss Me I’m Irish and Gay III,” check out the event profile on Facebook.
Before I finish up, here’s a quick reminder that Nightlifegay.com will present the 2010 spring “Pink Pub Crawl” on March 20 — the first Saturday evening of spring! Beginning at 9 p.m., revelers will assemble at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., for registration and the evening’s first stop. At 10:30 p.m., the Pink Pub Crawl will hit 12th Air Command, 254 S. 12th St. Crawlers will move to Philly’s most historic gay bar, Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St., at 11:30 p.m., then to the final stop at Voyeur at 12:30 a.m. Tickets for the Pink Pub Crawl are $20 for those wearing one prominent pink clothing item, such as a shirt, pants or a jacket. For those not in pink, tickets are $30. A ticket is good for one free drink at each of the first three stops, free admission to the dance floor at 12th Air Command and to a private entrance of Woody’s dance floor, as well as free admission to Voyeur Nightclub. Sponsors of the spring 2010 Pink Pub Crawl include P.I.N.K. Vodka, 12th Street Gym and GunnerWorld.com. For more information, visit Nightlifegay.com.
Send any events for my next column to [email protected]. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!