My husband Mike and I had a guest visiting from Washington, D. C., over Easter weekend and when I told him how our Pride Season was about to start, he got a little confused.
I explained that in Philadelphia we’re not limited to Pride in June like other cities. We have so many Pride events spread throughout the year that it looks a little bit like baseball season. It starts in April with Philadelphia Black Gay Pride. Right after that we have Equality Forum, followed by June Pride with the big parade and Penn’s Landing festival. The season stretches into October with OutFest, and finally wraps up in early November with Philly Leather Pride Night.
Don’t laugh, but there used to be an event in January called Winter Pride, too.
Like our guest, you might be asking yourself, why are there so many Pride events in Philadelphia? I’ve heard stories and I’ve heard theories and I’ve heard rumors galore, but honestly I don’t care about the reason why any more.
Every city should have this problem! We have more Pride events for more people to attend and have more fun at. Folks coming out in the Philly area have more opportunities to meet people and build a support network of chosen family. Our city has enough people and businesses to support this many gay Pride events. How on earth is any of this a bad thing?
It’s not wabbit season, it’s not duck season, it’s Pride Season. Have fun!
Philadelphia Black Gay Pride
Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, or PBGP, was first organized in 1999. Its mission is to promote unity among African Americans and people of African descent who are sexual or gender minorities. PBGP has grown over the years and now draws approximately 15,000 people to the city.
PBGP hosts a variety of events across the city, including the following bar parties:
— Ready, Set, Go!: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 29 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St., $10 cover before 11 p.m., $15 afterward. This party is co-sponsored by Fire Island Black Out (www.fireislandblackout.com). — PBGP Party: 10 p.m.-3 a.m. April 29 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. — Indulge: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. April 30 at Marathon Grill, 1818 Market St., $15 in advance, $20 at the door — PBGP Party: 10 p.m.-5 a.m. April 30 at Shampoo, 417 N. Eighth St. — PBGP Party: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. May 1 at 90 Degrees, 600 Spring Garden St.
For more information see www.phillyblackpride.org.
Equality Forum
Equality Forum began in 1993 as PrideFest Philadelphia and in recent years has positioned itself as a global summit for LGBT issues. This year it began April 25 and runs through May 1, and features performances, films, discussion panels, special events and lots of bar parties with a variety of Absolut drink specials: — Absolut Ruby Red Happy Hour: 5-8 p.m. April 29 at Stir, 1705 Chancellor St., no cover. — Absolut Mandarin Cabaret & Dance Party: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 29, Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., no cover. — Absolut Stimulus: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 29 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St., $7 cover. — Absolut Peach Girl Fever: 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. April 30 at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St., $10 cover. — Absolut Wild Tea Men’s Party: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 30 at Q Lounge, 1234 Locust St., $10 cover includes your first Absolut cocktail. — SundayOUT Absolut Tea Dance: 4-10 p.m. May 1 at Tendenza, 969 N. Second St., $10 cover.
For more information, see www.equalityforum.com.
Bike Stop Drinking Team
If all that Pride doesn’t wipe you out, join The Bike Stop Drinking Team on May 3 for “Drinko de Mayo.” They’ll take bar-hopping to a new level by turning it into a competitive sport. I’m still not sure who they’re competing against or what you have to do to “win,” but when the game is this fun, who cares?
First round is at 8 p.m. at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., then at 10 p.m. they head out for more fun and drink specials at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. Later, if anyone is still standing, they’ll close out the night back at The Bike Stop.
So I guess you win if you make it back to where you started in one piece without losing your wallet, your phone or too much of your reputation.
For more information, follow “Bike Stop Drinking Team” on Facebook.
Questions, comments or news about upcoming events? Contact Jim at [email protected].