There are so many Pride events in the next couple of weeks that they barely fit into one column!
But I do have one thing to say before we get into it. I know a lot of you out there think Pride doesn’t matter, but you’re wrong. Pride isn’t retro or outdated or boring or irrelevant or “post-gay” (whatever the fuck that means).
Pride is important. No matter how young you are, how old you are, how femme or fey or butch or straight-acting you think you are, take time out of your routine and make sure you go to Pride.
It’s a celebration of who we are and where we come from. It’s a reminder of those who’ve gone before us and sacrificed so that we have the freedom to be ourselves.
There will always be people hoping we’ll disappear, and there will always be those who want us to shut up. It’s important to remind them that we won’t.
We’re here, we’re queer, you know the rest — now get out there and celebrate!
Pride Kickoff Block Party
Kickstart your Pride from 6-11 p.m. June 8 on 12th Street between Walnut and Spruce. Enjoy outdoor DJs, drink specials and hot dancers, then stick around for Frathouse Friday from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St.
Philly Dyke March 2012
This ain’t no parade, it’s a march! Open to any and all who identify as dyke, you can join folks from around the region from 3-6 p.m. June 9 at Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets, for the 14th annual Philly Dyke March. Rally at 3 p.m., step off promptly at 4. More information is at www.phillydykemarch.com.
Homecoming 2012
Enjoy a buffet, beverages and silent auction from 6-10:30 p.m. June 9 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Entertainment starts at 8 p.m. with your host The Notorious OMG and performances by Mimi Imfurst and the Dollhouse Review, plus folks from Sinful Sundays, Liberty City Kings and IdiosynCrazy. Tickets range from $35-$50. See www.waygay.org for more details.
Under the Boardwalk Gay Bingo
Don’t miss the sassy summer fashions of the Bingo Verifying Divas 7 p.m. June 9 at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St. Tickets are $25 for the floor or $20 for the balcony. Doors open at 6 and games start at 7.
Philadelphia Voices of Pride Concert
PVOP presents “In a World of Our Own” from 8 p.m. June 9 at the Trinity Center for Urban Life, 2212 Spruce St. The concert will celebrate the theme of love in genres including pop, classical, opera and Broadway. Tickets are $20 at the door.
Philadelphians MC Pride Social
Warm up for Pride with the leathermen and bears of Philadelphians MC from 9 p.m.-midnight June 9 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.
Sansom Street Gym Pride Party
Pride got you horny? Then get your ass over to the bathhouse and wrap it in a towel from 11 p.m.-3:30 a.m. June 9 at Sansom Street Gym, 2020 Sansom St. There will be a DJ, complimentary food and beverages, mixers if you BYOB, and more men than you can shake your stick at.
Philly Pride Parade and Festival
Finally! It’s Sunday, June 10 — Pride Day!
The parade assembles 11 a.m. at 13th and Locust streets in the Gayborhood and steps off at noon, winding its way through the ’hood and down Market Street to Penn’s Landing, where the festival will run until 7 p.m. Say “How you doin’?” to festival headliner Wendy Williams! For more info and the complete line-up of entertainers and grand marshals, see www.phillypride.org (and don’t forget your sunscreen).
Triumphant Pride
One of the best places to go after Pride is Bruce Yelk’s annual Triumphant Pride party, 1-8 p.m. June 10 at Mad River, 126 Chestnut St. Cover charge is free until 2, then $10 until 7. He’ll have great DJs, amazing entertainment and tons of hot and sweaty guys to rub up against.
Stimulus Ultimate Pride Party
Catch the ultimate after-Pride party from 4 p.m.-midnight June 10 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., sponsored by Stimulus. Cover charge is $5 until 7 p.m. They’ll have amazing DJs, drink specials and more hot girls and guys than you can count.
Our Night Out
Our Night Out is back with food and drinks from 6-8 p.m. June 12 at Le Meridien, 1421 Arch St., with hosts the Philadelphia Freedom Band and hundreds of gay folks to meet ’n’ greet.
Big Gay Boat Party II
The best outdoor tea dance in town is back from 6 p.m.-midnight June 17 at Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Blvd. Hot men, hot women, hot tunes and hot drag queens — all on a boat! Cover charge is $10.
Questions? Comments? Missing “Game of Thrones” already? Email Jim at [email protected] or like him on Facebook for links to back articles and deliciously crappy pop-video clips!