All good things must come to an end.
After seven years and 83 columns, first on the leather community and then on bar events in general, the time has come for me to lipsync for my life and sashay away. This is my final column, kids.
But like I always say — change is good! It’s important for fresh, new voices to have a chance to be heard. It’s good for folks to step aside after a while and give others a crack at things, don’t you think? I know, that’s not the way things always go here in Philly. We tend to grab onto something and strangle it to death for fear of losing it, but I believe it’s important to step aside and give someone else a try.
Thanks to everyone who reads this column, and to everyone who has ever said anything to me about it on the street or in the bars. It felt really great to hear feedback from you, and I’ve appreciated everything you’ve ever said — the good and the bad! Thanks also to everyone at PGN, most especially Jen and Sarah. I loved working for you both and learned a lot from each of you. Thank you most of all to my husband, Mike. You make everything amazing.
Since this is my last chance, let me say it one last time: Get out there, people! Social media is great and it can help you get laid all fast and furious, but if you want to find someone, make a real connection and maybe even get married someday (yay!), it’s so much easier to do that when you engage with people in the real world. So do it!
Pride Kickoff
It’s that time of year again! Kick off your Philly Pride Weekend from 6-11 p.m. June 6 on 12th Street, between Walnut and Spruce. The block party will have vendors, games, music and a chance to buy your festival wristbands early for only $10 and save $5 off the price at the gate on Sunday.
Bearlesque
Get a heaping helping of burly burlesque at 9 p.m. June 6 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Your host Connor Michalchuk and his cast of amazing performers will show you why this is Philly’s longest- running all-male revue.
Cutn Paste
One of the hottest monthly parties in town gets even hotter at 10 p.m. June 6 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. In addition to the usual drink specials, projections, photo booth and pool table, they’ll be paying homage to Chicago house and legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles with house music all night long. House music all night long! Only $5 to get in.
Philly Dyke March
Not in the mood for a mild-mannered Pride parade? Then join the protest march from 3-6 p.m. June 7 at Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets. They’ve been marching since 1998 and they’ve never gotten no stinking permit to do it, not once. And this year is no different. The rally starts at 3, then the march steps off promptly at 4, returning to the park for speakers and loads of entertainment. Bring your signs, your drums, your whistles, but most of all bring your friends!
Homecoming 2014
Support your local LGBT community center and our new senior residences from 7-10 p.m. June 7 in the courtyard of the John C. Anderson Apartments, 249 S. 13th St. There will be an Italian dinner catered by Giorgio on Pine, an open bar (wine and beer only), specialty cocktails, live entertainment, a silent auction and the crowning of the 2014 Homecoming Court. Tickets are $50 general admission, $35 student, senior or sober, or $500 to be a Homecoming Host, which comes with a VIP reception and a bunch of other goodies.
Crankshaft
Crank it up at 9 p.m. June 7 at the Bike Stop, 206 Quince St., at the annual Pride edition of the city’s best-dressed code-enforced gear party, hosted by the men of Philadelphians MC. Don’t miss hot DJ Paul Ferrer, whom you’ll remember from last year’s Bazaar on Quince. Suggested donation is only $5. Suggested dress code: leather, sport or fetish gear strongly encouraged; jeans and bare chest minimum. It’s more fun when everyone gets into it, so get in gear!
Big Gay Boat Pride Party
Rock the boat from 2-11 p.m. June 8 at Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Blvd. At 2 the drinking starts, at 5 the dancing starts and it all goes on long after the sun goes down. DJ DeeJay will be spinning the tunes while you enjoy drink specials all night long. Cover charge is only $10 and there’s a discount before 5 p.m.
If you want to tell Jim to go fuck himself or ask what took him so long to drag his tired old ass off into the sunset, please contact him at [email protected]. G’night everybody! Love and hugs to all.