Gay Pride 2001
"Just making sure you're on."
"You're so romantic," I purred.
As she jumped up and down to kickstart, I began to be aware of the charge in the air and the cheers of anticipation. Bruce Springsteen played in my head, even though I can't stand him. The Harley roared to life between my thighs. She shook her Billy Idol spiked bleached 'do, let out a war cry that was rejoined by the 30 to 40 phat bikes thundering betwixt muscular female legs. Baby we were born to run...
The thick gray fog was disappearing like a hunk of burning love. Next thing I know the breeze is blowing through my long blue hair, carrying the scent of colognes, street-fair food and mint lube. More than a million folks press forward to watch us, as the Dykes on Bikes open San Francisco's Gay Pride parade.
These days I'm a failed lesbian. I thank my roommate for the opportunity she afforded a gayboy interloper. I really gave it my all, but a certain penis won my heart. It happens. Just ask Whitney.
But whatever side of the fence I am on, every Gay Day I most proudly join my lesbian sisters and queer brothers to lend my voice in support of the freedom to express one's sexuality?and the pride to revel in it, by golly! Everyone I know goes. It's a party like no other. When else can you get a free, sound spanking in front of City Hall without getting arrested?
So gee whiz, put on your chaps, with or without anything underneath, and be happy and gay for a day.
Maggie Rizer hosts gambling extravaganza to benefit the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, feat. Joey Arias, Frank DeCaro, Tommy Hilfiger, Todd Oldham & Lauren Bush; Cipriani's, 110 E. 42nd St. (betw. Park & Lexington Aves.), 212-727-3100, 7 p.m.-12 a.m., $250.
LISA DAVIS
NBC's Barbara Raab interviews author of noir thriller Under the Mink, sponsored by Out Professionals?networking w/drinks & snacks at 6:30; Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center, 1 Little W. 12th. St. (Hudson St.), 212-462-9255 or www.outprofessionals.org; 7:30, $8.
GAY PRIDE SPECTACULAR
Hedda Lettuce, the "Crouching Trannie, Hidden Drag-Queen of Comedy," heads up hilarious night of comedy, feat. Johnny McGovern, Corey Powell & Danny Cohen; Caroline's, 1626 B'way (betw. 49th & 50th Sts.), RSVP 212-757-4100 or www.carolines.com; 9, $17.50.
YOU BETTER BE A LIAR
Wally White stars in comedic performance w/the strange subtitle "Or How I Sold My First Feature To Miramax & Ended Up In Bellevue"; Duplex, 61 Christopher St. (Seventh Ave. S.), RSVP 212-255-5438; 9, $10 & 2 drink min.
Thursday 6/21
AWARDS CEREMONY 2001
Public Advocate & mayoral hopeful Mark Green hosts Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered Awards Ceremony, feat. Christopher Rice, Queer as Folk's Sharon Gless & Peter Paige, Proof's Mary-Louise Parker & hiphop mogul Russell Simmons; City Hall, B'way (Chambers St.), RSVP to Allen Roskoff, 212-669-4129, 5 p.m.
BIG FUN WITH BILLY
Remember Billy, the gay doll? He made a splash a few years back w/his anatomically correct (and rather exaggerated) body. Check out artist Dianora Niccolini's photographs, in "Billy," shown in conjunction w/her book, Big Fun With Billy; Throckmorton Fine Art, 153 E. 61st St. (betw. Lexington & 3rd Aves.), 212-223-1059; opening reception at 6 p.m.
HONORING WITH PRIDE
The American Foundation for AIDS Research, along w/Marcia Gay Harden & Liz Smith, pay tribute to pioneers in the ongoing fight against AIDS, incl. Martin Delaney, Dr. Martin Markowitz, Dr. Melanie Thompson, Phill Wilson & James Hormel, sponsors incl. AOL Time Warner & Bud Light; Pier 60, Chelsea Piers, W. 23rd St. (West Side Hwy.), 212-806-1799 or eileen.curran@anfar.org; cocktails/silent auction at 6:30 p.m., dinner/award ceremony at 8 p.m., $250-$1000.
HOT BOYZ
Dance party feat. fabulous glam-queen Mary J. Blige?who will be judging her own look-a-like contest, $500 grand prize, DJs T-Pro & Unknown, Kevin Aviance?proceeds to Bellevue HIV Satellite Clinic; Chaos, 225 E. Houston St. (Ave. A), 212-388-7938; 9:30, $25, $15 adv.
ISLE OF KLEZBOS
All-female klezmer sextet perform at the second annual KlezBiGay Triple Bill, feat. Rachelle Garniez, Pam Fleming & lots of Yiddish-flavored music; CB's Gallery, 313 Bowery (Bleecker St.), 212-677-0455 or www.metropolitanklezmer.com; 8 p.m., $8.
LESBIAN PULP FICTION
Film delves into the raunchy world of 60s lesbianism, feat. "Women Behind Bars, Lavendar Love Rumble" & other other dyketastic revelry; HERE, 145 6th Ave. (betw. Spring & Broome Sts.), 212-647-0202 or www.here.org; 10:30 p.m., $15 [repeats Fri. at 7:30].
POP ROCKS! PRIDE
No gay marriage? Fine, then let's make fun of the straights! In honor of Jackie Collins' new book, Hollywood Wives, come as your fave Hollywood wife?Nicole Kidman or Liz Taylor & enjoy the sounds of Britney on the turntables, Fez, 380 Lafayette St. (Great Jones St.), 212-462-9077; 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $5.
QUEER IS GOOD
How does a bisexual Korean girl touring the country make it in engineering news reporting? Find out in this seriously comic mix of ethnic & sexual displacement; HERE, 145 6th Ave. (betw. Spring & Broome Sts.), 212-647-0202 or www.here.org, 10:30 p.m., $15 [repeats Fri.].
SEX IS MY RELIGION
Production looks at gay men & their mothers thorugh role reversal?mom plays the sexually frank son & the son reads the part of his born-again Christian mom; HERE, 145 6th Ave. (betw. Spring & Broome Sts.), 212-647-0202 or www.here.org; 7 p.m., $15 [repeats Fri.].
TRANSGENDER PRIDE
Multi-faceted cabaret-style talent show feat. live acts, plus Gil T. Pleasure, Miss Shakira Bonita, Claudia & Madiva; Now Bar, 22 7th Ave. S. (Leroy St.), 212-802-9502 or www.glowgirl.com, call for time, $15-$20.
FRIDAY 6/22
ANOTHER GAY PLAY
This limited-run show, billed as "the gay play to end all gay plays," is about two guys whose lives are changed forever on the day of gay pride, dir. by Jonathan Tolins; CAP21 Theatre, 15 W. 28th. St. (betw. B'way. & 5th. Ave.), RSVP 212-684-1500; 8 p.m., $10 [repeats Sat. at 8 & Sun. at 3].
DO-IT
DJ Hex Hector keeps your favorites pumping through the speakers for this ongoing party feat. special guests, plus Angelos Styliano in the Red Room; Joy, 253 W. 28th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-592-3032, 10 p.m., $15, $10 w/invite.
DRAG MARCH
Eighth annual march recognizes the role of freaks, social misfits, drag kings & queens, in the 1969 Stonewall riots; Tompkins Square Park, Ave. A (betw. 7th & 10th Sts.) 7:30 p.m., all are welcome.
GAY SHAME 2001
Are you turned off by the increasingly corporate, commercial Heritage of Pride festivities? Then check out this alternative queer festival, which kicks off tonight w/a post-drag march, feat. 'House of Ma' & Jamie Hunter of the NY Assoc. for Gender Rights Advocacy, plus dancing to follow; D.U.M.B.A., 57 Jay St. (betw. Front & Water Sts.), Bklyn., 718-670-3719; 8 p.m.-12 a.m., $3 contrib.
HOE-DOWN
Team New York?a resource network for lesbian & gay athletes in the tri-state area, sponsors evening of country music & two-stepping; P.S. 3, 490 Hudson St. (betw. Christopher & Grove Sts.), www.teamnewyork.org; 7 p.m., free.
MOTHER'S MARCH
Take part in this annual interfaith march & candlelight vigil honoring people living with AIDS?all are welcome; Christopher St. (Greenwich St.), 7:30 p.m., free.
MANHUNT 2001
Dance party for "all things proud & masculine" feat. music by DJ Reed McGowan, Pete Crow & John Millier, 10% of proceeds go to NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project; Roseland, 239 W. 52nd. St. (betw. B'way & Eighth Ave.), 800-494-8497 or www.manhuntparty.com; 11 p.m.-8 a.m., $60-$70, $50 adv.
PRIDE ON ICE
New York City Gay Hockey Association sponsors NYC's first gay ice hockey tournament, Chelsea Challenge 2001, feat. three days of hockey, w/six teams & a "skills competition"? be sure to check out NYC-GHA's 2002 "Hockey Boys" calendar, avail. in August (yummy!); SkyRink, Chelsea Piers, 23rd. St. (Hudson River), info@nycgayhockey.org; 8 p.m. [continues Sat. & Sun.].
PRIDE SHABBAT
Congregation Beth Simchat Torah hosts event feat. Joyce Rosenzweig, Cantor Ellen Stettner, & the CBST Chorus, services lead by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum?all are welcome; Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, 30 W. 68th St. (Central Park W.), 212-929-9498; 7:30 p.m., free.
QUEER BOYS STRIPPING
Release party for QV Magazine w/a 2xist fashion show, feat. "spontaneous pornformances," DJ Andre Collins & open bar from 11-12, so prepare yourself for lots of hot men parading around in their underwear; Players Club, 20 W. 39th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-802-PAPI; 7:30 p.m., $15, $10 before 12 p.m. w/invite.
STONEWALL SHABBAT SEDER
Congregation B'Nai Jeshurun hosts annual observance of pride for gay & lesbian Jews, w/Kabbalat Shabbat services followed by kosher dinner at 7:30; 257 W. 88th St. (betw. B'way & West End Ave.), 212-787-7600, ext.304, res. req.; 6 p.m., $27.
STOP, DROP & ROLL
Fabulous duo Kiki & Herb pres. new summertime show feat. the usual songs, social commentary & wisecracks: Fez, 380 Lafayette St. (Great Jones St.), 212-462-9077; 9:45, $15-$18 [repeats Sat. at 9:45 & Sun. at 7].
SWEAT
Enjoy the sounds of DJs MK & Kim B, the dancing of Lady Godiva & Blue, drink specials abound, sponsored by Tanqueray; Crazy Nanny's, 21 7th Ave. S. (Leroy St.), 212-366-6312; call for time, $10.
TIGGA IN 'DA HOUSE
Stripping, gossiping & drinking, as part of Queer@Here series; HERE, 145 Sixth Ave. (betw. Spring & Broome Sts.), 212-647-0202 or www.here.org; 10:30 p.m., $15.
Saturday 6/23
CALIGULA 2001
Cyndi Lauper, Kevin Aviance & Strength Act, accompanied by a live symphonic orchestra, perform a "Roman Orgy" w/DJ Victor Calderone; Manhattan Center's Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 W. 34th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-307-7171; 10 p.m., $75.
DYKE MARCH
Annual celebration of women takes over 5th Ave. & proceeds down to Washington Sq. Park the afternoon prior to the main march; meet at Bryant Park, 42nd. St. (6th Ave.), 4 p.m., free.
EPISCOPAL-LUTHERAN PRIDE
For the first time, New York's gay Episcopalians & Lutherans celebrate pride together, feat. Rev. Michael Hopkins, Lutheran Bishop Robert A. Rimbo; St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Lexington Ave. (54th St.), 718-680-6204, free.
LESBIAN PRIDE DANCE 2001
Longest-running dance party for women feat. Go-Go's, Ousha, Rhiannon along w/DJ Norty Colto & DJ Francesca Magliano; Chelsea Piers, Sky Terrace, Pier 61 (betw. West 23rd. St. & West Side Hwy.), 212-620-7310; 9 p.m.-4 a.m., $20, $15 adv.
MORE GAY SHAME
If you're sick of the McDonaldization of pride festivals, check out day two of this alternative queer festival, feat. Dykes on Strike!, Kate Rhee, Bob Kohler, Amber Hollibaugh & Stacy Ann Chinn; plus a screening of "Rudyland" at 10 p.m.?about Rudy's Disneyfied Gotham; Dumba, 57 Jay St. (betw. Front & Water Sts.), Bklyn., 718-670-3719; potluck at 2, speakers at 4, contrib.
PRIDE RUN
Front Runners NY has its annual 5-mile run; 97th. St. (East Park Dr.), 212-724-9700 or www.frontrunnersnewyork.org; 9:30 a.m., $17.
PROUD DIVAS
Celebrate gay pride weekend at the most Chelsea of gay nightclubs w/DJ Peter Rauhofer, Kim English, Loletta Holloway & Suzanne Palmer; Roxy, 515 W. 18th. St. (betw. 10th. & 11th. Aves.), 212-307-7171; 10 p.m., $40, $30 adv.
RIVERFRONT BENEFIT
Dance party benefiting the Audre-Lorde Project & the South Asian Lesbian & Gay Association, feat. house, hiphop music, plus surprise performers; Frying Pan, Pier 63, W. 23rd St. (West Side Hwy.), 212-358-5132; 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $18, $15 before 12 a.m.
SOAKIN' WET
This tea dance should be full of hot & wet overly-stimulated gay men, benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, feat. DJ John Marinello; Pier 63, W. 23rd St. (West Side Hwy.), 212-727-0368; 2-8 p.m., $35, $30 adv.
STOP GLOBAL AIDS NOW!
March in response to the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS; meet at Washington Sq. Park, 5th Ave. (Waverly Pl.) & marches to Byrant Park, www.stopglobalaidsnow.org for info; 11 a.m.
TELL IT TO MY HEART!
Check out Taylor Dayne, everyone's favorite 80s pop star, as she takes over the role of Princess Amneris in the Elton John/Tim Rice smash-hit, Aida; Palace Theater, B'way, (47th St.), 212-307-4747 or www.ticketmaster.com; call for times, $10-$90.
TRIBE: PRIDE WEEKEND 2-SPIRITUAL
Alternative, non-alcoholic dance party feat. music by Michael Carlson & Phillip Kimball benefits the American Foundation for AIDS Research; 520 8th Ave., 10th fl. (betw. 36th & 37th Sts.), 212-806-1658 or tribe@amfar.org; 9 p.m.-6 a.m., $60, $50 adv.
VEGAN PRIDE
Bring a vegan dish to share, and a blanket, to this pride potluck in Central Park; Central Park W. (81st. St.), 212-802-8655 or vegout1@juno.com; call for time.
YACHT PRIDE PARTY
Fourth annual party onboard the Magnificent Mystique, feat. full-course buffet, cash bar, continental breakfast, plus DJ China, Nastique & others; 212-414-5234 or www.cheryl-anninc.com; call for info, $50.
Sunday 6/24
ALEGRIA
Gay pride dance party feat. musical stylings of DJ Tracy Young & Lydia Prim; Sound Factory, 618 W. 46th St. (betw. 11th & 12th Aves.), Ticketweb.com or www.cariocaproductions.com for info; 11 p.m.-11 a.m., $50, $45 adv.
DANIEL CARTIER
Daniel Cartier pres. "Wide Outside," his angelic voice (plus, he's a cutie) is a great way to celebrate your gayness; Fez, 380 Lafayette St. (Great Jones St.), 212-462-9077 or www.feznyc.com; 10 p.m., $12.
COLT PRIDE
Three-floor dance party feat. music by DJ Keana & John Lepage plus Colt men, prizes & special appearances onboard The Frying Pan, behind Pier 63, W. 23rd St. (Hudson River), $35, $25 adv.?tickets at 130 7th Ave. (18th St.) or www.jetnyc.com for info.
DANCE XV
If you want to show your pride by dancing your ass off surrounded by thousands of sweaty, well-tanned gay men & lesbians, this one's for you, feat. DJ Monty Q & live performances from Amber, Sandy B. & Kevin Aviance, plus fireworks at 10:30; Pier 54, 14th. St. (West St.), 800-494-TIXS; 4:30-11 p.m., $50, $35 adv.
EPISCOPAL PRIDE
Celebrate pride at pre & post-march services, informal pre-march service at 5th Ave. & 55th St., traditional 'Pride Evensong' at Church of St. Luke in the Fields, Hudson St. (Christopher St.), 212-243-2121; 12 & 6:30 p.m., free.
GRRRRLLL PRIDE
Watch the WNBA's New York Liberty take on the LA Sparks on two big screens, accompanied by DJs Brewster & Kate Schellenbach plus go-go performers, Gloss Girls; Meow Mix, 269 E. Houston St. (betw. Aves. A & B), 212-254-0688; 4 p.m.-4 a.m., $10, $7 w/flyer.
JUNIOR
Famed DJ Junior Vasquez takes the tables for one night only?w/DJ Manny Lehman, performed by Vernessa Mitchell, Dynamix, dancers Rubio & Kidd?all with the megaclub's new sound system & revamped DJ booth; Roxy, 515 W. 18th St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-645-5156, all night long, www.ticketmaster.com, $75, $60 adv.
PRE-MARCH WEDDING BASH
About 90 minutes before the kick-off of the pride march, you can marry the man (or woman) of your dreams at this multi-faith wedding ceremony, feat. the Lavendar Light Gospel Choir, speakers incl. State Sen. Tom Duane, marriage activist Evan Wolfson; Pulitzer Fountain, 5th Ave. (Central Park S.), 212-517-1775 or www.theweddingparty.org; $25 per couple.
PRIDEFEST 2001
Heritage of Pride's annual street festival feat. more than 200 vendors peddling "prideful" wares, incl. Stagefest: singers, dancers, comedians, drag queens, 3-6 p.m.; alcohol-free Coffeehouse w/acoustic entertainment; gay & lesbian arts, Kidspace: family-oriented entertainment for gays w/kids, 3-8 p.m.; festival from 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Washington St. (betw. Christopher & Spring Sts.), 212-995-2293, all are welcome.
PRIDE YATCH PARTY
Watch the sun rise after a night of live p-funk, jazz, r&b & performances by Najai, Oohzee, Nastique & Goldie?at this fourth annual bash aboard the Mystique?feat. DJ China, full course buffet w/cash bar, continental breakfast?semi-formal attire req.; 212-414-5234 or www.cheryl-anninc.com; 1:30 a.m.-5:30 a.m., $50.
STARLETTE
Pride party for all the lovely ladies & dancing dykes, feat. DJ Jolene spinning house tunes w/dancer Doreen in the back lounge. All are welcome?but men are encouraged to have a woman on their arm; Starlight, 167 Ave. A (betw. 11th & 10th Sts.), 212-475-2172; 7 p.m.-4 a.m., free.
32ND ANNUAL PRIDE MARCH
The country's biggest & proudest display of gay pride in its many forms feat. grand marshals Matt Foreman (Empire State Pride Agenda) & Michelle Benecke (Service members Legal Defense Network) along w/drag queens, musical acts, leather men, religious groups, gay urban professionals, colorful floats & various displays of semi-nudity; a moment of silence at 2 p.m. for those lost to AIDS. The march makes its way down 5th Ave. & turns right onto Waverly Pl. at Washington Sq. Park, ending up at Christopher & Greenwich Sts. Where else can you see gay lawyers & suburbanites marching down 5th Ave. along w/sex radicals, gay wrestlers, activists & many others?; 5th Ave. (52nd. St.), 212-807-7433 or HOPMARCH@yahoo.com; step-off at 12 p.m.
Monday 6/25
AIDS: A LIVING ARCHIVE
With infection rates rising to 1980s-levels in young gay male communities, it's important to remember the 20-year history of this epidemic. Check out the Gay Men's Health Crisis-sponsored exhibit, feat. rare photos, interactive memorial & more; Museum of the City of New York, 1220 5th Ave. (104th St.), 212-534-1672, contrib. [through 9/10].
ANTHONY RAPP
Rent actor performs as part of something called "Broadway Underground"; Fez, 380 Lafayette St. (Great Jones St.), 212-462-9077 or www.feznyc.com; 7 p.m., $15.
SUNSET CRUISE
Cruise the harbor w/queer people of color, sponsored by Men of All Colors Together; Circle Line Pier, W. 42nd. St. (West Side Hwy.), 212-330-7678; 7 p.m., $30, $25 adv.