It's a queer, queer, queer world
Our annual guide to Pride.

By Eric Adams

SAN FRANCISCO BOASTS loudly of its neighborhood diversity and individuality, when the city is really one big queer neighborhood in a big queer world: everything and everyone else are just accessories. That's never more apparent than during Pride Month, when the town gets taken over by queer activities for one and all. The festivities culminate in the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration, which delivers bigger and more dazzling spectacles each year, coupled with the important messages of equality, optimism, and peace. Read on for our guide to Pride – this year's events include comedy shows, ice skating, country hoedowns, and natch, plenty of opportunities to dance your ass off.

events

Wed/26

'Q Action presents "But I'm a Virgin" ' The young men's program of the STOP AIDS Project debuts its interactive short documentary about how a gay/bi/queer man's first sexual experience affects his future sex. Definitions of sex and virginity are explored in the 25-minute film. 7 p.m., SFLGBT Community Center, 1800 Market, S.F. Free. (415) 575-0150, www.stopaids.org.

'Swallow My Pride First Annual Gay/Lesbian Comedy Festival' A who's who of queer comics, including Tom Ammiano, Scott Kennedy, Sabrina Matthews, Dan Rothenberg, Scott Silverman, Lisa Geduldig, Pippi Lovestocking, and others, rock the stage at this event. Through Sun/30. 8 p.m. (also Fri.-Sat., 10 p.m.), Cobb's Comedy Club, 2801 Leavenworth, S.F. $10-$15. (415) 928-4445 or (415) 771-5225.

Thurs/27

'Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits Potluck Reception' The community organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered Native Americans and their families and friends hosts its monthly potluck. 7 p.m., SFLBGT Community Center, 1800 Market, S.F. Call for price. (415) 865-5555.

'Circo Zero' Keith Hennessy's Circo Zero is an amalgamation of old and new elements: traditional circus arts (aerial fabric and hoop dance, contortion, and acrobatics) in a contemporary urban environment with a musical score of American roots/folk songs arranged to hip-hop rhythms. Through Sun/7. Thurs.-Sun., 8:30 p.m., Theater Artaud, 450 Florida, S.F. $20. (415) 864-9834.

'Hope Along the Wind: The Life of Harry Hay' Eric Slade's Golden Gate Award-winning doc about one of America's first gay rights organizers, a favorite at this year's San Francisco International Film Festival, gets the big-screen video treatment at the library. Noon, San Francisco Public Library, Main Branch, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin, S.F. Free. (415) 557-4277. (Also Fri/28, 9 p.m., KQED, channel 9. www.kqed.org.)

'IN (side) and OUT: Gay/Lesbian Business in the New Millennium' The Golden Gate Business Association sponsors a day of panels and networking for LGBT business owners. Speakers include Susan Leal, Chip Conley, Scott Mandell, and others. 1 p.m. (registration at noon), Sir Frances Drake Hotel, 450 Powell, S.F. $45-$55. (415) 441-3651 or (415) 864-2159, www.ggba.com.

'Pride Mass 2002' The LGBT Catholics celebrate more than 10 years of unified faith and commitment to Christian principles at their annual Gay Pride service, followed by a reception. 7 p.m., Newman Hall, Holy Spirit Parish, 2700 Dwight, Berk. Free. (510) 663-6302.

'Remembering Stonewall' See 8 Days a Week, page 68. 8 p.m., Club Rendez-vous, 1312 Polk, S.F. Free. (415) 673-7934.

Fri/28

International Gay Rugby Tournament Bingham Cup Local gay men can thank the San Francisco Fog Rugby Football Club for hosting this year's international gay men's rugby club competition, which will bring more than 200 rough, tough, and sexy gay men from around the world to compete for balls, as usual. The event is dedicated to Mark Bingham, a Sept. 11 victim from the Bay Area. Through June 29. Competition starts at 10 a.m. each day, Polo Fields, near Lincoln Way at 33rd Ave., Golden Gate Park, S.F. Free. www.igrab.net.

'Pride Shabbat' Congregation Sha'ar Zahav, San Francisco's only LGBT synagogue, invites local and visiting Jews and non-Jews and their families, friends, and lovers for a wine and cheese gathering prior to Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night) worship service, with Oneg Shabbat (social hour) to follow. 7 p.m. (service begins at 8:15 p.m.), 290 Dolores, S.F. Free. (415) 861-6931.

'Til Friday' A cast of drag performers – including Cockatelia, Gypsy Calabrese, Sonfondaboyz, Manley Lennox, and Karen Kill – takes the stage; this week's theme is "The Boy Show II." Fri., 10:30 p.m. and midnight, Club Rendez-vous, 1312 Polk, S.F. Free. (415) 309-CLUB.

'The 24th Annual Pride Concert: You're a Grand Old F(l)ag' The musical, hosted by Sharon Gless, pays homage to queer and queer-friendly American musicians with performances by the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, the revered San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. 7 and 9 p.m., Everett Middle School, 450 Church, S.F. $20. (415) 865-3650, www.sfgmc.org.

Sat/29

Dyke march See 8 Days a Week, page 68. 3 p.m., Dolores Park, 18th St. and Dolores, S.F. Free. (415) 241-8882.

'Guys 'R Dolls' A cast of drag divas, led by MC Brian Keith, performs. Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m., Glenview Performing Arts Center, 1318 Glenfield, Oakl. $39.95. (510) 551-9785.

'Pride Run 2002' The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence fire the starting gun at the San Francisco FrontRunners-sponsored 5K and 10K run/walk, a benefit for the Positive Resource Center. After you trek the flat course through the park, stick around for a picnic, raffle, and awards ceremony. 9 a.m., Stow Lake Boat House, Golden Gate Park, 50 Stow Lake Dr., S.F. $22-$25. (415) 978-2429, www.sffrontrunners.com, www.active.com.

'Second Annual Conference on Lesbian Health Research: Healthy Choices for Lesbians' Lesbians interested in women's health are invited to attend sessions focusing on lesbian topics. This year's conference focuses on health issues for lesbians of color. 8:30 a.m., UCSF Laurel Heights Campus, 3333 California, S.F. $50 (student and senior scholarships available). (415) 861-1637, www.lesbianhealthinfo.org.

'Skate Out 2002' So the real Michelle Kwan only got the bronze. So what? This exhibition and competition for Gay Games-bound athletes features a performance by Kwan's number-one impersonator, amazing likeness Jay Kobayashi (the U.S. Adult Gold Level Champion skater). 5:30 p.m., Yerba Buena Ice Center, 750 Folsom, S.F. $10. (415) 820-3535, www.32degreesmagazine.com/skateout.html.

Sun/30

'Be Yourself, Change the World: San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade and Celebration' See 8 Days a Week, page 68. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., parade begins at Market and Beale, S.F.; celebration, San Francisco Civic Center, Larkin at Grove, S.F. $3 (parade free). (415) 864-3733, www.sfpride.org.

'Confront the Man' Gay Shame Activists take to the streets during this year's Gay Pride parade in a "festival of resistance." Gay Shame attacks the consumerism and capitalism that suffocates any political message formerly connected to San Francisco Gay Pride and encourages the Pride community to "put patriotism back in the closet where it belongs." Activists want politically assertive LGBTs to "confront Budweiser Pride," and to bring food, gifts, and glamour to share. Also see "The Problem with Pride," page 68. 11 a.m., Ninth St. at Mission, S.F. Free. (415) 540-2947.

clubs and parties

Wed/26

'Wet Dream Lesburlesque Review' Webster defines burlesque as humorous theatrical entertainment with "earthy characters" and stripteases. 26 Mix plans to kick off Pride Week with a queer spin on tradition, which results in something resembling a lesbian wet dream. Boys stay home: this is a female-only event. 7 p.m.-1 a.m., 26 Mix, 3024 Mission, S.F. $10-$15. (415) 826-7378.

Thurs/27

'Hep Cat at Alley Catz' The Castro's only weekly women's club commemorates its one-year anniversary and Pride with a raffle, auction, and fetishwear fashion show to raise money for Hepatitis C research. Buffet and drink specials will also be on tap, as will dancing to DJs Lady G-Funk, Éclat, and Divinity. 6 p.m.-2 a.m., Pendulum, 4146 18th St., S.F. Free. (415) 863-4441.

'In Bed with Fairy Butch for Gals, Transfolks, and Their Pals' Fairy Butch brings her popular, no-holds-barred testosterone extravaganza out for a special Pride Week show. Though butch and FTM hotties are the main event, femme chicks and transfolks are all welcome to the party. Be sure to enter the "sex toy extravaganza" raffle. 9:30 p.m., Il Pirata, 2007 16th St., S.F. $10-$15. (415) FEZ-8000.

'Reform Skool' This weekly club at the Stud always brings hot young skater-types, punks, and other bad boys together to drop a beat with house breaks and trance. 10 p.m.-4 a.m., the Stud, 399 Harrison, S.F. $6. (415) 252-STUD.

'Rockin' Acoustic Show' Dolores Park Cafe kicks off a two-day Pride celebration with a rock show featuring local talents Judea Eden, Maria Stanford with Jeni Day, and Terese Taylor. Friday, the Velvet Janes take the stage. 7:30 p.m., Dolores Park Cafe, 501 Dolores, S.F. $3-$5. (415) 621-2936.

Fri/28

'Ball of Pride' It's the sixth annual incarnation of this Pride party, which also celebrates trance music with eight hours of dancing and black lights. DJs include Gryder + Hughes, Jason G, MrJonp, and Joseph Lee. 10 p.m.-5 a.m., Space 550, 550 Barneveld, S.F. $20-$30. www.guspresents.com.

'Club Q's Friday Night Pride Q Dance Party' This yearly Club Q ritual is the largest all-female multicultural party of the year. 9 p.m.-4 a.m., Sound Factory, 525 Harrison, S.F. $15. (415) 647-8258.

'Fag Fridays' The world-renowned Endup hosts its weekly salute to the boys, who line up around the building to cruise, dance, and cruise some more, shakin ass till dawn. The doormen are relentless, so show up semi-sober without the Skooby snacks in your fifth pocket. 10 p.m.-6 a.m., Endup, 601 Harrison, S.F. $15-$25. (415) 357-0827.

'Heklina and Club Universe Present Dead or Alive' What would Pride be without San Francisco's infamous Tranny Master of Ceremonies, Heklina? Trannyshack's crown jewel brings Dead or Alive plus performers Vinsantos and Kimo to Club Townsend's Universe, kicking off the club's last Pride Weekend before closing for good in a 1980s drag queen time warp. DJs Pinkyring, Dangerous Dan, and Damon spin and Miss Chocolate, doorwhore, will take your cash. 9:30 p.m.-7 a.m., Club Townsend, 177 Townsend, S.F. $25-$35. www.heklina.com, www.clubuniverse.com.

'Kama Utsav: A Celebration of South Asian Sexuality' Trikone, a local organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people of South Asian decent, hosts this shindig. Turn out for South Asian music, dancing, and refreshments. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., SFLGBT Community Center, 1800 Market, S.F. $10. pride@trikone.org, www.trikone.org.

'Seventh Annual Fencesitters Ball' San Francisco's official bi dance party, which, not surprisingly, is also the largest bisexual party in the country, brings together the sexually indiscriminate to work it out with local DJs. Bring your boyfriend and girlfriend and pay only ten bucks with a "threesome special" discount! 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Jezebels Joint, 510 Larkin, S.F. $6. (415) 820-3907.

Sat/29

Club Universe The West Coast's most successful dance club closes its doors on July 6, 10 years after it turned the California club scene out with its revolving themes, beautiful dancers, and premier DJs. Marc Almond of Soft Cell headlines tonight with help from SF DJ demigod Mark Harness and other house DJs. Last chance for this party – one that will be sorely missed. 11 p.m.-5 a.m., Club Townsend, 177 Townsend, S.F. $25. (415) 974-6020, www.clubuniverse.com.

'Endup Pride Marathon 2002' The 30-hour dance marathon will see more queens, queers, twinks, and twacks than the Castro Muni. Three parties – "Other Whirled," the infamous "Sunday T-Dance," and local favorite "Devotion" – intertwine and showcase the Bay Area's upper-deck DJ talents. Be ready to pay hefty covers for each party unless you plan to stay 30 hours straight. 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Monday, Endup, 601 Harrison, S.F. Call for price. (415) 357-0827.

Gay Pride celebration The soulful sounds of Veronica Klaus fill Cafe du Nord until the Junk party starts with DJs Zanne and Junkyard. 7 p.m.-2 a.m., Cafe du Nord, 2170 Market, S.F. $7. (415) 861-5016.

'The Girl Spot' The venerable lesbian dance club hosts its annual Pride Party, this year at a new location at the Covered Wagon Saloon. 8 p.m., Covered Wagon Saloon, 917 Folsom, S.F. $12-$15. (415) 974-1585.

'Sister' The fabulous ladies of Sister SF bring guest DJs Goldilox, XJS, and Glitter to 26 Mix for Pride house and funk breaks. 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 26 Mix, 3024 Mission, S.F. $5 (free before 10 p.m.) (415) 826-7378.

'Splash/ReUNION San Francisco' The theme of the official Pride kickoff parties is "Brave New World," but they will probably draw the same old cruisy circuit-boy crowd. The sixth anniversary pool party will be at the Phoenix Hotel, as usual, but the dance party will move to a bigger venue this year, the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. True to San Francisco party style, the music and dancing don't stop until Sunday morning. Proceeds benefit the Noble Beast Foundation, which donates to several local AIDS charities. Splash: Noon-6 p.m., Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy, S.F. $15. ReUNION: 9 p.m.-5 a.m., Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove, S.F. $50. (415) 674-1214, www.noblebeast.org.

'A Stipper-Studded Dyke March Kickoff Garden Party' The one and only Fairy Butch gets the party started with a special early show before the Dyke March. 4:30 p.m., El Rio, 3158 Mission, S.F. $10-$15. (415) FEZ-8000.

'Sugar' The Stud's Saturday night party offers a more diverse crowd of boys than its larger competitors, which makes up for the lack of space and recent price increases. 11 p.m.-4 a.m., Stud, 399 Harrison, S.F. $8-$15. (415) 252-STUD.

'The Third Annual Brown Party' The oh-so-fab Latin Pride-goers get their own three-floor dance party, con chicos de Go-Go muy caliente (translation: hot, sweaty naked boys!), three salsa DJs mixin' it up under a laser-light show, and New York freestyle diva Saffire. 9:30 p.m.-4 a.m., Space 550, 550 Barneveld, S.F. $20. (415) 675-9763, www.papipresents.

Sun/30

'Country-Western After-Pride Party' When the sun goes down, rustle your way across Market Street for the Sundance Saloon's country western dance party. Don't know how to hoof it? Beginning dance lessons kick off at 6 p.m.; from 7:30 on, the floor is open for all boot-scootin' enthusiasts to show their stuff. 6-11 p.m., Ramada Plaza Hotel, 1231 Market, S.F. $5. (415) 699-5764, www.sundancesaloon.org.

'DJ Page Hodel Presents After Parade Pride' Harry Denton's swanky Rouge lounge hosts two back-to-back parties for women only. "Respect" features retro music from the last four decades spun by Hodel and DJ La Coqui, who will add a little salsa fresca. At 10 p.m. a new set of DJs will ring in the "Club Q After Parade Party" and take control with hip-hop breaks, R&B, and house funk to get the females workin' it. These events are on the cheap: $10 for both, so come early in case it sells out. 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Harry Denton's Rouge, 1500 Broadway, S.F. $10. (415) 647-8258.

Pride Club KY Get down to queer, alt-rock, punk, and indie dance music with DJs Spike and Jacob. 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Jezebels Joint, 510 Larkin, S.F. Free. (415) 820-3907.

'Proud Mary' DJs Javier, Derek B, and Juanita More spin disco, funk, hip-hop, and electro at this party. 6 p.m.-midnight, Border Cantina, 1192 Folsom, S.F. $5. (415) 263-0980.

'Rising' Those circuit party-creating kids behind several Pride gatherings made certain that no minute passes without a dance floor and DJ at the ecstasy-ingesting twink or gym god's disposal. Promoters claim this party will "breathe new life into the morning party," with a private chill area, ambient music, massage centers, and flagging stages. 5 a.m.-noon, Glaskat, 520 Fourth St., S.F. $30-$40. www.ptyronepresents.com

'Sex Dwarf' Shadowplay, with DJs Tim and Jay Dead, presents a special '80s Pride night. Haul out the black eyeliner and platforms: the code words for the night are new wave, Goth, glam, and post-punk. 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 26 Mix, 3024 Mission, S.F. $5. (415) 826-7378.

Tues/2

'Trannyshack' Those crazy queens are always up to no good on Tuesday night: at witching hour the show begins as Heklina offers her unique spin on love, life, and diva-covers with her harem of gender-benders. Midnight-3 a.m., Stud, 399 Harrison, S.F. $6. (415) 252-STUD.

ongoing

'Cruising the Castro' This walk takes participants on a beautiful stroll around the gay old Castro, from Mission Dolores down to the intersection of 18th and Castro Streets, "the gayest four corners on Earth," according to tour guide Trevor Haley. Haley, who locals have labeled the "New Mayor of Castro Street," knows more about San Francisco than most historians, particularly queer culture and the rise of gay mecca. The four-hour tour is fun for all – queer, straight, and anyone who's curious about the city's rich history – and the price includes lunch at the Firewood Cafe. Tours are year-round by appt., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Castro, S.F. $40 (discounts for students and seniors; free for 13 and under). Schedule tours at (415) 550-8110 or www.webcastro.com/castrotour.

National Queer Arts Festival This monthlong event celebrates its fifth anniversary with a monthlong retrospective of lesbian, gay, bi, and transgendered contributions to modern culture. Upcoming events include And You Can't Make Me: The Life and Music of Gladys Bentley, Alison Wright's solo show about the cross-dressing "Brown Bomber of Sophisticated Songs" (Wed/26-Sat/29, SomArts); a "Women in Music" series with concerts by Kinnie Starr and Ulali (Wed/26, Brava Theater Center) and Bitch and Animal with Phranc (Thurs/27, Brava); a visual-art opening featuring rare works by Robert Rauschenberg (Thurs/27, SFLBGT Community Center); and comedian Elvira Kurt (Fri/28, Brava). Complete schedule and ticket information is available at www.queerculturalcenter.org. Through Sun/30. (415) 865-5611.

San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival Now in its 26th year, this fest features queer cinema that will tantalize, entice, and educate. Films showcase a diversity of cultures and run the gamut of genres; check out the June 29 premiere of Britney Baby - One More Time, the story of drag diva Robert Stephens, who surprised the country when he won a Britney Spears look-alike contest and was later snubbed by the reigning Tramp of Pop for confusing the media. Through Sun/30. See First Runs in Film Listings for schedule. (925) 866-9559, www.frameline.org.

'Viva La Rainbow' If you haven't had a chance to check out this year's official SF Pride photo show, you have until Sun/30 to get an eyeful. Featured are local photogs Kieran Ridge and Hiromi Oda – the artists whose giant-size works currently adorn the outer windows of the SF LGBT Community Center. Images include the Dykes on Bikes in full parade style, happy duos at the City Hall Domestic Partners Registration Ceremony, transgender performers, and plenty more. Through Sun/30. SF LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market, S.F., and Borders Books and Records, 400 Post, S.F. Free. www.thestreetsofsanfrancisco.com/sfpride.

queer hot spots

Blow Buddies A private club for men – the name says it all. 933 Harrison, S.F. (415) 863-HEAD.

The Café The Castro meat market is a place to see and be seen, cruise and be cruised, and gaze wistfully at the hotties walking to and fro below you from a balcony overlooking Castro. 2367 Market, S.F. (415)861-3846.

Eros Conveniently located near Church on Market, naked men can enjoy the steam room, masseurs, and of course, one another in a multilevel sexual playground. 2051 Market, S.F. (415)843-3767.

Harvey's Castro Harvey's has a diner feel to it, with good grub and nice views. It's not too cruisy, and everyone is welcome at this LGBT mingling spot. 500 Castro, S.F. (415) 431-4278.

Lexington Club If you ain't female, you ain't in the right place. This dyke bar is a local favorite, just a few blocks from the rowdy Castro boys in the bohemian Mission District. 3464 19th St., S.F. (415) 863-2052.

N'Touch SF This cozy club on Polk caters to an Asian and Asian-cruising crowd. 1548 Polk, S.F. www.ntouchsf.com.

POW! A Cocktail Lounge In the Tenderloin, the club is ripe with hot staff and good music, not to mention Sony PlayStations, action heroes, and a Cocktail Goddess blessing the party from the wall, a martini in each of her eight hands. 101 Sixth St., S.F. (415)278-0940.

Powerhouse The ultimate SoMa destination for visiting gay men who want to experience it all in one place: cheap drinks are served by scantily clad bartenders under porno-projecting televisions while some music plays from above. No one is paying attention though, because it's packed with a cross-section of gay San Fran. Twinks, muscle-gods, leather-daddies, Castro Clones, and Midwestern Americana boys are all waiting to go downstairs to get aggressive. 1347 Folsom, S.F. (415) 552-8689.

SF Badlands The dance floor is kind of small, but the drinks are cheap, the boys are flashy, and the bartenders are always workin' it in tight shirts and ripped pants. Oh yeah, it's a video bar, too, with videos everywhere – but who cares? 4128 18th St., S.F. www.sfbadlands.com.

Trax While the Haight doesn't come to mind as a happenin' queer hangout, it's nice to know that you can drop in Trax while your straight friends, family, etc., go shopping for overpriced hand-me-downs. Besides, the pool tables, dartboards, and decent draft selection keeps it nice and ambiguous, if you're on the prowl but in the closet (as if). 1437 Haight, S.F. (415) 864-4213.

Twin Peaks Tavern Twin Peaks has some interesting nicknames, like "The Crystal Casket" and "The Last Stop," but the older generation of LGBTs that haunt this dive have the best view in the city, smack on the corner of Market and Castro. Young and old queers regularly enjoy the view (and the stiff, cheap drinks) from the windowed walls. 401 Castro, S.F. (415) 864-9470.