By Giselle Velazquez and Chellis Ying

If you've yet to experience San Francisco Pride, 2005 is a great year to pop your Pride cherry. The week's brimming over with events and activities celebrating our city's queer culture. Whether you love a parade, getting dressed up in uniform or fetish gear, attending intellectual (and/or hot-and-steamy) author readings, participating in activist causes, or rocking out to live music – there's something for everyone here.

performances and events

Wed/22

Annie Sprinkle book launch and art party This erotic art happening celebrates the release of Annie Sprinkle's latest book, Dr. Sprinkle's Spectacular Sex: Make Over Your Love Life, and features more than a dozen artists making erotic art. 8:30-11 p.m., Center for Sex and Culture, 398 11th St., SF. Free. (415) 255-1155.

'The C Word Pride Comedy Spectacular' Heather Gold, Jen Cober, and the Devilettes are out to prove that "lesbians do indeed have a sense of humor" with this show featuring sketches, songs, and improv. 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission, SF. $10 advance, $15 door. (415) 970-9777, www.12galaxies.com, www.subvert.com.

'Out with ACT' Following the performance of Edward Albee's Tony Award-winning play The Goat Or, Who Is Sylvia?, American Conservatory Theater celebrates Pride with a party spanning four floors of the Geary Theater. Expect food and drinks, dancing, prize giveaways, a DJ, and much more. Performance 8 p.m., Geary Theater, 415 Geary, SF. $15-$56. (415) 749-2ACT, www.act-sf.org.

'Sex, Biscuits, Jesus, And Me' Stand-up comedian Angie Krass riffs on her Southern upbringing. Burlesque beauty Bombshell Betty also performs. 8 p.m., Dark Room, 2263 Mission, SF. $8. (415) 401-7987, www.darkroomsf.com.

'(Un)Godly (W)rites: A Spoken Word Reading' See box. 7:30 p.m., Galería de la Raza, 2857 24th St., SF. $2-$5 sliding scale. (415) 826-8009, www.galeriadelaraza.org.

Thurs/23

'Eric Rofes Infect/Test/Positive: Gay Men's Narratives of HIV' Writer and AIDS scholar Eric Rofes presents a multimedia performance about the experiences of gay men who have recently discovered they are HIV positive. 6:30 p.m., Education Resource Room, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission, SF. Free. (415) 978-ARTS, www.ybca.org.

'Joto' Latin art gallery Amaru celebrates the diversity of jotos, or queers, in the community with an exhibition of erotic, political, and abstract paintings, as well as photographs, installations, and performances by talented artists such as Tony De Carlo, Clinton Fein, and Javier Rocabado. 7-10 p.m., Amaru, 510 Valencia, SF. Free. (415) 552-3787, www.amarugallery.com.

Pepperspray Cher's favorite tranny rock band performs with Wood and the Ethel Merman Experience. 9 p.m., Eagle Tavern, 398 12th St., SF. $5. (415) 626-0880.

Queer radio Tune into the Bay Area's hottest queer radio show, Out in the Bay, to catch up with all the latest Pride news. 7:30 p.m., KALW, 91.7 FM. (510) 816-0450, www.KALW.org, www.outinthebay.com.

'Slip of the Tongue: Oral Sex Magick for Queer Womyn' Change Makers for Women and Joi Wolfwomyn present this class for queer women on oral sex techniques. Don't forget to bring a mango! 7 p.m., Change Makers Books and More for Women, 6536 Telegraph, Oakl. $5-$20 sliding scale. (510) 655-2405, www.changemakersforwomen.com.

Frederick Smith The author reads from his latest book, Down for Whatever. 6 p.m., San Francisco Public Library, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, lower level, 100 Larkin, SF. Free. (415) 557-4400, sfpl.lib.ca.us.

'Three Dollar Bill Cinema' This microcinema event features five-minute films by local and international artists. 7:30 p.m., SF LGBT Community Center, Three Dollar Bill Cafe, 1800 Market, SF. (415)503-1532, www.threedollarbill.com.

'TransForming Community' This author event, hosted by Michelle Tea, features readings by Lynn Breedlove, Thea Hillman, Katastrophe, Julia Serano, Max Wolf Valerio, Marcus Rene Van, and Shawna Virago. A Q&A session follows. 7:30 p.m., SF LGBT Community Center, Rainbow Room, 1800 Market, SF. Free. (415) 864-4124, www.queerculturalcenter.org.

'Visual Aid's Sweet 16 Benefit Celebration' See box. 8:30-11 p.m., Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission, SF. $55, $25 for artists and students. (415) 978-2787, www.ycba.org, www.visualaid.org.

Fri/24

Gay American Indians 30th anniversary This event honors poets Chrystos (Menominee), Dr. Paula Gunn Allen (Laguna Pueblo), and Maurice Kenny (Mohawk) for their writings and research in support of the community. 7:30 p.m. SF LGBT Community Center, Ceremonial Room, 1800 Market, SF. Free. (415) 865-5616, www.sfcenter.org.

'In Bed with Fairy Butch' This party with the Fairy Butch gals features sexy hometown strippers, booze, and dancing. Last year's extravaganza had nearly 700 sassy participants. This year's sure to be just as wild, offering free mini-speed dating for gals and trannies and their pals, and a dance party with DJ Atomic Pop. Speed dating 8 p.m., show 10 p.m., 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission, SF. $10-$15 sliding scale. (415) 970-9777, www.fairybutch.com.

'Kiwis Talk about Sex and Disabilities' New Zealanders Claire Ryan, Philip Patston, and Queen Liv V. talk about sex and disability. 8 p.m., Center for Sex and Culture, 398 11th St., SF. $10. 1-877-776-2004.

'Latin Explosion' Telenovela superstar-pop singer Gabriela Spanic performs at this Latin dance club featuring DJs Jorge, Marco, and Carlos, go-go boys, and much more. 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Bench and Bar, 2111 Franklin, Oakl. $12. (510) 444-2267, www.bench-and-bar.com.

Pansy Division The beloved punk rockers play with the Ex-Boyfriends and the Nervous Breakdowns. 9 p.m., Cafe du Nord, 2170 Market, SF. $10. (415) 861-5016, www.cafedunord.com.

'A Return to Grace' This 27th annual Pride concert, copresented by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, and the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band features the San Francisco premiere of Sing for the Cure, a musical about breast cancer survivors. 8 p.m., Grace Cathedral, 1100 California, SF. $20-$35. (415) 865-ARTS, www.sfgmc.org.

'Rock Out w/o Yr Cock Out' Come support women and transgender musicians at this Femina Potens showcase of progressive rock and experimental noise music featuring Transition, Dyspecific, and Chelsea Beauchamp. 9 p.m., Edinburgh Castle Pub, 950 Geary, SF. $5. (415) 885-4074, www.feminapotens.com.

'Simply Studded' Chocolate Baby Designs hosts SF's first lesbian fashion show featuring Studded's spring-summer collection for butches, studs, and bois. The show also features poetry, music, and dance by Bay Area performers. Proceeds benefit the Women's Building. 9 p.m., Women's Building, 3543 18th St., SF. $10-$20 sliding scale. www.chocolatebabydesigns.com.

Tranny March This second annual event welcomes transgender, genderqueer, and intersex people and their friends and supporters. Before the march to Civic Center, meet at Dolores Park for activities and games, DJs, bands (including Tribe 8), speakers, drag kings, and more. Activities and performances 5-7:30 p.m., march 8 p.m., meet at Dolores Park, Dolores between 18th and 20th Sts., SF. Free (donations welcome). www.kithology.org.

Sat/25

Boyskout, Late Night Dates Rock out to the indie pop-punk sounds of Boyskout and Late Night Dates. 4:30 p.m., Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., SF. (415) 863-2052.

Dyke Rally and March This year's event celebrates the theme "Dykes across Borders – We Won't Be Divided." Rally and stage show 3 p.m., march 7 p.m., meet at Dolores Park, Dolores between 18th and 20th Sts., SF. Free. www.dykemarch.org.

Judea Eden, Chi Chi Palace, Underthings Get in some early partying with Carrie Baum's new band, the Underthings, followed by Chi Chi Palace and Judea Eden. 7:30-10 p.m., Dolores Park Cafe, 501 Dolores, SF. $5. (415) 621-2936, www.doloresparkcafe.org.

IHOP breakfast Spectrum Center for LGBT Concerns, Rainbow Families of Marin, and IHOP San Rafael hosts this pre-Pride community event for LGBT families and friends. Children 12 and under who arrive by 9 a.m. eat for free. Reservations required. 9 a.m., IHOP, 1825 Fourth St., San Rafael. (415) 457-115, ext. 206; www.spectrummarin.org.

New Pacific Academy reunion This reception marks the 15th reunion of the New Pacific Academy, an organization that pioneered education and training for young lesbian and gay activists. Reunite with old alumni and network with new activists. 1-5 p.m., Metropolitan Community Church, 150 Eureka, SF. Free. www.geocities.com/newpacificacademy.

Pepperspray The popular tranny rockers perform for the second time this week, with the Whoa Nellies and Shawna Virago and the Deadly Nightshade. 9 p.m., Cafe du Nord, 2170 Market, SF. $7. (415) 861-5016, www.cafedunord.com.

Pride Run Proceeds from this annual 10K run and 5K run/walk/wheelchair event go to UCSF AIDS Health Project and Family Builders by Adoption. The event features post-race refreshments and festivities, an awards ceremony, and a kids' fun run event. 9 a.m., Golden Gate Park, South Polo Fields, SF. $25-$30. priderun.sffrontrunners.org.

San Francisco Pride Parade This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Pride Parade, and you can expect one helluva celebration with a theme like 'Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand Proud!" The main stage features the B-52's, Jennifer Holiday, Jimmy Somerville, Chaka Khan, and Joan Baez. Grand marshals this year are L Word creator Ilene Chaiken and Half and Half star Alec Mapa. The two-day Pride festivities also boast an array of informational booths and vendors. Festivities Sat/25, noon-6 p.m.; Sun/26, noon-7pm., Civic Center Plaza, SF. Parade Sun/26, 10:30 a.m., starts at Market and Davis, travels west to Eighth St., SF. Free ($3 donation requested for festivities). www.sfpride.org.

'Why We Celebrate' This event celebrates black LGBT visual artists in correlation with the library's "Why We Celebrate" exhibition. 4-5:30 p.m., San Francisco Public Library, Koret Auditorium, lower level, 100 Larkin, SF. Free. (415) 557-4400, sfpl.lib.ca.us.

Sun/26

'I Look Like an Egg, but I Identify As a Cookie' Heather Gold performs in this "interactive baking comedy." Through Mon/27. 8 p.m., Hotel Rex, 562 Sutter, SF. $10-$50. (415) 433-4434, www.subvert.com.

clubs and parties

Wed/22

'Kick Off Party for Asian and Pacific Islander Youth Pride 2005' Partygoers age 25 and under will be treated to light refreshments, snacks, and entertainment. 5:30 p.m., Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center, 730 Polk, SF. Free. (415) 292-3420, ext. 315; www.apiwellness.org/v20/pride2005.

Thurs/23

'Busted!' Dress up as a police officer or bad guy at this costume party featuring DJs Jefrodisiac, Saratonin, Jenny Young, Page Hodel, and Chuky Brown. 9 p.m.-4 a.m., Suite One8One, 181 Eddy, SF. $5-$7. (415) 345-9900.

'Lyric Pride Dance' The 20-and-under crowd dresses up in its favorite superhero costumes and gets down at this party. 7-11 p.m., SF LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market, SF. Free. (415) 703-6150, ext. 24; www.lyric.org.

'Men of Pride Play Party' Get your cowhide on at this party for fellow leather daddies, bears, and plenty of sexy others. 7 p.m.-1 a.m., SF Citadel, 245 Eighth St., SF. $15. (415) 626-1746, www.sfcitadel.com.

'Pan Dulce' You can expect something hot and spicy at this huge Latino-themed party. 9 p.m.-2 a.m., the Café, 2369 Market, SF. Free. (415) 675-9763, clubpapi.com/pages/5/index.htm.

Fri/24

'Friday Pride Party' DJ Lil' Soozee dragged her turntables all the way up from Long Beach for this one. 10 p.m., Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., SF. Free. (415) 863-2052, www.lexingtonclub.com.

'Fudgie Friday' Drag kings, drag queens, transfolks, and their friends are invited for a night of dancing and fun. 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Transfer, 198 Church, SF. $5 suggested donation. (415) 861-7499.

'Gay Cruiser' Watch out for PlanetOut's double-decker bus! Be prepared to take photos, dance to music from DJ Scott Ragan, and receive cool giveaways from dancing male and female gay volunteers on this party on wheels. Through Sun/26. Fri/24, 7-10 p.m., around bars in the Castro, Mission, and SoMa; 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Endup, 401 Sixth St., SF. Sat/25, 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Pink Saturday, corner of Castro and Market. Sun/26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Civic Center, Fag Fridays stage, SF. www.planetout.com, www.gay.com.

'Girl Pride' Thousands of ladies from around the world are expected for DJ Page Hodel's annual girljam with three floors featuring 10 different DJs. Other highlights include go-go dancers, video displays, and a midnight performance by the Sarah Bush Dance Project. 8 p.m.-4 a.m., Sound Factory, 525 Harrison, SF. $15. (415) 647-8258.

Uniform and Leather Ball You know you look good in a uniform (and other fetish wear, of course), so show off your hot stuff at this Phoenix Uniform Club event featuring a live performance by Gail Wilson and City Swing. 8 p.m.-midnight, Civic Center, SF. $70. www.sfphoenixuniformclub.com.

'Women of Pride Party' This leather party is for women and anyone who identifies as other than male. 8 p.m.-1 a.m., SF Citadel, 285 Eighth St., SF. $15. (415) 626-1746, www.sfcitadel.com.

Sat/25

'The Brown Party' Club Papi presents this Latin party featuring three floors with DJs Mike, Jorge Terez, Chile D, and a surprise midnight guest. 10 p.m.-4 a.m., Space 550, 550 Barneveld, SF. $15-$20. (415) 675-9763, www.clubpapi.com.

'Gay Ghetto' San Francisco drag darlings Trannyshack hit the wrong side of the tracks at this ghetto-fabulous show. 11 p.m., Harvey's, 500 Castro, SF. $6. (415) 431-4278, www.trannyshack.com.

'Mango' This Dyke March after-party features DJs Trilce, Edaj, and Marcella playing hip-hop, dancehall, salsa, reggaeton, and more. 8 p.m.-2 a.m., El Rio, 3158 Mission, SF. $10. (415) 282-3325, www.elriosf.com.

'Metronome's Same-Sex Latin Night' Men and women are invited to learn salsa from same-sex instructors. Potluck 7-7:30 p.m., lessons 7:30-8:30 p.m., party 8:30-11:30 p.m., Metronome Dance Center, 1830 17th St., SF. $8-$15. (415) 252-9000, www.metronomeballroom.com.

'Out in the Heartland After-Party' Hit the Lex after the Roxie's screening of Out in the Heartland, a film exploring the effects of amendments barring gay marriage. 11:30 p.m., Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., SF. Free. (415) 863-2052, www.lexingtonclub.com.

'Pink Saturday' The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence kick off Pride weekend on the Castro strip with DJs, dancing, and much more in the street. It's sure to be a wild time! Donations to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are appreciated. 7 p.m., Castro and Market, SF. Free. (415) 820-9697, thesisters.org.

'Pre-Pride Two-Step' Kick up your boots at the Sundance Saloon's pre-Pride country-western dance with DJ Rick Burrows. The event benefits the Positive Resource Center. 8 p.m.-midnight, Ramada Plaza Hotel, 1231 Market, SF. $10. www.sundancesaloon.org.

'Queer Playground' You can expect wall-to-wall mayhem at this party featuring dancing, service submissives, and a wrestling area. 7 p.m.-1 a.m., SF Citadel, 285 Eighth St., SF. $15. (415) 626-1746, www.sfcitadel.com.

'The Hottest Dyke March After-Party' See box. 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell, SF. $7. (415) 861-2011, www.rickshawstop.com.

'SF Pride 2005' Dance to all-night grooves with DJs Wayne G, Chris Cox, and Nikita. 10 p.m.-6 a.m., Mezzanine, 444 Jessie, SF. $40-$65. (415) 625-8880, www.mezzaninesf.com.

Sun/26

'Fresh' DJ Kimberly S. spins at the official T-Dance of Pride 2005. 6 p.m.-12 a.m., Ruby Skye, 420 Mason, SF. $15-$20. (415) 693-0777, www.freshsf.com.

'Grand Marshal After-Party' Join parade grand marshal Juanita More at this benefit for the Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center featuring DJs, drag performances, raffles, half-naked MORE boys, and a celebrity-auction pool toss. 5-10 p.m., Bambuddha Lounge, 601 Eddy, SF. $10. (415) 885-5088, www.juanitamore.com, www.bambuddhalounge.com.

'Lips Stick' This party has six DJs, porn clowns, drag queens, and films projected on a screen above the dance floor; proceeds benefit Maitri, a Castro-based hospice that provides 24-hour care AIDS and HIV patients. Noon-8 p.m., Soluna Cafe and Lounge, 272 McAllister, SF. $7. (415) 621-2200, www.solunasf.com.

'Miss Kitty's Scratching Post' Women and transfolk get their itches scratched with DJs spinning hip-hop, dance, and reggae as erotic dancers grind. 6 p.m.-2 a.m., Cherry Bar and Lounge, 917 Folsom, SF. $10-$15 sliding scale. (415) 974-1585, www.misskittysscratchingpost.com.

'Post-Parade Leather Pride Party' Get ready for this after-the-parade hoedown featuring assorted leather and kink. 3 p.m.-midnight, SF Citadel, 285 Eighth St., SF. $15-$20. (415) 626-1746, www.sfcitadel.com.

'So Emotional Dance Party' This dance party has DJs Cari Campbell and Dr. Sleep spinning soft rock and emo love songs that won't put you to sleep. 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., SF. Free. (415) 863-2052, www.lexingtonclub.com.

'Swing Stage at Pride!' Get up on stage and learn how to swing or show off the steps you already know; the Queer Jitterbugs also perform. Lessons 1 and 3 p.m.; Queer Jitterbugs performance 2 and 4 p.m.; open dancing all day, SwingOut! Stage, Pride, SF. Free. www.queerballroom.com.

ongoing

'Acting Out: Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore' Surrealist photographer Claude Cahun and her partner, writer and artist Marcel Moore, are the focus of this photo-documentary exhibit. Through July 31. Sun.-Wed., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell, Berk. $3-$4. (510) 549-6950, www.magnes.org.

'The Art of Win Ng: A Retrospective' This exhibit explores the work of gay ceramicist and craftsman Win Ng. Through July 24. Tues.-Fri., noon-5 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-4 p.m., Chinese Historical Society of America, 965 Clay, SF. (415) 391-1188, www.chsa.org.

'Exhibition of Vintage Photographs' Artseal Gallery, a cozy, gay-owned and -operated Russian Hill gallery, presents its fifth anniversary show featuring vintage and contemporary photographs that highlight figurative, portraiture, landscape, social documentary, and coming-of-age imagery. Through June 30. Gallery hours Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Artseal Gallery, 1847 Larkin, SF. Free. (415)567-3523.

'Many Dykes – Two Photographers: The Photos of Jane Cleland and Cathy Cade' Trace the history of Pride in SF through photographs from the Dyke March since 1993. Through Dec. 31. Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m., GLBT Historical Society, Gallery 300, 657 Mission, SF. $2-$4. (415) 777-5455, www.glbthistory.org.

'Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945' This exhibition presents 250 photographs and documents exploring the Nazi regime's attempt to eradicate homosexuality, and materials documenting the work of German gay rights pioneer Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld. Through Aug. 18. Daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin, SF. Free. (415) 557-4400, sfpl.lib.ca.us.

San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival The 29th incarnation of this festival runs through Sun/26; see Film listings for a schedule. (415) 703-8650, www.frameline.org/festival.

'Sporting Life: LGBT Athletics and Cultural Change from the 1960s to Today' See box. Through Dec. 31. Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m., GLBT Historical Society, Gallery 300, 657 Mission, SF. $2-$4. (415) 777-5455, www.glbthistory.org.

'What's Wrong with Angry?' The New Conservatory Theatre Center presents John Dixon's interpretation of Patrick Wilde's story of a well-adjusted gay teenager who is content with the way he is, but whose family and true love are not. Through July 10. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness, SF. $20-$28. (415) 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org.