Autumn and Halloween are upon us, and the two words always evoke one thought: transformation. In most places, you can see and feel the change in seasons from summer to fall, whether it’s the colors of the leaves or the cold, brisk air replacing the warm summer nights. On Halloween, everyone from young to old assumes a character or costume meant to entertain, frighten, and tantalize (you know we gay boys aim to sleaze).

So for this issue, I thought it would be appropriate to write about special theme nights in the gayborhood, and how our everyday bars and clubs transform into nights of amusement and titillation.

One of the newest club nights in San Diego, geared towards the gay Asian community and its friends and admirers, Project: Persuasion at The Flame started with a bang on Sept. 13, and continues to mystify every second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Entertainment during the Project includes pop, hip-hop, and Top 40 music in the front room and Asian-inspired progressive house music in the back room (with lounge seating if you want to take a break and relax). Japanese anime films play throughout the venue, and during the launch party, the DILAGENTS dancers gave a stunning performance filled with fight choreography and hip-hop moves that left the audience craving more. Dance acts at nightclubs like these are few and far between in San Diego, and definitely provide an enjoyable break from the normal “drink ‘til you drop” attitude.

Speaking of drinks, don’t forget the Project has $4 Sapporo beers and $5 tall Tokyo Teas on special all night. Also, cover is usually free before 10 p.m. So if you’re all about the Asian persuasion, then stop on by!

The Flame is located on 3780 Park Blvd. and doors open at 9 p.m.

Ever wondered what sound a bear makes in the forest? What about in a smoky, dimly-lit nightclub? I not exactly sure, but if you want to find out, then make a pit stop at Rich’s on the third Saturday of each month when L.L. Bear takes over, San Diego’s biggest and best Levi, leather, and bear night (admirers also welcome).

Groove to the sounds of DJ Derek, drool over the hot L.L. Bear go go dancers, or just enjoy some of the club shenanigans. On one night I attended, “hanky code” dictionaries and different color handkerchiefs were passed out, to help people non-verbally communicate with one another (if you’re not familiar with the “hanky code,” then look it up …. It’s worth a read).

Cover is normally $7, and you can take advantage of the $3 Miller beer special.

Rich’s is located on 1051 University Ave..

Promoted as “a party for all those who serve, have served, and love the military,” Steve Peña and Nick de Simas bring you the monthly Military Madness party at Club Montage and their one-year anniversary is coming up.

To celebrate the theme night’s first birthday, on Oct. 20, famed New York City DJ Tony Moran will be manning the spin tables, FLAVA will be performing a special show for the occasion, and porn superstar Brent Everett will be dancing live on stage (along with other hot military go-go boys). Not to be outdone, a surprise megastar diva will also perform live.

Cover is $20 on this night only, and the doors will be open from 9 p.m. – 9 a.m. In true service style, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national organization devoted to assisting those affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue.”

Club Montage is located on 2028 Hancock St.

The hot and long-standing Latin night never ceases to amaze and takes over every Wednesday at Bacchus House. Don’t miss the effervescent Francheska starting at 9:30 p.m., or dance to the beats of DJ Ruben Cases at 11 p.m.

What about drinks? You can enjoy $2.50 Dos Equis and Sauza margaritas all night long.

If you can’t swing by on a Wednesday night, don’t fret. Latin night returns on Sunday for Fiesta Domingo. Latina happy hour begins at 5 p.m.; the show begins at 9:30 p.m. with hostess Alexandra, and at 11 p.m. DJ Ruben Cases returns to spin the night away.

Bacchus House is located on 3054 University Ave.

If the club theme nights aren’t for you, the UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center will transform itself to host the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF). The festival returns to San Diego Oct. 11-18, and has two presentations this year directed toward the gay Asian community.

On Oct. 12 at 7:15 p.m., a collection of gay Asian short films entitled “Queer Delight: Sweet Buns and Sticky Rice” will be playing for the entire queer family. The annual collection of short films is normally my favorite to attend during the festival because of its diversity in selections. This year the collection boasts eight shorts dealing with topics from secret longings and love triangles to self-identity.

On Oct. 14 at 5:15 p.m., the Korean film “No Regret” premieres, the debut feature of Leesong Hee-il, Korea’s first openly gay filmmaker. The film is about the evolving relationship between a street hustler and customer, and tests the power of their love when the conflicting issue of family and society emerge.

Discounted tickets can be purchased online through the SDAFF Web site (http://www.sdaff.org/festival) until Oct. 9, or at the regular price at the theater’s box office starting Oct. 10.

The UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center is located at 7510 Hazard Center Dr.

In closing, I leave you with a quote from Chuang Tzu, one of China’s most significant early interpreters of Taoism:

“We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depends on it. Yet our opinions have no permanence; like autumn and winter, they gradually pass away.”