Even before gay liberation, the GLBT community had a foundation, a heritage – of torch songs, Judy Garland, drag queens – of being able to handle pain with panache. In 1982 Harvey Fierstein celebrated GLBT culture with Torch Song Trilogy. During the run of the play at Diversionary Theatre the Lambda Archives is displaying materials from GLBT life circa San Diego 1982 in Diversionary’s lobby.

Jess Jessop incorporated the Lesbian and Gay Archives of San Diego (now Lambda Archives of San Diego) in 1987 starting the collection with materials that he and Doug Moore had gathered earlier. Lambda Archives’ primary focus is LGBT history and culture in the San Diego County/Tijuana (Baja California Norte, Mexico) Region.

Diversionary has invited the community to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the award-winning Broadway production of Torch Song Trilogy by asking individuals to talk about what their lives were like in 1982. Community members are invited to write a short memory piece as part of this celebration. Diversionary has posted some writing prompts and a blog at www.diversionary.org.

Torch Song Trilogy runs thru Sunday, Dec. 16. For tickets or information call the Diversionary Theater box office at 619-220-0097 or visit www.diversionary.org.

A fund-raising reception and holiday celebration will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13 for Marti Emerald, candidate for San Diego City Council, District 7. Emerald, formerly known as the “Trouble Shooter” on Channel 10 news, will be joined by co-chairs Francine Busby, Robi Cox and Greg Scott, Eric Isaacson, Big Mike Phillips, Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, Ken Turek, and the San Diego Democratic Club at the event.

The event will be held at the La Jolla home of Eugene Iredale from 5-7 p.m. A private reception will be held from 4:30-5 p.m. for hosts. The suggested contribution for the co-chair level is $270; host committee is $150; and there is a $40 minimum to attend. Only personal contributions will be accepted. Contributions are also accepted online at www.MartiForSanDiego.com.

For more information or to RSVP contact 619-239-1721.

The Stonewall Young Democrats of San Diego (SYDSD) invite the community to meet and greet the first openly gay president of the Young Democrats of America, David Hardt. The group will be hosting a reception at the Bamboo Lounge in Hillcrest on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Several local elected officials and candidates will also be present at the event.

Admission is $20 for non-SYDSD members. The admission cost includes a membership to the group. Host sponsors are also being sought at the $75 level. Admission is free for SYDSD members who bring a guest to the event.

The group will also be hosting a membership and holiday party at a private home on Thursday, Dec. 13.

The Bamboo Lounge is located at 1475 University Ave. in Hillcrest. For more information about either event contact Brandon Tate at 619-840-5613 or brandonstate@gmail.com.

Bourbon Street is donating its space on Friday, Dec. 14 from 6-9 p.m. to host a fund-raiser for a local family affected by the recent San Diego County wildfires. The fund-raiser will benefit the Huertas family who lost their Rancho Bernardo home to the Witch Creek Fire on Monday, Oct. 22. The benefit will feature a one-hour open bar event in the Stable Bar for a $10 donation. During the event, all Bourbon Street patrons will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for select items from companies such as Delta, Nike and more, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the fund-raising efforts.

At the time of the fire, three generations of native San Diegans were living in the Huertas’ home. As the Rancho Bernardo area fires spread so quickly, family members were able to evacuate with just a few family photos, baby supplies and the clothes on their backs. The benefit will help raise funds for the essential items and to help the family get through the holidays.

“The entire San Diego community was affected by the wildfires and the entire community did such an amazing job of wrapping its arms around those in need – now it is our turn,” said Michael Mack, co-owner of Bourbon Street. “By getting involved and supporting the Huertas family, we hope that we can make a difference in their lives.”

Bourbon Street is located at 4612 Park Blvd. in University Heights. For more information about Bourbon Street visit www.bourbonstreetsd.com. For more information or questions about the fund-raiser email huertasfamilyfundraiser@gmail.com.

The San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center) will present an evening with Wearing History: T-Shirts from the Gay Rights Movement author Steve Gdula on Friday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. The free event will take place at The Center.

In addition to reading from the recently released book, Gdula will answer questions and sign books. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Wearing History is based on a collection of donated T-shirts housed within the GLBT Historical Society & Archives in San Francisco that commemorate over 30 years of protests, rallies, marches and pride.

The Center is located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest.

This event is co-sponsored by Aging as Ourselves. For more information about this event, please contact David VanGilder at 619-692-2077, ext. 205 or at dvangilder@thecentersd.org.

Tickets are now on sale for the Greater San Diego Business Association’s annual holiday cruise, scheduled for Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m. aboard San Diego Harbor Excursion’s California Spirit vessel. Passenger boarding will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature food stations stocked with pasta and gourmet sauces, plus roasted turkey, seasoned chicken, Caesar salad, desserts and more. A hosted bar and complimentary glass of champagne will also be available, along with music by DJ Bruce Trites.

“This is an annual tradition that the entire GSDBA community and their guests look forward to every holiday season because it is fun and festive and a great venue for celebrating accomplishments and friendships of the year,” said Joyce Marieb, executive director of the GSDBA.

Additionally, the cruise provides an opportunity for guests to contribute to the Imperial Court de San Diego’s toy drive by bringing an unwrapped toy or a blanket to the event. The goods are distributed afterward to children in San Diego and Tijuana.

This year’s sponsors are Tom Welch of Security Business Bank and host Scot Rockman of San Diego Harbor Excursion. Tickets are $50 for members, and first guest is also $50. Additional guests are $60. Nonrefundable payment is required by Nov. 27. For tickets or more information, call the GSDBA office at 619-296-4543.

In response to a recent string of anti-GLBT incidents at San Diego State University, the school’s LGBT Resource Center will hold a ‘Rally Against Hate’. The date for this event has been changed to Monday, Dec. 3 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Aztec Center Free Speech Steps.

The event will include presentations by SDSU President Stephen Weber; Associated Students President James Poet; and student, faculty/staff and community leaders. The LGBT Resource Center encourages the entire community to attend and support the GLBT community at SDSU. Participants are encouraged to bring and hold signs expressing their support.

For more information, e-mail lgbtrc@gmail.com, or visit www.PrideAtState.org.