Happy Black History Month! This year we get an extra day. To celebrate, let’s all do someone, or something, really dark. On Feb. 29, try living out one of your deepest and darkest fantasies, or maybe get laid by a black man … or two … or three. Whatever (or whoever) you do just make sure it’s deep and dark.

San Diego Leather Pride is just around the corner and already San Diegans are venturing to the dark side. A few weeks ago the San Diego Eagle held a Black Out Party that was reminiscent of dark bars, back rooms and lite-S/M, dungeon parties. The concept was simple: Make a donation at the door and you’re supplied with a tiny flashlight and a raffle ticket for a door prize. The lights were turned off, and patrons had to make their way around with only the beam of their flashlights. It all brings to mind the sayings, “things that go bump in to the night …” or, “what you can’t see can’t hurt you.” The Black Out Party was held in conjunction with Underwear Night, which takes place every fourth Saturday of the month.

The following Friday the boys over at Rich’s hosted their own version with Black Out! Bear Party. There’s been lots of talk surrounding L.L. Bear these past couple of years, so here is another Leather Levi Bear night on the first Friday of each month with a different DJ – Bryan Pruett. Those old enough to remember dark, cruisy, sweaty dance clubs will love this new night at Rich’s. Those who can’t remember, trust your elders when we say “those were the good ol’ days.” If you have a gym or military ID, get there before 11 p.m. to skip the $8 cover. We should all have a gym ID whether we go to the gym or not. On second thought, get your ass to the gym! The original L.L. Bear will continue on the third Saturday of the month.

On Saturday, Feb. 2, the San Diego Eagle selected Mr. Mike as Mr. San Diego Eagle 2008. Mr. Mike will compete in what’s gearing up to be an incredible field of men vying for the 2008 Mr. San Diego Leather title. Rumor has it another local bar will enter a contestant in the Mr. San Diego Leather contest for the first time. Don’t you just love rumors, particularly when they’re probably true?

Things are getting a bit leathery over there at Bourbon Street. On Feb. 23, Bourbon will kick off its first “back room” night in true “back room” tradition … Bourbon Street style. As I said earlier, if you remember the “good ol’ days” of dim lighting and sexually charged atmospheres, you know what we’re talking about. If you’re too young to remember, ask someone older. If you’re too old to remember, you may want to stay home and set your Lazy Boy on vibrate. San Diego Leather Pride will be playing a key role in “back room” night with Mr. San Diego Leather 2008, Lee Butler, hosting. Finally, decadence in San Diego!

Before anyone can go play in the Bourbon Street back room you must attend the annual San Diego Leather Community Awards earlier that evening in North Park. For more information, contact Mike Russell at sdawards@cox.net. We’ll select the “community judge” for San Diego Leather Pride that night so if you’ve ever wanted to judge the contest you must be at the award ceremony.

Of course all of this leads up to San Diego Leather Pride in March, which will benefit the much-needed services offered by Stepping Stone San Diego. Get your leather cleaned and conditioned for the festivities, which begin on March 6 at 7 p.m. with All Club Night hosted by the San Diego League of Gentlemen. A complete list of activities and ticket information can be found at www.mrsandiegoLeather.net.

San Diego is bringing lots of new activities and parties in 2008 so quit all the moaning and groaning about how there’s never anything to do in America’s Finest City. The Gay & Lesbian Times lists theme nights and events every night of the week so if you still can’t find anything to do, maybe you’re the one who’s boring. Write me at Inthepitsd@aol.com.