The floats have been disassembled. The rainbow balloons have all been popped and thrown away. The banners from the leather-friendly businesses have been rolled and stored for another time. The visiting titleholders, dignitaries – and those who wish they were – have all gone back to whence they came. The San Diego leather world is looking forward to a new day, and this time it will be good.

We’ve learned a lot since Leather Pride week in March. Our new titleholders have felt the pressure of putting the Leather Pride float together, one of their duties as titleholders. Somehow, each year, our new titleholders rise to the occasion and once the parade whistle blows they stand atop the float with pride. They say stressful situations can bring out the best and the worst in those around us. I’m not sure who “they” are but they were certainly right this year. For now let’s just say “great job” to Donna Tello, Sidney, Lee Butler and the staff and volunteers who worked through their differences and much adversity to present San Diego with the leather community’s vision of Pride.

Moving forward is the most important thing we can do now that we’ve all beat each other up – not in a good way – and kissed and made up. Donna Tello will continue to work hard in the women’s community. Sidney will be hosting Backroom Reloaded at Bourbon Street the last Saturday of each month and has some really exciting events planned. The next one will be on July 26. Along with all the darkness and debauchery, attendees will have the opportunity to learn what they can do to defeat the ban on same-sex marriage. Representatives from The San Diego LGBT Center will be on hand to dispense information and, whether you plan to marry or trick the rest of your life, it’s crucial we all understand the gravity of the situation. Maybe you’ll find someone at Backroom Reloaded to marry that night and marriage will take on a new meaning for you.

Anyone going to Lazy Bear at the Russian River in a few weeks? I know many of you are, so how about meeting up at Backroom Reloaded this Saturday to get to know each other a little better before heading up there? By the way, did you know that the men in San Diego have a bad reputation for being stand-offish and cliquish while at out-of-town events? I’ve heard it several times from guys from other towns and recently from a group of Brits in a chat room. We all know that whatever you hear in a chat room is gospel. So this year at Lazy Bear, let’s put out as much as possible so the rest of the world sees how giving and friendly we really are.

Some of us will be at Dore Alley this weekend and won’t be able to take part in Backroom Reloaded but you’ll get a full report of all the antics happening in “Fagdad by the Bay” – well, maybe not ALL the antics.

Don’t forget there’s bear and leather nights happening in almost every bar and dance club in town nowadays. We seem to be the “in crowd” but let’s not forget the bars and businesses who’ve always been there for us, including The Eagle, Redwing, Pecs, Rich’s, Pleasures & Treasures etc. It is great making new friends, but good to keep the old ones.

With that, have a great time at Backroom Reloaded and the rest of you I’ll see at Dore Alley and Lazy Bear. Until then, see ya’ In the Pit. Write me at inthepitsd@aol.com.