Golly gee, there you go again, say it isn’t so, aw shucks, darn it. Sarah Palin, the hockey mom who worries about how she’s going to pay for her children’s college education, wears $400 crocodile skin stiletto pumps and $2,000 Valentino suits. I’m sure she’s feeling my pain, you betcha! (Insert wink here.)

It is 26 days until the Nov. 4 general election, which is likely one of the most important elections in our lives. I know this is not a political column, but I believe it is important to share my thoughts with you. I’m sure my only fan will write hate mail again because he thinks all drag queens are stupid and should not be heard. But, this is America, and the freedom of speech applies to all – you and me.

I was so moved by something NBC News anchor Brian Williams said about the upcoming election when he appeared on the David Letterman show last week. He was asked if he supports a candidate for president and he said, “The other way of looking at it is it’s Sept. 11, 2001. The president is airborne. The Secret Service won’t yet let him land ’cause we know that little about what has just happened to us. The vice president has taken hold of the machinery of government inside the White House. He is in the secure tank. That’s also the job description we’re talking about here, and that’s part of this choice we get to make in 32 days.”

I know I will not be voting for the potential to have the lipstick-wearing pit bull calling the shots in time of crisis! Or, for that matter, John McCain, the candidate who underestimated the intelligence of the American people in his selection of Palin as his running mate. I would just as soon vote for Tina Fey (who’s probably much smarter).

Another important reason to vote this year is Proposition 8 – the proposed state constitutional amendment that would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. The “Yes on 8” campaign’s television ad plays to the fears of the general public, falsely claiming people could be sued for their individual beliefs, churches may risk losing their tax-exempt status, and schools will be forced to teach about same-sex marriage. The ad even included a quote from the Gay & Lesbian Times. This proposition aims to take away our basic rights and contradicts the principle of equality outlined in our Constitution.

So, Nov. 4, make it a priority to vote as soon as the polls open. Don’t assume someone else will vote your way. Every vote counts. In the meantime, volunteer for one of the local “No on 8” campaigns, and call your friends and family to urge them to vote “no” on 8. Also, give generously to your local Center or Equality California, organizations that have been on the forefront of this battle to ensure our right to marry is not taken away from us.

On Nov. 5, we want to celebrate victory, not regret what we should have or could have done. Do not pass on your chance to make a difference!

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, an international event that mobilizes and inspires all GLBT people to come out to others, and increase the visibility of gay people, particularly the younger members of our community, so they know they’re not alone.

The first National Coming Out Day was held in 1988, in commemoration of the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights the year before. It also marked the first anniversary of the first visit of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Washington, D.C.

I didn’t come out so much as I was “found out” by my Mom in my early teens. She found a porn magazine (more like an athletic posing magazine). There was crying and anger, and “Where did I go wrong?” “I’m sending you to the doctor,” “What will the neighbors think?” and “Wait until I tell your dad about this.” None of it ever came to pass because she was overcome with her love for me, and she gradually came to understand I was her child and she was going to love me and protect me – not matter what. Fortunately, my experience was not an issue in my family and the only discrimination I encountered was from small-minded people we’ve all met at one time or another. I’ve discovered each day is a “coming out” day. As more and more of us continue to increase our visibility, our neighbors realize we are not a threat to them. So, to all you young people who feel alone out there, know that when you are ready to come out there is a welcoming, loving and understanding community here for you.

The much-anticipated Bacchus House Turnabout Show will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. Once again, our favorite men and women behind the bar will do drag and put on a great show to benefit the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation. Ohio Street, right outside the bar, will be closed for a street party with an entertainment stage featuring the phenomenal Taylor Dayne, is sure to wow us with her hit song “Tell It To My Heart.” This is the first time in many years I won’t be hosting, but Babette Schwartz will be guest hosting this year. This is one of the best tough drag shows ever in San Diego, and I promise you’ll be amazed at some of the pretty and not-so-pretty girls hamming it up for you onstage. General admission tickets are $25 in advance, with a limited number of VIP tickets for $100. VIP perks include an open bar pre-party, reserved table seating close to the stage, and special access to meet and greet Taylor Dayne. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1085.

Nov. 20 the Transgender Day of Remembrance aims to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred and violence. The first event was held in honor of Rita Hester, whose murder in 1998 sparked the “Remember Our Dead” Web project and a candlelight vigil in San Francisco in 1999. Since then, the event has grown to include many memorials in dozens of cities throughout the world. In San Diego, a solemn march will begin at 6 p.m. starting at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, followed by a program and reception at The Center’s auditorium.

I am working with the Transgender Task Force West Hollywood’s on this year’s event, with a reception and programs starting at 6 p.m. at the Fiesta Hall in Plummer’s Park in West Hollywood, followed by a candlelight “take back our street” march on Santa Monica Boulevard. to the Matthew Shepard Park and the unveiling of the first transgender memorial plaque. I hope you will show your support for our trans brothers and sisters whose lives were lost as a result of transphobia and prejudice.

Nightmare on Normal Street, The Center’s annual block party, should be your first stop on your Halloween night out. This 21-and-up event will feature live entertainment, a DJ, beer and vodka bar, and the legendary costume contest with more than $1,000 in prizes awarded in various categories of costumes.

Asian Pacific Islanders Community AIDS Project (APICAP) will hold its major fund-raising dinner “Hope, Service & Compassion” on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Westin Horton Plaza ballroom. With the Ryan White funding drastically cut every year, I urge you to support this every important organization that is very dear to my heart. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1085

Queen of the Universe Pageant, featuring some of the most fabulous transgender ladies will be held on Nov. 9 at the Circus Disco in West Hollywood. Contestants from all over the country will be competing in the national costume, swimsuit and evening gown competition, with proceeds benefiting the Christ Chapel AIDS Food Bank in Long Beach. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1085.