There is no better place to be on a historic election night than with a group of your favorite San Diego leather folk. It has been a long time since we’ve been able to share a victory of this magnitude and although the night was bittersweet, the impact of it all – from the state-by-state tally, to President-elect Barack Obama’s awe-inspiring speech, to Michelle Obama’s “black-widow” dress – left us with a sense of hope that had evaporated the past eight years.

The theme of change was fitting for San Diego Leather Pride committee members as we are also enjoying a changing of the guard. The day after the election the responsibilities of Mr. San Diego Leather and San Diego Leather Pride were officially passed to Adam Latham and Micheal David. Both men have been invaluable members of the Leather Pride team these past years and have plans to take the leather title community to “the next level.” Now is the perfect time to get involved with your leather community. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1090 for my contact information, and I’ll put you in touch with Adam or Micheal David.

There’s lots of blame and finger pointing going around regarding the passage of Proposition 8, but realistically it doesn’t matter who’s to blame. A friend of mine believes anyone who didn’t vote or participate in the No on 8 campaign should not be allowed the right to marry or enjoy any of the other rights the rest of us have fought for. Of course, denying anyone his or her rights would make us no better than the bigots who fight to take our inalienable rights away. The better solution is to get as many people involved in our struggle as possible.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, at 10:30 a.m. (PST) men and women across the United States will join together for a United Protest. We need everyone who believes in equality for all to join us as we demand our rights just as we did a little more than four decades ago. This is our opportunity to show oppressive America that we are mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore! If you can’t attend the protest, share the information with someone who can or donate to the cause. There is something we all can do to win the war against our oppressors. For a link to find the protest nearest to you, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1090.

On a somewhat lighter but hairier note, Bears San Diego will be hosting SunBears Weekend 2008 this weekend, Nov. 13-16. SunBears Weekend is the main fund-raising event for the Bears San Diego charities (Special Delivery San Diego and The Hillcrest Youth Center). All of the events take place in the evening except for Sunday Bingo so you can go out on Friday night at 9 p.m. to the meet-‘n’-greet at Pecs, but don’t stay out too late – you don’t want to miss the march Saturday morning. On Saturday at 5:30 p.m. head to Rich’s for a VIP Reception Buffet, followed by the Mr. So Cal Bear/Cub Contest and Show. There will be a blessing by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and entertainment by the Kicker’s Cloggers and gay bear comedian Richard Ryder. The evening will be emceed by Miss Roxy Bleau. Then, stay for a special “L.L. Bear: Bears at Work” party until 2 a.m. The cost is $20 at the door for all of this including L.L. Bear. Here is another opportunity to get involved and have some fun. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1090.

Don’t shave that beard yet! It’s Big Fun Bear Bingo! on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 7-9 p.m. at The San Diego LGBT Community Center. The evening includes guest callers, show tunes, fun contests, door prizes and more than $1,000 in cash prizes. It’s only $15 to play a pack and $20 for a double. All proceeds go to support The Center’s programs and services.

The holidays are coming up and Pleasure & Treasures is now offering gift cards for that hard-to-buy-for leather person in your life. Also, all jocks and underwear are buy one and get the second one 50 percent off.

If you have no Thanksgiving weekend plans or want to get away from your family or partner then get ready for Lazy Bear Holiday in Palm Springs. I’ll write more on that in my next column, and in the meantime check out www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1090 for a link to the Lazy Bear Web site.

See you Saturday at a protest near you!