January is typically a boring, cold, dark dud of a month, but the first month of 2009 has proved to be quite the opposite. We’ve started the year off with a bang and it looks like things will only get more exciting!

New leadership in the White House and a new direction for America has led many people to adopt a fresh perspective and positive outlook for the future.

Also, after the GLBT community suffered a huge setback in its fight for equal rights, we’ve carried much of the post-Nov. 4 momentum with us into the New Year.

In past columns I’ve said our bars and nightclubs have become hubs of activism, where people gather to discuss, promote, and fund raise for events, causes and organizations that are working toward equality for all.

While the community-wide energy that erupted after Proposition 8 passed in November has dissipated substantially, there are still more people looking for ways to get involved than there have been in recent years.

Some of the events that are mobilizing people are happening in our bars and clubs, and that’s one of the reasons 2009 has started on such an exciting note.

San Diego’s first Guerrilla Queer Bar night took place on Jan. 16 and organizers say more than 150 people turned out to turn the Hard Rock Hotel’s Sweetwater Saloon “gay” for the night. Plans are in place for this event to continue monthly.

As you read this column and browse the bar ads, continue to look for events organized as fundraisers or information sessions for equality organizations.

For example, on Monday, Jan. 26 from 7-9 p.m. at Hula’s Beach Bar & Grill, HRC San Diego and Marriage Equality USA will present their first Political Action Update. The event will provide a forum for information and discussion on GLBT politics at the local, state, and federal level. San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria will attend. And of course, you can enjoy Hula’s amazing selection of food and beverages while talking politics. Our community organizations are finally bringing their events to venues that so many of you frequent. This is your chance to get involved, or at least become educated about the issues – and you don’t even have to get off the bar stool! More information about the Political Action Update is available by searching “San Diego County” online at www.marriageequality.org.

One restaurant, bar and lounge that has done so much for our community recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge, inside the beautifully restored Birch North Park Theatre, threw a huge party, complete with hosted bar, on Jan. 17. Hundreds of community members and customers came out to celebrate with the fabulous owners, Michael Mack and David Cohen. Hawthorn’s has a great bar, lounge area and restaurant space. Sunday brunch is my favorite time of the week at Hawthorn’s and the $3 mimosas are so tasty. Hawthorn’s is located at 2895 University Ave. in North Park. Check out www.hawthornssd.com for more information. Congratulations Hawthorn’s!

Finally, as the spring semester begins this week for many of our local colleges and universities, head on out to Flicks next Wednesday night for the popular College Night. Flicks has been the place to be on “hump day” for more than a decade, as the bartenders serve up cheap drinks, and screen episodes of “South Park” at 10 p.m. The well drinks are only $2, and the boys are always hot. After South Park, the crowds head just a few doors down to Rich’s to dance the night away. Bianca’s popular “Hot Boy Contest” goes on at midnight. Flicks is located at 1017 University Ave., and Rich’s is at 1051 University Ave.

Have a safe, fun weekend! Before you know it, Valentine’s Day will be here – this is the weekend to start looking for your V-Day date.