Twice in less than a year it feels as if the state of California has slapped the GLBT community in the face. With the California Supreme Court upholding Proposition 8, our fight continues. It was incredible to see thousands of community members from all walks of life coming together to peacefully protest the Court’s decision, this past Tuesday.

As organizers prepared for the “Day of Decision” events, many local bars and clubs stepped up, got involved and supported their efforts. A great big thanks, first of all, to Rich’s San Diego for installing the “Equality Wall” outside of the club a few months ago. This space has been made available for community members to post messages of equality in the form of photos, poetry and signs. Rich’s welcomed community organizers to the space to host a vigil last Friday in honor of Harvey Milk’s birthday. Also, San Diego Pix stepped up with one-day’s notice and lent its sound system to organizers of the “Day of Decision” rally held Tuesday. This was an amazing contribution that really made the rally a complete success. Chris Shaw, owner of Urban Mo’s and Baja Betty’s, also donated dozens of cases of bottled water to be handed out to participants at the march. Most of the other bars and clubs around town were also very generous to allow marriage equality organizers to enter their clubs (usually without charging them cover), hand out information about Tuesday’s event and talk to patrons. To avoid the risk of leaving someone out, I won’t name them individually. But I can say that just about every gay friendly bar in Hillcrest, North Park, and University Heights supported their efforts. If you have never participated in “bar outreach” it’s a lot of fun! Also, it is a great way to flirt (you have a valid excuse to go up and talk to someone you are crushing on). As the fight for marriage equality continues, there will be plenty more opportunities to get involved – consider it! Again, thank you to the “nightlife” community for your outstanding support of marriage equality and so many other causes!

This weekend begins one of the most fabulous film festivals in town – FilmOut San Diego! FilmOut is our film festival, and includes dozens of GLBT-themed films and events over four days. FilmOut opens tonight with the U.S. Premiere of Make the Yuletide Gay, followed by the opening night party at Hawthorns Restaurant Lounge. The party will be fabulous and will include specialty drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and mingling with filmmakers, casts, and crews! Hawthorns is an incredible space, and it’s one of my favorite spots in town! Tickets and more information about FilmOut, the after party, and other related events are available online at www.filmoutsandiego.com.

Also this weekend, I am going to head to San Diego Pride’s “Kinky Boots Kick-Off” party at Lips. The event, which will help offset the costs of the annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade, will be held this Sunday, May 31. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Cover is only $5 if you purchase dinner, or it’s $10 for the show only. The party has a “boot” theme, so I encourage you to wear your sexiest, kinkiest boots! Lips is a lot of fun, with great food, a great bar and fabulous drag entertainment! Lips is located at 3036 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park. Call 619-295-7900 for more information or reservations.

One of my favorite stores in town to get “going out” clothes is House.Boi. The store includes an incredible selection of the hottest men’s styles, and trendy home furnishings. The store has just moved from its original North Park location, to Hillcrest, between Baja Betty’s and Ichiban. House.Boi will have a Grand Opening party for the new store location on Friday, June 5, from 6-9 p.m. The event will include music by DJ Marcel Hetu, an open bar, food provided by Bite, and clothing and CD giveaways. Once the party ends at House.Boi, the fun continues at the official after party at Rich’s, with a House.Boi fashion show at midnight. House.Boi is located at 1435 University Ave. Check out www.houseboisandiego.com for more information.

Finally, don’t forget about The Ruby Room! This hip bar, nestled between “Yog-Art” and MedGrill, which was previously known as the San Diego Sports Club, is just plain cool. It draws a trendy alternative crowd and has an eclectic line-up of bands, art, and other great events. The owners are complete supporters of our community, and welcome everyone into their bar. The Ruby Room serves $2 well drinks every day from 6-9 p.m. (and food from Mama Testa’s), a game room, live entertainment, X-Box, tarot card reader, and so many other fun things. The Ruby Room is located at 1271 University Ave. in Hillcrest. Check out www.myspace.com/therubyroomsd.

Have a fabulous weekend and, as always, play safe!