I wish you all a very “Happy Thanksgiving.” As for me, I am grateful for all of our community’s unsung heroes… our countless volunteers who are the lifeblood of our community’s organizations and events.… Thank you for making a big difference.

This is what one gay man asked another gay man recently.… It was in reference to a straight woman friend who, by the way, has a gay son. While this question rightfully upset many people, it is sadly somewhat common in our community. You see, the individual who said this is an openly gay appointed city official and serves on numerous GLBT organization’s board of directors.… Who he is does not matter nor who he said it to. In fact, I respect this individual and also consider him a friend, but I am very disappointed.… You see, he also talked to this lady and even told her she shouldn’t be involved in our community. We are lucky as a GLBT community to have many straight friends and allies. We need them and should cherish and respect their support and friendship… yet many in our community do indeed talk negatively about them and even call them “fag hags,” among other names.… Our GLBT family and community includes many straight parents, friends and children. They deserve our respect, and I for one am very grateful for their support and friendship.

This coming Monday, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day.… A memorial service will be held at Bienestar at the Barrio Station (2175 Newton Ave.) at 5:00 p.m… and Mama’s Kitchen will hold its 12th annual “Tree of Life” lighting ceremony at the Village Hillcrest (3965 5th Ave.)…. Please support these events, as AIDS continues to seemingly be more ignored and “put aside” every year as a major health issue in America and the world… indeed, “Silence = Death”

San Diego’s Mayor Dick Murphy will be the guest of honor for the first GLBT fundraiser for his re-election campaign. Mayor Murphy has been endorsed by our popular Councilmember Toni Atkins and the GLBT Vote 2004 campaign. Many of our community’s top businesspeople and GLBT leaders are on the host committee of over 40 people…. This special reception/fundraiser will be held next Thursday, Dec. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Interested attendees ($150 to $250) can phone (619) 469-7700 or (619) 692-1967 for more information.

The 19th annual international conference of elected and appointed officials who are GLBT, held in San Diego last weekend, was a great success, with the biggest attendance and the most money raised, ever. The Hilton Resort was the site, and once again our GLBT community in San Diego was put on the map.

The “INLGO Dinner” was okay (they served fish with no lemons… yes, my pet peeve) but the hit of the evening was comedian Kate Clinton.… I just love her.

On the Friday night of the conference, Bob Lehman and I joined Mayor Jeffery Prang of West Hollywood, Deputy Mayor Dan Baker of Long Beach and San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty for the dinner in the Gaslamp District.… it was a totally “off the record” dinner conversation (if those restaurant walls could talk).

Last week I had the honor of joining Dr. Pat Washington and her Maggie for the annual “Freedom Fund Dinner” of the San Diego chapter of the NAACP, held at the Marriott Hotel.… it was nice joining so many of our local African-American leaders for this event. It was nice also to see GLBT representation from the San Diego Democratic Club and Something Special Food Pantry.

After you’re done with your turkey dinner this year, why not join a San Diego tradition this Thursday and head toward Numbers for their annual Thanksgiving Night Bash with dancing, no cover, and enough hot guys to remind you of one of the things you are so grateful for… hum.… So don’t become a couch potato after dinner… dance it off at Numbers!

Numbers will be hosting the annual Miss California At Large Contest this Sunday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m.… Yes, this is the really fun contest where all the contestants must weigh 200 lbs. or more.… Contestants appear three times: 1) swim / beach wear, 2) entertainment, and 3) evening wear. The winner will receive $500 in restaurant certificates! Everyone is invited to enjoy this really outrageous and fun contest this Sunday night.… Interested contestants can sign up on Sunday or phone (619) 692-1967.… The really entertaining Ma Ma Cass will be your M.C.

Yes, finally the annual XXX-rated Mr. Nude California Contest will hit San Diego, next Thursday night at Mustang Spa (2200 University Ave.) at 10:00 p.m. This long-anticipated contest will be one wild, exotic event, with special M.C. porno superstar Rod Barry!… Contestants can sign up Dec. 4, and males age 18 to 80 are being sought. The winner will receive $1,000 in cash and great prizes.… A big crowd is expected. For further info., phone (619) 692-1967. Those 18 years and over are welcome at this event.

Hollywood porno stars, directors and producers galore are coming to San Diego next Saturday, Dec. 6, to celebrate at superstar Rod Barry’s birthday bash.… The wild party begins at 9:00 p.m. at Bourbon Street, and will go on all night long.… Rod is one of the video industry’s most popular stars, and one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. This ex-Marine is holding a silent auction for AVER (GLBT veterans), and there will be food and lots of surprises.… Word is spankings are more than welcome!