Since this is a “social column”, I usually try to focus it on being social. But this month I’m turning the tables and focusing on one of my favorite pastimes – being antisocial. That’s right, I’m talking about putting on your favorite comfy clothes, turning down the lights and cozying up with your favorite battery operated toy – the remote control, of course! (Get your mind out of the gutter.) Fall is here and that means only one thing to me — a plethora of new shows to choose from, many of which now contain Sapphic characters or story lines. Gone are the days where you have to go out to the bar to actually see another lesbian; now all you have to do is turn on the TV, sit back and relax. Whether you’re into cheerleaders, gym coaches or women in scrubs, there are a lot to choose from, but here are a few highlights I’ll be setting my DVR to record:

So by now you’ve surely heard the news that Ellen DeGeneres is going to be the new judge on “American Idol,” replacing pharmaceutically-challenged Paula Abdul. Although this show is at the top of my fall list, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. I am an avid “Idol” fan and an avid Ellen fan, but I’m not quite sure how I feel about mixing the two together. In some ways, I think that Ellen is almost too good to be used as a ratings buoy for a supposedly sinking show. But on the flip side, I’m sure that “Idol” is rewarding Ellen with an insane amount of money that she will hopefully put to good use. In addition, any success for Ellen translates into growing visibility for our community, which is a win-win situation. Lastly, I can not wait to see Ellen and Simon go head to head! Maybe she can give him some fashion tips too.

Reality TV has added a new opportunity for lesbian and bi-women to storm the spotlight. This season doesn’t disappoint with a bunch to choose from, but the two shows I’m most interested in are “America’s Next Top Model” and “Top Chef.” On the former, we are presented with Lulu, a beautiful out lesbian who will certainly be fun to watch. Lulu has a giant tattoo of her girlfriends name on her chest – one she will most likely grow to regret, but aaahhh, isnt’ first love grand? On “Top Chef,” we’ve got lesbian chefs Preeti and Ashley, guaranteed to kick ass in the kitchen. And don’t forget about the host Padma Lakshmi; although she is not “family,” she is still strong, smart and easy on the eyes!

If you are not yet watching the musical, comedic and all around hilarious concoction that is “Glee,” you need to check yourself and start setting your DVR now. Kind of like a mix between High School Musical and Mean Girls, “Glee” is a sassy, creative look at the cut-throat popularity contest that is high school. The music is fun, the kids are great, but undoubtedly the best character on the show is the cheerleading coach, Sue Sylvester, played by out lesbian actor and comedic genius, Jane Lynch. Lynch steals every scene that she is in and will have you laughing so hard your couch will shake. I repeat, if you are not watching this show, start watching it. One shot of Lynch in a track suit, sippin’ her protein shake and you’ll be sold.

Although I’m not personally an “L-Word” fan, I recognize that many of you are. So this choice is a shout out to those of you who are still incredibly bummed that the “L-Word” is over and you can’t get your weekly dose of Shane. Katherine Moennig, the actor who played Shane, will be starring as Dr. Miranda Foster, in the new drama “Three Rivers,” about a team of doctors working in an acclaimed organ transplant hospital. Although I am certainly way past my Shane-saturation point, even I have to admit that Katherine looks pretty cute in scrubs. The show, on the other hand, looks pretty cheesy, but I’ll give it one shot to impress.

Last on my list is the recycled version of one of my favorite shows, and it doesn’t quite live up to the original. I’m talking, of course, about “90210,” which I wrote off midway through the first season. But now it’s fall and “90210” is presenting us with a new character, a punky lesbian, played by Rumer Willis, daughter of famed Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. This news is enough to slightly resuscitate my interest, as I’m interested to see how a lead lesbian teen character will influence the show. Of course, I would have preferred seeing Demi join the cast as a lesbian cougar, but that’s just my opinion. Couch potatoes unite!

Of course I understand that not all of you will be quite as content as my girlfriend and I are to stay home on the couch watching TV. In your honor, here is a listing of a few events guaranteed to get you out of the house:

The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is pleased to announce another installment of its popular series, Coffee & Conversation with Cool Women, on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at The San Diego LGBT Community Center (3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest). Coffee & Conversation is a cozy event where hostess Tryce Czyczynska interviews notable women from the community, but this month we are turning the tables and putting Tryce in the hot seat! When Tryce is not interviewing local celebrities, she keeps busy with her organization, 51 percent, dedicated to increasing the presence of women in politics. She is also a feng shui master, a prolific poet and a community activist. Please join us for an exciting conversation about Tryce’s life and experiences, and see how she handles being on the receiving end of some fun and probing questions! This event is free, open to all and will take place in The Center’s library. For more information, call 619-692-2077, ext. 212, or e-mail women@thecentersd.org.

San Diego lesbian publication Lavender Lens will celebrate its eighth anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Ruby Room and, its new restaurant, the Ruby Kitchen. Doors open at 7 p.m. The restaurant will serve as an all-ages entertainment space featuring a complimentary buffet during the reception from 7-9 p.m., V.I.P. booths, inspirational speakers, some of the top lesbian regional DJs, belly dancers, original art by local entrepreneurs and more. The Ruby Room will feature non-stop lesbian bands and solo artists, the Drag Kings Club and a burlesque show until 2 a.m. There will be no cover charge for this event, but guests are asked to contribute a $10 donation, which helps dozens of local non-profit organizations get their services and events advertised in the magazine. A hearty congratulation is due to Bixi Craig and the entire staff of LL for eight years of lesbian publishing and success in San Diego!

Looking for the best ladies’ happy hour in town? Don’t forget that every Thursday FlawLes presents “Thirsty Thursdays” at Universal. Happy hour starts at 6 p.m., followed by live music every week at 7:30 p.m. Every Thursday the bar gets packed, so make sure to swing by early.

That’s it for this month! See you in October!