The Mission Hills Merchants, the Mission Hills Town Council and the Mission Hills Improvement District cordially invite you to the kickoff of Mission Nights on Wednesday, May 19, from 6-8 p.m. Local merchants will have a host of fares for your enjoyment. Walk the marketplace in this street fare type atmosphere and enjoy local specials as you mix and mingle.

“Venissimo Cheese always has a really fun time at Mission Nights”, says Gina. “We will pair a different cheese with its perfect accompaniment. For example, fresh ricotta and Italian truffle salt, or creamy dreamy French fromager d’affinois and Canadian raincoast crisps. We love it because it’s a chance to chat with our neighbors.”

At Mission Florists: “We hand out a free rose to each person and serve cookies, punch and wine”, says Sandi and Bev. “We look forward to this event and meeting our neighbors.” Josie of California Fleurish, is “offering a drawing to win $60.00 worth of fragrance diffusers for the home. These are locally made fragrances by California Fleurish of Mission Hills that receive national and international attention and are sold in the finest stores around the world. The fragrance diffusers are a perfect way to bring spring and summer into the home.” Becky and Francine, the artists behind Upcycled Life, “have been awaiting the kick off of Mission Nights to show off the newest “re-purposed” merchandise in their collection. They delight in the utilization of second-hand, vintage and cast away materials. With an imaginative twist, the “upcycled” outcome is fresh and fun refashioned pieces of jewelry, accessories, art and decor, with the added bonus of helping the environment.” ”Shear Paradise will be holding a drawing for a free haircut. The last two winners now happily get their haircut in their own little town.” “For your health, stop by Fitness Together to get your Body Fat, BMI and BP tested, with Blake and Gwen, and enjoy some free tastings from our friends at GNC Hillcrest.” “The Paseo at 1 Mission will be open, for you to enjoy our courtyard setting while sampling wine and hors d’oeurves”, says Luke and Marla.

Mission Nights is simply a great way to make new friends, enjoy our weather and support your local business community. The entire community is invited to come out and take advantage of what is in our own backyards!

The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will host the Harvey Milk Legacy Concert, a benefit for the Youth Programs at the San Diego LGBT Center at the Center on Saturday, May 22, starting at 7 p.m. It will feature the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, the San Diego Women’s Chorus, In aChord and a youth talent showcase.

May 22, 2010 will be the first ever Harvey Milk Day in the State of California. Harvey Milk was a legendary gay rights leader whose life was taken after being the first elected out LGBT politician. He is being honored throughout California for his impact in the lives of people in the state.

The Legacy Concert will also feature informational tables from local LGBT groups, and a silent auction and refreshments will be offered.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are a leading-edge Order of missionary nuns. Since their first appearance in San Francisco during Easter Weekend of 1979, the Sisters have been accused of “Ruining it for Everyone” with their habitual injection of gaiety into serious affairs including human rights, political activism and religious intolerance. The Sisters consider it their mission to “ruin” all detrimental conditions including complacency, guilt and the inability to laugh at oneself.

Founded in 2005, the Asylum of the Tortured Heart Incorporated, or the San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, is a non-profit organization composed of men and women dedicated to the support, education and development of the diverse communities of San Diego.

Their mission is to bring joy to the heart and liberation of the spirit wherever it is needed: in the bar, the bathhouse, the parade, the hospice, the youth shelter, the health center and the street.

The Sisters, as true nuns, follow the traditions of women over the centuries who have dedicated their lives to selfless service for the betterment of their communities taking vows to serve each other, their neighbors and all San Diegans.

The Sisters are suggesting a $10 donation at the door. The Center is located at 3909 Center St in Hillcrest. For more information, e-mail biancatempt@att.net or visit www.sdsisters.org.

Even in our more tolerant media environment with shows like Ellen and Glee, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth continue to face attacks and bullying in our schools, which leads to high dropout rates, homelessness, and life on the margins. Many teachers and administrators know about the problems on their campuses, but they don’t know what to do, are unaware of the laws and how to implement them, and lack the resources for training.

Supporters of the new documentary film Youth Out Loud! 2 will gather at Splash, a trendy wine bar in North Park, California, on Sunday, May 2, from 4 – 8 p.m. The event will raise awareness of the plight of GLBT youth in our schools, mobilize concerned parents and allies, and help raise funds to complete production of this important project and resource.

Youth Out Loud! 2 is produced by Sun and Moon Vision Productions as a follow-up to their first and highly successful documentary, Youth Out Loud! addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in our schools. Youth Out Loud! was screened at over 150 film festivals around the world, aired on public television in the U.S. and other countries, and translated into four different languages. It remains on MTV’s Top 9 video resources for gay youth and has been used as a resource by many universities in teacher training.

Youth Out Loud! 2 documents the current school climate for GLBT students and, most importantly, highlights stories of successful programs implemented to make schools a safe place of learning for ALL students. A short trailer from the upcoming documentary can be viewed http://www.sunandmoonvision.org/youthoutloudII.html

The Body Electric School is offering Body Electric workshop in San Diego from May 1-2. Body Electric workshop is a life-changing experience for men and covers massage, playtime and ritual. Register this weekend until April 26, and say you’re a Gay & Lesbian Times reader, and receive $50 off tuition ($345 instead of $395). For more information, call 510-653-1594 or visit www.thebodyelectricschool.com.

San Diego LGBT Pride will hold its second town hall meeting of the year to share with the community updated information about this year’s 36th annual weekend celebration, scheduled for July 17 and 18. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 3, at the LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St.

San Diego Pride board members and staff will be on hand to field questions and collect input regarding the summer events, which feature a mile-long parade on July 17 and a two-day festival with headline performers on July 17 and 18 in Balboa Park.

“In our commitment to keep the community informed on the organization’s progress, we will share the steps we are taking to ensure that this year’s Pride events and many more to come are memorable and exciting for all who attend,” says Judi Schaim, board co-chair for San Diego Pride.

Volunteer registrations as well as parade and festival applications are available www.SanDiegoPride.org. For additional information, visit the town hall meeting or call 619-297-7683.

Congressmembers Susan Davis and Bob Filner will speak about national health care legislation at the Quarterly LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast at the San Diego LGBT Community Center at 7:30-9 a.m. A full breakfast is available for $10; coffee and tea are complimentary.

RSVPs are not required for the event. The Center is located at 3909 Centre Street in Hillcrest. For more information, call 619-692-2077 or visit www.thecentersd.org.

In several issues, the Gay & Lesbian Times’ Dining Review Recaps has listed the address for Kip’s Café incorrectly. Kip’s Café is located at 3925 Fourth Ave. in Hillcrest. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. The café now has a liquor license. Customers can now enjoy beer, wine or cocktails with lunch or dinner.