For most of the country, gay pride is usually celebrated in the month of June. And this year there is much to celebrate. It’s been almost three weeks since the first marriage license was issued to same sex couples in Massachusetts, and guess what? The sky has not fallen; there are no wild orgies in the streets; and the lives of the general public have not been disrupted. The only difference is, and it’s a biggie for those involved, we as citizens are now protected by the same rights and are entitled to the same benefits that we pay our taxes for. Why is that too hard for some to understand?

But the ripple effect will take some time to cross state lines. In New Paltz, N.Y., Mayor Jason West is facing multiple lawsuits for marrying 27 same-sex couples. The California State Supreme Court will soon decide on the fate of the marriage licenses issue for more than 4,000 same-sex couples in San Francisco. Just recently, Republican Gov. John Rowland signed a bill that will extend anti-violence laws to cover crimes committed against transgender and disabled citizens in Connecticut. There are new challenges being filed in local courts all over the country. All this takes money and time. So even if you do not plan to get married in the near future, let us all support this action so that our children and younger gay generation will be entitled to what we have been denied. It is a good thing!

As for me, since I do not expect to be a bride anytime soon, unless of course The Rock or Derek Jeter of the Yankees decides to make an honest woman out of me, I am available to anyone as a maid of honor. Just as long as I do not have to wear those hideous satin gowns with matching dyed stain pumps.

As you read this article, I will be in New York City, participating in some Pride-related events and spending time with my other Chinese adopted mother, Lily, who will be celebrating her 90th birthday.

You, too, can fly off to NYC. But first, get yourself to Bourbon Street on Saturday, June 5, for their special “New York, New York” show, and a chance to win two round trip tickets, two nights accommodation, theatre pass and much more. There will also be a special guest performer. So pack your bag and get in a New York state of mind!

Here at the GLT, Pride is like our Gay Christmas. We print gazillions of copies and they are distributed everywhere, including the Pride festival. Our Pride issue is so huge you don’t want to miss it, or the chance of getting your message out there. This mother-of-all issues is also a keepsake, so get on that phone and call our ad department now at (619) 299-6397 to reserve your space. And they’re right here in San Diego – not some call center in India.

Powerhouse Productions has lined up four parties for San Diego Pride weekend, starting with the Pride Ball on Friday, July 30, at 4th and B with DJ Tony Moran. Saturday is Circuit Daze with DJ Phil B. at the Sports Arena. Sunday is the Zoo Party, 4:00-11:00 p.m., at … where else? the San Diego Zoo, with DJ Susan Morabito. Finally, head off to the E Street Alley after the Zoo Party for Fete Accompli with DJs Abel and Mike Duretto. The party hotline is (619) 220-2137 or go online to www.gaylesbiantimes.com and link to Powerhouse Productions’ website. Don’t wait till the last minute, because there’s so much more to do – like plan on what you’re going to wear to each of the parties.

I missed my high school prom and never made it to my college prom as well. So I was overjoyed to hear that the Hillcrest Youth Center is sponsoring the “Other Prom”, scheduled to take place June 19 at The Center. This is a unique and hassle-free opportunity for GLBT youth to experience prom without fear of harassment or discrimination. The Other Prom promises to have all the trappings of any prom – tuxedos and evening gowns, festive decorations (hopefully not rolled crepe paper), a dance floor with live DJ, food and non-alcoholic drinks – which makes for a less messy party without the throwing up. There will even be a Prom Court, which will be selected that evening.

But in order for this to be the success that we hope it can be, we need generous individuals and business to donate financially to underwrite the cost of putting this extravaganza on. Contact Zac Mikles at The Center (619) 692-2077, ext. 246, or email him at zmikles@thecentersd.org.

Every so often, I hop on the jolly jalopy and make my merry way to Palm Springs for a weekend. Fortunately for me, I get to stay at the All Worlds Resort and enjoy the pool, the wonderful sun and the hot guys that make Palm Springs one of the gay vacation capitals of the world.

This past weekend I went to see the famed Palm Springs Follies at the historic Plaza Theatre, a musical revue now in its 13th year. Sitting right in front of me was Palm Springs’ openly gay Mayor Ron Oden. And since Palm Springs has always been a Hollywood vacation retreat, hideaway and retirement haven, how apt that this year’s show is called “Hooray For Hollywood”. If you’ve never seen the Follies show, you should know that the Follies showgirls have a minimum age requirement of 55 years old. Which is a good thing to know – that I can still be a showgirl someday. Beverly Allen, at age 86, made the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Oldest ‘Still Performing’ Showgirl”. Natasha Alborn, 68, was with the Follies Bergere and Lido in Paris. Glenda Guilfoyle, 70, was a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette, and new member Trina Parks, 56, appeared as “Thumper” in the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever. By the way, the Follies company also includes six “show boys” ranging in age from 61 to 74. The show is reminiscent of old vaudeville, the “Colgate Comedy Hour” and the “Ed Sullivan Show”, with lavish costumes, musical numbers, comedians, jugglers and even animal acts. In this particular show, the Jose Olate’s Canine Capers stole the show. The Follies season usually starts in the fall and ends soon after Memorial Day. So next time you’re in Palm Springs, catch this awesome experience because the cast and audience certainly proves “it’s not over until it’s over.”

From something old to something new: I went to Wang’s in the Desert restaurant at 424 S. Indian Canyon, just a block away from the gay Warm Sands area resorts. Wang’s is a pan Asian restaurant owned by Joel Herzer and Alford Harrison, who also operate Woody’s in Laguna Beach. Open since November, the restaurant was completely packed Saturday night with over 85 percent hot gay men. The food was delicious and very moderately priced. I tried the Spicy Pork Chops (jalapeno and salt-and-pepper seasoning with a Hoisin sauce base), the Crispy Skin King Salmon (pan seared over a ginger sambal sauce) and the Steamed Baby Bok Choy with mushroom sauce. They ushered me to a quaint table overlooking the Koi pond, but customers can also dine al fresco in the outdoor patio or in private at the Red Room. Reservations are a must – call (760) 325-9264 and tell them the gorgeous Asian Goddess Coco sent you.

Why not explore the exciting world of real estate? Join the world’s most recognizable real estate company at Century 21, located in the Uptown Shopping center. At Century 21 Carole Uptown, they believe in the four ‘R’s: respect, rewards, recognition and results – and they believe you should benefit from your hard work. Why not give them a call at (800) 252-5113, ext. 8002, if you’d like more out of your career.

You can always count on Rich’s to bring us new ways to party. Tuesday night is “POP Planet” for the best pop music. Debuting on June 15 is Britney Spears Night, hosted by Angel Benton (star of the film Britney Baby, One More Time). Wednesday, beginning June 9, will be “DJ Idol” where you decide the DJ and music. Join Rich’s each Wednesday for a DJ showdown between three contestants. The winner that night moves to the next week where three more contestants compete, and the final DJ Idol, chosen in December, wins his own spotlight in the DJ booth on Wednesday night! To compete, call (619) 295-0750. If you’ve got the beat, take it to Rich’s!

6 Degrees is the place to be for summer BBQ and beer bust at their incredible patio. … Bacchus House “Leather & Levi Party” is on every Friday night with the Maximus Male Dancers, and DJ Dallas spins retro-disco every third Friday … Disco Divas Fifi, Norman and Toni shake your grove thang with Disco Revival every Wednesday night at The Brass Rail … Check out the Laura Jane Karaoke Show at Numbers – Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. … And remember Montage afterhours every Friday and Saturday nights when you just can’t get enough.