President Bush has stepped up his rhetoric to push for the passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA). On the other hand, Lynn Cheney has publicly voiced her personal opinion that the issue should remain a state issue. Good for mommy. Too bad lesbian daughter, Mary, doesn’t have Mommy’s guts to stand up for herself… Ron Reagan is speaking at the Democratic Convention on stem cell research. Glad to see someone is standing up for his own convictions, despite his father’s party line … Collin Farrell’s full frontal nude scene is cut from his new movie, A Home at the End of the World, apparently due to “distractions” and “gasps” from test audiences. Where did they test this film? In Provo, Utah? They should have tested the film in West Hollywood, Castro and Hillcrest! … The new Flame is opening on Friday, July 23, with three bars, two dance floors, awesome lights and great sound system. I can’t wait to see it … Please come enjoy the Imperial Court’s Drag Show at the San Diego LGBT Pride festival main stage on Saturday, July 31, at 8:45 p.m. I will be hosting the show, featuring Sandy Entertainer of the Year Chad Michaels, among others.

No, not at the same time, but definitely both at The Center. On Tuesday, July 27, I will be calling “Bingo” at The Center, and will also celebrate the birthday of Center Bingo head honcho, John Laird. If you have been, come back and win cash prizes. Even if you don’t win, the guys are pretty hot. I’m told the gals are great as well. But I’m not a good judge in that department.

Have you ever wanted to foxtrot or rumba? (And no, rumba is not a cocktail.) Good news! The Center is hosting its first ballroom dance lesson on Saturday, July 24, at 12:00 noon. Dance instructor Rosemary Ward promises an easy and fun intro to Tangoland. Couples are welcome, but do not fret if you are flying solo these days – no partners necessary. So put on your cha-cha heels and waltz on down to 3909 Centre St. All you need is $10 at the door; be prepared to have a grand ole time.

The XXXII annual coronation of the Imperial Court de San Diego is set for Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Wyndham Emerald Plaza. Emperor Robi Cox and Empress Cristina Monet will be stepping down and crowning a new set of monarchs. Aspirants to the throne are Chris Horton and Lala Too. Both Chris and Lala, who have been together for many years, have been very active in the San Diego gay community, and have produced many fundraising events throughout the year. Although they are running unopposed, they are still required to get a simple majority vote. Last Sunday, Ben Dillingham III hosted an endorsement Luau party for Chris and Lala, which is one of many planned in the weeks leading up to coronation. So make sure you join the many out-of-town royalties that will be flocking to San Diego for the Military Ball. For tickets, call Linda at (619) 303-2384 or Jess at (619) 229-2822.

There are two pool parties scheduled this Saturday, July 17, to choose from. In fact, why not get to both of them. “Get Wet with the Monarchs – Robi & Cristina”, the fourth annual Equinox Pool Party takes place from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at the home of Chris and Lala Too at 1228 Equinox Way in Chula Vista. There will be an open bar, all-you-can-eat buffet, auction and door prizes. There is even a bathing suit contest. A $20 donation is requested to benefit APICAP and the Imperial Court NMR Student Scholarship. If they do not raise the target amount, Nicole has threatened to appear in a spandex thong. So please give generously. Call (619) 397-7603 to RSVP and for directions. I wonder if I need extra insurance to go that far south?

Also on Saturday, Jim McInnis, Dean Brown, Paul Somerset, Sean Myers and Janette Gray host the first annual Scholarship Award Banquet to honor the recipients of the 2004 GSDBA Charitable Foundation scholarships, at 4567 Massachusetts St. from 5:00-9:00 p.m. The event features an open bar by Skyy Vodka, full sushi bar and appetizer buffet, and live entertainment. Jim McInnis, Ono Sushi and Hamburger Mary’s have underwritten the pool party. All you need to do is bring a bathing suit, a towel and your checkbook. Call Maribel at (619) 686-5502 to RSVP.

It’s time for the Gay Pride San Diego Pageant. But this is not really a pageant in that sense. The contestants are judged on presentation and a speech on what gay pride or being gay means to them. The winner is also selected based on their involvement in the community. The one with the biggest hair does not win this contest. Last year’s Mr. and Miss Gay Pride San Diego, Rob Baker and Bianca St. James, who have raised money and awareness for the community this past year through various events, will host the event. The winners will ride a float in San Diego’s Pride parade. If you feel you got the pride, then head off to Numbers on Sunday, July 25, at 8:00 p.m., and compete for the title. The $6 cover at the door will benefit GLBT Vote 2004.

Club Montage presents LAUNCH Party on Friday, July 30, with DJ Bryan Pruett and special guest DJ Kio Kio; Saturday, July 31, DJ Alexander takes charge with a live performance by Kristine W.; for afterhours, Rohan Bisset brings you DJ Paulo; Sunday, Aug. 1, DJs Brett Hendrichsen and Frank Abrahams lay down the beat. … Over at Bourbon Street, DJ Kenny kicks off their Pride celebration on Friday, July 30; Fabulous Bingo with Nicole on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. is followed by DJ Taj and hot go-go boys; Sunday, Aug. 1, DJ Brian Pfeiffer spins while Falcon star Bobby Williams guest bartends starting at 4:00 p.m., then it’s Debby Holiday singing “DIVE” at 5:00 p.m. The first 200 people at the bar receive a three-disc Pride CD mix by DJ Kenny, Taj and Brian Pfeiffer. … At Rich’s, it New York’s original Lady Bunny (founder of Wigstock) performing on Thursday, July 29; DJ Alex Lauterstein, also from NYC, presides over the dance floor on Friday, July 30. Rich’s will be open Pride Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and then DJ David Harness spins Saturday night. Sunday, Aug. 1, will be a special L.L. Bear-themed night, “Beardown Full Throttle” … Thursday and Saturday nights at the Brass Rail are Noche Latino, and don’t forget Disco revival on Tuesday nights! Bacchus House on Friday, July 30, presents Resurrection Retro Disco and ’80s Dance Party, DJ Dallas and the Pucker Fabulous Boys. Saturday, July 31, DJ Jon Williams spins and there will be Pride ’04 CD giveaways, the Smirnoff Twisted Boys and Jack and Dan, the Jack Daniels Boys. Sunday, Aug. 1, Club Notorious starts at 6:00 a.m. – “The Morning After Party”. Club Domingo Uncut starts Sunday night at 8:30 p.m., with DJ Ruben Casas and $2.50 Coronas and margaritas. Get invited to the final Maxim Enfocate Party in San Diego … Finally, on Friday, July 30, it’s Bad Kitties at Numbers with DJ Kiki, and Bad Puppies at The Flame with DJ Tova. Saturday, July 31, is Players at Numbers, featuring hip-hop, HiNRG and house music; Candy at The Flame is the ultimate gurl party with DJ Tova, in conspiracy with Lavender Lens.

has partnered with some of San Diego’s hottest gay bars and clubs to bring you the 2004 VIP Pride pass. The pass was created to give locals a way to bypass those inevitable long lines during Pride weekend. In addition, SDpix.com has created San Diego’s most comprehensive Pride resource, GayPrideSanDiego.com, which was made possible through the generous contributions of business donors and funds raised through ticket sales and prints sales on the SDpix.com website. Visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to obtain your own 2004 VIP Pride Pass and find official Pride information, ticket sales and past Pride photos.