So, I’ll admit it. When I’m not out attending protest marches or at home writing my leftie queer opinion column, I still fall prey to a few guilty pleasures here and there – the first being dark chocolate and the second being powerful pop culture icons such as the Hilton sisters. That’s right – the Hilton sisters. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I enjoy watching them cavort around the globe, dripping with money, holding little Chihuahuas dressed in Prada and breaking hearts wherever they go. They’re hilarious! I struggled internally with Paris through the porn scandal. I watched “The Simple Life”. So naturally, just days ago when the news announced that Nicky Hilton, the younger of the two siblings, had gotten married in Vegas, I was intrigued. Could this be another drunken mistake a la’ Britney? And was sister Paris there? I jumped online for some answers.

What quickly became most interesting about Hilton’s impromptu wedding was not the groom, New York money manager Todd Andrew Meister. Instead, it was the timing of the whole extravaganza, which took place the weekend directly following the California Supreme Court’s decision to nullify over 4,000 same sex marriages in San Francisco. These may seem like two totally unrelated instances, but to a media junky like me, they are not. Hilton’s wedding news was all over the press, and everyone was speculating: Did she love him? Was she drunk? How long would it last? Two months? Two days? Comparisons were made immediately to Britney Spears who, in January 2004, wed her childhood friend, Jason Alexander, in a wild, spur of the moment Vegas wedding; the marriage was immediately annulled, and the pop sensation is now engaged to her former dancer, Kevin Federline (who just recently had his second child with another leading lady).

Confused? You needn’t be. The point I’m trying to make here is that there is no better example of unequal treatment under the law than the comparison of 8,000 men and women having their unions declared void, and the ease and frivolity with which straight, wealthy American celebrities are able to wed. Nicky Hilton may have to suffer under the cruel eye of the paparazzi, and may have her maids and butlers betting on how long husband number one or number 12 will be around, but nonetheless, no matter how long the marriage lasts, no matter how long the couple has known one another, no matter how fast you can say “prenuptial agreement,” she reserves the right to become the next Elizabeth Taylor, should she so choose.

Meanwhile, around the country, 8,000 queer men and women have lost their spouses under the law. The countless friends and family members who supported those unions are left feeling violated, robbed, cheated. Children who could finally say, “Yup, my two daddies are married!” now must think twice before making such a statement. Our political climate has shifted once again.

The amazing thing is that, despite the recent Supreme Court ruling, GLBT Californians, including activists here in San Diego, are collectively refusing to back down. At The Center’s rally and candlelight vigil, which took place on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 12 (the evening of the court’s ruling), the vibe was somber but optimistic. Couples who had married in San Francisco were there to share their stories. Activists held signs and wore pro marriage equality T-shirts. And when the crowd took to the streets, we made our voices heard in two ways – first, by chanting loudly for equal rights, and second, by mailing postcards to Governor Schwarzenegger asking him to support the California Marriage License Non Discrimination Act. When I walked up to the mailbox to drop in my postcard, flashes flashed and a cameraman was right in my face. The press was everywhere. I felt just like… well, a Hilton sister!

But will I ever grow up to truly be like the Hiltons? The chances are not good that I will ever be that rich or that thin – or that straight. However, I am still holding out for the day when I will be able to stumble into a Vegas chapel in the middle of the night, look into my partner’s eyes and marry her on the spot. It may be possible sooner than we all think.

And as we all learned from watching the Paris Hilton porn flick – anything is possible!

Anything is possible in San Diego these days as well, with tons of great events and parties droppin’ all over town. Here are just a few of Queer Abby’s favorite picks of the month:

Enjoy an evening of summer theatre by moonlight when Fraternity House, Inc. and Moonlight Stage Productions of Vista collaborate to present Cabaret, a musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb. All proceeds from the production will go directly to fund resident care at Fraternity House and Michaelle House. For questions pertaining to this event, contact Abby Schwartz at Fraternity House, at (760) 736-0292 ext. 103 or alsfraternityhouse@prodigy.net. Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre; Brengle Terrace Park, Vista. Time: 8:00pm.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, Siren Open Mic for women welcomes featured artist and acclaimed singer/songwriter Lisa Sanders to the stage. Billboard Magazine says, “[Sanders] boasts a charming poetic flair and smoky soulful voice that you will want to listen to for hours… If you test only one brand new artist this week, make it Sanders.” Siren Open Mic takes place at David’s Coffeehouse (3766 Fifth Ave.) beginning at 8:00 p.m. with open mic sign-up at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early to grab a cup of tea and a seat!

That’s right, ladies. Two of San Diego’s most beloved singer/songwriters are sharing a bill at Twiggs Coffee & Tea (4590 Park Blvd.) this month on Friday, Aug. 27 at 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a cocktail and some nachos first at Bourbon Street’s Friday night ladies’ happy hour, which goes until 8:00 p.m., then walk down the street to Twiggs for an action-packed show. Admission is $8 for music all night long.

The Brass Rail has a new Wednesday night for the ladies called “Girlfriends Night Out”, with drink specials all night long, dancing to ’70s, ’80s and beyond, and door prizes for the girls with the most girlfriends! Check it out.

Hey little girl, want some Candy? Come out on Saturday nights to the hottest new girls’ night on Saturdays at The Flame. Don’t miss The Flame’s grand opening this weekend with the Bad Puppies Launch Party for the boys on Friday Aug. 27, and Candy for the girls on Saturday, Aug. 28. There will be great music, drink specials, go-go dancers and much more. Check out the brand new Flame!

In addition, The Flame is hosting a benefit on Friday, Aug. 27, for The Center’s public policy department. The club features two newly conceived spaces containing multi-level dance floors, high-tech bars, a flame-red “chill” bar and extensive visual, lighting and laser effects. There will also be a Flame preview party reception on Thursday, Aug. 26 beginning with a VIP champagne reception at 7:00 p.m. Call (619) 295-4163 for details.

Apologies go out to anyone who was offended by my use of the word “wifebeater” to describe a tank top in my last column on lesbian style. It was the term used in the New York Times article and I kept it in for consistency. I am sorry if some readers were insulted.

Keep the comments and questions coming, to queerabby@hotmail.com.