Stan Lawrence Portrait Art Photography is seeking couples interested in participating in the upcoming Gay and Lesbian Couples Exhibit. The portraits will be displayed in venues throughout Hillcrest. Couples wishing to participate should call (619) 465-2477.

The project began in 1996, and became a noted annual event for six years.

The Gay and Lesbian Couples Exhibit is committed to promoting awareness and celebrating the diversity of human love.

“The campaign is not about finding model-types,” said Stan Lawrence. “We’re looking for typical citizens who represent the true diversity of San Diego’s GLBT community. An accurate local representation comprises couples of all ages, shapes, sizes and ethnicities.”

Last year more than 200 couples participated. In addition to “showing what couples look like,” the exhibit will demonstrate the unique relationship of each couple.

Lawrence is an active member of GSDBA and a past president of the Professional Photographers of San Diego. He holds a Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America and is an educator under the auspices of various professional organizations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii.

The San Diego Chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) is hosting a fundraiser and membership drive at Top of the Park from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13. Chapter members are raising money to attend the upcoming AVER National Convention and Military Ball in West Hollywood, which takes place July 1-3.

Tickets will be sold and drawn at the event for a chance to win prizes. Membership applications will be available for any GLBT veterans wishing to join AVER. Annual membership dues are $25.

AVER will join the San Diego Golden State Gay Rodeo Association as the official flag contingent for the upcoming San Diego LGBT Pride parade in July, and are encouraging all GLBT veterans to join them as they march down the parade route.

Contact Ben M. Gomez at (619) 459-1019 for further information.

On Sunday, May 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Family Matters hosts their annual Kite Day and Picnic at Mission Bay. Join Family Matters families for a day of kite flying, play, relaxation and networking, and bring the kids.

Bring a kite if you have one, lawn games, picnic blankets and picnic food and drink for your family. The event takes place at Ski Beach in Mission Bay, on the grass area.

Look for Family Matters signs, yellow balloons and a rainbow flag.

For questions call Rochelle at (619) 298-kid1, or e-mail Rochelle@sdfamilymatters.org.

A roundtable discussion on immigration to Canada is the feature at this month’s Immigration Equality San Diego meeting, which takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16, at The Center.

The meeting is an opportunity to meet new people and find support for issues faced by GLBT immigrants and same-sex binational couples in the United States.

Immigration Equality San Diego meets the third Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at The Center, which is located at 3909 Centre St.

Contact Sam at mactoba@yahoo.com for more information.

The Center’s Latino/a Services Program invites all community members to a town hall meeting to learn more about Latin Pride 2005. The meeting takes place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, at El Centro Cultural de la Raza, located at 2125 Park Blvd.

“We need input and feedback on plans for the 2005 festival to ensure it is the most inclusive, diverse and fun event possible,” said Carolina Ramos, coordinator of the Latino/a Services Program at The Center. “We would like Latin Pride to represent the international Latin community by featuring a diverse array of arts, culture, food and music. We need community input to ensure the event’s success.”

The community meeting will be facilitated in English and Spanish by Alberto Cortès, executive director of Mama’s Kitchen. Cortès, along with Nicole Murray-Ramirez, Franko Guillen, Teresa Oyos and other leaders of the Latino/a community, will be present to hear comments, take suggestions and answer questions.

Information on volunteer and sponsorship opportunities will be available at the meeting as well.

The new Latino/a Services Program and its meeting and drop-in space is located at The Center. The program hosts the LGBT Latino/a Advisory Council, manages Latin Pride and offers support groups and social programming for LGBT Latino/a San Diegans in a safe, affirming environment.

The Center’s next Community Coalition Lunch takes place Friday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in The Center’s auditorium.

This month’s topics are affordable housing, housing projects and The Center’s new youth housing project. Speakers include Matthew Doherty, Todd Gloria and Sue Reynolds, executive director of Community Housing Works.

Admission charge includes lunch catered by The Abbey Café, networking and an information session.

For the past two years, the meeting has been a monthly staple for members of San Diego’s GLBT leadership, politicians and candidates, and for organizations collaborating with The Center.

The Community Coalition Lunch takes place on the third Friday of every month. ASL interpretation will be provided upon request. Requests must be sent to AJ Davis at adavis@thecentersd.org at least seven working days before the event. Call (619) 692-2077 ext. 212 for more information.

A fundraiser for the San Diego Armada Rugby Club takes place at ReBar at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. Amongst the festivities will be a raffle and a bachelor auction, in which Armada Rugby Club players will be auctioned off to the highest bidders, with dinner for two.

A $5 donation is requested at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a local non-profit organization.

ReBar is located at 3404 30th St. Contact Ricky at (619) 471-7908 for more information.

San Diego Human Dignity Foundation’s annual fundraising gala, entitled “Springtime in Paradise” this year, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, at Shelter Pointe Hotel & Marina. The fun-filled, tropical-themed event is expected to draw up to 500 revelers to dine on a four-course dinner and enjoy nonstop dance music and high-energy entertainment by Wayne Foster – a performance ensemble featuring world-class singers, dancers and musicians.

A silent and live auction will also be held. Auction items include two round-trip tickets on American Airlines, a one-week stay at a villa in Puerto Vallarta, a Jaguar convertible for the weekend, and a yacht cruise on the San Diego bay.

This year’s gala is dedicated to the memory of two San Diego Human Dignity Foundation past board members: John R. McCusker, Jr. and Richard Geyser.

Now in its ninth year, the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation funds programs and projects supporting the equal treatment, tolerance, wellness, well-being and – above all – human dignity of San Diego’s GLBT community. The foundation has raised almost one-half of its initial goal of $1 million to fund an endowment to help meet the long-term and future needs of San Diego’s GLBT community. Proceeds from the gala will fund approximately 50 percent of the foundation’s operating budget.

General admission is $150, and VIP tickets are $300. VIP admission includes a pre-event champagne reception with special entertainment. To buy tickets or for more information, call (619) 291-3383.