Where were you when JFK was assassinated? Where were you when the Stonewall Riots erupted? Where were you when Harvey Milk was assassinated? Where were you when the Berlin Wall finally came down? These are but a few of the historical events that have changed our world — and most of us can remember where we were when some of these events took place.

So where were you when the Supreme Court reversed Texas’ anti-gay sodomy law a couple of weeks ago? Most gay folks across the country took to the streets to celebrate. Here in San Diego there was sort of a delayed reaction. I would have thought our larger community groups would have anticipated a decision that fateful Thursday morning and planned something in advance. But nevertheless, The Center did organize a celebration last Wednesday, July 2 — a little later than I had hoped, but I’m still glad it was scheduled. But what disappointed me the most is the incredibly low turnout. Could it be true that there are only about 100-150 gays and lesbians in San Diego? Where were you?

This was not just cause for a simple celebration. This was a landmark decision that will affect all of our lives. It was not a time to just sit at home and let others do the job, even the easy job of celebrating. We should all have been at our Center and shared this moment. You do not have to be an activist; you just have to be queer. Complacency is what keeps us from moving forward. If you cannot even show up and be thankful for the courage of others who are on the frontlines, then maybe it is time to turn in your gay card.

I realize we are not all activists and each of us does what we can for our movement. Some run for political office, others write checks. Some do volunteer work, others write letters. Some take care of the old and the sick, others actively participate in advocacy work. And I thank you all for that. But once in a great while a monumental episode in our gay history happens and we have to all show up and be counted. It would be truly sad if one day in the future, when a young gay person asks, “Where were you when the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Texas sodomy law in 2003?”, you could not say you were there!

Yup! Been there, done that! Sure, some of us old fogies are blasé about parades and festivals. And that’s understandable — the heat, no place to sit, long lines to the port-o-sans, bad food, crowds everywhere, same old vendors … and the list goes on. So what is the relevance of Pride? Yes, it is a necessary part of our being. Good or bad, it is the time that we re-energize and re-empower ourselves remembering that this is a continuing movement that is vital to our very existence. We need to re-affirm our right to equal freedoms — not only for ourselves as a community, but for the world to see. I am not suggesting that we flaunt ourselves, get drunk and/or be silly, or that we should only celebrate ‘Pride’ one day a year. But let us make this Pride day a special one. Let us all take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished in the last five years, the last 10 years, even the last 20. There are reasons to be proud. And as you celebrate Pride, look around and see all the gay and lesbian youth just coming out and think back to what it used to be like for you. This is that ‘one’ day that we should all come out and just be a community. Tomorrow you can go back inside your shell. I do not care what you do, but just do something.

And while Pride is a special day when one just lets it all hang out, let us remember that with rights come responsibilities. Let us make this day bring out the best in us, not the worst. And if you are a party animal, please party responsibly. Nobody likes a messy queen!

Great news this week! The heavy metal rock group Judas Priest announced that they are re-uniting with San Diego’s own Rob Halford for a new album. And guess what? Rob Halford will be performing at the Coronation ball this year. In a telephone call to Coronation producer Rick Ford last week from London, Rob said “…this time next year, we’ll be performing at the Sports Arena.”

I’m digging out my studded belt, heavy boots and jacket from the old hope chest. Yes, I do own some butch clothing.

And speaking of Coronation XXXII, the Ball is just around the corner and the campaign fever is heating up. There are a host of candidate parties this month with great food, nice entertainment and good company. Then, come Aug. 2, be sure you get to the Coronation and cast your vote. Good luck to Brian Johnson, Cristina Monet, Richard Britton, Linda Childers and Robi Cox. Call (619) 523-9500, ext.15 for tickets to the Imperial Court’s Coronation XXXII — A Military Ball. Aside from Rob Halford, special guest entertainers include Cynthia Manley (Boys Town Gang), who was last seen performing at Long Beach Pride. This is going to be a fun ball, so don’t miss out by sitting at home, Cinderella!

When I first came to San Diego many months ago, I was quickly faced with a major crisis. My nail broke. No, you don’t understand, this is serious for a drag queen! Luckily for me, I found this tiny little shop right on the corner of 5th & Pennsylvania called Tammy’s Nails. Not only are they inexpensive, they do great nails — even for men. They are open late each night and they give great massages as well. The gaggle of nice Asian women that greet you are so friendly you’ll ignore the fact that they talk among themselves in Vietnamese. But don’t be offended if they do, because you’ll walk out with a fine set of manicured nails, even if they are not your own.

With Pride just a week away it’s time to start planning your weekend. So many events, so many parties to choose from. Here are some suggestions: Numbers celebrates Pride with not one, but four parties! Pride Kickoff Party starts on Thursday, July 24. Friday, July 25, The Bad Kitties Pride Party is sure to be a hot spot. Saturday, July 26, Numbers goes all out with The Numbers Pride Party. And if you are still standing on Sunday, July 27, you might as well stay over for The Pride Closing Party.

Over at Bacchus House, welcome The Pucker Posse from 10:00 p.m. to midnight on Friday, July 25. Enjoy $2 pucker shots all night. On Saturday, July 26, DJ Jon Williams (from Club C2K in Las Vegas) pumps up your Pride at Bacchus.

No, not those wet undie contests at the bars, this is the Equinox Pool Party, being put together by those lovable guys from the Imperial Court, Mike and Chris, at their home in Chula Vista. Enjoy the pool, a lavish buffet and open bar from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. for only a 20-buck donation. Compete in the swimsuit contest (I was told Nicole might compete in a thong), win door prizes and bid on auction items. It’s all for charity, of course — APICAP and the Nicole Ramirez Scholarship. Call (619) 397-7603 for info and directions.

With the Supreme Court ruling last month and a new ruling involving the Boy Scouts in Connecticut (see page 29), it is evident that we must focus some of our energies on who gets elected and appointed to the bench. It is especially scary that Justices Rehnquist and O’Connor are rumored to be considering retirement. Maybe we should send them both Red Bull and Viagra to re-energize them to stay another year. At least until we can clear the White House of those pesky Bushes!