As I sit down to write this column, I can hardly believe that it’s already October! As a native New Yorker, I’m still somewhat conditioned to believe that October means changing leaves, crisp air and hot apple cider… not 70-degree weather and bonfires at the beach! Of course, no matter what, October always means one thing – Halloween! And this year, for the first time in quite a while, I actually have my costume planned ahead of time. I will be going as one pop-princess turned new-mommy (complete with drunken baby doll) and my girlfriend will be going as the next big “star” in white hip-hop (complete with flip-flops and socks). We’ll be wearing red strings on our wrists and drinking the new Kaballah energy drink. Can you guess who we are?

But don’t fret – in case you and your girlfriend, or closest friend, are still in need of costume ideas, I’ve compiled a short list of lesbian-friendly Halloween costumes:

For the political ladies: In response to recent headlines, go as “Ladies of the Supreme Court” Sandra Day O’Connor and Harriet Miers. You will need: black robes, gavels and bad wigs.

For the TV addicts: Obsessed with the latest season of “America’s Next Top Model”? Go as lesbo-contestant Kim and her bi-curious roommate, Sarah. You will need: high heels, short skirts and, most importantly, the inability to walk in a straight line.

For the bad girls: Feeling like bad-asses? Why not dress up as Lil’ Kim and Martha Stewart, everyone’s favorite inmates? You will need: orange jumpsuits, bling (for Kim), sewing kit (for Martha) and one of those “ankle bracelets.”

For the gossip fanatics: If you and your partner have a subscription to Us Weekly, you must go as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. You will need: Scientology pamphlets, sunglasses (for Tom), a pillow up your shirt (for Katie) and a great publicity team to follow you wherever you go.

I love Halloween! If you wear a funny costume this year, take a picture of yourself and send it to queerabby@hotmail.com. I’ll publish the funniest submission next month!

While we’re on the topic of Halloween, there are lots of activities taking place this year, should you feel the desire to get spooky:

On Thursday, Oct. 27, head down to Six Degrees for their annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. The bar will supply the pumpkins and supplies; all you have to do is conjure up some creativity (a cocktail or two might help). Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories, including most original, scariest, best in show and others. The carving begins at 8:00 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, Six Degrees will host a Halloween Costume Contest complete with cash prizes. Step out in your naughtiest costume and make it a great night!

Another Halloween spot for the ladies is the Lavender Lens Halloween Party at The Flame, taking place Saturday, Oct. 29. No doubt Bixi will have a fabulous costume, so make sure to get creative! $500 in cash and prizes will go to the best dressed.

Pride Live will present a Halloween Masquerade Party on Monday, Oct. 31, featuring Trina (“Don’t Trip”) and $1,000 in cash prizes to the best costumes. Tickets are $35 to $45. For more information, call (866) 370-4364.

Linda E. and Club Sabbat collaborate to create The Pharaoh’s Ball, a decadent Halloween bash at the Museum of Man on Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets are $20. For further information, call (619) 743-1623.

For those of you who didn’t make it to the first two rounds of OUTspoken, the women’s poetry competition at Diversionary Theatre, make sure to mark your calendars for the grand finale, which takes place Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 7:00 p.m. OUTspoken is hosted by the Women’s Resource Center, in support of women’s programming at The Center. It is a spoken-word competition in which female writers are encouraged to perform their own poetry and short essays. Props and dramatic storytelling are encouraged. I’ve attended OUTspoken and love the venue – the space is big enough to provide a theatrical feel but small enough that the performers don’t need microphones. The vibe is intimate and open, and the women involved are diverse and talented. I look forward to seeing who the winner will be! For additional information about OUTspoken, contact Claudia Lucero at (619) 692-2077 ext. 206.

While we’re on the topic of talented ladies, Fiona Apple will be making an appearance at San Diego’s House of Blues on Nov. 28, so get your tickets ASAP! Also make sure to pick up Fiona’s latest album, Extraordinary Machine, which is chock-full of her standard lyrical flair and twisted angst.

In search of queer radio? Check out RadioActive San Diego’s new show, “Mango Munch” – a womyn, genderqueer music and events session brought to you by DJ Phoenix. Just tune in on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at www.radioactiveradio.org or 106.9 on your FM dial!

A new ladies’ night has been introduced at Bacchus House – it’s called Game Girl, and will feature the hottest hip-hop music in town on Friday nights starting at 9:00 p.m. If you haven’t been to Bacchus House in a while, swing by because the club got a facelift!

Bourbon Street is still going off on Fridays with Ladies’ Happy Hour and the live wet T-shirt contest (I may have to check that one out myself!). Sundays are also a popular time for the ladies, with Ashley Matte playing weekly from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Check out Bourbon’s new balcony, which overlooks all the madness!

Looking for original local artwork? Another No Name Art Show takes place downtown at F Street on Nov. 12 at 9:00 p.m., with music from DJ Nicklebag and a huge array of work by local artists. I attended the last No Name Art Show and had a freakin’ blast, so I highly recommend this event. Artists interested in participating can call (619) 236-0667.

Also on Nov. 12 will be the Women’s Resource Center’s next quarterly women’s nightclub, Red Hot, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This evening will be a great opportunity to socialize and dance in a fun and relaxing environment, and the event will feature great music, door prizes and a no-host bar – all for just $5! The event is sponsored by The Flame, where the official after-party will take place. A pass for The Flame is included with your $5 entry fee. For more information, contact Claudia Lucero at (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 or clucero@thecentersd.org.

Does your mind need some titillation? Join the Cunning Linguists Book Club, a group of stimulating women that meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Books are chosen by popular vote by those in attendance. For more information, contact Lindsay Sullivan at (619) 692-2077 ext. 107 or lsullivan@thecentersd.org.

Support San Diego’s wildest queer and feminist performance series and open mic, T.M.I. (Too Much Information), for their first anniversary celebration featuring Skim and Butchlalis de Panochtitlan from Los Angeles. The celebration takes place on Friday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. and is hosted by Anna Joy Springer at the Arts & Entertainment Center, located at 3026 University Ave. in North Park. All ages are welcome, and there is a $5 to $7 suggested donation with all proceeds going to the artists and to support the A&E Center. In addition to the featured performances, audience members will sign up to read and perform their original work. Each reader will have five minutes to perform. The whole show will last about two hours, which should give everyone time to flirt, have drama, and organize the revolution before and after the show. BYOB, folks!

Last but not least, Siren Open Mic will be changing locations in the next few weeks due to construction at Korova Coffee Bar. To stay updated or get involved, e-mail sheslams@bust.com.

Much love to all… See you next month!