Take out your fairy dust and your ruby slippers ’cause we’re gonna have a party.

This year’s San Diego LGBT Pride march is even more important than before. It’s an election year and we’re under attack. The marriage amendment is going to be a big issue (as if you didn’t already know that). Politicians will have to choose sides and not straddle the fence, and we voters will have to decide what’s important for us. With the war already going on in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Lebanon and Palestine, throw in North Korea and Iran and this president will prey on the fears of America and might sway the tide in the election. Let us make sure this does not happen in November.

The parade may be boring for some folks, but it is vitally important that we turn out in large numbers to show our unity and voting power. But the parade can also be very educational and fun. Do you actually know how many gay organizations and businesses we have in our community, not to mention all of our allies who are proud to march with us? And even if you’re not up to marching, at least show up and cheer on those who are. It’s a good thing. You might actually enjoy the experience all over again.

Apart from the marching contingents and the baton twirlers, the floats are bedecked with colorful drag queens, leather men and scantily clad boys. Some of you may cringe that the mainstream media will pick on these images to portray us. Unfortunately, the mainstream media is never going to change. We can all be in suits and ties and they’ll still find something negative. We are who we are and that’s what makes us different. And no amount of leather or feathers really makes us freaks, because in the end they’re just clothing.

I will be emceeing the parade with Nicole at the main reviewing stage (located on University and Richmond), where a group of judges are going to pick the best floats and marching contingents. Down the road, my friends Babette and Chaz (of Martinis Above Fourth) will be welcoming you on Sixth and Robinson, so be sure to wave and blow us kisses. Make sure to bring water and hydrate, as it’s going to be a hot weekend. Besides, it’s good for your skin. And don’t forget to put on sun block, especially on the back of your head if you have a bald spot.

There are many events surrounding Pride weekend, with many restaurants opening early for breakfast on Saturday, like Hamburger Mary’s, and open late for dinner. You may want to make reservations this weekend, especially with the many out-of-towners who are coming to celebrate with us.

There are many parties at bars and dance clubs, and some special parties at various locations. Check out the special Gay & Lesbian Times pullout Pride Guide for a complete listing.

I have only two requests. The first is that you do not wear rainbow spandex, or I will come and personally spank you, and the second is that you do not bring “Tina” with you – it’s stupid and we want you here next year.

Powerhouse Productions presents the Harbor Cruise on Friday, July 28, with DJ Joe Gauthreaux aboard the California Spirit, followed by the Pride Ball with DJ Brett Henrichsen at 4th & B. Saturday, July 29, is Circuit Daze with DJ Manny Lehman and guest Debby Holiday at the San Diego Sports Arena. Sunday, July 30, is The Zoo Party at the San Diego Zoo with DJs Phil B. and Tony Moran, and guest Kristine W., followed by Fete Accompli with Rosabel (DJs Abel and Ralphi Rosario) at 4th & B. The party hotline is (858) 623-9547.

Bacchus House kicked off five days of Pride with Musica Pasion y Latina with Franceska on July 26. On Thursday, July 27, come join me for the It’s Raining Men wet underwear contest, which will feature my special guest, Falcon exclusive Derrick Vinyard, as well as $1 well drinks and video giveaways. Friday, July 29, is a dance party with DJ Luke Johnstone and Pet Shop Boys CD giveaways. Saturday night is PUMP with DJ Jon Williams and Bananarama CD giveaways. The party continues after hours with DJ DeLeon spinning ’til 12:00 noon Sunday, July 30. Sunday night we wrap with Fiesta Domingo with DJ Ruben Casas, and an afterhours party until 8:00 a.m. Monday with DJs Jon Williams and Wuisa.

Club Montage features hip-hop, top 40, R&B and mashups with DJs Bille Knight and Demon on Thursday. On Friday, DJ Kris P. will spin and on Saturday DJ Jon Bishop, DJ Lydia Prim and resident DJs. Sunday will feature DJ Chris Cox, and there will be afterhours until 6:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

Numbers presents the Pride Starter on Thursday with DJs Niknotiq and Scotty. Friday is Bad Kitties with DJs Kiki and Gigi and Saturday features DJs Aaron and Myxzlplix. Sunday is Club Papi, which will feature the official Christian Castro CD release party with free pizza and giveaways. Presale tickets are available at www.numberssd.com.

Rich’s has a slew of great DJs lined up for the entire weekend. Thursday features DJs Lavelle Dupree and Kid Krazzy, Friday is Play with DeeJay Ty and Derek, Saturday is Salvation Pride with DJ Kimberly S. and Sunday is L.L. Bear with DJ Derek.

Hamburger Mary’s/Kickers has country western dancing all weekend, and a T-dance featuring DJ Taj on Saturday and Sunday. There will be drink specials all weekend, as well as a breakfast buffet on Saturday and, of course, champagne brunch on Sunday.

Baja Betty’s features a $3 happy-hour special on drinks, appetizers and quesadillas on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a sangria/champagne Mexican brunch, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Martini’s Above Fourth features the Sue Palmer Trio on Thursday. They also have a bunch of hot shot boys, like the Pucker Posse on Friday, and the Jäger Boys at 5:00 p.m. and the Absolut Boys at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday is Babette’s Barbecue Bingo from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. And, of course, they boast more than 75 varieties of martinis. One of them happens to be called the Coco LaChine – it’s sweet, creamy and packs a punch.

Bourbon Street offers ladies happy hour on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., which is followed by boys all night long starting at 9:00 p.m. with DJ Kenny. Saturday is Boys Night Out with guest DJs, and Ashley Matte performs live on Sunday at 7:00 p.m., followed by DJ LV.

The Brass Rail presents Urban Jam with DJs Abel and Squeek on Friday, and Saturday is Noche Latino Americano with DJ Klaus. Sunday is the Recovery Disco T-Dance with a beer bust and $3 pitchers. The Brass Rail has a great outdoor patio for people-watching, too.

Neighborhood bars like The Eagle, Pecs, Flicks and #1 Fifth Ave. are great places to chill and hang out. Each of these bars has drink specials every night. Check the Clubbing section of this issue to see what each of these bars has going on during Pride weekend.

And if you feel like driving down south of the border, Club Extasis has stripper shows all weekend and no cover on Saturday night from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. It’s well worth the ride – I promise. You’ll probably find me late Saturday at SRO with my sister Cristina entertaining visiting “firemen” or those that need extra attention.

Of course, there are many more events all over the city and great restaurants to enjoy for our out-of-town guests. Drop by Saigon on Fifth for great Vietnamese food and enjoy outdoor dining. Ortega’s Mexican Bistro in Hillcrest serves superb Mexican food and Vagabond in South Park is a new favorite of mine. The Green Tomato in Kensington serves up great food, LEI in University Heights is the place to go for lounge-style dining and nothing beats the The Oceanaire Seafood Room downtown for great seafood.

There are a thousand and one exciting things to do this weekend. And if you’re not into crowds, invite a few friends over for dinner and share your Pride. If you drink, please drink responsibly and select a designated driver before you leave home. If you are hunky and a top, I’ll come pick you up and take you home. And if you’re not, my sister Cristina will take you – she’s not as particular. Please respect the neighborhood you are partying in, and do not park in private residential parking spaces, especially mine.

Our Pride weekend does not happen without hundreds of volunteers, so be nice to them and thank them for their work.

Show the Pride!