As 2006 comes to an end, it seems only appropriate that we reflect on some of the big queer stories of the year. From pregnant lesbians to meth-smoking pastors, 2006 was definitely not lacking in gay celebrations and scandals. Here are just a few of my favorite headlines from this past year.

Celebrity lesbian moms on the rise: 2006 was a big year in the news for lesbos giving birth. First, Melissa and Tammy Etheridge gave birth (well, OK, maybe only Tammy did the birthing part) to twins Miller Steven and Johnnie Rose. Now, Mary Cheney is pregnant and preparing to have the child with her partner of 15 years, Heather Poe. In a surprising turn of events, even George W. has been quoted as saying that he is “happy” for Mary! Lesbian moms are getting more and more visibility thanks to couples like these. So I say thanks to the celebs who were out, proud and pregnant in ’06!

Rosie O’Donnell gives the gay “View”: Rosie O’Donnell not only joined “The View” this year, she took it over! When you turn on the show, Rosie is always steering the ladies from topic to topic in the daily coffee talk, including issues such as gay parenting, transgenderism and same-sex marriage. She even went as far as getting involved in the scandal between Kelly Ripa and Clay Aiken, basically outing Aiken on live TV (oops!). And although I disagree with Rosie’s “view” that Kelly Ripa was being homophobic toward Aiken, I am still glad that an out, gay and hilarious host has finally joined the cast of “The View.” Here’s to Rosie keeping queer issues in the forefront in ’07!

Teen queens exit the closet: This year, two teen heartthrobs from different generations came out of the closet – Neil Patrick Harris (c’mon, you know you liked “Doogie Howser, M.D.”) and Lance Bass of notorious boy band ’N Sync. Although it wasn’t such a shocker that Lance is gay, it was slightly surprising that he managed to snag such a hottie (Reichen Lehmkuhl) for a boyfriend. Props to Lance!

Pastor resigns amid drug and sex scandal: On a more serious (but no less juicy) note, we can’t recap the year in queer without including the Rev. Ted Haggard scandal. After allegations surfaced that he had an affair with a male prostitute (who said he purchased meth for Haggard), Haggard resigned as president of the influential National Association of Evangelicals, an umbrella group representing more than 45,000 churches with 30 million members. This story proved, yet again, that often those with the most to say against gay life are, well, gay themselves.

‘Brokeback’ fever sweeps the nation: Last but not least on my list is a mention of the film Brokeback Mountain, which lost the Oscar for Best Picture in March but still saturated America with the image of two gay cowboys in love. For a while, it was pretty much impossible to go anywhere without someone making a Brokeback or “Bareback Mountain” joke. The film was everywhere! And why not? Gyllenhaal and Ledger? Chances are you were into one of them. And now, thanks to DVD, you can watch the love scenes as many times as you’d like and scream “I wish I could quit you” at the TV screen. Priceless!

That’s it for my year in queer. May 2007 be full of even funnier, spicier and more fabulous stories!

The Damron Women’s Traveller 2007 is out, and it’s got everything a lesbian needs to plan her whirlwind world tour. From San Francisco to New York to Paris and everywhere in between, the Damron guide has the lowdown on the best hotels, the hottest nightclubs, the chillest cafés and the friendliest of lesbian-friendly establishments. With so much information crammed into an easy-to-pack book, it’s not hard to see why Damron is the name lesbians trust when planning a vacation. Pick up your copy today at Obelisk Bookstore in Hillcrest!

Thursday, Dec. 21, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. is “Grrrlz Night” at the Rubber Rose boutique and gallery (3812 Ray St.). This means ladies are welcome to join a casual discussion about sex, sex toys and sexuality. A $6 donation is suggested. The evening is open to women only and those ages 18 and older. And don’t forget, the Rubber Rose is also the perfect place to stock up on holiday gifts, so go support this lesbian-owned establishment today!

San Diego songstress Lauren DeRose will be performing at Bourbon Street’s Ladies’ Happy Hour this Friday night, Dec. 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It’s free to get in, drink specials abound and DeRose is a fantastic live performer – so what are you waiting for? Ring in the holidays with the ladies at Bourbon!

The Women’s Resource Center at The Center has a new coordinator, Lea Burgess-Carland! Congratulations to Lea, who is sure to be a fabulous new force in women’s programming.

Wondering where the ladies will be for New Year’s Eve? Well, look no further than The Flame, where Lavender Lens Productions and Milk will be hosting this year’s New Year’s bash. DJ Kurty and DJ Fariba will be in the house, spinning all night. VIP status gets you a free buffet, bottle service and cocktail waitresses for booth/lounge areas. Reserve your VIP spot by Tuesday, Dec. 26. This party will be hot and it includes free snacks, party favors, Jell-O shots, complimentary champagne and a balloon drop at midnight. Cover is $12 presale and more at the door. For tickets, call (619) 291-8223.

“V.I.B.E.” at Club Montage is the new ladies’ night in town and it is hosted by Lavender Lens Productions. The evening takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month. This all-night extravaganza runs from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and boasts a “live human buffet” on the rooftop and female DJs spinning in the Atlantis Room. Club Montage is located at 2028 Hancock St. This is a 21 and older event. Parking is free. Enjoy!

Hot Monkey Love Music Hall will present an evening of all female hip-hop artists on Tuesday, Jan. 16. This night of estrogen MCs will feature Miki Vale, MC Flow, Addiquit and more! The new Hot Monkey Love Music Hall is located at 6875 El Cajon Blvd. This is an all-ages show and the cover is $5. Join the movement!

That’s it on my end for December. I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season, however you choose to celebrate. I’ll see you in the New Year for another installment of Queer Abby.