Six thousand military personnel just left for Iraq this week. I know many who are gay and lesbian…. Let’ keep all our troops in our prayers.

I read last week’s editorial about the upcoming San Diego City Council race for the District 3 seat with great interest. The editorial’s position was that we should encourage more people to join the race and “let ‘em duke it out a few rounds.” Well we don’t have that luxury this time around. As for the other possible gay candidates mentioned, everyone I talked to stated they were definitely not running.

The most talked about potential candidate and the one who has the most backers is City Commissioner Robert Gleason, but he told me that he wasn’t going to run at this time. He and his partner are expecting another baby, so he’s not going to have the time. But this well respected city leader said that he would keep his options open to consider a future run for office. As for Stephen Whitburn, although the San Diego Democratic Club’s former president did an outstanding job during his two terms leading the club, Todd Gloria also has wide support among the club members.

When Al Best first ran for City Council, our community united behind him. When Neil Good was a candidate, the vast majority of our leadership endorsed him as they did with Chris Kehoe, and Toni Atkins had our full support when she ran. None of them had a fellow GLBT opponent. Contrary to rumor, the GLBT community is not the majority of the District 3 population. We’re not even half, so we cannot afford to have two candidates from our community running against each other. As the editorial stated, “Todd Gloria knows this district better than anybody and has already lined up key endorsements.” This is true and, perhaps most importantly, he has the support of major non-gay leaders in the district and has secured major financial commitments. The choice is clear, Gloria for City Council.

In a recent interview with San Diego Magazine, Carl DeMaio, a leading candidate for the San Diego City Council District 5 seat, confirmed that he is gay. He is a leader in the Republican Party and he played a key role in the Citizen’s Budget Project, to streamline state government following Gov. Gray Davis’ recall. He has been an advisor to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and has served on White House advisory panels in Washington, D.C. Demaio has earned a reputation as a fighter and leader for reform at City Hall and is a strong supporter of Mayor Jerry Sanders.

District 5 is one of the most conservative and Republican districts in the city. DeMaio enjoys district and city-wide support, and he has secured many important endorsements. He never has been a “gay activist” and only came out of the closet recently, but he will continue to be devoted to the reform of City Hall. The 32-year-old civic leader hopes to bring a new voice from a different generation to our city government. I’ve had some long conversations with DeMaio and I believe that he is a very dedicated and intelligent young man, who loves his city and wants to serve it, not as a politician but as a public servant.

I was in New York for National Gay and Lesbian Task Force obligations and meetings, along with a huge benefit for PFLAG. While there, I also did interviews for two documentaries on the history of the GLBT community. I guess I’m sort of an “elder spokesperson” now that I live at “Shady Pines.”

While I was there, I was able to take in some New York culture. Two restaurants I recommend are Gallagher’s Steak House and The View. Gallagher’s has been a New York tradition for the best meat in town since 1927. The View, is so named because it is the city’s only revolving rooftop restaurant and the food is fabulous. I met the editor of A Bear’s Life magazine, Steve Harris, who is a really nice guy and I also met Frank DeCato, the television comedian, whom I predict will soon be in his own sitcom.

International top designer Carlos Linzan also had a showing while I was there. I love this guy, as he is a true artist and it’s always great talking to him. While in the Big Apple, ACT-Up was celebrating its 20th anniversary with a street demonstration demanding better health care for people with AIDS.

The president of the New York City Council is openly lesbian Christine Quinn. Quinn has a bright future ahead of her.

Out magazine was also honored at a dinner that drew more than 1,000 people to the beautiful Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square.

There was a big controversy going on in New York about an artist who had made a figure of Jesus Christ. The figure was made completely out of chocolate, and he was depicted completely nude with dramatic genitals. Thank goodness after a huge outrage about displaying the figure during a holy week, the display was cancelled.

The weather was great and all my meetings and speeches went well, but I found myself tiring more quickly this time around. My next out-of-town obligations are Denver and Washington, D.C., so I’m gong to have to be sure to rest up before I hit the road again.

Many of us just celebrated Passover and Easter, and contrary to what some think, there is a large spiritual community among GLBT Americans. One of the leading GLBT churches is the Metropolitan Community Church. Yes, although I feel that the church has left its people behind, I’m still a Catholic at heart. I believe God is loving and that we are all his children.

Recently a group of bipartisan congressional leaders called for Americans to spend five minutes a week praying for our nation. I agree. Pray for: our soldiers fighting in Iraq; for those children below the poverty line; for the many of our seniors who are mistreated in homes; for those suffering from AIDS, cancer, and other illnesses. But most of all, pray for a new president!

Don’t kid yourself San Diego, the transgender community is growing and becoming more visible and giving voice to its sisters and brothers. I attended the Transgender Day of Empowerment held at The Center and a big crowd was in attendance.

In San Diego, we are fortunate to have such transgender leaders as Tracie O’Brien, Connor Maddocks, Julia Legaspi, Sandra Ramirez, Brenda Watson, Vicki Estrada, and many others. They all bring a great deal of activism and pride that benefits our entire community and gives hope to the ever-growing population of younger members of the transgender community.

Can you believe the recent announcement from Marines generals? They are now putting restrictions on Marines and their tattoos. Are they crazy? There is nothing hotter than a Marine with tattoos. The Army and other branches have no restrictions. The Marine brass should be more concerned about getting soldiers better equipment in Iraq than about how many tattoos they get.

Be sure to visit Pleasures & Treasures this month. In addition to its sale of items ranging from classy to kinky, the adult boutique located at 2228 University Ave., also has an erotic art gallery focusing on local erotic artists. This month features the photography of Suzy Koenigs, a well known and respected member of the community. Stop in and check it out, and for a chance to meet Koenigs yourself, be sure to not miss the reception with the artist Sunday, April 15, from 3-5 p.m. While you’re there pick up something for yourself. This month’s specials are 10 percent off all movies, and their apparel special is 10 percent off all jocks and underwear. That’s hot!

Set aside Thursday, April 19 to spend the evening at the Hotel Solamar. The beautiful downtown hotel is the location for a fund-raising event to benefit Dress for Success San Diego. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. and will feature complimentary hors d’oeurves from Jsix, 10-minute makeovers from dk hair, and a selection of fabulous items available in a silent auction. One lucky raffle winner will even win a grand prize trip for two, to Kimptons Hotel Monaco in Chicago. The cost is only a $10 donation at the door, which benefits the low-income women served by Dress for Success San Diego. For more information, visit www.dressforsuccess.org.