I want to sincerely thank you all for your benefit and party invitations. Please know that I try to attend as many as I can. I appreciate you taking the time to invite me. I will attend these gatherings when and if my health and schedule permit. My next stops are Texas, Nebraska and New York.

For the GLBT community, the red ribbon and the fight against HIV/AIDS has been a top priority for more than 25 years. The pink ribbon and the fight against cancer should be equally important. Cancer strikes more lesbians than heterosexual women. But women are not alone. Cancer strikes men, women and children. Just this past week, the Ben F. Dillingham Grant gave financial assistance to a 15-year-old boy and a local popular bartender who is only 21 years old, both of whom are fighting cancer. We have helped many women with cancer through this grant and the Toni Atkins Health Fund at The Center. Both funds are co-sponsored by the Imperial Court. Most importantly, both men and women should get checked for cancer regularly.

Word is that radical, right-wing Republican James Hartline, the “ex-gay” and anti-gay leader, will probably run for the District 3 City Council seat currently occupied by Councilmember Toni Atkins. Atkins’ term ends in 2008. Hartline does not have a chance in hell to win, but he can cause a lot of trouble with his campaign. The time to unite behind a candidate is now.

Todd Gloria is clearly the front-runner in the race for the District 3 City Council seat. If Gloria is elected, he would make history by being the first openly gay San Diego City Councilmember and first elected of Filipino and American-Indian decent. It would be the first time a person of color was elected in District 3. With two members of color currently on the City Council, Gloria would be the third. Citizens of District 3, including myself, have a chance to make history by voting Gloria into office.

The first openly gay man to run for San Diego City Council was Al Best, followed by Neil Good (both lost). Christine Kehoe became the first openly gay San Diego Councilmember. Councilmember Linda Bernhardt was in the closet throughout her term.

With all due respects, Dee Keng, your recent letter countering the words of Police Chief William Lansdowne and City Attorney Michael Aguirre is completely wrong. You presented no facts to support your arguments. First of all, why haven’t Vulcan Bath or Club San Diego been raided? Why haven’t adult bookstores owned by gay men been raided? Did you know the raids and closure of 2200 Club began with the San Diego County Health Department contacting the police department? Did you know most of these complaints were from gay patrons? Let’s present the facts please, not the fiction. Thank you.

This year’s honoree at the Annual GLBT Community Tribute Banquet is Richard J. Kerman. Kerman has been a pillar of our community for more than two decades. Past honorees have included Ben F. Dillingham, Bridget Wilson, Chris Shaw, Bill Beck, Rick Ford, Mrs. Alma Vasic, Al Best, City Commissioner Julia Legaspi and City Commissioner Bruce M. Abrams. The banquet is set for Sunday, June 24, at the beautiful Western Horton Plaza Hotel at 7 p.m. Tickets are $80. Seating is always limited, so get your tickets ASAP. For more information, call 619-993-8315 or 619-229-2822.

The Rev. Glen Allison recently passed away. He was a great and loving humanitarian who worked with the San Diego Ecumenical Council and Interfaith Shelter Network. He also helped create the first AIDS Chapelry Program in those early, dark years of the AIDS crisis when many churches rejected people living with HIV/AIDS. Many of us worked with him on projects and causes since the late 1970s. Allison loved us all as brothers and sisters. He was truly a man of God. He will be missed very much.

The Annual Fiesta Del PAWS Gala this past Sunday was one of the most beautiful and fabulous events of the year so far. The estate of Jeff Johnston, Robert Hunt and Jim Urbina looks like a movie set from the TV series “Dynasty.” All I can say is gorgeous! Everyone had a great time. The entire event committee and volunteers should take a bow for a job well done. It was nice chatting with my longtime TV anchor pals Bill Griffith and Margaret Radford, who are outstanding San Diegans who give back to the community. They still look as good as they do on TV. PAWS provide essential services to assist the low-income elderly, chronically ill and disabled in keeping their pets/companions.

Yes, our very own handsome, built and friendly Tug James of Rich’s is in the June issue of the monthly gay magazine, Genre. Tug is Genre’s man of the month. The issue includes a hot picture (by Big Mike) and profile. So pick up a copy today and check it out. You look hot, Tug!

Pleasures & Treasures Adult Boutique is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday, June 16. Twenty-five percent of all sales revenue that day will be donated to Special Delivery. Congratulations and thank you for giving back to your community! Pleasures & Treasures is located at 2228 University Ave., across from Albertsons.

Got what it takes to shake it and not break it in your skivvies? Then, by all means, get your firmed-up little butts down to Flicks on Saturday Nights at 11 p.m. for its Wet Underwear Contest! There are prizes to be had for the contestants and an eyeful of guy candy for the audience.